Posted at 3:52 p.m., Friday, November 30, 2007
Housing authority to address problems on Maui
The Maui News
WAILUKU — The Hawai'i Public Housing Authority will host two public meetings next week to address problems identified at several Maui housing projects by residents and Maui County Council members, The Maui News reported.
Earlier this month, the council voted unanimously for a resolution that called on the state to investigate allegations of poor living conditions, rampant crime and accusations of mismanagement at Maui's seven housing projects.
The Hawaii Public Housing Authority's new director, Chad Taniguchi, as well as Maui Manager Ione Godsey will be on hand on Tuesday at the MEO Family Center, 99 Mahalani St., from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
The second meeting is scheduled for Wednesday at the West Maui Senior Center, 788 Pauoa St., in Lahaina. It will run from 5:30 to 8 p.m.
Taniguchi said he wants to partner with the Maui Police Department, the mayor's office and the Maui County Council to find solutions to the problems. Council Members Mike Victorino and Danny Mateo, who were both instrumental in the resolution's passage, have committed to attending the meetings.
In an e-mail, Taniguchi stated the purpose of the public get-togethers:
"HPHA acknowledges that we must do a better job managing and caring for public housing," wrote Taniguchi. "HPHA cannot do it alone. We need our staff to work at full capacity and at a high performing level. We also need housing residents to pay their rent on time, care for the units and grounds, conserve water and electricity, organize to promote security and safety, help the staff and work with the broader community.
"We need the help and cooperation of Maui County police, parks and recreation, and service and nonprofit organizations. The problems affect the entire community; the solutions will come from all of us working together."
Taniguchi also called on state representatives and senators to get involved.
Additional public meetings will be set up for January and the following months.
For information, call Mateo at 808-270-7678 or Victorino at 808-270-7760.
For more Maui news, visit The Maui News.
