Maui County is taking significant steps to streamline its hiring processes in response to the ongoing housing crisis. During a recent government meeting on September 25, 2025, the Department of Personnel Services outlined two key initiatives aimed at expediting the hiring of personnel involved in housing development and management.

The first initiative stems from Governor Josh Green's emergency proclamation, which was upheld by the Hawaii Supreme Court on September 11, 2025. This proclamation allows counties to bypass certain civil service laws to expedite hiring for positions directly related to housing construction, public housing vacancies, and development-related permits. However, the Department of Personnel Services has opted not to utilize this emergency measure for the Department of Housing. Instead, they will rely on existing state laws that permit exemptions for positions in housing and community development, ensuring a more permanent solution to staffing needs.

The second initiative involves collaboration with a human resource consultant to explore a new hiring framework based on competency modeling rather than traditional minimum requirements. This approach aims to enhance the quality of hires and better align employee skills with the needs of the county.

Deputy Director Kainia Awahi Alo emphasized the importance of these initiatives during the meeting, noting that they are part of a broader effort to improve the county's human resources systems. The department is currently working on requests for proposals (RFPs) to review countywide HR functions and administrative rules, with plans to release these RFPs by the end of the year.

Public testimony was also heard during the meeting, with community members expressing their support for these initiatives. The discussions highlight Maui County's commitment to addressing housing challenges through effective personnel management and strategic hiring practices. As these initiatives move forward, they are expected to significantly impact the county's ability to respond to housing needs and improve overall community welfare.