Maui Council Update

Reminders

Today, November 25, at 9:00 am HST, EDIT POSTPONED TIL 12:00 PM HST the Maui County Council is scheduled to select one of the three finalists to fill the late Council member Tasha Kama’s vacant seat. If the Council cannot reach a decision by midnight, the authority to appoint a replacement shifts to Mayor Bissen. To watch the proceedings via the Maui Council YouTube channel here.

Also, be sure to mark your calendar: per the latest announcement from Chair Lee’s office, the Council will soon conduct the first official reading of Bill 9, including any revisions or amendments introduced at that time. As always, timelines and details may shift, so staying updated is essential.

Bill 9 December 1st Meeting

Maui County Council will hold a special meeting on Dec. 1 at 9 a.m. to consider eliminating transient vacation rentals in apartment-zoned areas via Bill 9.

Council Chair Alice Lee plans to bring the bill to second reading in early December, pending first-reading approval on Dec. 1.

Community members can submit testimony by emailing County.Clerk@mauicounty.us

The public may contact the Office of Council Services at (808) 270-7664.

Reminder! Today at 9 am!

The Council will be sharing an in-depth look at the three individuals being evaluated to take over the seat formerly held by Tasha Kama. The update will walk through their backgrounds, areas of expertise, and what they may focus on if appointed. The goal of this briefing is to give the community a clearer window into how the replacement is being chosen.

Continuing Updates Regarding Bill 9

The Maui County Council has scheduled November 20 as the date to release detailed information regarding the three applicants under consideration to fill the vacancy left by Councilmember Tasha Kama. The presentation will outline each candidate’s experience, qualifications, and potential priorities if selected. This informational session is intended to give the public increased transparency into the selection process.

We are continuously monitoring this matter, given its broad implications for tourism, retail, restaurants, and the overall economic landscape. We will keep you updated as events continue to unfold.

Maui Police Department’s MMEU Program Brings Vital Services to Kihei’s Homeless Community

The Maui Police Department continues to expand its compassionate outreach with the MMEU (Mobile Medical Educational Unit) Program, a mobile initiative dedicated to assisting Maui’s homeless community by bringing essential services directly to them.

Every Monday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., the MMEU bus parks at Kalama Park in Kihei, providing free access to a wide range of health and wellness resources.

The program offers:

  • Food stamp assistance
  • Non-critical wound care
  • Health check-ups
  • Mental health counseling
  • Wellness assessments
  • Financial services guidance
  • Animal care and check-ups

This outreach effort is made possible through the CORE (Critical Outreach & Response through Education) team, located at 55 Mahalani Street in Wailuku. Their mission focuses on connecting Maui’s vulnerable populations with healthcare, education, and social support.

The MMEU Program works closely with a strong network of community partners, including:

  • A Cup of Cold Water
  • Aloha House
  • Department of Education’s Homeless Outreach for Unsheltered Youth
  • Goodwill Hawaii
  • Maui AIDS Foundation
  • Maui Humane Society
  • Private practitioners

Together, these organizations form a caring coalition dedicated to restoring dignity and stability for Maui’s houseless residents.

For more information about the program or to connect with CORE, contact them at (808) 270-6555 or email CORE@mpd.net.

Mahalo to the Maui Police Department and its community partners for their ongoing commitment to compassion, service, and outreach across the island.

Photo and information courtesy of the Maui Police Department.