Maui County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Maui County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Maui County Kokua Fund for emergency donations (Bill 93)
After the 2023 wildfires, over $140 million in donations went largely to an O'ahu-based nonprofit without Council oversight. Chair Lee's Kokua Fund bill would let the County accept emergency donations directly with quarterly reporting, giving the Council a window into where the money goes.
Financial element requirements under 2.80B.070
Chair Paltin pressed Deputy Corporation Counsel Hopper on whether the plan's TBD costs and deleted revenue policies (like traffic impact fees) satisfy the code; Hopper said it meets minimum requirements but adequacy is the Council's call.
County hiring is slow, rigid, and losing candidates
Departments can't fill vacancies fast enough — one applicant applied 16 times before being hired. Members want faster hiring, fewer HR filters between managers and applicants, and flexibility on minimum qualifications and pay steps.