Maui County explores bilingual government to enhance community engagement

June 19, 2025 | Maui County, Hawaii

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Maui County explores bilingual government to enhance community engagement

This article was created by AI using a video recording of the meeting. It summarizes the key points discussed, but for full details and context, please refer to the video of the full meeting. Link to Full Meeting

The Maui County meeting on June 19, 2025, focused on enhancing bilingual government services, particularly the use of Olelo Hawai'i, the Hawaiian language. The discussion highlighted the importance of supporting county secretaries in their roles, fostering collaboration, and gathering feedback on the implementation process.

During the meeting, members expressed their commitment to improving language accessibility in government communications. A key point raised was the timeline for implementing these changes, with officials acknowledging the challenges posed by existing laws, such as the Sunshine Law, which requires agendas to be posted six days in advance. The officials indicated that a trial period from July to September would help refine the process.

Member Cook emphasized the need for clarity in the legislative process and expressed a personal commitment to improving language skills. The meeting also featured public testimony, where community members voiced their support for the initiative. Testimonies included expressions of gratitude for the efforts to include Olelo Hawai'i in official agendas, with one speaker drawing a poignant analogy about the value of native language in communication.

The meeting concluded with a call for further questions and a commitment to continue working on the logistics necessary to fully integrate Olelo Hawai'i into county operations. The discussions underscored the county's dedication to honoring its cultural heritage while improving government accessibility for all residents.

Converted from Maui County - K?mike Aloha ??ina (2025-2027) on 2025-06-19 9:00 AM - Jun 19, 2025 meeting on June 19, 2025
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