Here's an opportunity for South Maui residents to have their say on where money should be going. Mayor Richard Bissen is calling on community members to actively participate in the upcoming budget meeting in a bid to shape the Fiscal Year 2026 budget. According to an announcement from the County of Maui, this meeting is slated for Tuesday, October 22, 2024, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Kenolio Recreation Complex in Kīhei. As the clock ticks towards the new fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025, such interactions are overwhelmingly critical.
Those planning to attend should quickly mark their calendars. This event is part of a broader county initiative and is the seventh of eight sessions designed to gather public insight. The gatherings begin with insights from department leaders and transition into a strictly timed open mic segment—three minutes per person to voice budget priorities. It's a chance to directly influence the community's financial roadmap and to engage with, or even challenge, the allocations of your tax dollars.
The post-meeting dynamics shift to a more intimate setting where residents can interact face-to-face with department heads and staff. This is a rare chance to dive into the details of fiscal planning. However, not everyone can attend in person, so for those who prefer digital options, there is good news. The County notes that the meeting will be streamed live on the County of Maui Facebook page, and no Facebook account is necessary to tune in.
For the record-keepers and forward thinkers, both written and verbal comments are welcome. These comments will help shape the discussion, alongside points raised during the meeting itself. Comment submissions aren't limited by time or space; they can be made in person or through the county's dedicated budget page, ensuring a continuous feedback loop. Further inquiries can be promptly addressed by calling the County of Maui Budget Office at (808) 270-7855. The lines are open, and the tables are set; this is an invitation South Maui residents might consider a civic duty to accept.
