Council approves budget

By CHRIS HAMILTON, Staff Writer
WAILUKU — The Maui County Council unanimously approved the fiscal year 2009 budget Friday with few adjustments to what Mayor Charmaine Tavares originally proposed.

The first reading of the $560.8 million bill passed unanimously. Council Members Michelle Anderson and Gladys Baisa were absent.

Back in March, Tavares offered $461 million for county operations, up 6 percent from last year; and $99.9 million in county funds for capital improvements, a 12 percent cut. The total budget was up 2 percent from the previous year.

Highlights of the spending package include money for infrastructure projects, including a Central Maui Landfill expansion, South Maui community park, and Upcountry water storage reservoirs; and an expansion of the Maui Bus system.

Property tax rates would stay at current levels, while both water and sewer rates would go up.

The council, led by Chairman Riki Hokama, spent Friday morning offering up minor housekeeping amendments to the bill, which is scheduled for final reading May 29.

One motion Hokama offered was to increase the minimum real property tax payment for homeowners from $50 to $60. It failed 6-1. The council also unanimously agreed to address safety concerns over a ditch near a road on Lanai that’s prone to flooding.

Testifier Buck Joiner of Kihei reiterated his frequent criticism of the county for subsidizing the Maui Visitors Bureau, which would receive $3.85 million in the FY09 budget. Joiner said the public is providing welfare for the rich.

Council members said they were satisfied with the spending plan.

“I think the bottom line is that we worked very hard to put together an austere budget,” said Council Member Michael Victorino, who holds the Wailuku residency seat. “I think everybody from the departments on down tried to craft a budget that everyone can live with. And we managed to take care of everyone we can take care of, like the nonprofits, while avoiding any deficit spending.”

Victorino said this was a relatively easy year because the effects of the nationwide economic slowdown haven’t really hit Maui yet. Next year, though, will be a different story, he said.

• Chris Hamilton can be reached at chamilton@mauinews.com.