For Immediate Release:
Press Release by:
Shane M. Sinenci, Chair
Water Authority, Social Services and Parks Committee
media@mauicounty.us
Committee to meet Monday on eviction mediation and prevention of child abuse and human trafficking
WAILUKU, Hawaiʻi (Jan. 22, 2026)—The Water Authority, Social Services and Parks Committee will meet at 9 a.m. Monday to receive an update on eviction mediation and discuss prevention measures for child abuse and human trafficking in Maui County, Councilmember Shane M. Sinenci announced today.
Sinenci said the committee will meet with representatives of Maui Mediation Services and the state Office of Wellness and Resilience to discuss the mediation process for resolving rent disputes, including a State of Hawai‘i pilot project and social services for residents facing potential eviction. The state’s two-year pilot project for eviction mediation starts Feb. 5, he said.
“Our committee is focused on improving services to support housing for Maui County residents,” said Sinenci, who chairs the committee. “Creating more accessibility to resources that improve the well-being and safety of the community is a priority.”
The committee will also meet with representatives of Hoʻoikaika Partnership and Parents and Children Together to review data on child abuse and neglect, domestic abuse and human trafficking in Maui County, Sinenci said
Sinenci noted that January is national Human Trafficking Prevention Month. According to the U.S. State Department website, more than 27 million people around the world are impacted by human trafficking.
“As Human Trafficking Prevention Month is observed this month, I’d like to urge the community to seek awareness in recognizing indications of crimes and forms of abuse that harm those around us,” he said. “Being vigilant and educated on these issues will ensure we’re able to be proactive in our prevention efforts.”
The meeting will be held online via Microsoft Teams, with an in-person component at the Council Chamber in Kalana o Maui, 200 S. High St. The meeting will be livestreamed on Akakū Channel 53, at MauiCounty.us and on the council’s Facebook page.
In-person, online and phone testimony is welcome at all meetings. Testimony instructions are on the meeting agendas, available at mauicounty.us/agendas.
For more information on the meeting and to access related documents, visit the committee’s website at https://mauicounty.us/wassp.
For more information, contact committee staff at wassp.committee@mauicounty.us or call the Office of Council Services at (808) 270-7664.
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