Top officials’ pay up for vote

The Hawaii County Salary Commission could vote Monday to keep pay for department heads, deputies and elected officials at the same levels set in 2009.

The Hawaii Tribune-Herald reported that commission Chairman George Handgis sent a letter in March to department heads soliciting feedback on a status-quo salary plan that shows the 40 top positions cost $3.5 million in salaries, not including benefits.

County Council Chairman Dominic Yagong proposed cuts of up to $96,053, but Finance Director Nancy Crawford asked the panel to keep salaries at current levels.

Fire Chief Darren Rosario, whose salary is $114,768 to oversee 425 employees, 175 volunteer firefighters, 21 stations, and paramedic and ocean safety duties, said he would like pay comparable to the Maui County fire chief, who makes $126,700 to oversee 310 employees, no volunteers, 14 stations, and no responsibility for paramedics and lifeguards.

Projects to shut roads on Maui

Maui County will start two sewer line replacement projects along Front Street in Lahaina next month and hopes to minimize traffic impact with night work.

The first project on Front Street near Kauaula Road runs from May 7 to 28. Crews will close both lanes of Front Street from Kauaula Road to Aholo Road from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Residential traffic will be allowed through.

The second project will start at Front and Prison streets. Work starts at 8 p.m. and ends at 6 a.m. from May 29 to June 19. The area will be open to motorists during the day.

Crews will close part of Prison Street from Front to Luakini streets for daytime work. Road closures last from June 7 to 19 from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.