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Maui committee opens public comment on FBI joint terrorism task force, defers decision
Summary
The Maui County Council Budget, Finance & Economic Development Committee opened public testimony on Bill 92, an ordinance that would authorize the mayor to enter into an intergovernmental agreement with the Federal Bureau of Investigation to participate in a Joint Terrorism Task Force, then deferred the item until the Police Chief can attend.
The Maui County Council Budget, Finance & Economic Development Committee opened public testimony on Bill 92, an ordinance that would authorize the mayor to enter into an intergovernmental agreement with the Federal Bureau of Investigation to participate in a Joint Terrorism Task Force, then deferred the item until the Police Chief can attend.
The committee paused for testimony from several speakers. One person who identified themselves as working for the FBI said they were “concerned” about the task force language and that some community members object because of historical grievances. An anonymous testifier said they were “grateful to hear about a FBI task force working, locally with us,” and urged careful definition of the task force’s scope to avoid harming people who raise accountability concerns.
Chair Lee told members the Police Chief’s participation is important and opened a short public-comment period specifically for Bill 92; after the testimony the chair deferred the item so the chief can appear. Members asked staff to forward written questions to the Police Department in advance of the rescheduled hearing. Questions the committee requested include definitions of “terrorism” and whether the MOU would create time-sensitive obligations, who pays overtime and travel costs, and whether officers would be deputized under the agreement.
Committee members raised specific concerns that they want addressed when the item returns: the legal definition of terrorism that would govern the task force’s work (domestic vs. international; newer concepts such as "stochastic terrorism" that one member cited); any county financial commitments; costs such as overtime, travel, deputization, and indemnity; and whether there is any urgency to finalize the MOU. The committee recorded that the Police Chief had asked for the item to be deferred so the department could answer those questions.
The committee closed public testimony and will reschedule Bill 92 after the department can provide the requested information and the chief can attend.
