Maui County - Dept of Parks & Recreation Planning & Development Division

The meeting focused on the confirmation process for the position of Corporation Counsel, specifically regarding the nomination of Patrick Wong. The committee heard public testimony both in favor of and against the nomination, addressing concerns about potential conflicts of interest related to his spouse's law firm and his lack of prior government experience. Discussion topics included the application of a 'Chinese wall' to mitigate conflicts, the supervisory responsibilities of the Corporation Counsel, and the philosophy regarding litigation versus settlement. Additionally, the committee discussed the potential revitalization of the Halloween celebration in Lahaina and strategies for improving tax revenue recovery.

The public hearing agenda covered several key topics, including a mileage reimbursement update, the review and recommendations of subcommittee reports for the annual report, the establishment of the 2009 meeting schedule, and the determination of the subsequent meeting date and agenda.

The meeting includes the review and potential approval of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs' Draft Palauea Cultural Preserve Preservation Plan. The agenda also features three parts of annual commissioner training covering contested case hearings, Robert's Rules of Order, commissioner roles, ethics, and conflicts of interest, as well as the Sunshine Law and historic district ordinances. Additionally, the commission will discuss a memorandum from the Charter Commission regarding the submittal of charter amendments and recommendations.

The board meeting focused on three formal hearings regarding complaints and accusations against liquor licensees. These cases involved allegations of selling, serving, or furnishing liquor to minors and the failure to properly check the identification of minors by staff members at Maui's Fresh Tamales and Mexican Restaurant, Village Tavern, LLC, and Gala Inc.

The committee convened to review semi-annual reports regarding park dedication requirements submitted by the Director of Parks and Recreation. The discussion focused on evaluating reports covering two distinct periods from 2009 through 2010 and potentially considering the filing of these communications along with other related actions for various community plan areas.