Planning, police, executive branch focus of meeting
The Maui Charter Commission will discuss possible changes to planning, police and the executive branch during its meeting at 9 a.m. on Thursday, the commission announced.
Testimony and discussion will continue on planning-related issues, with 10 proposed charter amendments still up for consideration. Several competing proposals seek to modify the general and community planning processes and redefine deadlines for land use decisions and review. Another proposal would make community plan policies enforceable in court.
The second agenda item scheduled for discussion on Thursday focuses on police. Three similar proposals aimed at increasing public accountability would establish the Police Commission as an independent citizen oversight board, while two others call for increasing the minimum requirements for the position of police chief.
If time allows, the commission will begin taking public testimony on the next theme, the executive branch (other than police and planning). Besides the mayor, the branch includes all county departments from Corporation Counsel to Water Supply, Parks and Recreation and others. Various suggestions seek to create an independent selection committee for executive branch department heads and to restructure the Liquor Control Department. A proposal establishing the managing director as a nonpartisan county chief executive is also among the 30 proposals under consideration.
The commission continues to seek public testimony as it nears completion of the yearlong review of charter amendment proposals. Members of the public can provide testimony via video or telephone. Agenda items are subject to cancellation and are taken up in the order listed as time permits. Written testimony can be submitted any time via email to Charter.Commission@mauicounty.gov but should be sent at least two business days prior to the meetings.
For a link to future meetings or for more information about upcoming and adopted proposals, visit mauicounty.gov/CharterCommission.