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Ask The Mayor

Mayor Michael Victorino answers some of the most-asked questions submitted to his office staff.

Q: Recently, I have been seeing various unmarked vehicles utilizing radar guns and pulling cars over with police lights. A video was posted to Facebook of an unmarked vehicle with a car pulled over and a plainclothes man questioning the driver. What are the laws surrounding unmarked vehicles and plainclothes officers? How do we as citizens know this is a legit Maui police officer and not a person intending foul play?

A: My staff contacted the Maui Police Department and their personnel made a point to immediately respond to this safety concern. Maui police officers use various vehicles to conduct lawful police enforcement throughout the county, which includes marked and unmarked cars. All officers are trained to identify themselves during any form of contact with citizens. Although we haven’t had any issues with people impersonating police officers, we want to assure the public that there are steps you can take to feel safe. If you are unsure about a police officer, you can contact the Maui Police Department or call 911 to verify the identity of the officer.

Q: I’m wondering if there is a way to easily notify Maui County park staff about possible unstable trees, damaged equipment or other issues in our parks?

A: Mahalo for using our parks and taking an interest in its safety for our community. I strongly encourage the public to report any park issue to the Department of Parks and Recreation by emailing parks.dept@co.maui.hi.us. You can also report any enforcement-related issues within a park by calling 270-8070.

Q: When is the next update for the parking structure in Wailuku town?

A: Thank you for your question and good timing! The County of Maui Department of Management is hosting a community meeting on the Wailuku Town Improvements from 6 to 7:15 p.m. Monday at Iao Theater. The department will provide information on the latest construction schedule, updates on temporary parking locations and shuttle transportation, planned construction mitigation and communication efforts and ways the public can support Wailuku town’s businesses. The department also will provide the status on Phase II of the project, which we are reevaluating.

A representative from the Department of Environmental Management will touch on a separate project: plans to replace deteriorating wastewater pipes on Market Street between Wells and Main streets. An update on our Small Town, Big Art program will be included in the meeting as well.

One great way you can stay up to date on Wailuku town’s improvement projects and construction mitigation efforts is to visit the county’s newly launched website www.WailukuLIVE.com. The website showcases our local shops, restaurants, historic landmarks, activities and events. The mobile-friendly website features a construction updates section, a directory for services and an events calendar for upcoming community meetings, Friday Town Parties and other events. Make sure to also follow WailukuLIVE on Facebook and Instagram (@wailukulive) and use #wailukulive. If you have any questions, please email info@WailukuLIVE.com.

* Want to Ask the Mayor? Submit your Maui County related questions to Mayor Michael Victorino by email at askthemayor@mauicounty.gov, by phone at 270-7855 or by mail at 200 S. High St., ninth floor, Wailuku 96793. Questions submitted will be considered for inclusion in the “Ask the Mayor” column; to request a personal response to a concern, email mayors.office@mauicounty.gov.

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