Maui committee approves bill to simplify tax-rate notice, moves deadline to June 10

The Maui County Real Property Tax Reform Special Committee voted 4-0, with one member excused, on Oct. 14 to recommend approval on first reading of Bill 147 (2025), a procedural change intended to simplify how the council sets real property tax rates during the annual budget process.

Legislative attorney Peter Hanano told the committee: "The purpose of this bill is to simplify the procedure for adopting real property tax rates and tiers during the annual budget session." He explained that current law requires a 10‑day notice and then a reconvening within three weeks to adopt rates, and that the bill removes the three‑week restart requirement and aligns internal dates with the charter deadline.

The change replaces references to June 20 with June 10 to match the charter requirement that the council approve the annual budget by June 10. Hanano said that if the council fails to adopt rates by June 10, the mayor's proposed rates would take effect.

Director of Finance Marcy Martin said the department supports an administrative simplification, telling the committee, "We are in favor of making the process easier administratively." Member Sugimura moved approval on first reading and Member Johnson proposed an amendment to change each reference of June 20 to June 10; that amendment was adopted. Member Johnson seconded the main motion as amended. The committee then voted with four ayes and one member excused; the motion carried.

The committee discussed whether adding an extra meeting between the two public hearings would better allow the council to consider testimony before final deliberations, but staff counsel noted Sunshine Law notice requirements would affect timing. Legislative attorney Hanano and staff advised that the bill would convert some prior public‑hearing timing rules into public‑meeting timing consistent with the Sunshine Law.

The committee forwarded the bill as amended to the next steps in the legislative process.

Members and staff said the change is intended to reduce administrative friction during the budget season and improve alignment with charter deadlines. The department of finance and office of corporation counsel signaled support for the amended language aligning deadlines to June 10.

Votes at a glance: Bill 147 (2025) — Motion to recommend approval on first reading as amended replacing June 20 with June 10; mover: Member Sugimura; second: Member Johnson; tally: 4 yes, 0 no, 0 abstain, 1 excused; outcome: approved.