UPDATE: Additional hearing will be held Tuesday, July 9th - more details to be announced soon. 

How to Testify with the Maui Planning Commission

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.

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

Link to the Agenda + Copy of the Bill + Dept. of Planning Minatoya Report

***AS A REMINDER*** This is the County Bill to phase out STRs on the Minatoya List zoned A1/A2 - you can use this language when you reference the Bill. Please do not reference any other bills or community plans in your testimony. 

Written Testimony Submission Guidelines

• Agenda Announcement: The agenda for the Planning Commission meeting will be announced 7 days prior to the meeting.

• 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.

• Meeting Info: 

• To watch or submit oral testimony: https://mauicounty.webex.com/mauicounty/j.php?MTID=m30797dd5930bbe1083b2836ce16022cf 

• Meeting ID: 2661 310 6605 Password: MPC1

• • 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 8:00 a.m. to ensure you can get inside. 

• PLEASE NOTE: Parking is limited in Wailuku and most of it is limited to two hours. We recommend uber, taxi, carpooling to help with congestion and to make things easier. If you do drive you will likely need to leave every two hours to move your car. Consider parking elsewhere and ubering/taking a taxi to the Council Chamber. 

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

1. Identify Key Points:

   • Review your written testimony and highlight the main points.

2. Keep it Concise:

   • Aim for a maximum of 300 words.

3. 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.

4. Practice Your Delivery:

   • Practice reading your testimony aloud.

Framework for Oral Testimony

PDF of this Information