To: Maui County Department of Human Concerns and Maui County Council, WASSP Committee
From: Edward Codelia, Maui Resident
Subject: Recommendations for Strengthening the Immigrant Services Division’s Capacity and Outreach
Aloha Chair and Committee Members
The Immigrant Services Division (ISD) of the Department of Human Concerns plays a vital role in supporting Maui County’s diverse immigrant communities. Its focus on culturally competent, non-legal navigation of immigration benefits and passport services is commendable. However, to better meet the needs of a growing and complex immigrant population, I respectfully submit the following recommendations for ISD’s continued development and effectiveness.
1. Reinstatement or Partnership for Legal Immigration Services
While ISD currently does not provide federally defined legal immigration services, this leaves a critical gap for residents needing direct application assistance and legal representation. I recommend the County explore partnerships with accredited legal service providers or nonprofit organizations to:
Establish regular legal clinics at ISD locations, offering limited-scope legal assistance.
Provide referrals supplemented with case management support to ensure continuity of care.
This partnership approach would leverage community resources without overextending County capacity.
2. Expanded Outreach and Awareness Campaigns
Recent service expansions, such as on-site passport photo offerings, have not yet reached full community awareness. To ensure broad utilization, I urge ISD to:
* Implement targeted outreach through local ethnic media, social media platforms, and trusted community leaders.
* Develop multilingual promotional materials reflecting the languages spoken by Maui’s immigrant populations.
* Host informational sessions and collaborate with local community centers and faith-based organizations.
Enhanced awareness will improve access, especially for vulnerable and isolated populations.
3. Multilingual Staffing and Educational Materials
Maui’s immigrant communities include speakers of Tagalog, Ilocano, Spanish, Marshallese, and other languages. Expanding bilingual or multilingual staff and providing translated materials will:
* Increase service accessibility and trust.
* Reduce errors and miscommunication.
* Empower clients to navigate processes independently over time.
This investment in language capacity is fundamental to equitable service delivery.
4. Data Tracking and Client Feedback Mechanisms
To better understand community needs and improve service effectiveness, ISD should implement a robust data management system to track:
* Client demographics and service outcomes.
* Wait times and appointment follow-ups.
* Client satisfaction through surveys and feedback.
Data-driven insights will enable continuous improvement, targeted resource allocation, and stronger justification for future funding.
5. Pilot Mobile Passport Services
Mobile or satellite passport service units are an innovative way to reach underserved areas. I recommend ISD launch a pilot mobile service to:
* Assess community demand and logistical feasibility.
* Identify optimal locations and scheduling.
* Collect user feedback for refinement before broader implementation.
Mobile services will extend ISD’s reach and reduce travel burdens on residents.
Conclusion
The Immigrant Services Division provides essential services that support the integration and well-being of Maui’s immigrant populations. Implementing these recommendations will strengthen ISD’s capacity to serve the community equitably and effectively. I urge the Maui County Department of Human Concerns and County Council to prioritize funding, staffing, and strategic partnerships to ensure ISD continues to be a trusted, accessible resource for all residents.
Thank you for your consideration.
Respectfully submitted,
Edward Codelia, Maui Resident
To: Maui County Department of Human Concerns and Maui County Council, WASSP Committee
From: Edward Codelia, Maui Resident
Subject: Recommendations for Strengthening the Immigrant Services Division’s Capacity and Outreach
Aloha Chair and Committee Members
The Immigrant Services Division (ISD) of the Department of Human Concerns plays a vital role in supporting Maui County’s diverse immigrant communities. Its focus on culturally competent, non-legal navigation of immigration benefits and passport services is commendable. However, to better meet the needs of a growing and complex immigrant population, I respectfully submit the following recommendations for ISD’s continued development and effectiveness.
1. Reinstatement or Partnership for Legal Immigration Services
While ISD currently does not provide federally defined legal immigration services, this leaves a critical gap for residents needing direct application assistance and legal representation. I recommend the County explore partnerships with accredited legal service providers or nonprofit organizations to:
Establish regular legal clinics at ISD locations, offering limited-scope legal assistance.
Provide referrals supplemented with case management support to ensure continuity of care.
This partnership approach would leverage community resources without overextending County capacity.
2. Expanded Outreach and Awareness Campaigns
Recent service expansions, such as on-site passport photo offerings, have not yet reached full community awareness. To ensure broad utilization, I urge ISD to:
* Implement targeted outreach through local ethnic media, social media platforms, and trusted community leaders.
* Develop multilingual promotional materials reflecting the languages spoken by Maui’s immigrant populations.
* Host informational sessions and collaborate with local community centers and faith-based organizations.
Enhanced awareness will improve access, especially for vulnerable and isolated populations.
3. Multilingual Staffing and Educational Materials
Maui’s immigrant communities include speakers of Tagalog, Ilocano, Spanish, Marshallese, and other languages. Expanding bilingual or multilingual staff and providing translated materials will:
* Increase service accessibility and trust.
* Reduce errors and miscommunication.
* Empower clients to navigate processes independently over time.
This investment in language capacity is fundamental to equitable service delivery.
4. Data Tracking and Client Feedback Mechanisms
To better understand community needs and improve service effectiveness, ISD should implement a robust data management system to track:
* Client demographics and service outcomes.
* Wait times and appointment follow-ups.
* Client satisfaction through surveys and feedback.
Data-driven insights will enable continuous improvement, targeted resource allocation, and stronger justification for future funding.
5. Pilot Mobile Passport Services
Mobile or satellite passport service units are an innovative way to reach underserved areas. I recommend ISD launch a pilot mobile service to:
* Assess community demand and logistical feasibility.
* Identify optimal locations and scheduling.
* Collect user feedback for refinement before broader implementation.
Mobile services will extend ISD’s reach and reduce travel burdens on residents.
Conclusion
The Immigrant Services Division provides essential services that support the integration and well-being of Maui’s immigrant populations. Implementing these recommendations will strengthen ISD’s capacity to serve the community equitably and effectively. I urge the Maui County Department of Human Concerns and County Council to prioritize funding, staffing, and strategic partnerships to ensure ISD continues to be a trusted, accessible resource for all residents.
Thank you for your consideration.
Respectfully submitted,
Edward Codelia, Maui Resident