act now!
Maui Planning Commission Testimony Preparation
Before proceeding with your testimony, it’s essential to understand the role of the planning commission and how they operate in the decision-making process.
Planning commission members are volunteer citizens appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the County Council to serve as a voice of the community.
They don’t gain anything from their decisions. They are not the ultimate deciders of this issue but advise the Mayor, County Council, and Planning Director. Their recommendation goes to the 9 County Council members, who ultimately vote to pass, deny, or modify the measure.
At this point, suggesting modifications to the proposal isn’t beneficial. Respectfully ask for the Planning Commission to recommend denial.
Provided by MRVA (https://mvra.net/)
Role of the Planning Commission
Advises the Mayor, County Council, and Planning Director in matters concerning planning programs.
The general plan and revisions thereof are reviewed by the Planning Director or at the request of the County Council. After public hearings, the reviewer transmits findings and recommendations to the County Council for consideration and action.
Reviews other proposed land use ordinances and amendments prepared by the Planning Director or the County Council and, after public hearings, transmits findings and recommendations to the County Council for consideration and action.
Acts as the authority in all matters relating to the Coastal Zone Management Law.
Adopts rules pursuant to land use ordinances or law.
NOTE: The Planning Commission is separate from the County Council and advises/guides the Council. They will vote on their recommendation to pass on to the County Council, but they do not create laws or pass bills.
For More Information: Visit the Maui Planning Commission Website
Once the agenda is released, please check back here for links to the meeting.
Testimony Guidelines and Important Dates
Written Testimony Submission Guidelines
Agenda Announcement: The agenda for the Planning Commission meeting will be announced 7 days prior to the meeting (June 19, 2024).
Testimony Submission: After the agenda is released, you can submit testimony.
Written Testimony Submission:
Email: Send your testimony to: planning@mauicounty.gov
Deadline: Testimony is due no later than 12 pm one business day before the meeting (Monday, June 24th at 12 pm).
Address: Department of Planning, One Main Plaza, 2200 Main Street, Suite 315, Wailuku, Maui, Hawaiʻi 96793
Oral Testimony (Virtual):
The Planning Commission uses Webex for their meetings. Please download the app to your phone or computer ahead of time.
A link to join the meeting will be provided on the agenda. When you login, you can indicate if you are there to testify, and then you will be placed in the queue.
Oral testimony will be limited to 1-3 minutes per person.
In-Person Testimony:
Due to the anticipated size of the group, the June 25th Planning Commission meeting will be held at the Council Chamber.
Address: 200 S. High Street, 8th floor, Wailuku, HI 96793
The meeting will start at 9 a.m. Please plan to arrive by 8:30 a.m. to ensure you can get inside.
Please wear a neutral-colored shirt – white, cream, gray, etc.
Tips for Submitting Testimony:
Be concise
Include supporting materials or detailed descriptions as attachments
Prepare a written summary of your oral testimony
Be respectful and courteous
Offer solutions and provide Facts
Clearly state your position at the beginning and end of your testimony
Framework for Written Testimony
STR Industry Professional:
Subject line for email: Testimony of [Your Name] Regarding the Phasing Out of Short-Term Rentals in Maui County
[example of testimony talking points click here]
STR Owner:
Subject line for email: Testimony of [Your Name] Regarding the Phasing Out of Short-Term Rentals in Maui County
[example of testimony talking points click here]
Do’s & Don’ts for Your Testimony
DO’s:
Focus on your personal experience
Write your comment down, stick to the script
Keep your oral comments short
Be respectful, thank Council for the opportunity to speak
DONT’s:
Deviate from the prepared comment
Respond to the opposition’s message or argument
Use an impolite or disrespectful tone toward the Council
Instructions for Preparing Oral Testimony from Written Testimony
Identify Key Points:
Review your written testimony and highlight the main points.
Keep it Concise:
Aim for a maximum of 300 words.
Structure Your Oral Testimony:
Introduction: Briefly introduce yourself and state your position.
Main Points: Select 2-3 key arguments.
Conclusion: Summarize your main points and make a final appeal.
Practice Your Delivery:
Practice reading your testimony aloud.
Example Testimony
Dear Mayor Bisson,
I’ve been employed as a (handyperson, housekeeper, etc.) working in the short-term vacation rental industry for XX years. These are good jobs that come with variety and flexibility. However, COVID, the Lahaina Fires, and now the downturn in tourism have made things tough economically. I know my friends and colleagues in the restaurant industry are experiencing the same tough times.
I urge you to reconsider the ban on currently legal STRs. Nobody wants STRs in residential neighborhoods, and nobody wants illegal STRs, but this ban would almost exclusively apply to legal units that are already in tourist zones.
Workforce housing is a need, but there must first be a workforce. It is my fear that eliminating this many units will eliminate a large number of jobs that we don’t have replacements for. And of course the knock-on effects of job losses in the restaurant and other tourism industries.
Most STRs in Maui are managed by local management companies—our own small businesses. The profits from these local businesses stay here on the island. Contrast with the big resort hotels, where the profits flow elsewhere. It has often been said that most STR owners live off-island. Again contrast with the big resort hotels where all—not just most—of the owners live off-island. The STR situation might not be ideal, but as an industry it is far more local than the big resort hotels.
Mayor Bisson, thank you very much for your time and consideration, I’m hoping you can use my input and revisit this issue in a way that will result in a positive outcome for all of us.
*Please personalize your testimony to your specific situation.
