Maui County officials are calling for urgent reforms in the hiring and retention processes within the county's government systems, highlighting significant barriers that hinder effective staffing. During a recent meeting, concerns were raised about the restrictive guidelines set by the Department of Personnel Services (DPS), which dictate how positions are filled and limit departmental input in candidate selection.

A key speaker pointed out that the current system often overlooks qualified candidates due to rigid minimum qualifications (MQs) that do not account for relevant experience. For instance, a former high-level planner was initially deemed unqualified for a division chief position despite extensive experience, only to be included after clarifying their work history. This example underscores the need for departments to have a greater role in screening applicants, as they are often better positioned to assess a candidate's fit for the role.

The discussion also touched on retention challenges, with managers unable to adjust responsibilities or offer financial incentives like raises or bonuses, which can lead to employee dissatisfaction and turnover. The speaker emphasized that both the state and county systems require significant changes to effectively address these issues.

In response to these challenges, committee members expressed support for leveraging the expertise of former county directors to guide discussions on improving the hiring process. The meeting concluded with a clear message: without substantial reforms, Maui County will continue to struggle with filling vacancies and retaining talented staff.