Bill 30 Becomes Law, Removing Lāna‘i’s Reserved Commission Seats

Bill 30 (2025) is now law. Signed by Mayor Richard Bissen on March 24, the measure passed its second and final reading before the Maui County Council on March 21. It is now Ordinance 5783.

The law amends Section 2.41.080 of the Maui County Code, removing the requirement that at least one member of the Board of Variances and Appeals, Fire and Public Safety Commission, Liquor Control Adjudication Board, Liquor Control Commission and Police Commission must be a resident of Lāna‘i.

Supporters of the bill said it addresses long-standing vacancies and allows these commissions to function without delays caused by unfilled seats. The bill itself states the purpose is to provide “greater flexibility in the residency requirements” due to “ongoing difficulty in finding available residents from Lāna‘i to fill vacancies.”

Councilmember Gabe Johnson, who represents Lāna‘i, voted against the bill. He said Lāna‘i residents are not always used to seeing themselves in these roles and urged the community to step forward and apply. He said he has personally reached out to residents and encouraged them to serve but has struggled to fill vacancies.

 Lāna‘i residents submitted testimony opposing the bill. Diane Preza testified that while it has been difficult to fill vacancies, the focus should be on encouraging more participation rather than removing the requirement for a Lāna‘i representative. She said some residents may be hesitant to apply because they are unsure of the responsibilities or the time commitment, but that more effort should be made to find people willing to serve.

Stanley Ruidas, who has served on the Liquor Control Commission for the past three years, testified before the bill was read. He said the lack of support for Lāna‘i commissioners discourages residents from serving, citing personal financial burdens for travel, delays in reimbursement and lack of communication from county officials. He called for changes to the county’s travel reimbursement process and stronger efforts to recruit Lāna‘i residents.

While the residency requirement has been removed, Lāna‘i residents remain eligible and encouraged to seek appointments.