Maui County’s soon-to-be established Department of Agriculture, created by voters in November 2020, is seeking a director and deputy director — and both future department leaders already got a raise.

On Friday, the Maui County Salary Commission increased the wages for both unfilled positions. The new deadline to apply for either position is May 30.

The county-level agriculture department is poised to be a first in Hawaii and a pivotal step in the effort to fill the economic void created by the loss of sugar and pineapple.

Mayor Michael Victorino has already proposed nearly $1.4 million in funds to stand up the department with eight positions and an aim to bolster the island’s food security and help make farming more economically appealing.

Set to begin operation operations in July, the course of the department will largely be set by whomever becomes its inaugural director.