For Immediate Release: January 26, 2021
Press Release by:
Alice L. Lee, Council Chair
Maui County Council
Council asks state legislators to permanently allow virtual meetings
WAILUKU, Hawaii – Council Chair Alice L. Lee announced today that five proposals have been introduced as part of the 2021 Maui County Council Legislative Package for consideration by state legislators during this legislative session, including a bill that would permanently allow virtual meetings.
Lee said the measures transmitted to the state House and Senate address issues that are top of mind for the council as both the state and county navigate impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Since the start of the pandemic, the council has continued its business through the use of video conference technologies, enabling the public to stay involved and informed about the decisions made in their local government,” Lee said. “We’ve received a great deal of support for virtual meetings and would like to permanently have the ability to continue offering this service.”
The legislation to permanently allow virtual meetings has been introduced as House Bill 190 and Senate Bill 442.
The package also includes the following bills:
- HB191 and SB443, which would allocate more money from liquor fines to addiction-treatment programs.
- HB192 and SB444, which would creating a single-payer healthcare system.
- HB193 and SB445, which would authorize each council to cap the number of rental cars within the county.
- HB194 and SB446, which would extend Maui County’s authority to approve a general excise tax.
Lee said she encourages Maui County residents to join with the council in tracking state legislation and submitting testimony to state legislative committees. She said updated information, including bill numbers and copies of her testimony, will be posted to mauicounty.us throughout the legislative session, which runs until April 29.
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