It would require a major issue to spur West Maui residents to take off work, trek across the Pali, find parking and attend a Tuesday morning County Council meeting in Wailuku.

The good news is residents can participate in council and committee meetings without leaving the West Side.

There is a West Maui County Council office in Old Lahaina Center (845 Wainee St., Suite 205) open on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Call (808) 856-0123 to reach the office.

Last week Thursday, South Maui Councilwoman Kelly Takaya King announced that County Council offices are now open in Hana, Kaunakakai, Lahaina, Lanai City and Paia for citizens to obtain information about pending legislation or upcoming meetings, and to provide live testimony.

“The council offices give Maui County residents a nearby place to stop in and meet, connect to the business of the County Council and receive essential information for being citizens engaged in the council’s legislative process,” said King, who is in her third council term.

“These locations provide individuals with a convenient and accessible way to provide remote testimony to the County Council and its committees.”

King said residents of Central Maui may find it convenient to testify in person in the Council Chamber at the County Building at 200 S. High St. in Wailuku.

County Council offices are following the guidance of the state Department of Health for COVID-19 safe practices (go to https://hawaiicovid19.com/guidance-documents/ for details). Members of the public can also view council and committee meetings on Akaku Channel 53 and provide testimony via the videoconference link or phone number listed on each meeting agenda at MauiCounty.us/agendas.

For more information, visit MauiCounty.us or contact the Office of Council Services at (808) 270-7838.

The Maui County Council deserves credit for making it easy for residents to stay informed and participate in meetings.