The Importance of Citizen Reporting
Your reports make a difference. When you see something, please say something. Whether it’s being the first person to alert emergency responders or bringing an issue to the attention of local authorities, your action matters.
Why Citizen Reporting Matters
If you see something, you should say something. Our County and State departments have the power to respond, investigate, and enforce — but they can only act if they’re aware of a problem. Citizen reporting is the first step that activates these responses.
Public services are complaint-driven, which means that without reports, no action will be taken. A “complaint” can be a request for service, a report, or even an inquiry for clarification. Too often, people stay silent, allowing small issues to grow into bigger ones. It’s like a roof leak — it’s better to fix it before the water gets in.
Some problems occur naturally — like fallen trees or dead animals on roadways — while others are man-made, such as pollution, vandalism, or abandoned vehicles. All require awareness and timely reporting.
The Erosion of Standards
Our environment, standard of living, rights, and community values are being eroded by countless small acts of neglect. Across Maui, we see aging infrastructure, environmental strain, and growing pressure from climate change and overdevelopment. Some individuals or businesses cut corners, ignore rules, and act selfishly — but the entire community pays the price. We can all take responsibility by speaking up and taking action.
The Loss of Community Awareness
In earlier times, neighbors knew one another and worked together to protect their communities. Today, that connection is fading. Many neighborhoods are made up of part-time residents, visitors, or newcomers who may not understand local customs or community standards.
This lack of awareness can lead to problems like cutting neighbors’ trees, dumping green waste in gulches and streams, removing sand or plants from public beaches, or operating illegal vacation rentals that reduce available housing for locals.
Environmental Impacts and Flooding
We are seeing more property owners and developers altering stormwater flow, encroaching on streams, and redirecting runoff. These seemingly small actions add up, causing flooding, erosion, and long-term damage to our watersheds — particularly in coastal areas like South Maui.
Everyday Problems, Everyday Solutions
Each of us encounters issues every day — from flooded roads to litter, vandalism, or unsafe behavior. Ignoring them allows problems to persist. But by reporting what we see, we become part of the solution. It’s not about blame; it’s about care and responsibility.
How to Report
Every County department has official channels for reporting issues. It may take several reports to initiate action, but every submission matters. Politicians and departments respond to engaged citizens. You can make an impact by:
- Writing an email or calling in a report
- Submitting a Request for Service (RFS)
- Speaking at council or committee meetings
- Testifying about issues affecting your neighborhood
Every time you speak up, you help protect the ʻāina and keep your community healthy and safe.
Take the Next Step
We all see things that hurt our communities and environment. Don’t look away — take action. Report it, share it, and be the change. Together, we can preserve Maui’s natural beauty and quality of life for generations to come.
Contact Numbers and Reporting Resources
Maui Police Department (Non-Emergency):
Phone: (808) 244-6400
Reporting Road Drainage or Flood Problems (Hawaii Department of Transportation):
Website: mauicounty.gov/directory.aspx?DID=460
District Offices (Weekdays):
Hana District: (808) 876-4590
Lahaina District: (808) 270-4370
Lanai District: (808) 565-7086
Makawao District: (808) 876-4535
Molokai District: (808) 553-3222
Wailuku District: (808) 270-7443
After hours: Call Maui Police Department (808) 244-6400
DLNR Enforcement Hotline: (808) 643-DLNR
Website: dlnr.hawaii.gov/docare/complaints/
Maui County Request for Service (RFS):
Website: mauicounty.gov/76/Request-for-Service
Report Illegal Vacation Rentals:
Website: mauicounty.gov/1776/Request-for-Service
Zoning and Enforcement Division: (808) 270-7253
COM Connect (County of Maui Connect):
Website: mauicounty.gov/2024/COM-Connect
COM Connect is a place-based reporting platform that lets residents document concerns like flooding, litter, or damaged sidewalks. Available for free in iPhone and Android app stores. Users can also view, comment, or vote on community issues and set “watch areas” to monitor neighborhood updates.
To report without the app:
Office of the Mayor: (808) 270-7855
Email: Mayor’s Office
Downed Power Lines: Contact your utility provider or emergency services.