Ask a young adult, a born-and-raised local, or a renter what the most pressing problems are on Maui, and near the top of their list you will likely hear 'a lack of affordable housing'. A combination of factors including population pressure, escalating property values, and illegal short-term rentals that cater to tourists has resulted in a shortage of affordable rental units and homes for purchase. There is a widespread concern that Maui is becoming a playground for wealthy tourists and retirees, while working people like teachers, firefighters, nurses, and farmers are challenged to find decent housing. As a result, many people are forced to work two or more jobs, fit multiple families in a single-family home, or leave Maui for the mainland.

Housing issues are addressed at the federal, State, and County government levels by multiple committees, commissions, boards and agencies. Just within the Maui County Council there are at least three committees that deal with housing issues: the Planning and Land Use Committees, and the Housing, Transportation, and Human Services Committee. Also at the County level is the Department of Housing and Human Concerns.

For a more detailed overview of affordable housing issues see Local Economy and Housing in the Local Issues section of the website. The Political Tracker section is a place to monitor the ongoing actions of the multitude of governing bodies that address housing issues. An informed public will be better able to encourage elected officials to take action on housing issues.

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.