WAILUKU — If residents and politicians concerned about poor living conditions at Maui's seven state public housing projects want significant change, it will take more than just complaining or investigations.

It will take a communitywide effort.

That was the message from the new head of the Hawaii Public Housing Authority, Chad Taniguchi, at a public meeting Tuesday night.

The meeting at the MEO Family Center was the first of two hosted this week by the Hawaii Public Housing Authority to address poor living conditions, lack of security and accusations of mismanagement cited last month at several Maui housing projects by residents and Maui County Council members.

"Whatever problems or challenges there are, it is a community problem," Taniguchi said. "If we all work together, we can chip away at these problems and find some solutions.''

He said the authority's goals are to create a safe and clean environment "that is as nice as any housing in the state."

About 65 people attended Tuesday's session, with speakers involved in polite but sometimes heated exchanges. About half represented groups such as Catholic Charities, Boys & Girls Club of Maui, Habitat for Humanity, Legal Aid Society of Hawaii, the county Housing Department and Maui Police Department.

The Rev. Andrew Valentine said he's experienced the kinds of problems that plague public housing firsthand and agreed with Taniguchi that it takes the community to solve problems.

Several residents took advantage of the forum to vent to government officials about the frustrations of being poor under the crush of high rent while still having leaky roofs, and faulty gas stoves and refrigerators.

Berta Kealoha said many residents are on welfare, so some only have money for food once a month. If a faulty refrigerator allows their food to spoil, they have nothing to eat, Kealoha said.

The issue came to the forefront about a month ago after County Council members Danny Mateo and Michael Victorino called on the state agency to conduct an investigation into the complaints and come up with a list of remedies.

Taniguchi responded with a promise to do what he could — and then called on local nonprofits, residents themselves and Maui County, especially the police and parks departments, to become part of the solution.

Victorino pleaded with the group to give the new Hawaii Public Housing Authority administration a chance. They are being responsive, he said.

"If he (Taniguchi) doesn't respond, then I will come to him personally and I will hold his feet to the fire," Victorino said.

The Hawaii Public Housing Authority has identified $600 million in needed repairs to facilities across the state while dealing with a 7,000-person waiting list for low-income rentals and a lack of money. Taniguchi also called on state lawmakers to become part of the solution.

Public housing residents have said that many of the problems have existed for decades but have gotten worse as the 1960s-era cinder-block buildings have aged from heavy demand and less-than-adequate maintenance. The residents also blame poor security and frayed relationships with police for fights, drug dealing and underage drinking.

Public housing officials respond that it is also up to residents to care for their homes. Among other points, they need to pay rent on time, since the rental revenues make up a large portion of the Hawaii Housing Authority's annual budget.

Maui public housing renters are almost $300,000 behind in rent.

Taniguchi said his goals include a promise that no one should fear retaliation for complaining to housing officials.

In preparing for the community meetings, Taniguchi said that he made site visits to the housing projects Monday and Tuesday.

He also laid out $1.29 million in projected repairs to five projects, such as new paint, security lights and new kitchens and bathrooms.

Another community meeting was held yesterday, and Taniguchi promised to hold more public meetings in January and through the year to follow up on the situation.