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This year’s general election ballot contains 13 proposed amendments to the County Charter. They are complex and I encourage all of you to learn about the proposals via the Charter Commissions’ voter guide that can be accessed here: and via the County Auditor’s financial analysis that can be found here: Water Authority, Charter Amendment
In our committee discussion, I voted “NO” on the charter amendment to create a water authority because I believe more comprehensive information is needed before this is enacted. I support the County of Maui's Department of Water Supply to oversee water collection and delivery for our residents. During the charter amendment deliberation, I asked what is the feasibility and cost analysis of this amendment? What is the overall plan? No definitive answers were given. On October 7, 2022 in The Maui News, the County Auditor said the cost of the water authority amendment is “unknown” due to "yet-to-be-determined factors." The cost to the taxpayers and more important to me, is to not stop water delivery to the 10,324 water users in Upcountry. I urge you to read more and consider the effects of all charter amendments before voting.
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FY 2022 - 2023 Budget, Upcountry
The FY2022-2023 Budget began on July 1, 2022. As we approach the mid-year mark, here are some highlights for Upcountry. Department of Housing and Human Concerns
Bike Tours: On October 20, the Maui County Council passed Bill 145 on second and final reading. In part, Bill 145 places specific parameters on commercial bicycle tours operating in the Makawao-Pukalani-Kula and Paia-Haiku community plan areas.
Dockless Vehicles: On October 17, the Infrastructure and Transportation Committee recommended passage of Bill 133 which would prohibit dockless vehicle rentals such as bicycles, scooters, low-speed electric bicycles, electric foot scooter, and other small, wheeled vehicles designed for shared use via GPS. Parking Ambassador Program: On October 17, the Infrastructure and Transportation Committee recommended passage of Bill 116, which would enable the creation of a Parking Ambassador Program for parking enforcement at paid parking zones. Parking zones are not yet established. Bill 116 would allow for a pilot program to create paid parking zones in high traffic areas. Great turn out and event. Mahalo Lahaina for showing up and getting engaged. We're working hard for you! Beautiful meeting space, right on the ocean at the Lahaina Jodo Mission. Lahaina Rotary does so much for our Maui County, mahalo Joe Pluta for the invite and for all you do. It was so nice to see Reverend Hara and Mrs. Hara too! They're back and meeting in person! Kūpuna Power! Was so nice to see everyone again in real life and kudos to Arlene for leading the charge. Stay healthy and well kūpuna! What a beautiful day talking story, sight seeing and enjoying the Lana'i Pineapple Festival 2022 
Lokahi Pacific is accepting grant applications from Maui County farmers and ranchers for a $1.5 million assistance program to help with crop damage and other impacts from axis deer and other feral animals.
“I encourage our farmers and ranchers to apply for these grants as soon as possible to help them with damage caused by foraging axis deer and other feral animals,” Mayor Michael Victorino said. “Maui County is funding this grant program as a good beginning, but solving this problem requires a committed collaboration among the county, state, large landowners and other partners if we are to get this invasive species under control.” The deadline for grant applications is 4 p.m. Monday, Aug. 15, 2022. Farmers and ranchers can receive a grant up to $30,000 for fencing and to cover crop damage and other losses caused by feral animals. Applications will be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis until funds are exhausted. Maui County farmers and ranchers may receive funding for sustained economic losses resulting from the loss of pasture forage for cattle, death of cattle, destruction of farms, reduced crop yields and other agriculture property damages arising directly from axis deer overpopulation since July 1, 2021. Eligible uses for grants include costs expended in protective/mitigating measures, acquisition of seeds, replanting efforts, livestock replacement, fencing, fuel, labor and rental equipment necessary to restore functioning agricultural operations. To be eligible, applicants must be a food-producing farm or ranch of more than 12 acres but less than 40 acres and located in Maui County. “I want to thank Lokahi Pacific and members of the Maui Axis Deer Task Force, chaired by Councilmember Yuki Lei Sugimura, to strategize ways to minimize the environmental and economic impacts of these feral animals,” Mayor Victorino said. The funding is a result of a budget amendment submitted by Mayor Victorino. Applications are available online at lokahipacific.org. Farmers and ranchers are encouraged to submit complete applications with all required information to expedite the process of receiving grant funds. For more information, contact Lokahi Pacific at (808) 242-5761, Ext. 23. Or, email to Susie Thieman, Executive Director, at susie@lokahipacific.org. |
