The Maui News

Lahaina and Upcountry residents affected by the wildfires are invited to testify and share their stories, along with their thoughts on next steps at the Maui County Council meeting beginning at 9 a.m. on Tuesday.

The Maui County Council will take up a resolution aimed at developing a comprehensive recovery and resiliency plan following the devastation caused by the wildfires.

Maui County Council Chairwoman Alice L. Lee said the council will not take any legislative action at the meeting. Instead, the resolution will be referred to the Government, Relations, Ethics and Transparency Committee for discussion the following day.

“It is the council’s intent to conduct extensive outreach to the public and solicit input that will assist the council in establishing the community’s top priorities moving forward,” said Lee. “Once the priorities are established, the standing committees can begin formulating policies in a cohesive and coordinated manner.”

The council is already consulting with experts on disaster recovery, but is most interested in hearing from the public, she said. The council is responsible for vetting and approving requested budget amendments needed for short- and long-term recovery, including developing a comprehensive recovery and resiliency plan through the enactment of a series of substantive ordinances and resolutions.

As efforts to secure phone and internet connectivity in West Maui and Kula continue, the council plans to hold additional meetings to allow time and flexibility for public testimony from residents in areas affected by the fires.

In-person, online and phone testimony is welcome at all meetings. Testimony instructions are on the meeting agendas, available at: mauicounty.us/agendas.

Legislation and other supporting documents are also accessible via the meeting agendas. For more information, call the Office of Council Services (808) 270-7838.