Board approves Supervisor Paiske’s travel to NACo Western Interstate Region in Maui despite public objections tied to local sewage emergency

The board voted on Feb. 3 to approve out‑of‑state travel for District 5 Supervisor Jessica Paiske to attend the National Association of Counties Western Interstate Region (WIR) conference in Maui in May 2026.

Public commenters, including residents affected by the Robin Lane sewage spill, urged the board to defer or deny the trip while an active emergency response was underway. Cassandra Hulbert said approving taxpayer‑funded travel while residents remain displaced and living without safe water would send the wrong message.

Supporters, including Supervisor Sabatier and other members of the public, defended the value of national and regional conferences for education, networking and advocacy. Sabatier noted that travel is budgeted and that supervisors often use conferences to bring back best practices. Several speakers said NACo and related task forces can help secure federal assistance and improve disaster recovery rules.

Supervisor Paiske said she had not planned to attend initially but decided to go because the NACo disaster task force she serves on is sponsoring sessions at WIR and she is engaged in bipartisan FEMA reform work that could benefit Lake County’s recovery and future disaster funding. She said her role includes advocacy to increase county access to FEMA funds and to keep federal dollars available for Lake County.

After public comment and discussion, the board moved and seconded the travel approval and the motion carried.