Spence

WAILUKU — Maui County Mayor-elect Alan Arakawa last week announced his appointment of independent planning consultant William Spence as the incoming planning director of the County of Maui.

Prior to establishing his own consulting firm, The William Spence Company, in 2002, Spence was lead staff planner at the County of Maui for ten years.

Through his experience working in both the private and public sectors, Spence has extensive experience working on numerous multiyear, regional projects and conducting presentations and hearings before public-interest groups, citizen committees, planning commissions and the Maui County Council.

Spence received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Urban and Regional Planning from the School of Environmental Design at California State Polytechnic at Pomona.

“I am very excited to serve under Mayor-elect Arakawa as planning director. Having been directly involved with Maui County’s planning issues from both the public and private sides for almost two decades, I will bring a fresh perspective to the Planning Department,” said Spence.

McLean

“I know how difficult it is for the private sector to get permits, but I also understand the challenges presented to staff. With the leadership of the mayor, I believe we can make commonsense changes to our system to make it much friendlier for our residents and business, while safeguarding our environment and lifestyle. I look forward to being a part of his administrative team that will get all of the departments working together to the benefit of all of the county’s residents.”

Arakawa also announced his appointment of Michele Chouteau McLean as the incoming deputy director of the department.

Holding a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from Vassar College, McLean is currently employed as a deputy director for the Kaho’olawe Island Reserve Commission.

McLean’s prior work experience includes serving as a land use planner for Smith Development; a consultant at her own firm, Chouteau Consulting; and legislative analyst for the County of Maui Office of Council Services.

“It is an honor to have been asked to serve as the deputy planning director, and I am looking forward to working with the Mayor-elect’s team, Will and the Planning Department to take a proactive approach to our planning processes,” said McLean.

“I’m thrilled that individuals as capable as Will and Michele have stepped up to the plate to return to the public sector to serve our Maui Nui community. We are confident that they will work tirelessly to address the many challenges that face the community to build a better community for us and future generations,” said Arakawa.