Barriers to Service on Lāna‘i’s Boards and Commissions
“We wear a lot of hats on Lāna‘i. It’s not like I don’t give back to my community, I do, but only so much you can do,” said one resident who declined to apply for a Maui County board.
That sentiment is one of many reasons why recruitment remains a challenge, even after more than 100 Lāna‘i residents have been contacted directly by community leaders, elected officials, and board members. Most say they don’t have time, already juggling work, family and other volunteer roles.
Some expressed interest, but said they couldn’t attend meetings scheduled during regular work hours. Others cited the cost of traveling to Maui, including lodging and meals. “You have to pay up front and wait for reimbursement. It’s a lot,” said Stanley Ruidas, former chair of the Liquor Control Commission. In testimony during the Bill 30 hearing, he said, “I’ve had to pay upwards of $480 a night to stay at the cheapest hotel, which is Maui Beach. That’s kind of crazy. And then I have to wait for reimbursement four months later.”
Despite the availability of remote meeting options for some boards, concerns about time and cost continue to discourage potential applicants.
Erin Atacador, who currently serves on the Lāna‘i Planning Commission (LPC), said some people simply aren’t aware of the vacancies. “I noticed in the comments on Facebook, some people said they don’t know where the openings are listed,” she said. She added that fear or uncertainty can hold people back. “Maybe people feel like they don’t have enough knowledge to serve, or they’re hesitant to speak out. But that’s not entirely true. You learn as you go, and the County staff are really supportive.”
These ongoing vacancies have had consequences. Despite dozens of open seats across Maui County boards and commissions, many remain unfilled — especially those reserved for Lāna‘i residents. In March, the Maui County Council passed Bill 30, introduced by Councilmember Tamara Paltin of West Maui. The bill removed the requirement that five key commissions include a member from Lāna‘i. Those include the Police Commission, Board of Variances and Appeals, Fire and Public Safety Commission, Liquor Control Commission and Liquor Control Adjudication Board.
CM Paltin, in an email to residents, explained that the open Lāna‘i seat on the Board of Variances and Appeals had delayed appointments and posed a barrier to moving forward with matters tied to Lahaina’s recovery. “We were prevented from filling a seat because they were holding out for an applicant for Lāna‘i ... so we took the final action of not requiring Lāna‘i residents. They still can apply but I cannot let this hold up Lahaina’s recovery,” she wrote. While expressing that she welcomes Lāna‘i applicants, CM Paltin indicated that vacancies specific to Lāna‘i should not impede the functioning of county boards.
Butch Gima, who serves on the LPC, said CM Paltin’s reasoning does not reflect the larger issue. “The bill creates the wrong narrative,” he said. “There is no way ALL the boards and commissions had vacancy or quorum problems specific to Lāna‘i.” He said the problem is poor communication and weak recruitment efforts by the County. “Our community doesn’t know what boards and commissions have Lāna‘i specific slots. You can’t look up what you don’t know exists.”
Others say the bill sends the message that Lāna‘i doesn’t matter and reinforces the idea that residents here don’t need to serve. Some fear it may further reduce the County’s efforts to recruit from the island — a concern many already feel is justified.
“It’s unfortunate that this bill had to be written,” said Diane Preza, who testified against Bill 30. “There are so many different reasons why people are reluctant to serve. They don’t understand the duties, or maybe they’re afraid. They don’t know the time commitment. They don’t know if they have to travel to Maui or if it’s virtual. There are so many unanswered questions.” Diane said she is willing to help connect others, but cannot support the bill as written. “It’s so important that Lāna‘i voices are heard and we’re represented.”
As of April 5, 2025, the following Lāna‘i-designated seats are vacant:
Lāna‘i Planning Commission – Two seats vacant since March 31, 2025
Fire and Public Safety Commission – Vacant since March 31, 2025
Board of Variances and Appeals – Vacant since March 31, 2025
Liquor Control Adjudication Board – Vacant since March 31, 2025
Liquor Control Commission – Vacant since March 31, 2025
Police Commission – Vacant since 2024
Public Works Commission – Vacant since 2023
Healing Solutions for Homelessness – Vacant since 2023
Sally Kaye, who has served on the LPC for five years, said a lack of information and inconsistent follow through from the County contributes to the problem. “Back in the day, everybody wanted to be on the Planning Commission. Now, there’s so much turnover and no centralized information. People don’t even know who’s on what board or when their term ends.”
Butch said the current approach by the County is disjointed. “Applications from Lāna‘i residents who weren’t selected are never circulated. There’s no island-specific outreach. No follow-up.”
This leaves applicants guessing about what to expect.
The vacancies remain.