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The Maui Metropolitan Planning Organization will hold two meetings to seek input on a plan that aims to help the public learn about transportation projects and the work that the MPO does.
The Public Participation Plan essentially acts as a handbook outlining public participation, engagement and outreach, according to the draft version of the plan. It describes how transportation projects are planned and funded and the ways in which the public can be involved.
"The main thrust of Maui MPO is to serve as the community's voice in important decisions made about our transportation planning," Pam Eaton, executive director of Maui MPO, said in a news release Friday. "With technology and public interest changing rapidly, we need to update our ways to efficiently serve this purpose and remove potential barriers to collecting accurate information."
Some of the key highlights in the plan include:
• Adding focus on inclusion and equity to ensure all sectors of the Maui community have access to important information, which includes those who are underrepresented or underserved.
• Survey results highlighting the need to build awareness and recognition of Maui MPO and that stakeholders generally prefer an online meeting option.
• Adding structure to the different ways Maui MPO has meaningfully engaged with the public, by identifying the difference in outreach levels based on purpose.
• An improved public engagement process that is clear and transparent for the public to understand how and when to be involved in critical plan updates such as the Hele Mai Long Range Transportation Plan and the Maui Transportation Improvement Plan.
Meetings on the plan will be held via Zoom at 6 p.m. June 13 and at 12 p.m. June 14. To view the draft plan and to register for the meetings, visit mauimpo.org.
The public review period ends July 5. Those unable to join the virtual meetings may still submit input by commenting directly on the document online at mauimpo.org, or by using the provided comment form; by emailing getinvolved@mauimpo.org; or by mailing comments to Maui MPO at 200 S. High St., Wailuku, HI 96793.
The draft plan can be reviewed online, and copies are also available at the Hana, Makawao, Kihei, Lahaina and Wailuku public libraries. Those who require special accommodations to attend the public meetings may call (808) 270-8216 or email getinvolved@mauimpo.org.