Get involved in local government by serving on a county board
Letters leading up to the election show that many residents are interested in county government. But did you know that you don’t have to run for office to get involved and make important contributions?
Mayor Alan Arakawa last week announced that applications are now being accepted for boards, councils, commissions and committees. Responsibilities include hearing public testimony, reviewing policies and standards and making recommendations.
There are openings on important, high-profile panels, including the Maui County Cultural Resources Commission, Maui Planning Commission and Police Commission. There are also boards and commissions that could benefit from your talents and career experience, such as the Committee on the Status of Women, Council on Aging, Animal Control Board and Maui County Arborist Committee.
Positions are appointed by the mayor, confirmed by the County Council and have terms lasting two to five years. While no monetary compensation is provided for serving on a board or commission, the public’s participation helps provide an important government service.
Anyone interested in serving on a Board or Commission may apply online at www.mauicounty.gov/Boards. The deadline for applications is December 31, 2014.
Paper applications are also available in West Maui at Lahaina Public Library and the Parks and Recreation Permit office. For more information, call the Office of the Mayor at (808) 270-7855.
Through volunteering, you can help make Maui County better.