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Storm experience a reminder of need to prepare for emergencies

Mother Nature showed who’s boss this past weekend. A severe winter storm made its way down the island chain, bringing snow to the summit of Haleakala as low as 7,500 feet. The storm whipped up high surf, heavy winds and rains. It flooded our roads and parks, triggered widespread power outages and sent more than a half-dozen boats onto West and South Maui shores.

That’s not news. We lived through it. Everyone has a story to tell.

But what I saw, behind the scenes, was our dedicated Maui County employees, working collaboratively with our state, federal and private-sector partners to make sure we were prepared before the storm and responded appropriately during and after. I’m very thankful there were no injuries, and damage was mostly minimal. Unfortunately, a tree fell on a home in Kihei, inflicting major damage. But, overall, it could have been worse.

As an aside, there was a disturbing report of an individual getting dangerously close to a downed power line during the storm. Please, everyone, stay safe and always assume that a downed power line is energized. Contact could easily electrocute someone who ventured too close.

Now, individuals and businesses may report storm-related damage by calling the Maui Emergency Management Agency at 270-7285 or filing reports online at www.mauicounty.gov/70/Emergency-Management-Agency (click on Winter Storm 2/10/2019). Completion of the damage assessment survey is not an application for assistance. People still need to file claims with their insurance companies.

Moving forward, let’s take this winter storm experience as a sobering reminder of the need to prepare for emergencies. For quick information, residents can sign up for Maka’ala emergency alerts on the Emergency Management Agency’s website. And, everyone should prepare an emergency kit in advance, just in case.

On a much lighter note, I was pleased to help celebrate the grand opening Monday of the state’s first self-serve kiosk for annual vehicle registrations at the Maui Lani Safeway store in Wailuku. I tried it myself, and it took less than two minutes. All you need to do is follow the steps on a touch screen to process and print vehicle registration cards and emblems.

The machine, known as an SST, for self-service terminal, accepts payments from debit or credit cards, although there is a 2.5 percent credit card fee charged to customers during transactions.

Many of us remember the old days when getting an annual vehicle registration meant standing in line at the Division of Motor Vehicles and Licensing next to War Memorial Pool. Sometimes, you’d wait an hour or more, finally get to the clerk at the window and find out you didn’t have all the proper documentation. Auwe, the not-so-good old days.

I’m thankful there’s been much improvement since then, and this new kiosk is the latest step in the right direction. Not only is it convenient and saves customers time; the kiosk allows residents to get vehicle registrations at Safeway at night and on the weekends. The kiosk transactions will allow our DMVL employees more time to focus on other, more complex customer needs.

A kiosk also has been installed at the Maui County Kahului Service Center at the Maui Mall. That one accepts cash payments as well as debit and credit cards. DMVL customer service representatives are available for customers who need assistance. Other self-service terminals will be available soon at Safeway stores at the Lahaina Cannery Mall and the Piilani Village Shopping Center in Kihei.

We’re monitoring the success of this program. My guess is that it will take off and be very popular with our residents. I’m excited whenever our county can offer expanded public services.

This is a fine example of what I’ve been talking about — a renewed commitment to improved customer service. Mahalo to acting Department of Finance Director Scott Teruya and DMVL head Lito Vila; Safeway store management and project vendor Intellectual Technology Inc.

Finally, my lovely wife, Joycelyn, and I enjoyed Hale Kau Kau’s 20th annual dinner auction Saturday evening at the Wailea Beach Resort. “Sharing the Love” was the fundraiser’s theme, and Mrs. V brought home more than a few auction items herself.

It’s great to support a program that has served more than 10,000 consecutive days of hot, nutritious meals to South Maui’s hungry and homebound in its over 27 years at St. Theresa Church.

Mahalo to everyone who worked so hard to put on the event, especially the Rev. Msgr. Terrence Watanabe, Hale Kau Kau’s executive director, and Dr. Mary Trotto, the fundraiser’s chairwoman.

I hope everyone shared the love on Valentine’s Day.

Aloha!

* “Our County,” a column from Maui County Mayor Michael Victorino, discusses county issues and activities of county government. The column usually appears on the first and third Fridays of the month.

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