Should the county appropriate funds to help keep the land around Honolua Bay in open space?

Another controversial initiative is Mayor Alan Arakawa’s proposal to build a beachfront parkway from Puamana to the Pali.

What do you think the administration should consider when drafting the Fiscal Year 2013-14 County Budget?

If a county project or program is important to you, it’s time to speak up.

The county last week announced its series of community meetings to take public testimony regarding its proposed spending plan for the 2013-14 fiscal year.

The Maui schedule is: Tuesday, Sept. 11, at 6 p.m. at Kihei Community Center; Thursday, Sept. 13, at 6 p.m. at Paia Community Center; Monday, Sept. 17, at 5:45 p.m. at Helene Hall in Hana; Wednesday, Sept. 19, at 6 p.m. at the Mayor Hannibal Tavares Community Center; Monday, Oct. 1, at 6 p.m. at Lahaina Civic Center; and Tuesday, Oct. 2, at 5:45 p.m. at Velma Santos Community Center.

Citizens with an interest in the county budget are encouraged to attend a meeting in their local area and offer testimony, either as individuals or on behalf of an organization. Both written and verbal testimony will be accepted.

The meetings are designed to provide an opportunity for members of the community to present what they believe is needed for their area.

“I encourage people to participate in these community meetings as much as possible,” said Mayor Arakawa.

“This is their time to voice their opinions and tell us their priorities for their communities. Putting together the Maui County budget is a process in which everyone should have a part.”

Budget Director Sandy Baz will present the projects and initiatives of the administration specific to that community.

Input from the community meetings will be taken into consideration when the administration constructs the next budget.

For more information on the community meetings, contact the County of Maui Budget Office at 270-7855.