WAILUKU, Maui — The Maui County Council has rejected a resolution for a charter amendment proposal limiting the powers of a public commission that reviews county operations.
The measure would have placed the commission under the control of the county auditor.
The council voted 8-0 on Tuesday to forego placing the resolution on the Nov. 4 general election ballot, The Maui News reported.
The county auditor and the Cost of Government Commission have separate roles, said Stacy Crivello, a council member.
Former commission member Ron Kawahara said the county needs the oversight. He noted that the police and fire departments each have a commission overseeing their agencies.
The Cost of Government Commission promotes economy, efficiency and improved county services. It submits an annual report to the mayor and council.
John Buck, an executive assistant to Mayor Alan Arakawa, said that the mayor wanted the matter referred back to committee. The mayor was concerned, in part, because of questions about whether the county auditor would be able to conduct all of the audits that the commission currently handles.
Some council members expressed reservations about placing the item on the ballot but appeared to support the resolution. But when Chairwoman Gladys Baisa called for the vote, no one supported the measure.