For immediate release: February 12, 2021
Press Release by:
Keani N.W. Rawlins-Fernandez, Chair
Budget, Finance and Economic Development Committee
Maui News building proposed for purchase for county office expansion
WAILUKU, Hawaii—Maui County’s possible acquisition of 6.3 acres at 100 Mahalani St., also known as the Maui News building, will be discussed in an online special committee meeting on Wednesday at 5:30 p.m., Budget, Finance and Economic Development Committee Chair Keani Rawlins-Fernandez announced today.
Rawlins-Fernandez said the meeting is being held in the evening to encourage public input on whether the council should authorize up to $9.8 million in funding for the purchase. She noted the acquisition could allow the county to save millions of dollars on office leases.
“We are spending over $100,000 every month for office leases,” Rawlins-Fernandez said. “We have to consider the long-term benefit of owning office space, rather than continuing to spend money on rent, especially since there would be no added cost, only long-term savings and investment in a valuable county asset.”
Rawlins-Fernandez said the purpose of the meeting is to receive testimony after a short presentation from the finance director. Action on the legislation necessary to fund and approve the purchase was postponed at the Feb. 5 council meeting, to allow more time for public review, with possible action now set for the Feb. 19 council meeting, she said.
Members of the public can view the committee meeting on Akaku Channel 53 and provide testimony via the video conference link or phone number listed on the meeting agenda. For more information on upcoming meetings, please visit MauiCounty.us/agendas.
In addition to receiving testimony by phone or video conference, the committee will accept written testimony. For instructions on submitting written testimony, please visit https://mauicounty.us/testify/.
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