The Hight Street Journal - April 2016

The

The High Street Journal

An Official Publication of the County of Maui

High Street Journal An Official Publication of the County of Maui

April 2016

DWS RECEIVES RECORD NUMBER OF POSTER CONTEST ENTRIES APRIL IS TSUNAMI AWARENESS MONTH IN HAWAII NEW MAUI COUNTY ENERGY COMMISSIONER SELECTED

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The High Street Journal

An Official Publication of the County of Maui

The

CONTENTS

High Street

Journal

Message from the Mayor.................................................................................... 3 M.D. Minute............................................................................................................. 4 Happenings at the County ............................................................................... 5

PUBLISHER / EDITOR Lynn Araki-Regan EDITORIAL COORDINATORS Lois Whitney Tiffany Iida Herman Andaya, Jr. Rod Antone

April is Tsunami Awareness Month in Hawaii .......................................... 7 New Maui County Energy Commissioner selected to continue moving toward 100% renewable goal ........................................................ 8 Free disaster preparedness classes in Lanai City ..................................... 9

PHOTO COORDINATOR Ryan Piros

DWS warns public of phone scams .............................................................. 9

CONTRIBUTORS

Kulia i ka nu`u ........................................................................................................ 10

Dana Acosta Mayor Alan Arakawa Karen Arakawa SeaRay Beltran Charnan Carroll Audrey Dack Kevin J. Dusenbury, Jr. Kimberly Ferguson Anna Foust Jan Inouye-Ogata Jennifer Maydan Linn Nishikawa Karin Phaneuf Keith Regan Ronald Steben David Thyne Pam Townsend Dee Dee Thyssen Pam Townsend Erin Wade Jayson Yang Sharon Zalsos

Mayor says no property tax rate increase necessary for FY 2017...... 12 MEDB seeks participants empowering entrepreneurial spirit to Startup Weekend Maui ...................................................................................... 13 Maui County Jr. Lifeguard Program registration dates and deadlines now available for each district .................................................. 14 County switches to new, user-friendly recruitment, hiring web portal......................................................................................................................... 15 Fire Department performs “controlled burns” in Puamana ............... 15 Made in Maui County Festival food truck vendor applications now available online .......................................................................................... 16 Gas Station Safety Tips ....................................................................................... 17 Poll: “What is your most memorable spring break?” ............................ 18 Kaunoa offers many options for healthy aging ....................................... 19 Construction of Iao Plaza underway ............................................................ 20 DWS receives a record 827 Water Conservation Poster Contest entries ...................................................................................................................... 21 Kupaianaha (“Blessings of Life”)..................................................................... 23

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Photo Gallery ......................................................................................................... 26

The High Street Journal

An Official Publication of the County of Maui

MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR Aloha everyone, Recently we had two earthquakes, one out on the ocean between Maui and the Big Island and the other right in the middle of Mokulele Highway.

That said, it is probably very appropriate that the State of Hawaii designated April as Tsunami Awareness Month. Locally generated tsunamis are caused by earthquakes or volcanic activity and can make landfall in a matter of minutes.

Also unlike hurricanes, there is no “season” for tsunamis, so it is important that you and your family are always prepared.

Remember to check if your home is in a tsunami inundation zone by either checking the county or the state civil defense websites at www. mauicounty.gov/261/Tsunami-Evacuation-Maps or www.scd.hawaii.gov. If you are in an inundation zone, remember to map out an escape plan and to have an emergency kit ready with seven days’ worth of food, water and medical supplies.

Keep in mind that if it is a distantly generated tsunami, outdoor warning sirens will sound. But if this is a locally generated tsunami, there may not be time to sound sirens. Know the natural warning signs of an imminent tsunami: rapidly rising or receding water from the ocean; the sound of a locomotive or jet coming from the ocean and empty beaches.

Stay safe by staying prepared.

Also, Maui Police Department’s “Distracted Driver” Campaign begins this month. Their campaign is part of a national law enforcement crackdown on texting while driving.

If you’ve been following local news recently, a 21-year-old woman on Oahu was charged with negligent homicide after police said she drove while texting and crashed into a utility pole, killing one of her passengers.

So please, either use a hands-free device to talk while driving, pull over or turn off your phone altogether while en route. Nationwide in 2014, 3,179 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes involving distracted drivers.

Under Hawaii Revised Statutes anyone caught by police using a Mobile Electronic Device while driving could face fines of $297 or $347 if you are in a school or construction zone.

These are steep fines, but loss of life is much steeper. Let’s all try to unplug when we’re driving and make our roads a safer place.

Finally, I’d like to thank our Division of Motor Vehicles and Licensing for adapting to a bad situation. Our Kahului service center workers had to evacuate due to flood damage and we reassigned them to our satellite offices. Finance Director Danny Agsalog redirected DMVL customers to our satellite offices and I’ve heard that our people have continued to provide great customer service, even in different surroundings.

We hope to clean up and reopen our Kahului service center soon. In the meantime, good job to everyone who has helped make the best of a bad situation.

Alan Arakawa

Mayor Alan Arakawa page 3

The High Street Journal

An Official Publication of the County of Maui

M.D. Minute

A Message from Managing Director Keith Regan

“The first wealth is health.” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson Doctors will gladly tell you that losing even a small percentage of your body weight can have a huge impact on your overall health, but how many of us find that to be an easy task?

I know it wasn’t for me, and I had tried – unsuccessfully- a number of times to lose weight and keep the pounds off.

The holidays were an especially tempting time, with so many goodies readily available and an abundance of holiday meals with family and friends.

After the holidays it became clear that unless I made some real changes, the weight was just going to hang around… literally.

Needing some motivation, I took some time to look up the physical benefits of losing weight, and found a number of reasons I hadn’t really considered before. Besides feeling healthier in general, here are some additional benefits you too can use to motivate yourself to eat better and exercise more: -

You’ll have more energy You’ll sleep better You’ll have fewer aches and pains You’ll increase your mobility You may even find it easier to breathe Your immune system will be stronger and better able to fight off illness and serious disease.

Armed with this mindset, I took to task my daily routine. It turned out that making some minor modifications paid off some significant dividends! And some of the changes weren’t dreadful – they were actually fun! Here’s a few of the changes I made, that you can make too: -

I began walking regularly, especially with our “Walking on Wednesdays” group; I began riding my bike more; I found other ways to exercise regularly; nothing earth-shaking, but consistent; I reduced my sugar and carb intake and started eating lighter meals, especially a lighter dinner.

So with the proper motivation, some determination and a fair amount of sweat, I’ve managed to lose 10 pounds in the weeks between New Year’s and the end of March! I share this with you not to brag, but to encourage you in your own health journey because no matter where you are right now, the steps you take today will help improve your experiences tomorrow.

It wasn’t always easy, and now my task will be to keep up the level of fitness I have achieved, but it really helps to have the support of my family and friends who know this is an important area of focus for me.

Keep up the good work, and never, ever give up.

“It is often the last key on the ring that opens the door… don’t you dare give up!”

With aloha, page 4

Keith Regan Managing Director

The High Street Journal

An Official Publication of the County of Maui

Happenings at

THE COUNTY

BRIEFING ON LANAI AFFORDABLE HOUSING TO BE HELD APRIL 8 The County of Maui Dept. of Housing and Human Concerns (DHHC) announced that a briefing on Lanai affordable housing will be held Friday, April 8 at 5 p.m. at the Lanai Senior Center.

DHHC Director Carol Reimann, Councilmember Riki Hokama, DHHC Housing Administrator Buddy Almeida and Deputy Corporation Counsel Jeff Ueoka will participating in the briefing, which will provide the following: • An overview of the Lanai Affordable Housing project; • Affordable housing information based on HUD data specific to Lanai, including percentage income levels, affordable sales price guidelines by income level and affordable rental guidelines by income level; • An explanation of the RFP process, RFP timeline and an update on prospective developers; • Next steps and Q&A. For more information on Lanai affordable housing, contact the Housing Division at 2707351.

WATER SUPPLY DEPARTMENT TAKES MAUI ISLAND WATER USE & DEVELOPMENT PLAN WORKSHOPS ON THE ROAD The public is invited to attend hands-on workshops to identify and evaluate methods and scenarios to comprehensively manage, develop and use the water resources of Maui Island to meet the needs of all water users. The results of these regional workshops will assist the County in preparing the Maui Island Water Use and Development Plan (WUDP).

The workshops to be held on Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. are: Upcountry -April 23-Eddie Tam Memorial Center Central/South-April 30-Kahului Community Center West-May 7-Lahaina Civic Center East-May 21-Hana Community Center-Helene Hall Workshop participants will be requested to review and provide input on: 1) regional issues and objectives used to evaluate water plan options and strategies; 2) draft water management, use and allocation guidelines; 3)

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The High Street Journal

An Official Publication of the County of Maui

options and scenarios to address water issues and create a comprehensive water plan; and 4) to test those scenarios for consistency with the planning objectives.

The first round of public meetings that are wrapping up in April provided input on water issues around the island. Key issues identified by the public included: * Each region should rely upon the water resources of that region instead of importing water. We need to adapt development to the availability of local water resources and climate. * Each region should bear its own costs of development, management and transport of water. * Watershed management should be a priority to support the forest which brings rain, water for lo’i and stream life, and flows to the ocean, which supports farming and fish. Active watershed management should be extended to lower elevations to enhance mauka-to-makai stream flow and support Native Hawaiian and kuleana uses. * The reduction in agriculture will reduce the need for stream diversions, which adversely affect natural aquifer recharge and mauka-to-makai ecosystems. * Agricultural water is needed to support local food production and security. * The prioritization of the water rights of Hawaiian Home Lands, Native Hawaiian cultural practitioners, and kuleana and appurtenant instream water users need to be recognized. * What are the costs and benefits of the County taking over the East Maui Irrigation system? The system reservoirs could be restored for storage of water for reforestation, firefighting, etc., but not for transport to other regions. * The water use and development plan should reflect values adopted in the community plans.

Meeting presentations, summaries and a short Questionnaire to gather more input are available online at www.mauiwater.org.

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The WUDP drafted several years ago is being redone in an effort to include a more comprehensive inventory of all water users and systems on Maui and to focus more attention on our ground, surface and alternative water resources. According to Hawaii State law, each county is required to prepare, periodically update, and adopt by ordinance a WUDP to serve as the long-range planning blueprint for all uses

of water in each county. In addition to these workshops, the public will also have opportunity to offer their input at all of the scheduled Maui County Council Water Resources Committee meetings. The Department of Water Supply, Water Resources and Planning Division is hosting the meetings and can be reached at 463-3110.

SERVICE LINE REPAIR ON MAIN STREET, WAILUKU On Friday, April 8, 2016, the Department of Water Supply will be replacing a leaking service line on Main Street in Wailuku. The work will be performed from approximately 8:30 am to 2:30 pm.

The Department is advising motorists to drive with caution as traffic will be directed one way between High Street and Ilina Street. Main Street will be restricted to vehicles travelling east to west, from Wailuku to Iao Valley. Motorists coming out of the Bailey House Museum will not be impacted as the job site will be located above the Museum. Motorists travelling from west to east, from Iao Valley to Wailuku, will be detoured down Ilina Street, to Vineyard Street, then to High Street. Flagmen will be on site to control the traffic.

Water service for businesses and residents in the vicinity will not be affected.

We regret any inconvenience this may cause.

Please call the 24-hour service line at 270-7633 if a water-related problem occurs or if there are any questions.

COMMUNITY MEETING SET FOR UPCOUNTRY SKATEPARK The County of Maui Department of Parks and Recreation invites the general public to a community meeting on the proposed design of the Upcountry Skatepark on Tuesday, April 12, 2016.

The meeting will be held from 6-8 p.m. at the Mayor Hannibal Tavares Community Center multipurpose room, located at 91 Pukalani Street, Pukalani. The skatepark consultant, California Skateparks, will provide a design update incorporating information gathered from previous public meetings and incorporating electrical components, ADA, grading, drainage and other elements.

The High Street Journal

An Official Publication of the County of Maui

April is Tsunami Awareness Month in Hawaii Seventy years ago, on April 1, 1946, one of the deadliest tsunamis to ever hit Hawaii caused widespread devastation on all islands. Generated by an earthquake in the Aleutian Islands, the massive tsunami took 159 lives and caused more than $26 million in damage. April was chosen as the month to honor and remember the lives lost in all tsunamis to hit the state.

Maui Civil Defense Agency encourages the public to take tsunami preparedness into their own hands this April during Tsunami Awareness Month.

If you live, work, or play at the coast, you should prepare for tsunamis. Tsunamis may not occur very often, but they pose a major threat to coastal communities. While they cannot be prevented, there are things you can do that could save your life and the lives of your loved ones 1. Be Informed.

Tsunami Evacuation Maps for the Maui County coast lines are available on the Maui County web site at http://www.co.maui.hi.us/261/TsunamiEvacuation-Maps.

2. Make a Plan During a tsunami threat, people only have hours – sometimes minutes – to move to safety. For this reason, it is crucial that families and individuals have their survival kits ready ahead of time and emergency plans up to date so they can quickly

respond and react in a safe and efficient manner.

3. Be Prepared For distantly generated tsunamis, outdoor warning sirens will sound statewide. For locally generated tsunamis, however, there may not be sufficient time to sound sirens. If you are near the ocean when an earthquake takes place, immediately move to higher ground.

Upon hearing any warning sirens, the public should tune immediately to a radio or television for updates and the latest information.

Additionally, everyone should be able to recognize the natural warning signs that a tsunami may be imminent. Signs include: rapidly rising or receding water from the ocean; the sound of a locomotive or jet plane coming from the ocean; and empty beaches. People located within a tsunami evacuation zone should quickly move to higher ground, or inland until they are at least 100 feet above sea level, while avoiding steep cliffs and watching for falling rocks.

During the month of April, Maui Civil Defense Agency will share tsunami information on our Facebook page and feature videos providing information about the science behind tsunamis, warning signs of a tsunami, and helpful tips about how to prepare for and respond to a tsunami warning.

Follow us at www.facebook.com/ mauicivildefense. page 7

The High Street Journal

An Official Publication of the County of Maui

New Maui County Energy Commissioner selected to continue moving toward 100% renewable goal The Mayor’s Office of Economic Development (OED) recently announced today that Mayor Alan Arakawa has appointed Frederick Redell, a resident of Colorado and 29-year veteran in the energy industry, to serve as Maui County’s new Energy Commissioner.

Redell is currently the Managing Director of Abengoa Solar in Lakewood, Colorado. Prior to that he managed his own engineering firm in California.

His energy career started when he was enlisted in the U.S. Navy, taking part in their Nuclear Power Training Program and serving in the submarine service.

A licensed mechanical engineer, Redell has a diverse knowledge of nearly every aspect of the energy market, including operations, engineering, research and development, new technologies, project development, financing and management. He most recently managed the completion of one of the world’s largest solar power plants, the Mojave Solar Project.

On that project, Redell worked with Native American tribes and agencies to ensure that cultural resources were protected throughout construction.

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“We went through a rigorous selection process that vetted 10 candidates in all,” said Teena Rasmussen, Director of OED. “The review committee, appointed by the Mayor, was made

up of the Mayor’s executive team, as well as business persons from the private sector. The committee’s job was to select and rank the top three candidates for the Mayor’s consideration.”

contained.”

Mayor Arakawa said he was impressed with the breadth and depth of Redell’s experience.

“Frederick Redell will bring a fresh perspective and a lot of knowledge to this important position,” the Mayor said.

“His number one job will be to keep the county moving forward on our goal of achieving 100 percent renewable energy and to make sure that costs to ratepayers are

Redell said he is excited about Maui County’s goal of going 100 percent renewable. “This community is going to be a model for the rest of the world one day in terms of energy,” he remark. “It will take some time to study all the aspects and develop a plan, but I look forward to meeting everyone and diving in.”

Redell received his engineering degree from the University of Illinois, Chicago and his Masters of Mechanical Engineering degree from the University of California, San Diego. He will formally start his position on May 15, 2016.

The High Street Journal

An Official Publication of the County of Maui

Free disaster preparedness classes in Lanai City Maui Civil Defense Agency will host Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training in Lanai City.

•

Set up disaster medical treatment areas

•

Apply basic medical techniques

CERT is a training program that prepares people to help themselves, their family, and their neighbors in the event of a disaster.

•

Help reduce survivor stress

During a disaster, emergency service personnel may not be able to reach everyone right away.

CERT volunteers provide critical support to emergency responders, providing damage assessment information and assisting victims until professional emergency responders can arrive on scene.

CERT training is open to people of all abilities, age 18 and older, no previous experience needed. Ages 14-17 may attend with a parent or legal guardian.

The schedule for Lanai classes is: Lanai High & Elementary 4/30 Saturday School 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.

5/7 Saturday Lanai High & Elementary School 9:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

CERT training is free to Maui County residents.

Lanai High & Elementary 5/14 Saturday Taught by instructors from the Maui Fire Department, the 24-hour course is taught over four School 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.

Saturdays, consisting of classroom instruction and Lanai High & Elementary 5/21 Saturday field exercises. Students will learn to: School 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.

Identify and anticipate hazards • Participants must register to attend the training.

Class size is limited and registration will be on a • Reduce hazards in the home and work first come, first served basis. To register, please place contact Maui Civil Defense Agency at (808) 270• Extinguish small fires 7285 or email cert@mauicounty.gov.

•

Conduct light search and rescue

DWS warns public of phone scams The Department of Water Supply (DWS) would like to warn its customers of fraudulent phone calls from an unauthorized person posing as a DWS representative. The caller claims a DWS account has an outstanding balance and states that if the customer does not pay, their water supply will be shut off. The customer is instructed to go to Walmart Money Center to transfer funds to cover the balance.

When receiving a phone call from a DWS representative, in no circumstance will the

representative require a customer to go to Walmart to transfer funds. Water bill payments are accepted on the second floor of the County Building (Kalana O Maui), the Service Center at Maui Mall, and the DWS baseyards in Lahaina, Hana, and Molokai. More information is available on the second page of the monthly water bill.

Customers who receive suspicious calls regarding water bill payment should contact the DWS Fiscal/ Customer Service Office at 270-7730 and the Maui Police Department.

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The High Street Journal

An Official Publication of the County of Maui

Kūlia i ka nu‘u Strive to reach the summit Please help congratulate these dedicated employees as they continue to serve our community and in doing so, “strive to reach the summit.” the Hawaii Army National Guard.

At the March 18 Planning Departmental meeting, Russell Higa and Jennifer Maydan were named Above and Beyond employees for the month. Russ was nominated by last month’s winner Kurt Wollenhaupt, and Jen was nominated by Annalise Kehler who was also a winner last month.

Kudos to the West Maui Parks & Recreation crew, led by Supervisor Eddie Curimao and staff members Anthony Acain and William Acain, for being responsible for the Wahikuli Wayside Park walkway to be “pristine” and “immaculate.” Such words were used by Walter Chihara in his letter to the editor (“Good vibrations come to the surface,” 3/15/16).

Keep up the good work, West Maui Parks & Recreation staff!!

Russ Higa

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Congratulations to Maui County Firefighter Charles Eckart on getting promoted to the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 3! Charles is a UH-72 Pilot in

Kurt Wollenhaupt

Kurt selected Russ because Russ will always take time to help and answer questions, is very good-natured and really means it when he asks, “Howzit?”

Kurt is a frequent flyer and Russ has given him a lot of useful advice about airline travel, too.

Annalise selected Jen for her tireless work on the community plans and meticulous reports and presentations.

She spreads her positive attitude throughout the Long Range Division and approaches her work professionally and with care. Jen Annalise Kehler & Jennifer Maydan successfully took the proposed Molokai Community Plan update through the Community Plan Advisory Committee and the Molokai Planning Commission, and will now transmit the plan to the County Council.

The High Street Journal

An Official Publication of the County of Maui

A warm welcome goes out to Edna Abe, who became Planning Department’s newest Office Operations Assistant II in the Current Planning Division. Edna previously worked in the Mason Unions office.

Edna Abe

Congratulations to Sheila Nakagawa, who was promoted on March 16 to Land Use Permit Clerk in the Zoning Administration and Enforcement Division. She was previously an Office Operations Assistant II in the Current Division.

Joe Nahina & co-workers

Aloha oe and best of luck to Joe Nahina, who accepted a promotion at the State Department of Human Services on Oahu. Joe is a Zoning Inspector Trainee and his last day with the county is April 18.

Wendy Nobriga, Administrative Officer, Department of the Prosecuting Attorney would like to recognize Melinda Fletcher-Sistar, Legal Assistant, Department of the Prosecuting Attorney for being selected to receive the Committee on the Status of Women’s “Women of Excellence, A Woman’s Perspective” Award on March 24, 2016 at the Mayor’s Conference Room. She was nominated by Special Deputy Artemio C. Baxa, who retired from the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office on December 31, 2015.

Here is an excerpt from the letter that was submitted by Judge Artemio Baxa: “Ms. Melinda Fletcher-Sistar is an outstanding role model in a very significant way. She has elevated her struggles to secure higher education, under very difficult personal and professional circumstances. She chose higher education not only to better herself, but more so, to be of a

greater service to the wider community. Among these efforts she: Mentors other parents who need guidance in obtaining or connecting to services or community resources; Observes, then champions missing or lacking services for children within our community: Promoting the need for more Maui police officers of the juvenile section to be placed within the Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training program in an effort to provide early mental health/suicide intervention, in the hopes of keeping juveniles out of the court system, and into needed community services; Re-establishing adolescent mental health services for juveniles at Maui Memorial Hospital Molokini unit, to prevent shipping Maui youth to Oahu that burdens Maui island families with distance, absence from jobs, childcare issues for siblings, and overwhelming traveling expenses; Pushing for more services for our Autistic children, as the numbers of those diagnosed in our community increase; Promoting community awareness to parents and providers alike of the pediatric psychiatric services contracted through the Department of Education, for those not able to find private sector physicians that are lacking in our community, for the purpose of obtaining a qualified diagnosis or medication management; Increasing our communities’ awareness of the recent, free of charge, and quality services, that are provided by the Neurodevelopmental Clinic at Shriner’s Hospital, on Oahu.

“The foregoing not only demonstrates Ms. Fletcher-Sistar’s unequivocal dedication and commitment in advancing the over-all good of the community, but also her deep concern and compassion, especially for the uniquely disadvantaged. Besides being a woman of talent and extraordinary skills, her core is her sterling character and integrity. She truly is a woman of excellence.”

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The High Street Journal

An Official Publication of the County of Maui

Mayor Says No Property Tax Rate Increases Necessary for FY 2017 Citing higher property tax valuations this year, Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa said that he is proposing that the property tax rate in all categories remain flat this year, during his annual budget presentation before County Council members today.

reclamation facilities, and pump stations.

The proposed Maui County budget for Fiscal Year 2017 totals $810.4 million. Of that amount, proposed revenues from County Funds of $711.5 million will provide funding for an operating budget of $563.6 million and a capital program budget of $147.9 million.

- $25.3 million for new Parks facilities and improvements, including funds required to improve various facilities throughout the county’s

The mayor said he had already cut $43.5 million out of Capital Improvement Program projects and $11.5 million from operational requests and that whatever was left over, is necessary to meet the needs of the community. Although the county has done its best to catch up on infrastructure and service projects, the mayor said there is still much to be done.

“We stop working and basic needs won’t be met.

Water, sewer, refuse, police, fire – all of these are very necessary services for the community,” said Mayor Arakawa. “Many projects were either deferred or underfunded in the past, and they still need to be done. So some of our budget will always be to catch up on past deferrals.”

Some of the county’s FY 17 CIP projects include: - $38.9 million to continue road resurfacing and improvements, including work done by our in-house road paving and preservation crew and the matching required for Federal Aid projects; - $25.8 million for continued Water Supply improvements, including source development, storage, and transmission upgrades and repairs, including $13 million for the West Maui Reliable Capacity project; - $34.9 million for Wastewater improvements and expansion, including recycled water, sewer lines,

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The biggest one involves $12.5 million for modifications to the Lahaina Wastewater Reclamation Facility.

eight community plan districts; - $13.4 million for other projects such as $6.3 million for large equipment purchases, and $5.7 million for the public safety radio system pgrades; - $10.7 million for Government Facilities, including much needed building repairs to our main Kalana O Maui building; - $15.3 million for drainage improvement projects, including $9.0 million for continued work on the Lahaina Watershed Flood Control project.

“After agonizing to try to balance what the county must do, what we’ve planned to do, and what everyone wants us to do with the limited resources available, the administration looks forward to working with the council to move Maui County forward in the accomplishment of our vision, mission and goals,” said Budget Director Sandy Baz. The mayor noted that when the Council and the administration work together, “we do phenomenal things,” and cited land purchases to preserve open space, new park facilities, road improvements and other projects over the years.

“A hundred years from now, no one will be the least bit interested in any arguments we may have had,” Arakawa said. “But they will look at the footprints that we have created in this community.”

A copy of the proposed FY 17 budget document can be found at http://www.mauicounty.gov/budget.

The High Street Journal

An Official Publication of the County of Maui

MEDB seeks participants for empowering entrepreneurial spirit at Startup Weekend Maui

Maui Economic Development Board is currently seeking entrepreneurs to participate in this year’s Startup Weekend Maui set for May 13-15. Presented by the Maui Economic Development Board (MEDB), this empowering event will provide active entrepreneurs with an opportunity to learn how to launch a company in 54 hours. The event will be held at the Maui Research and Technology Park in Kihei, Maui; starting at MEDB’s Malcolm Center at 1305 N. Holopono Street, Suite 5.

In just one weekend, participants will experience the highs, lows, fun, and pressure that make up life at a startup. Surrounded by smart, passionate people and with the best tools and approaches at their disposal, they’ll take giant leaps in learning skills to create a business, work on a startup team, and connect with the right people and resources. Ultimately, it will be an unforgettable weekend that will put everyone on the pathway to success.

All Startup Weekend events follow the same basic model: On Friday, anyone is welcome to pitch their startup idea and receive feedback from their peers.

Teams organically form around the top ideas (as determined by popular vote); and then it’s a 54-hour frenzy of business model creation, programming, designing, and market validation. On Sunday the teams will make their final presentations, receiving crucial feedback from experienced entrepreneurs and venture capitalists.

“Startup Weekend Maui is about learning by doing,” said Frank De Rego Jr., Director of Business Development Projects at Maui Economic Development Board. “This event provides a platform to acquire the skills and best practices necessary to build a solid business foundation. Successful entrepreneurs result in successful businesses which, in turn, provide a platform for future job creation and prosperity.”

Participants who register before the April 15th deadline will receive a 25% discount off the registration fee. Students with a valid ID will receive a 50% discount.

Startup Weekend is a global grassroots movement of active and empowered entrepreneurs of various skill sets who are learning the basics of founding startups and launching successful ventures. It is the largest community of passionate entrepreneurs with over 2,900 past events in 150 countries around the world.

For more information and to register for the 2016 Startup Weekend Maui, visit bit.ly/startupmaui2016 or contact Jessica Crouse at info@hightechmaui.com, (808) 270-6811. Connect with Facebook (facebook. com/StartupWeekendMaui).

Startup Weekend Maui sponsors include: County of Maui Mayor’s Office of Economic Development, High Technology Development Corporation, Hawaii Strategic Development Corporation, HI-Growth Initiative, and Pacific Media Group.

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The High Street Journal

An Official Publication of the County of Maui

Maui County Jr. Lifeguard Program registration dates & deadlines now available for each district Maui County’s Jr. Lifeguard Program will be accepting applications for each district. The program is for students ages 13 to 17 and younger applicants must make the age requirement by May, 2016. Space is limited in each district and all students must complete a 300 yard non-stop swim test within 11 minutes in order to participate.

- Hana district registration has no deadline and will remain open until all 15 participant spots are filled.

Registration forms are available at the Department of Parks & Recreation Hana Office, the Hana Youth Center or from the county website. Hana will hold one training session, from June 6 to 10, from 9 to 3 p.m. daily, based out of Hana Bay.

A parent or legal guardian must be present during registration and the swim test. A contact phone number and email address is required for each participant.

- Molokai district registration has no deadline and will remain open until all 24 participant spots are filled. Registration forms are located at the Cooke Memorial Pool, the Department of Parks & Recreation Molokai Office or from the county website. Molokai will have one training session, held from June 6 to June 10, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily, based out of Kaunakakai Beach.

Each district training session is a five day course which will familiarize students with water safety skills. It includes an introduction to CPR, first aid, surf rescue techniques, ocean swimming, paddle boarding and lifesaving skills. All participants must have strong swimming skills.

The program information for each district is as follows: - North, South and West Maui districts have specific registration dates on April 16 and 23 at the Kokua Pool in Kahului and the Lahaina Aquatic Center, from 8 a.m. to noon. Applicants will be able to sign up for any district at both locations. There will be two weeklong sessions running this summer for these districts.

Session I runs from June 13 to June 24 and Session II runs from June 27 to July 8th. Both sessions run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m daily.

Each session is limited to 15 participants. Jr. Lifeguard applications can be picked up at any Maui County pool, any county beach lifeguard tower or online at www.mauicounty.gov.

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- Lanai district registration deadline is on May 18th and is limited to 15 participants. Registration forms are available at the Department of Parks & Recreation Lanai Office, at Cooke Memorial Pool or from the county website. Lanai will have one training session, held from June 6 to June 10, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily, based out of Hulopo’e Bay. If at all possible, participating families are asked to make a suggested donation of $20 to cover the cost of a uniform and registration fee. Cash or checks are accepted. Checks should be made payable to the “Hawaiian Lifeguard Association - Maui Chapter.”

This fee is not required for students to participate in the program.

For more information contact Ocean Safety Training Captain Kekai Brown, at 270-6140 or by emailing Kekai.brown@mauicounty.gov.

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An Official Publication of the County of Maui

County switches to new, user-friendly recruitment, hiring web portal Current users asked to create profile on new system The County of Maui Department of Personnel Services has switched to the NEOGOV recruiting system. NEOGOV is the nation’s largest public-sector recruiting solution, and is used by over 1,500 public agencies across the United States, including the State of Hawaii, City and County of Honolulu, County of Hawaii and the County of Kauai.

Applicant profiles created on the current Candidate Self Service system will not transfer to the new NEOGOV system. To create a new profile, current and potential job applicants should visit www. mauicounty.gov/countyjobs and follow the instructions under “Important Notes.” Candidates who already have an account on governmentjobs. com will not need to create another one.

To apply for a job with the County of Maui after March 31, 2016, candidates must apply online on the

new portal. Applications received on or before March 31st through the current Candidate Self Service system will be processed.

“Transitioning to a new recruitment system will help streamline the application process and make the system more user-friendly for potential County employees,” said Department of Personnel Services Director Lance Hiromoto. “The County of Maui strives to recruit the best and the brightest, and I urge all job seekers to consider a career with the County by exploring the new portal.”

Anyone who receives or would like to receive employment notifications from the County of Maui needs to sign up for Job Notifications on the new site. Visit www.mauicounty.gov/countyjobs and follow the instructions under “Important Notes.”

Fire Department performs “controlled burns” in Puamana BY:

DAVID THYNE Assistant Fire Chief Department of Fire & Public Safety

On March 21-25, 2016, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., the Maui County Department of Fire & Public Safety, in conjunction with West Maui Land Company and in consultation with the State of Hawaii Department of Health’s Clean Air Branch and Maui Police Department, performed a series of “controlled burns” near mile marker 19 of Honoapiilani Highway in the Puamana area.

The Maui All Hazards Incident Management Team has been working with West Maui Land Company management to identify potential fire hazard areas on their lands. Controlled burns are a preventive measure to reduce the brush fire fuel loads in wild land interface areas, reducing the chance of future fires. The prescribed, or controlled fires develop the skills, knowledge, and abilities required to use fire as

a suppression tactic during wildland fire incidents.

This tactic will enable our firefighters to mitigate wildland fires more efficiently and effectively.

Maui All Hazards Incident Management Team, Hawaii All Hazards Incident Management Team and Honolulu Incident Management Team members utilized this training exercise to satisfy national requirements needed to be qualified as a Type 3 Incident Management Team members. Type 1 Incident Management Team members from Pacific Northwest Team 2 provided guidance and mentoring during the exercise.

Similar controlled burns were conducted in the area mauka of Puamana in 2013 and on the island of Molokai in 2015.

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An Official Publication of the County of Maui

Made in Maui County Festival Food Truck Vendor Applications now available online

Food trucks interested in participating in the 3rd Annual Made in Maui County Festival (MIMCF), may now download a Food Truck Vendor Application at www.MadeInMauiCountyFestival.com.

Presented by the County of Maui, Mayor’s Office of Economic Development (OED), and the Maui Chamber of Commerce, MIMCF is considered the largest products show in Maui County.

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As part of the festivities, a select number of local food trucks will have an opportunity to showcase their menu items to thousands of visitors and residents in the Food Court area of the Maui Arts & Cultural Center on Saturday, November 5. Held from 8 am to 4:30 pm, Saturday’s “Big Festival Day” is expected to attract over 9,000 visitors and residents for a full day of shopping, demonstrations, prize drawings and local foods.

Only 12 food trucks will be selected to participate in

the 2016 MIMCF event.

Deadline for Food Truck Vendor Applications is May 31, 2016. Applications will be reviewed between June 6 through July 8, and businesses will be notified of the MIMCF Selection Committee’s decision on or before July 15, 2016. Participation fee for approved food truck vendors is $300, which will be due within 10 working days upon receipt of MIMCF’s confirmation email.

Only completed applications will be reviewed by the Selection Committee. Contents must include a MIMCF Food Truck Vendor Application, Menu Submission Form, company logo, and pictures of the menu items and food truck.

For more information, please email info@ MadeInMauiCountyFestival.com or call 808-2426717.

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Gas Station Safety Tips BY:

RONALD STEBBEN Safety Specialist II Department of Corporation Counsel

Facts and figures An estimated 7,400 fires and explosions occurred at public service stations per year from 1994 through 1998. That means that, on average, one in every 13 service stations experienced a fire. These 7,400 fires caused an annual average of two civilian deaths, 70 civilian injuries and $18 million in property damage.

Of those 7,400 fires, nearly twothirds (4,620) involved vehicles.

Mechanical or electrical problems caused three out of four vehicle fires at public service stations.

the pump, a spark can ignite gasoline vapor.

radios while refueling, follow manufacturer’s instructions.

(MOST SERVICE STATIONS HAVE WARNINGS ON THE PUMPS NOT TO USE THEM).

Safety tips

• Use only the refueling latch on the gasoline dispenser nozzle, if there is one. Do not jam the latch with an object to hold it open.

• Turn off your vehicle’s engine when refueling.

• To avoid spills, do not top off or overfill your vehicle.

• Keep gasoline and other fuels out of children’s sight and reach. Gasoline is highly toxic in addition to being a fire hazard.

NEVER allow a child to pump gas.

• After pumping gasoline, leave the nozzle in the tank opening for a few seconds to avoid drips when you remove it.

• Don’t smoke, light matches or use lighters while refueling.

• Pay attention to what you’re doing. Pumping gas is the transfer of a hazardous substance; don’t engage in other activities.

• If you must use any electronic device, such as cell phones, computers or portable

• If a fire starts while you’re refueling, don’t remove the nozzle from the vehicle or try to stop the flow of gasoline. Leave the area immediately and call for help.

• Don’t get in and out of your vehicle while refueling. A static electric charge can develop on your body as you slide across the seat, and when you reach for

• If you must get into the vehicle during refueling, discharge any static electricity by touching metal on the outside of the vehicle, away from the filling point, before removing the nozzle from your vehicle.

• Use only approved portable containers for transporting or storing gasoline. Make sure the container is in a stable position.

• Never fill a portable container when it is in or on the vehicle.

Always place the container on the ground first. Fires caused by static charges have occurred when people filled portable containers in the back of pick-up trucks, particularly those with plastic bed liners. (COUNTY OF MAUI RISK MANAGEMENT HAS VIDEO PROOF OF THIS). Call Ron Steben 270-5726 if interested to see it.

• Removing the container will also prevent a dangerous spill of gasoline.

• When filling a portable container, keep the nozzle in direct contact with the container.

Fill it only about 95 percent full to leave room for expansion.

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POLL:

What is your most memorable spring break?

Rod Antone, Mayor’s Office: “A couple of years ago I took my sons on a short road trip between their home in Sacramento and San Francisco.

Even though it was a short drive we stayed in cheap motels for a week, went to amusement parks and toured the jelly bean factory (and the Budweiser factory). Ate lots of pizza and burgers, good fun.”

Reuben Ignacio, Dept. of Housing & Human Concerns: “As a teenager, sitting in the kitchen watching my mother (Rest in peace, Mom) checking on and basting the golden brown turkey in the oven, intermittently stirring the pot of gravy and bigger pot of pancit noodles while I continue to roll the vegetable and hamburger

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mix in the lumpia wrappers trying so carefully not to tear one. Mom was cooking a big Easter dinner and we were waiting for my brother and sisters and their kids to come over to eat and party. The house was filled with aromas, love and of course, family drama!”

Keith Regan, Dept. of Management: “I thoroughly enjoyed last year’s spring break when my son, wife, and I visited Harvard University, explored the Freedom Trail, went snow tubing, toured Fenway Park, and attended a Boston Celtics game. Seeing and spending time with my aunt & uncle, who live in Pelham, NH & Methuen, MA respectively, made the trip especially memorable.

Managing Director Keith Regan presented a proclamation signed by Mayor Alan Arakawa to commemorate Mayor and County Recognition Day for National Service, an event celebrated across the county by the programs of the Corporation for National and Community Service. CNCS Senior Corps Volunteers from Kaunoa’s RSVP program were on hand, as well as volunteers from the Foster Grandparent and Senior Companion Programs.

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Kaunoa offers many options for healthy aging BY: DANA ACOSTA Department of Housing & Human Concerns Life begins at 55!

One of Kaunoa’s primary focus areas is increasing a person’s HEALTHSPAN, the period of life that is free of disease and significant disability. Medical science has enabled people to live longer lives and Kaunoa strives to support healthy and independent lifestyles that will help slow down the aging process and increase a person’s HEALTHSPAN. Kaunoa’s Wellness program offers a multitude of options to put individuals 55 and better on a path to healthy aging by maintaining an active lifestyle that includes physical exercise and dance classes for a strong body, cultural and educational classes for a strong mind, and arts, humanities, and recreational activities for a healthy spirit.

Kaunoa’s classes and activities are open to everyone 55 and better; pre-registration is required. Call the Kaunoa offices at 270-7308 or 270-4310 for more information and to be included on the mailing list and start receiving Kaunoa’s The Best Years monthly newsletter today!

Kaunoa’s slate of upcoming special activities include: * Bon Dance classes in West Maui and Spreckelsville * Nordic Pole Walking with Judy Ridolfino * Father Damien: Selected Scene with Vinnie Linares, Thursday evening, April 21 * Maka’ainana, Living in the Kingdom with Nyla Fujii-Babb on April 25 * Three Strokes of Brilliance with Phil Sabado on May 6 * Save the Date: Blossoms for the Brave on Friday, May 27: donations of flowers and ti leaves will be needed to sew lei for Memorial Day ceremonies * And much, much more!

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Construction of Iao Plaza underway

The Maui Redevelopment Agency (MRA) reports that construction has begun on the Iao Plaza in Wailuku Town. The project essentially divides the site between the Iao Theater and the Police Substation/Restrooms into two difference functions. The upper portion includes a 50’ x 50’ public plaza at grade with Market Street and the restroom entrances. The space will have sandset pavers and landscaping native to the Wailuku Moku. The MRA is again teaming with the Maui Nui Botanical Gardens to provide native flora for this public space. The lower portion of the site will connect to the public parking lot behind the Iao Theater and will add sixteen new parking stalls as well as a formalized loading zone.

The project was envisioned back in 2000 as part of the Wailuku Redevelopment Planning efforts.

At that time it was anticipated to be a grassy lawn with an amphitheater space built into the grade.

Through discussions with the neighborhood and area business it became clear that retaining some parking and loading ability on the site was critical to the community. The plaza design allows for the community gathering space desired by many, while retaining and formalizing needed parking. Alexis Dascoulias, Executive Director of Maui OnStage at the Iao Theater commented, “This page 20

project has been in the works for a long time, and we are very excited to have it moving forward.”

When complete, the plaza space will be used for small performances, as a gathering space during show intermissions and for periodic events. There will be no fixed furniture included in the project at this time so that the space can be flexible to a variety of uses and to deter vagrancy. MRA chairman, Bill Mitchell said, “The plaza will be part of the area overseen by our Wailuku Town Safety Ambassadors, and as there is more programming in the plaza it will drive away negative behaviors and make way for positive, community activities.”

Regarding the construction schedule Betsill Brothers Inc., Dwayne Betsill commented, “The longest lead time will be for the project lighting (which will match the street lamps on Market Street). We are expecting to wrap up the project in about 14 weeks.”

The Maui Redevelopment Agency is planning a grand opening celebration for the community to be held in conjunction with the June Wailuku First Friday event.

For more information, contacct Erin Wade at 2690649 or erin.wade@mauicounty.gov.

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DWS receives a record 827 Water Conservation Poster Contest Entries

The Department of Water Supply’s 7th Annual Water Conservation Poster Contest drew 827 entries from public, private and home schools countywide. The goal of the contest was to educate Maui Nui’s youth on the importance of water conservation and to encourage them to take an active role in ensuring the sustainability of our islands’ water supply. This year’s theme was “By Water All Things Find Life”.

The contest entries were evaluated based on its water conservation message, originality, visual effectiveness, neatness and creativity. Winners and honorable mentions in all categories will receive prizes related to the conservation of water and will be honored in May in the Mayor’s office. Winning entries and honorable mentions will be featured in the 2017 DWS Water Conservation Calendar, on the county website at www.mauiwater.org and displayed at the County Building for one year on the 5th floor.

The contest’s three judge panel included: Ms. Flo Bahr, Substitute Teacher, Ms. Liz Foote, Executive Director of Project S.E.A. – Link and Campaign Manager of West Maui Kumuwai, and Mr. Robert DeRobles, Planner with County of Maui Department of Water Supply.

The winners are as follows: KINDERGARTEN First Place: Herman “Trey” Andaya, III, St. Anthony Grade School

Second Place: Isabelle Spencer, Haiku Elementary School Third Place: Enakai Hue Sing, Sabado’s Art Studios Honorable Mention: Kalai’i Calvan, Haiku Elementary School Honorable Mention: Helena Dudoit, Kilohana Elementary School Honorable Mention: Nora Carey, Haiku Elementary School GRADES 1 & 2 First Place: Katie De Coite, Grade 2, Emmanuel Lutheran School Second Place: Harald Bergen, Grade 1 Kamalii Elementary School Third Place: Naia Kaulukukui, Grade 2, Pu’u Kukui Elementary School Honorable Mention: Jaylen Wan, Grade 2, Makawao Elementary School Honorable Mention: Naethan Castillo, Grade 2, Lihikai Elementary School Honorable Mention: Kei’ano Ching, Grade 1, Carden Academy of Maui

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GRADES 3 & 4 First Place: Bazel Potratz, Grade 3, Kamehameha Schools Maui Second Place: Destiny Hasiugulpiy, Grade 3, Lihikai Elementary School Third Place: Jhonalyn Agdinaoay, Grade 4, Lihikai Elementary School

Honorable Mention: Haliawai Kehalani Keahi, Grade 5, Wailuku Elementary School Honorable Mention: Colten DeCoite, Grade 6, Carden Academy of Maui GRADES 7 & 8

Honorable Mention: Isabella Trumbo, Grade 3, Carden Academy of Maui

Kristel Layugan, Grade 7, Sacred First Place: Hearts School

Honorable Mention: Joshua Evans, Grade 3, Waihe’e Elementary School

Second Place: Venus Schlauch, Grade 8, Sacred Hearts School

Honorable Mention: Kristen Miguel, Grade 4, Lihikai Elementary School

Third Place: Anastasha Aco, Grade 8, Iao Intermediate School

GRADES 5 & 6

Honorable Mention: Jaz Kelber, Grade 7, Hawaii Technology Academy

First Place: Jesse Franco Bacos, Grade 5, Lihikai Elementary School Second Place: Benjamin Lolesio, Grade 6, Sacred Hearts School page 22

Honorable Mention: Angelina Gerard, Grade 5, Lihikai Elementary School

Third Place: Aiyana Alford-Grimes, Grade 6, Kihei Charter Middle School

Honorable Mention: Kiana Tuttle, Grade 7, Sacred Hearts School Honorable Mention: Aliyah M. Guico, Grade 8, Iao Intermediate School

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Kupaianaha “Blessings of Life” BY: TIFFANY IIDA Department of Management We are each so fortunate to have wonderful people in our lives, friends, co-workers, loved ones who are iimportant to us. The High Street Journal wishes to share our employees’ good news, offer a chance to get to know each other better and offer the precious joys that add spark to our lives. These are special moments and stories as written and provided by employees of the County of Maui. This column is your chance to express gratitude, praise and the simple and abundant joy these experiences have brought you- The blessings of life! Please send submissions to tiffany.iida@mauicounty.gov for inclusion in future issues of The High Street Journal.

Deanna Thyssen, Secretary to the Finance Director would like to welcome and introduce everyone to Steve Tesoro of the Department of Finance. Steve was hired as the Account System Administrator and began working on February 22, 2016.

Steve relocated from Las Vegas, NV to Maui to accept the position.

Latonya Smith, Administrative Officer of the Department of Public Works, wanted to share a fun fact/ story. At the Public Works Commission meeting on March 23, Commission Member Steven Arce and Public Works Director David Goode were surprised to learn that they share the same birthday. This makes both of them Aries, symbolized by the Ram. Aries are known as great leaders so Public Works is in excellent hands.

Mike Molina, Executive Assistant, Office of the Mayor, and Mike’s wife Cielo Molina would like to recognize their daughter Kelcie Molina. Kelcie was selected as one of 20 students in a nationwide competition to participate in the Doris Duke Conservation Scholars Program at the University of Michigan for the 2016 and 2017 Summer Semesters. The eight-week, multi-year program

provides participants with an immersive learning experience that incorporates minority history, culture, conservation practices and lab research at the University of Michigan and areas throughout the state. Kelcie is a 2014 graduate of Kamehameha Schools Maui and is currently a student at Carleton College in Minnesota majoring in Environmental Science.

On April 4, 2016, Victoria and Dwayne Jacintho, daughter and boyfriend of Tiffany Iida, Executive Secretary to Managing Director Keith Regan was on the television show Titan American Built “Back to the Rock” on MAVTV. Titan Gilroy, Chief Executive Office and star of the show returned to Maui and interviewed Dwayne about his current project of building our daughter, Victoria, a mini hot rod from a 1934 Ford Truck. Titan and his company Titan America MFG manufactured an axel for Victoria’s car that was designed by Dwayne. Titan handdelivered the axle to Dwayne and Victoria and it was placed on the car as a segment of the show.

Both Dwayne and Victoria received a huge amount of air time. Dwayne was interviewed by Titan and

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had an opportunity provided to share the history of how his passion for machining, building cars, work ethic and love for family began. Titan also featured some of the cars and motorcycles that Dwayne had built. The episode also featured Titan at a STEM Conference on Maui and going rock crawling with the guys from ICU Rock Climbing.

Although currently living on the mainland, Titan often returns to Maui where he was raised and considers home. When he returns home, he gives back to the community by giving of his time to mentor students, providing a message of hope to others. He has also started a program to mentor inmates at Maui Community Correctional Center as well as on the mainland.

Tiffany & Dwayne would like to express their sincere gratitude to Titan “Ty” Gilroy, TITAN American Built and Titan America MFG for the amazing experience and the beautifully machined axle for Victoria’s hot rod.

Not pictured: Joni Leval, Tax Maps and Records Technician III (March 12), Carla Jean Willman, Cashier II (March 25), and Toni Ogasawara, Property Valuation Analyst IV (March 28).

Michelle Makii, Secretary to the Director of the Department of Environmental Management would like to wish a happy birthday to the April babies from the Department of Environmental Management!

Allyson Higa, Guy Nishiyama, Hans Kublun, Isaac Blanchard, Jeffrey Ancog, Don Saito, Michael Kehano, William Davis, Fusho Teruya, Steven Bacalso, Alfonso Taimanao, Edward Butardo, Adrian Savella, Francis Asiu, Layne Otomo, Rebecca Barie, Peter Lafaele, Claude Sarsona and Shawn Motonaga.

Congratulations & kudos to GIS Analyst II Kristana Erikson, Planning Department’s Heart Walk team coordinator, for being instrumental in the Planning Department, with Mayor Arakawa’s assistance, raising $4,010 for the American Heart Association.

Here is an excerpt from an interview with Kristana: Q: What did you do?

On March 31, 2016 Real Property Assessment and Collections of the Department of Finance celebrated the March birthdays with Chantilly cake from Whole Foods.

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Pictured from left to right: Ryvette Figueroa, Tax Clerk II (March 12), Lisa Garcia, Tax Maps and Records Technician I (March 21), and Kekoa Cashman, Real Property Appraiser II (March 21).

Kristana: Before announcing the formation of the Planning Department’s Heart Walk team, I approached people who had participated in the Walk last year in order to recruit team members. Once our team was established, I took full advantage of our Departmental meetings, using them as an opportunity to remind colleagues of the Heart Walk on April 2 and encourage them to get involved either by joining our team or making a donation. At our March meeting, I distributed dark chocolate to everyone to remind

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them of the Heart Walk and let them know about a recently published study in the journal HEART that indicated that individuals who regularly ate dark chocolate seemed to have lower rates of cardiovascular disease than those who did not.

The next week, I approached Mayor Alan Arakawa and asked if he was willing to participate in a fundraising “match.” I thought people might be even more inspired to make donations if they knew that any money they contributed would be doubled.

Mayor Arakawa generously agreed to match all donations made by Planning Department employees from March 28 to 31.

This became the “4 Day Challenge.”

I put out donation jars in each of the Planning Department Divisions so that people wouldn’t be limited to making contributions online. I also made flyers to publicize the challenge and sent out daily reminder emails with information about cardiovascular disease. During the 4-Day Challenge, the Planning Department donated $790. With Mayor Arakawa’s generous matching donation, we raised a grand total of $4,010 for the 2016 Maui Heart Walk. I am so heartened by the tremendous support and generosity of Planning Department staff.

had many additional people participate in the Heart Walk including: Barry Aoki with two beagles in tow; Curt Eaton; Ian, Kaz, and Kees Wade; Rosie the labrador and Lucy the “labradoodle.”

Q: Why did you decide to take on this project?

Kristana: I’ve known family members, friends, and neighbors who have suffered the adverse consequences of cardiovascular disease, which made me realize that it isn’t just a disease that affects the elderly. I’ve also learned that cardiovascular disease is particularly underdiagnosed and undertreated in women.

Despite all of the progress medicine has made in its treatment and prevention, nonetheless someone dies from cardiovascular disease every 40 seconds AND it continues to claim more lives than all forms of cancers combined.

Yet most cardiovascular disease is largely preventable. Fund-raising for the American Heart Association supports research and education that improves treatment and informs people about cardiovascular disease prevention and symptom recognition. This year I wanted to take a more active role in fund-raising efforts that so clearly benefit a lot of people.

Mahalo Kristana for your hard work! You rock!

Q: Who was on the team?

Congratulations to Senior Planner Jennifer Maydan on her son Cyrus Maydan’s art piece being accepted into the Art of Trash Exhibit!

The Art of Trash Exhibit opening night is on Friday, April 8, and the exhibit runs at Maui Mall from April 9-30 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Cyrus is a 2nd grader at Makawao Elementary School.

Kristana: Our team members included: Kathleen Aoki; James Buika; Pam Eaton; Jen and Nate Maydan and their son Cyrus Maydan; Michele McLean; Erin Wade; David and Robin Yamashita.

Although not listed online as team members, we

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Photo Gallery A photo-essay of activities in the County

The Office on Aging recently held a baby shower for the Malama Family Recovery Center, which is the only agency on Maui that allows women to have their children live with them while receiving treatment. The staff at the Office on Aging donated items, such as diapers, creams, baby soap, etc, to further assist Malama Family Recovery Center’s BabySAFE program. The program, which is funded 100% through donations, focuses on educating new mothers about healthy early child development and providing intensive case management services to women so they can get clean and give birth to healthy babies. The baby shower was held on Monday, April 4, 2016, at the J. Walter Cameron Center in Wailuku. The Office on Aging would like to make a special thank you to Monica Morakis for coordinating the baby shower and to Virginia Chapman for making the beautiful and delicious cupcakes.

The Office on Aging staff challenges other County agencies to support their favorite non-profit or community organization.

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The always-spirited and ready-for-a-group-photo Finance Department celebrated St. Patrick’s Day wearing Green. Thank you for always boosting office morale by coordinating fun holiday events.

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Photos from 18th Annual Maui Heart Walk

Team Department of Personnel Services

Department of Housing and Human Concerns’ team members: Front (L-R) Corynn Sakamura, Kim Ferguson, Lillian Lechler and Joy Cordero.

Back (L-R) Linda Munsell and Ruth Griffith

Team Department of the Corporation Counsel

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13th Annual Menehune Mayhem Surf Event on April 2, 2016

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50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War Commemoration on March 29, 2016

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Earl Ray Kukahiko’s Retirement Party held on March 24, 2016. Thank you Earl for your 33+ years of outstanding service to the County of Maui!

April 3, 2016 was proclaimed Reverend Austin Murray Day throughout Maui County. Mahalo to Father Murray for his service to Trinity Episcopal Church by the Sea and to the community at large.

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Maui County Product Enrichment Program 2016

APRIL WAILUKU FIRST FRIDAY Friday, April 1, 2016, 6 to 9 PM. Join the free family event on the historic Market Street in Wailuku. Enjoy delicious foods, multiple live music & entertainment stages, activities for the keiki (children), free parking in the Maui Medical Group lot. For more information call (808) 878-1888 or visit https://mauifridays.com/wailuku.

HUI NO’EAU Art With Aloha: Understanding Hawaiian Kapa Art with Aloha educational workshop and demo series welcomes respected practitioners from Maui and across the state to share their knowledge of Hawai’i’s art and craft traditions. Join the Talk Story & Demonstration-FREE on Wednesday, April 13/10 am – 12 pm. A “talk story” with kapa maker Dalani Tanahy. Kapa is a Hawaiian cloth made from the pounded bark of the wauke (paper mulberry) plant. For more information call (808) 5726560 or visit www.huinoeau.com 2016 HUI NO’EAU Solo Artist Exhibition: Gabrielle Anderman & Melissa Chimera Now through April 20, 2016, Melissa Chimera will present “Age of change” – a series of mixed media works on linen about extinction, globalizations, and our role as humans in these processes. Gabrielle Anderman will present “Being Here,” which explores her relationship to the present, and in particular, the ways in which her mind keeps her distracted, preventing her from experiencing the present moment. For more information call (808) 572-6560 or visit www.huinoeau.com MAUI HAWAIIAN STEEL GUITAR FESTIVAL April 15-17, 2016, at the Ka’anapali Beach Hotel. Admission is FREE! Enjoy cultural activities – lei making, hula as well as workshops – steel guitar introduction, recording methods, laying techniques, Hawaiian songs & slack key, ‘ukulele, Hawaiian Style singing. For more information please call (808) 2833576 or www.mauisteelguitarfestival.com.

HAWAIIAN MUSIC SERIES Thursday, March 26, 2016, 6 – 7:30 pm, Enjoy FREE concerts under the stars and Lahaina moon, featuring talented local musicians on Baldwin Home Museum lawn, Front Street, Lahaina (Corner of Dickenson & Front Street). The combination of great Hawaiian music, award-winning restaurants and vibrant shops combine to create a perfect evening out on Lahaina town. For more information call (808) 661-3262 or visit www.lahainarestoration.org MAUI MATSURI 2016: KiCK OFF! Saturday, April 29, 2016, 6:30 pm – 9 pm, at Queen Ka’ahumanu Center, Kahului. Enjoy FREE Taiko performances, karate demonstrations, coloring contest, Hello Kitty, and more!

Please contact event organizers for more information, subject to change.

Maui County Business Resource Center April Workshop Schedule Maui County Business Resource Center workshops are offered to the general public through the Mayor’s Office of Economic Development. All workshops are held at the Maui County Business Resource Center, Maui Mall and are subject to change or cancellation. Workshops are free unless otherwise noted.

Call to reserve a seat: Ph. 270-5770

WINNING the Tax Game: How to Save Money and Avoid Audits Instructor: Pierce Gray M.A. Thursday, April 7, 2016 – 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Believe it or not, over 75% of the tax code is devoted to tax saving deductions and credits designed to promote small business and investment. The trick is knowing what they are and how to use them to reduce your tax bill. In this workshop you will learn often overlooked ways that you can save money on taxes. Most tax returns today are e-filed, and a virtual agent, a super computer, kicks out returns flagged for audit exceptions. You will learn how to avoid getting flagged, and audited, and come out a winner at the tax game!

Pierce Gray M.A. is a Managing Partner of Smart Tax Solutions, a new breed tax consulting company offering cutting edge tax planning, preparation, and representation for small and medium sized businesses, and select individuals. Pierce has a long history of tax and financial management, and is also CEO of Pierce Gray & Associates.

Upcountry Meetup on April 27 from 11:45 am to 1:30 pm at Pukalani Community Center – Pool Side Room – Pls rsvp at: www.Meetup.com/MauiBusinessBrainstormers.

BUSINESS IN THE THINK TANK WITH MBB MEMBERS (FREE) -Tuesday, April 12, 2016 - 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Maui Business Brainstormers (MBB) invite you to bring your business challenge to our Brainstorming Segment OR If you want to feature your business (or business concept) in our “Think Tank” segment (that’s 20 minutes just for you), submit a form on the MBB meetup site, OR come along to brainstorm and be showered with ideas.

FEATURES • Mingling, Introductions • Get to Know Your Neighbor An opportunity to interact with new faces and strengthen your own ability to communicate succinctly with others in fast-paced situations • Featured Business in the Think Tank A 20-minute segment in which a selected business is featured for focused brainstorming with the group.

Owners of startups and small businesses benefit from this activity. You are qualified if you have a business concept fully researched and planned but with questions or obstacles remaining, or if you are a business

already in operation with sales, but facing challenges to achieve further growth. The business owner needs to be an MBB member. To be featured in the 20-minute case-study “Think Tank”, fill out and submit the online form describing your business challenge.

On the day of the meeting, the candidate chosen presents a 5-min overview of the business, including the current challenges. The audience then brainstorms on ideas to address the problem area with the "build it, measure it, learn from it, improve it!" spirit.

• 5-min Think Tank Attendees have the opportunity to present a challenge they are experiencing in their own business for ideas and suggestions from the group. No prior submission is required – just come to the meeting with your ideas and questions, to help others and be helped toward your own success!

To attend, please RSVP at www.Meetup.com/MauiBusinessBrainstormers. Non-members need first to join the FREE membership of MBB.

Leveraging the World's Greatest Marketing Secret by Writing, Publishing and Promoting Your Book to Better Market Your Business Instructor: Patrick Snow Two dates to choose from: April 18, 2016 – 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.

April 28, 2016 – 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Are you looking for a better way to market your business? Do you have a burning desire to become a bestselling author? Attend this seminar and learn how to make your publishing and business goals come true. If you want to stand out from your competition, strengthen your credentials, and get free publicity, then writing and publishing book is your best marketing strategy. Let international best-selling author, Patrick Snow, guide you through the process. In this two-hour seminar you will learn your three publishing options, top five requirements for becoming a best-selling author, and 18 mistakes to avoid. Most importantly you will learn how to monetize your passion and even better market your business, or start a new business using your book as a platform from which you can launch! Come early, and stay late for his Q/A session that will answer all questions on your book project.

Patrick Snow is an international best-selling author of Creating Your Own Destiny, The Affluent Entrepreneur, and Boy Entrepreneur has sold between 250,000 and one million copies of his three books in five languages and 108 countries. He has been featured as a cover story in USA TODAY, The New York Times, and Forbes. When he is not traveling the world presenting, he lives in Wailuku, HI. For more information visit www.PatrickSnow.com or www.ThePublishingDoctor.com.

Get the Facts about Farm Loans and Farm Record Keeping Instructor: Richard “Buddy” Nichols Tuesday, April 19, 2016 – 12:00 pm. To 1:00 pm.

USDA, Farm Loan Programs have been available for many years and has numerous types of loans available to a farmer from beginning farmers to seasoned farmers. The importance of good record keeping increases the success of any business; including farming. Whether you apply for a loan or not, you will need to know the productivity of your farm and whether it is improving every year.

Buddy Nichols is a USDA, Farm Loan Program Manager on Maui. He previously has a BA in Animal Science as well as an MBA. He owned/managed a dairy, raised cattle and fruits/vegetables. He understands the aspects of farming from production to financial recordkeeping.

Mind the Gap – Engaging Baby Boomers and Millennials through Social Media Instructor: Nicole “nico” Fisher Wednesday, April 20, 2016 – 12:00 p.m. to 1:15 p.m. (Q&A til 1:30) Have you heard that the two largest groups in our current population is the Baby Boomers and the Millennials? In this workshop you will learn the differences between these two groups. For instance, you will find out what is unique about the Boomer World View and what is their impact on our economy? So, who are the Millennials? Why all this Millennial Fuss? This workshop presented by Nicole Fisher will help you to navigate through the Millennial Mine Field.

Nicole fisher is an energetic entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience as a Marketing Strategist, Social Media Consultant and Trainer. She is passionate about taking businesses from good to great through various marketing avenue.

Promotions: Planning & Design Strategies. Creating Offers that Work!

Instructor: Mckenna Hallett Tuesday, April 26, 2016 – 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.

When planning email marketing and other advertising strategies for your small business or nonprofit, there is a world of ideas to explore. This workshop will help you engage with your audience to maximize your impact. This workshop will also help you identify the different types of offers and promotions that will work for your organization, and you will learn how to run a successful promotion, from goal-setting to measuring your results. Attend this workshop, and you will learn: How to identify your goals and develop your marketing strategy.

Tips for identifying your audience, choosing the campaign type for you, and when to send your promotional emails.

The best practices for sending high-impact, great-looking emails about your offer, and painlessly sharing the details on social media.

Tips on measuring the results of your promotion and using the results to plan future offers.

Mckenna Hallett is a Sales and Marketing Consultant and Author and public speaker. She also partners as an Authorized Local Expert with Constant Contact. She has over two decades of experience with her own small business and a few decades more in sales and marketing for large and small businesses before that. Join her for this quick tour of the best ways to grow your business in the current marketplace using a variety of tools.

A free hand-out will be given to all attendees. The hour-long presentation will be followed with a Q & A session to anyone who wants to linger. Limited seating as always!

The ABC’s of a Business Plan Instructor: Craig Swift Wednesday, April 27, 2016 – 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Maui Economic Opportunity Business Development Center’s Core Four Business Planning is a 36-hour course on how to write a business plan while providing the information you need to know in order to start, operate and grow your business.

This workshop is a one hour introductory workshop which will provide you with a better understanding of the course outline for the Core Four Business Planning.

Craig Swift, Director of the MEO Business Development Center, will discuss the numerous reasons for writing a sound business plan. He has more than 35 years of experience in owning, managing, and lending to small businesses. Participants will receive an outline of the business plan taught by MEO’s Core Four Business Plan Course.

SPECIAL EVENING WORKSHOP- $45.00 PER SESSION

“QUICKBOOKS FOR SMALL BUSINESS” by Richard Kehoe, CPA Hands-on computer training for beginners.

Thursday, April 28, 2016 – 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Learn to set up your company’s QuickBooks in a small class setting with personalized tutoring. This class is for new users and will teach you how to record sales, receive payments, prepare invoices and balance your checkbook. Get customized answers and schedule a follow-up appointment at no cost to discuss YOUR solutions. Sponsored by SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives) and presented by Richard Kehoe, CPA and lead SCORE counselor.

FreeCOUNSELING counseling SESSIONS sessions with FREE WITHexperienced EXPERIENCEDSCORE SCOREand ANDSmall SMALL Business Development Corp. COUNSELORS: (SBDC) counselors: BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORP. (SBDC) THURSDAY AND FRIDAY MORNINGS FROM 9:00 11:30 A.M. Tuesday afternoons – 1:00 p.m. toA.M. 3:00TOp.m.

TUESDAY AFTERNOONS FROM 1:00 P.M. TO 3:00 P.M.

Thursday & Friday mornings – 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

MOST NEEDED ITEMS ARE:

CANNED MEAT & TUNA

CANNED FRUIT & VEGETABLES

CANNED MEALS & SOUPS WITH

MAR 8 – APR 28 SPRING FOOD DRIVE Please help Kaunoa support the campaign against hunger on Maui as the Maui Food Bank begins their Spring Food Drive, to prepare for the Summer months, when children are out of school and may lack access to adequate nutritional support.

DROP OFF LOCATIONS: Maui County Information Desk 2nd Floor, Kalana O Maui

PROTEIN

CEREAL, RICE, AND PASTA

KAUNOA SENIOR CENTERS SPRECKELSVILLE WEST MAUI SENIOR CENTER MAR 8 – APR 28, 2016

maui matsuri 16 TH ANNUAL

2 0 1 6

a japanese festival A P R I L 2 9 , M A Y 6 & 7, 2 0 1 6

F R I D AY APRIL 29 6:30 PM

S AT U R D AY

M AY 7 2 PM -9 PM

maui matsuri kickoff

maui matsuri festival

Queen Kaʼahumanu Center Stage

UH-Maui College Courtyard Free Children’s Crafts

(Sponsored by The Friends for Keith Regan)

Taiko, Karate Demo, Japanese Dance & Bon Dance Practice

(Presented by Minit Stop)

Food Booths (Presented by Meadow Gold Dairies, Inc.)

Entertainment Stage (Presented by TJʼs Warehouse Outlet)

F R I D AY

MAY 6

Craft Tent and “Joy of Crafting Activity” (Presented by HouseMart Ben Franklin Crafts)

7:00 PM

“let’s dance” event UH-Maui College Student Lounge (Pilina Building) Bon Dance Workshop with PJ Hirabayashi (Presented by Hale Mahaolu)

guest artists:

PJ Hirabayashi, Puna Taiko, and Taishoji Taiko

plus: Kids Games, Exhibits, Cosplay Exhibition and Contest, Bon Dancing, Martial Arts Demos, Saimin & Natto Eating Contests, Manga & Art Drawing Contests

F R E E A D M I S S I O N • PA R K I N G $ 5 P E R V E H I C L E CALL: 808.283.9999

VISIT:

www.mauimatsuri.com

SHARE:

# mauimatsuri

To all Manga & Art Enthusiasts In Maui County!

12th ANNUAL MANGA & ART CONTEST MAUI MATSURI (Japanese Festival) May 7, 2016 (Saturday) 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.

University of Hawaii-Maui College Pilina Building - Student Lounge

Two categories: Manga or Traditional Art (Entries can be made in both categories)

Entry & Submission Criteria: 1) 2) 3) 4) 5)

6)

7) 8)

9)

Contestants are Maui County residents.

Completed hand drawn work (not computer generated) on paper.

May not exceed 8-1/2” x 11”. (No frames or mounted pieces) All mediums are allowed – pencil, colored pencil, pen, etc.

All Manga entries should depict a Manga/Anime character in a festival setting and all Traditional Art entries should depict a Japanese landscape theme.

Each entry must have a completed official entry form, along with disclaimer form (parental signatures are required), taped to the back of the artwork to be accepted.

Entries will not be accepted if the form is not completed as indicated with proper signatures.

Entries will be accepted a) at the Queen Ka’ahumanu Center HouseMart Ben Franklin Craft Store, HouseMart Ace Hardware locations in Kihei, Pukalani, and Lahaina until May 1, 2016 or b) by mailing to Japanese Cultural Society of Maui, PO Box 5090, Kahului, HI 96733. Entries must be postmarked by May 1, 2016 or c) at the Manga & Art Exhibit at the Maui Matsuri festival between 1:00 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. (Pilina Building Student Lounge) Judging will begin promptly at 3:00 p.m. at the festival. Winners will be announced at the Entertainment Stage at 4:00 pm.

First place winning artwork will be featured at the Ben Franklin Store at Queen Ka’ahumanu Center for a week after the event. These entries will be mailed back to the winning artist. All other artwork should be picked up at the exhibit area at 6:00 pm, otherwise supply a self-addressed stamped envelope for return of artwork. Artwork will not be returned if an envelope is not provided.

Submissions will be judged in three age divisions for both Manga style and Traditional Art categories: 3rd grade – 5th grade, 6th grade – 8th grade and 9th grade –12th grade.

The top three (3) winning contestants from each category and age division will be awarded a certificate and cash prizes. First place $75, second place $50, third place $25. More contest information and entry forms are available at www.mauimatsuri.com or contact Kay Fukumoto at 283-9999.

2016 MANGA & ART DRAWING CONTEST ENTRY FORM (Tape this form to the back of your entry.

One form required for each entry.)

Contestant:____________________________________________ Mailing Address:________________________________________ City: _____________ Zip Code: _______ Telephone: __________ School: _______________________________________________ Category (check one):

□ Manga Style

or

□ Traditional Art

(character in festival setting)

Grade Level (check one):

(Japanese landscape)

□ 3rd grade to 5th grade □ 6th grade to 8th grade □ 9th grade to 12th grade

I hereby certify that this is my original artwork and that it is not a copy of published photographs, magazines, book illustrations or other materials protected by copyright laws. I understand that the Maui Matsuri and other sponsors are not responsible for loss or damage to my artwork. I grant exclusive rights to the Maui Matsuri and its designees to utilize my artwork for reproduction and promotional purposes and to display my art. I also grant the Maui Matsuri the right to release my name, photograph, school, and grade level in promoting the winners of this contest.

I understand that if I win first place in my division, my artwork will be displayed at HouseMart Ben Franklin Craft Store and will be mailed back to me. All other artwork should be picked up at 6pm at the festival. I will provide a postage paid return envelope if I want the artwork mailed back to me instead. If I do not provide an envelope, I understand that the festival will not be obligated to return the artwork to me and may discard it.

Please also sign the photographic release on the back of this form.

Signature of Student: ______________________________________ Date: __________ Signature of Parent/or Guardian: _____________________________ Date: __________ See 12th Annual Manga & Art Contest Entry Criteria on www.mauimatsuri.com.

HTA County Product Enrichment Programs (CPEP) Consent and Release For Use of Photographs and Images I, _____________________________________________________(“Releasor”), hereby give the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority and the County of Maui and its respective employees, agents, contractors, and assigns, the irrevocable and perpetual right, consent and permission to use, reuse, publish and re-publish, create digitized images of, adapt, distribute, transmit, and exhibit any photographs, slides, videotape, electronically created media, other film images and/or other likenesses or media, now known or hereafter to become known, taken from the 2016 Maui Matsuri Festival ________________________________________________ (name of event/program), a CPEPfunded event/project.

The photographs and/or images may be used in whole, or in part, individually or in conjunction with other images in any medium and for any purpose, including, but not limited to illustration, promotion and advertising of the CPEP events and programs, and other tourism marketing programs related to promoting travel to Hawai‘i.

I hereby release, waive and discharge the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority and County of Maui from any and all claims, actions, loss, demands, or liability arising out of, or in connection with, the use of the photographs and/or images in any of the media described hereinabove.

______ Signature of Releaser

Date

Organization Name and Address

Telephone Number

E-Mail

Program

Date

Don’t let allergies or asthma keep you from enjoying the great outdoors. Your doctor can help you create an action plan that puts you in control. If you know your triggers, you can manage your symptoms, stay active, and do the things you love.

Seize the days and breathe easy Spring has sprung. The flowers are blooming and allergy season is looming. Here are 3 ways to beat the sneeze: Rain? Check!

Spring showers clear the air, so to speak. After it rains, the outdoors is your oyster.

Salt cure Saline nasal spray or wash can flush out allergens and minimize symptoms. Even better? It’s all natural.

Visit kp.org/allergies for more ways to outsmart allergy season.

Services covered under a Kaiser Permanente health plan are provided and/or arranged by Kaiser Permanente health plans: Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, Inc., in Northern and Southern California and Hawaii • Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of Colorado • Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of Georgia, Inc., Nine Piedmont Center, 3495 Piedmont Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30305, 404-364-7000 • Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of the Mid-Atlantic States, Inc., in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C., 2101 E. Jefferson St., Rockville, MD 20852 • Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of the Northwest, 500 NE Multnomah St., Suite 100, Portland, OR 97232. Self-insured plans are administered by Kaiser Permanente Insurance Company, One Kaiser Plaza, Oakland, CA 94612.

KAH2438 | 5497MEM-15 | December 2015

Please recycle. 60356125 October 2015

Watch the clock Pollen levels are at their peak between 5–9 a.m.

Sorry, morning people …

Before You File an OSHA Complaint.

By SeaRay Beltran, Corporation Counsel/Risk Management/Safety An OSHA complaint should only be filed when you and your coworkers have judged that it is likely to produce positive results. Indeed, filing an OSHA complaint should be viewed as one tactic among many for eliminating and preventing hazardous working conditions.

Whether you are facing hazards that pose “imminent danger” and need immediate action or those that have persisted for years, consider the following steps before filing a complaint with OSHA:

 





Speak to your immediate supervisor and inform him/her of the possible hazards at your location.

Make sure to provide a copy to the division head of your department. Give your immediate supervisor 5 to 10 business days to reply to your safety concerns. If no corrective actions are done.

Bring hazardous conditions to your deputy director and director attention by email and written letter, if possible. It is your employer’s legal responsibility to keep your job safe and healthful “OSHA Section 5(a)1 and 2”. If you are a union member, work with your steward or safety specialist to notify your employer about hazards -- and allow an appropriate response time. (Despite OSHA’s antiretaliation provisions, some employers still retaliate against workers who raise safety and health concerns. Workers in unions have multiple protections against retaliation and therefore are less vulnerable when raising concerns directly with their employers.

If your employer has not addressed your concerns at the appropriate time and you have not been told what is taking place. Contact Risk Management/Safety, SeaRay Beltran. at 808-270-1757. Mr. Beltran will look into the issue and start a dialog with your departments and find out what is taking place. He will inform your department that every employee under State OSHA/HIOSH and Federal OSHA that each employee has the “Right To Know” what is happening with regards to safety and health conditions in their workplace. Mr. Beltran will also inform the department of HIOSH Section 8(e) of Chapter 396, HRS and OSHA Section 11. (Retaliation and Discrimination) Your right to Call your Union, if you have one. As your bargaining agent, your union is experienced in negotiating with your employer over a range of issues, including unsafe working conditions. Your union should also be able to judge whether to resolve hazardous conditions by working cooperatively with your employer, by complaining to OSHA, or by using other tactics. In addition, the legal power of the union should help protect you from retaliation for taking action.

Be Aware of OSHA’s Limitations There are many good reasons for calling OSHA. You or your co-workers may be in “imminent” danger. You may have notified your employer about hazardous conditions and received an unsatisfactory response. Or you and your coworkers may believe direct notification of your employer may be too risky and may result in retaliation. But before contacting the agency, you should be familiar with some of OSHA’s limitations:

Who’s Covered and Who’s Not State OSHA/HIOSH covers most of the employees in the State of Hawaii and they have their own State OSH Plan. Not everyone is covered under HIOSH, some may fall under OSHA including County and State. So don’t be surprise if you file a complaint with HIOSH and you hear back from Federal OSHA.

To Management Keep an open communication with your mid management and staff. Most complaints filed with HIOSH or OSH is due to the lack of communication between management and staff. Without your staff your department will not be able to operate and provide the public service. The key word on this article is “COMMUNICATION” and take every safety and health concern seriously I ask that management reads the Countywide S&H program that’s on the entrant to learn your role.

To the Employees Read the Countywide S&H program that’s on the entrant to learn your role as an employee. Safety and Health have no sides, and therefore, we review complaints to determine if it a department personnel issue or true safety and health concern.

Conclusion Communication is the key word here but let’s not forget to go through the procedures when it comes to any issue and is to contact your immediate supervisor, your department safety person, then management. If all that fails contact Risk Management at 270-7535 or for safety and health 2701757.

Thank you and let all work as a team. Think Safety First!