The Maui County government meeting held on September 25, 2025, focused on the application of suspended laws regarding hiring practices for the Housing and Community Development Department. The discussions centered around the use of exemptions under Chapter 76 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes (HRS) to facilitate the hiring of employees in light of ongoing vacancies.

The meeting began with a review of Section 4, which outlines the application of suspended laws and provides guidance on hiring and transitioning employees. A key point of contention was whether to utilize the existing emergency proclamation for hiring or to rely on the permanent exemption under HRS 76-77.14. Some members expressed confusion about the rationale for not taking advantage of the emergency proclamation, especially given the recent bifurcation of the Department of Housing and Human Concerns (DHHC).

The discussion highlighted concerns about the potential negative impact on employee compensation if positions were filled under the emergency proclamation. It was noted that while the emergency proclamation allows for flexible compensation, it could revert to civil service rates once the proclamation ends, potentially disadvantaging employees. In contrast, hiring under the permanent exemption would ensure that compensation remains consistent and not subject to reversion.

Members of the committee emphasized the importance of maintaining equitable compensation across various divisions within the department. The housing director and deputy director advocated for a compensation structure that aligns with civil service counterparts to avoid disparities among employees.

The meeting concluded with a consensus on the need to utilize the permanent exemption to ensure stability in hiring and compensation for the department's employees. This approach aims to streamline the hiring process and address the ongoing challenges of filling vacant positions without the complications associated with temporary emergency measures. The committee plans to follow up on these discussions to implement the agreed-upon hiring practices effectively.