I was disappointed that The Maui News did not feel that is was important to cover the Maui County Council recent budget committee meetings to discuss the pending contract (Bill 92) between Maui Police Department and the Trump FBI-ICE contract.

Fortunately, Maui Indivisible and Civil Beat are doing an amazing job keeping the public informed, doing massive research into this debacle and testifying/participating in chamber during the past two meetings.

Is there a local political journalist on staff?

Are you concerned about what can happen in our county regarding the current authoritarian regime and the massive exhibition of lawlessness this administration is bringing to our country?

Whether for or against what is happening, it is part of your responsibility as journalists to cover the news objectively and give the people of Maui County the opportunity to decide what is important to them, once given the facts.

Fortunately, approximately 22 people testified at the Feb. 10 meeting.

At the conclusion, each council member stated their opposition to Bill 92. The motion has been “filed” and will go before the entire council in March.

We need to hold their feet to the fire and show them that we, the people, want Maui to take care of Maui. We do not need mainland masked thugs carrying lethal weapons on our island telling Maui Police Department what to do.

As diverse a population as we have, where the majority are of color, this could be a disaster.

Let’s not repeat Minnesota. We are Maui Strong and live aloha.

Pamela Alexander
Wailuku