The Maui News accurately noted that there has been a lack of community consensus on outdoor lighting standards for several years (Editorial, Oct. 20). Despite this challenge, the County Council’s Public Works and Traffic Committee is diligently working to reach agreement on sound legislation.

I agree that reducing light pollution would bring important environmental and economic benefits for our environment and economy.

However, I disagree that concerns about security and safety are "based on paranoia." Some of these issues arose from the Police Department’s research on outdoor lighting standards in other municipalities.

In addition, I don’t believe that council members "dither" when they consider serious concerns raised by law enforcement and other members of the community. As committee chair, my role is to fully educate myself, my colleagues and the public about relevant issues and strive for consensus.

By taking the time to seriously listen to everyone in our community and investigating what has been done elsewhere, we can craft good legislation that is embraced by the public, rather than enforced against it. Rushing legislation can cause more harm than good.

The committee will again receive verbal testimony and deliberate on outdoor lighting legislation Nov. 18 at 9 a.m. in the Council Chambers. Written testimony (referencing PWT-18) can be e-mailed to pwt.committee@co.maui.hi.us or faxed to 270-7686.

Michael J. Molina, Chair

Public Works and Traffic Committee

Maui County Council