The basis for planning Maui's future development and land-use is the General Plan, which consists of the Countywide Policy Plan (2011), the Maui Island Plan (2012), and the individual Community Plans (some have been completed, some have not). The vision laid out in the Countywide Policy Plan is wonderful, and begins with:

1. Maui County will be an innovative model of sustainable island living and a place where every individual can grow to reach his or her potential.
2. The needs of each individual, the needs of the whole community, and the needs of our natural and cultural assets will be brought into balance to reflect the high value we place on both our natural environment and our people.

Yet currently there are dozens of development proposals on the books, both for commercial and residential development (largely luxury housing). Predictions are that Maui's population will grow by tens of thousands of people in the coming decades. Yet both the island's natural ecosystems and its road, water, and wastewater infrastructure are already stressed by the current population.

Planning and Land-Use issues are addressed largely at the County and State levels, by multiple committees, commissions, boards and agencies with overlapping mandates. Within the Maui County Council are the Planning Committee and Land-Use Committee. Also at the County level are the Planning Department, the Maui Planning Commission, and the Board of Variances and Appeals. At the State level are the Office of Planning and the State Land Use Commission.

For a more detailed overview of planning and land-use on Maui see the Local Issues section of the website. The Political Tracker is a means to promote transparency and monitor the ongoing actions of the multiple governing bodies that address planning issues. An informed and vigilant public will be needed to keep Maui "no ka oi".

Are you concerned about the state of political affairs at the local level and beyond? Are you drawn to do something about it? The Local Political Tracker is a collaborative tool for informing ourselves and each other, and reclaiming the democratic process. By monitoring key local issues and elected officials we can promote more transparent, accountable, and effective governance. True democracy requires more than just voting. It depends on an active and informed citizenry, and each one of us can do our part.

The Political Tracker concept is simple: as a volunteer you agree to monitor, or "adopt" one or more local issues, government bodies, or elected officials. You gather information, either by attending meetings, reviewing meeting minutes or video footage available online, summarizing news articles, or conducting interviews. You then post your notes via the Data Entry form below.

To post information to the Political Tracker one needs to first complete the volunteer registration process:

• Register and log in to the Evolution-Local website.
• Read and agree to the Political Tracker Volunteer Ethics Agreement
• Complete and submit the Political Tracker Volunteer Form.
• Wait for email notification that your Volunteer status has been activated.