Decision 2018

Mayor, may I? MIKE VICTORINO

ELLE COCHRAN

Maui County voters will answer the question Inside: Coverage of County Council; state House and Senate races; state constitutional referendum; County Charter amendments

G E N ER AL ELE CT I O N 2018

Editor’s note:

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General Election Candidates

About Election 2018 oday’s Maui News general election supplement features candidates for mayor, Maui County Council and state House and Senate seats serving districts on Maui, Molokai and Lanai. Maui County races are nonpartisan, and state legislative races are partisan. There also are features on a referendum for a state Constitutional Convention and Maui County Charter amendments.

For this publication, candidates were asked to share their views on key issues and to provide biographical information on a questionnaire. Some candidates won their Aug. 11 party primaries and face no opposition in the general election. They are not featured in this issue.

This supplement helps residents make informed decisions when they choose island leaders for 2019-20 and beyond. This publication is available nine days before the Nov. 6 general election day, providing early voters the information they need before casting their ballots. (Early walk-in voters have until Saturday to cast their ballots. For mail-in voters, requests for a mail ballot need to be received Tuesday by the Maui County Clerk’s office.)

Continue reading The Maui News for more election coverage. Copies of this guide can be requested at the front desk of The Maui News offices at 100 Mahalani St. in Wailuku. Copies cost 50 cents.

The following is a list of all candidates who will appear on Maui County ballots in the Nov. 6 general election. Federal and state offices are partisan.

Maui County offices are nonpartisan.

U.S. Senator

House District 8

Democrat ■ Mazie K. Hirono* Republican ■ Ron Curtis

(Wailuku, Waikapu, Waiehu, Puuohala, Kahakuloa and Waihee) Democrat ■ Troy Hashimoto**

U.S. House District 2 Democrat ■ Tulsi Gabbard* Republican ■ Brian Evans

Governor

2018 Election Dates and Deadlines GENERAL ELECTION DAY: from work to vote?

If you work on Election Nov. 6 Day, you may be entitled to as much as two consecutive hours off from work to MAIL BALLOT REQUEST: vote. Voters shall not be The deadline to request a subject to any penalty, rescheduling of normal mail-in ballot is Tuesday.

Completed ballots must be hours or deductions from salary or wages because of received by the County an absence because of votClerk’s Office no later than the close of polls on Election ing. The law does not apply Day. Voters with damaged or to employees whose work hours include a period of lost ballots or mistakes on them can request a replace- two consecutive hours ment from the Clerk’s Office while the polls are open when the employee is not working for the employer.

GENERAL ELECTION EARLY WALK-IN VOTING: Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Oct. 23 to Nov. 3 Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Democrat ■ David Y. Ige* Green document that shows a vot■ Jim Brewer er’s name and address.

Nonpartisan What if I didn’t receive my ■ Terrence K. Teruya yellow voter notification Republican and address confirmation ■ Andria Tupola

card?

Contact the Clerk’s Office to find out the status of your yellow card. The phone number for the Maui County Clerk’s Office is 270-7749.

Lieutenant Governor

Democrat ■ Josh Green Green ■ Renee Ing Do I have to vote according Nonpartisan to party affiliation?

■ Paul F. Robotti Voters are not required to Republican declare a political party ■ Marissa Dipasupil Kerns

preference prior to voting.

I will be out of town on Election Day. How can I What identification can I vote?

FREQUENTLY ASKED bring to the polling place?

You can vote absentee — QUESTIONS ON Forms of acceptable either by mail or at an early ELECTION DAY: identification include a valid voting walk-in location. photo ID, such as a driver’s Complete an absentee voter Where is my polling place? license or state ID card; a application and return it to Call state elections officopy of a current utility bill; the County Clerk’s Office, cials at (808) 453-8683. bank statement; paycheck; located at 200 S. High St., or other government-issued Room 708, in Wailuku.

Am I entitled to time off

Senate District 6 (South and West Maui) Democrat ■ Roz Baker* Green ■ Melissah “Mish” Shishido

Senate District 7 (East Maui, Upcountry, Molokai and Lanai) Democrat ■ J. Kalani English*

House District 9 (Kahului, Puunene, Old Sand Hills and Maui Lani) Democrat ■ Justin H. Woodson*

At-large trustee ■ Lei “Leina‘ala” Ahu Isa* ■ William J. Aila Jr. ■ Rowena Noelani Akana* ■ Faye “Pua” Hanohano ■ Brendon Kalei‘aina Lee ■ John D. Waihee IV*

Maui Mayor ■ Elle Cochran ■ Mike Victorino

House District 10 Maui County (West Maui, Maalaea and Council north Kihei) Democrat ■ Angus L.K. McKelvey* Green ■ Jen Kamaho‘i Mather Republican ■ Chayne M. Marten

House District 11 (South Maui) Democrat ■ Tina M.L. Wildberger

East Maui ■ Claire Kamalu Carroll ■ Shane Sinenci West Maui ■ Rick Nava ■ Tamara Akiko Maile Paltin Wailuku-Waihee-Waikapu ■ Alika Atay* ■ Alice Lee

House District 12

Kahului ■ Alan M. Arakawa ■ Natalie “Tasha” Kama

(Upcountry, Spreckelsville and parts of Kahului) Democrat ■ Kyle T. Yamashita*

South Maui ■ Zandra Amaral Crouse ■ Kelly Takaya King*

House District 13 (East Maui, Molokai and Lanai) Democrat ■ Lynn P. DeCoite* Green ■ Nick Nikhilananda

Office of Hawaiian Affairs Maui resident trustee ■ Ke‘eaumoku Kapu ■ Carmen Hulu Lindsey* Oahu resident trustee ■ Kalei Akaka ■ Esther Kia‘aina

A Supplement of THE MAUI NEWS – Sunday, October 28, 2018 – Page S2

Makawao-Haiku-Paia ■ Trinette Furtado ■ Mike Molina Upcountry ■ Hannibal E. Starbuck ■ Yuki Lei Kashiwa Sugimura* Lanai ■ Riki Hokama* ■ Gabe Johnson Molokai ■ Stacy Helm Crivello* ■ Keani Rawlins-Fernandez * = Incumbents: ** = Incumbents by appointment

DOING THE RIGHT THINGS FOR THE RIGHT REASONS

G O V E R N O R

LT. GOVERNOR D

We are both committed to increasing your quality of life and ensuring that our next generation has all the opportunities they deserve. Thoughtful decisions will be made on behalf of Hawai‘i’s people and the public good in all that we do. We can be trusted to continue meeting these standards and to continue working hard on your behalf.

As we now move toward the General Election, we ask for the opportunity to serve as your Governor and Lieutenant Governor.

Mahalo for your support!

Learn more at www.davidige.org © 2018 Paid for by David Ige for Governor | P. O. Box 2280 | Honolulu, HI 96804 | info@davidige.org

A Supplement of THE MAUI NEWS – Sunday, October 28, 2018 – Page S3

GENERAL ELECTION 2018

Cochran, Victorino contend for mayor in general election

ormer Maui County Council Member Mike Victorino and current Council Member Elle Cochran finished first and second, respectively, in a seven-candidate field in the Aug. 11 primary election, advancing to the Nov. 6 general election.

Victorino took 13,556 votes, or 39.8 percent, and Cochran garnered 10,439 ballots, or 30.6 percent. Council Member Don Guzman received 8,190 votes, or 24 percent, for third place. Together, they pulled in 94.4 percent of the vote.

So going in to Election Day next month, the big question is which candidate will take Guzman’s primary votes. Also, the scales could tip in favor of the candidate who wins the most ballots from voters who didn’t vote in the primary but will in the general election.

For Victorino and Cochran, it’s the first time they’ve sought the county’s highest elected office, and it’s the first time since 1998 that there’s been no incumbent seeking re-election in the Maui mayor’s race.

Mayor Alan Arakawa is completing a second consecutive four-year term, and term limits bar him from running for mayor this year.

The candidates were asked to answer the same four questions on issues ranging from the new mayor bringing together Maui’s divided community to how Maui could im-

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prove its disaster preparedness. of the two choices we have been given on a Brief biographical sketches and the can- lot of issues. It doesn’t have to be tourism or didates’ answers to the questions follow. environment, for example. There is room for both, if we come together and think difElle Cochran ferently.

Age: 53 “People’s different perspectives create an Birthplace: Maui atmosphere for learning. People sharing Residence: their mana‘o helps elected officials make Lahaina/Honolua the best educated decisions for everyone.

Occupation: County I believe in a positive, productive atmosCouncil member phere and well-rounded decisions. I weigh (since 2011); owner, the information for each issue and listen Maui Surfboards carefully to the impacts decisions make on Education: GED Community service: Na Kia’i o Waine’e member (2013-present); board member Waiola Church (2009-2010 and 2015-present) MENDING DIVIDED COMMUNITY. The Family: Married new mayor will be the mayor of all of the residents of Maui County, which is polarMENDING DIVIDED COMMUNITY ized along various lines. How would you “The polarizing ‘us-and-them’ concept is a reach out to the "other side." Is it possible false narrative, I think. I choose to not view to bring sides together following a conour community this way, and perpetuating tentious and high-stakes election? this perspective is contentious. When I look at our community, I don’t see two sides. I see BUDGET MANAGEMENT. Mayor Alan many cultures and traditions. I see differArakawa offered double-digit increases for ences of philosophies, various opinions, a his budgets every year in office, which the multitude of ideas and numerous points of Maui County Council pared down. You view, I see communities who stick together have done so as a council member. What and help each other through emergencies. are your thoughts on managing the budgI see a lot of creative solutions to our et, needs vs. cost to residents, and inproblems that lie somewhere in the middle

communities, and act for the greater good.

“The stakes are high. We have to come together and think beyond the us-and-them choices, for everyone’s sake.”

BUDGET MANAGEMENT

“I will be looking at all departments’ budgets through audits and will evaluate the formula used to access real property values.

Hotel assessments have stayed the same for years, while home value assessments have See MAYORAL CANDIDATES on the next page

Maui County mayoral candidates were asked to answer all four of the following questions:

Get out and vote Maui Nui!

Hannibal Starbuck for Maui County Council Father and husband Rooted in the community Respect for the environment Team player B.S. Physics, M.S. Geoscience hannibalstarbuck.com

TRUE COMMUNITY REPRESENTATION Paid for by Friends of Hannibal Starbuck, P.O. Box 880234, Pukalani, HI, 96788

A Supplement of THE MAUI NEWS – Sunday, October 28, 2018 – Page S4

creases to property taxes and rates and fees?

CHIEF EXECUTIVE PREPARATION. How are you prepared to serve as the county’s chief executive, overseeing more than 2,000 employees and an budget of nearly $760 million in fiscal 2018-19?

DISASTER PREPAREDNESS. In light of recent experiences with tropical storms Lane and Olivia, are you satisfied with Maui County’s level of disaster preparedness and response? If not, what changes would you propose?

GENERAL ELECTION 2018 MAYORAL CANDIDATES Continued from Page S4

skyrocketed. This needs attention. Also, if we can get our fair share of transient accommodations taxes back to the county, there is no need to raise taxes.

“I have had many concerns during the council’s budget process. We are a rich county, with a budget of almost a billion dollars. No resident should be lacking in human necessities. The money is available. It just needs to be prioritized differently. I intend to reprioritize our monies to benefit our residents, keiki to kupuna, our workforce and vulnerable populations.

“Rates and fees are also in need of an overhaul. Many have been in places for decades. Vetting them carefully with the respective communities and groups affected needs to be done during decision-making to avoid unintended consequences.

“I’d like to increase transparency in county expenditures by creating an online site for the public to view where the taxpayers’ dollars are spent, something similar to our personal checking accounts.”

CHIEF EXECUTIVE PREPARATION

“The last eight years as council member has prepared me well. I have scoured the county budget, chaired various committees tasked with budgetary constraints and decisions, worked closely with county employees, and addressed the needs of the various communities. I plan on hiring a professional county manager to assist me in overseeing the county. This manager will also work with the qualified professional department directors I hire. They will oversee and work cooperatively with their department employees. We will all work together as a ‘kakou’ organization, a ‘we’ organization.

Our communication and working relationships will be collaborative starting with me as the mayor, to the county manager, along with department heads who work with their division heads, county employees and with all council members. This integrated approach will allow for decisions that benefit the citizens of Maui Nei. I was voted in by the people because I successfully represent their voices, their thoughts and ideas.

“As council member, my office has always taken a leadership position in problem solving for the community, whether it was a

council, administration, county or state mat- president and board of directors (2014ter, and I continue to operate our county ad- 2017); General Insurance Agents of Maui, ministration in such a manner.” president, 2012-present Family: Married, two adult sons

lighted by their importance. I assure you I will do my best not to have double-digit increases in our county budget.”

DISASTER PREPAREDNESS

CHIEF EXECUTIVE PREPARATION

“We must do better. There were clear communication and response issues for residents directly in the path of the fire or flood.

These emergencies occurred in remote areas, so they did not receive important information. We need to better utilize radio stations and emergency notification systems.

We also need teams organized in neighborhoods that can be ready to respond quickly.

“Maui Emergency Management Agency needs a better coordinated hotline and detailed maps of every region in this county. It took my staff an inordinate amount of time before emergency personnel understood that Napili was not Honokohau Valley where a life-threatening flood was occurring. The Maui Fire, Police and Public Works departments were prepared and did their jobs well.

The Red Cross needs more storage and emergency supplies in each district. Alternative evacuation centers need to be considered and equipped as existing ones were inadequate during the fire. People were sent out in the wind and rain with nowhere to go.

Our local churches, hotels and grass-roots groups were there to assist people, and that ensured that people got the food, shelter and clothes they needed. One of my first priorities will be to implement new protocols for emergencies.”

MENDING DIVIDED COMMUNITY

“Yes it is possible. Not only possible, but necessary for the health for our county and state. At our core, we are rooted in the spirit of aloha. In fact, the ‘Aloha Spirit Law’ is written into Hawaii’s Constitution (HRS 57.5). We must go beyond ‘sides’ and realize we are all here together and while we might not always agree, we must work together for the betterment of the community.

“I have always had an ‘open-door’ policy and believe in working with all people. My record shows that my decisions are based on gathering pertinent information from all stakeholders, finding consensus where possible and then making the decision where the people of Maui County will be direct beneficiaries. In order to make the best decision, it is imperative to have representation from all sectors of the community. The Aloha Spirit Law states ‘Aloha Spirit’ is the coordination of mind and heart within each person. It brings each person to the self. Each person must think and emote good feelings to others.

A Victorino administration will have as its foundation the Aloha Spirit.”

“As for being prepared to serve as the county’s chief executive, I am very prepared and confident. Having done budgets for multimillion-dollar operations, I have an excellent understanding of how to implement cost savings where we can reallocate funds and positions to make government more efficient. I worked for 10 years on the council with county agencies, nonprofits as well as the private sector, when it came to the areas of capital improvement projects and procurement law. Along with my professional knowledge and with the right directors and staff, my administration will be a transparent one for Maui County in getting things done.

“A Victorino administration won’t just bring a program forward, it will implement it. I am ready, willing and able to serve as the county’s chief executive, and I thank the people for their confidence and their vote.”

DISASTER PREPAREDNESS

“Every threat brings more awareness on how prepared we are as a community. Our first responders did a tremendous job in protecting property and lives during the recent disasters. Can we improve? Yes. There are BUDGET MANAGEMENT issues that need to be addressed, and focusing “Fiscal prudence is the key. Fiscal prudence means keeping costs in check wher- on being better prepared next time is something I will work on immediately as mayor. I ever and whenever possible while understanding cost-of-living increases as well as have already spoken to those in emergency increases associated with products and serv- management, and they assured me that they Age: 66 ices rendered from the private sector. In the have learned and are already addressing variBirthplace: Hilo ous issues. The public has to understand that meantime, we can take measures to cut Residence: Wailuku costs. For example, my administration will they too play an intricate part in their own reOccupation: Insursponse in being prepared for their family’s minimize nonessential travel and utilize ance, Mutual Under- more webinars for various forms of educa- needs. writers Corp.

“We have to make sure that our shelters tion and meetings to keep the costs down Political experifor public employees. This is something we have a good working relationship with the ence: Maui County can implement immediately as we keep pru- utilities, first responders, federal and state Council member, agencies, because working collaboratively dent eyes on major costs. Where fees and 2007-2016 will minimize the impact of any disaster that rates are concerned, we will do our best to Education: Studied business management match the costs and revenue accurately. comes our way. We are an island communiat Hawaii Community College and Hilo Col“As for the real property tax, we have to ty. We are family and the safety of this familege be careful that values, as they continue to in- ly is a responsibility I take very seriously.

Community service: Ka Hale A Ke Ola “I again want to thank all those — governcrease, are offset by rates that match-up to Homeless Shelter, vice president (2013ment, nonprofit, businesses and private citithe needs of the county.

2015); Knights of Columbus, state deputy zens — who came out during the past disas“I will make sure that our budget is as (2012-2014 and 2018) and supreme warden lean as possible with the needs of the variters to help our community. Maui is indeed (2016-2017); Maui Family Support Services, ous departments brought forward and high- ‘No Ka Oi.’” A Supplement of THE MAUI NEWS – Sunday, October 28, 2018 – Page S5

Mike Victorino

GENERAL ELECTION 2018

Candidates set for final lap in Maui County Council races Five incumbents defend seats; four seats open he Aug. 11 primary election win- advocate and, among other things, an execnowed the field of candidates for nine utive assistant to Council Member Elle Maui County Council seats down to Cochran. They emerged from a three-way 18. primary contest in which Crivello finished Five incumbents are defending their seats first with 14,613 votes, or 42.9 percent, against challengers. and Rawlins-Fernandez took 11,073 balLanai Council Member Riki Hokama is lots, or 32.5 percent. There were 7,090 being challenged in a second consecutive blank votes, 20.8 percent, and candidate election cycle by invasive species techni- Cora Caparida-Schnackenberg received cian Gabe Johnson. In the 2016 general 1,307 votes, or 3.8 percent. election, Hokama took 23,272 votes, or 44 In the 2016 general election, Crivello percent, to the ‘Ohana Coalition-backed had 22,763 votes, 43 percent, to RawlinsJohnson's 19,092 votes, or 36.1 percent. Fernandez's 18,496, or 34.9 percent.

The number of blank votes in the race was Blank votes amounted to 11,682, or 22.1 10,570, or 20 percent. percent.

In another rematch, Molokai Council Member Stacy Crivello will face off against See COUNCIL CANDIDATES Keani Rawlins-Fernandez, a food safety on the next page

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All Maui County Council candidates were asked to answer: GENERAL EXCISE TAX SURCHARGE. What is your position on whether Maui County should enact a surcharge of as much as half a percent on the state's general excise tax? If enacted, what would you propose using the additional money for? (Maui is the only county in the state not to add the surcharge, which the state Legislature allowed with a 2030 expiration.)

The candidates were also asked to choose and answer one of the following: BALANCING DEVELOPMENT. As it considers development issues, how should the County Council balance the need for affordable housing and growth with community concerns about traffic congestion and impacts on resources such as water, wastewater capacity and the environment?

COUNCIL MANAGEMENT. Do you think changes are needed in the management and operations of the Maui County Council? If so, what would you propose?

MAUI COUNTY ECONOMY ASSESSMENT. What is your assessment of Maui County's economy? And what do you think council members could do to improve it?

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GENERAL ELECTION 2018

COUNCIL CANDIDATES Continued from Page S6 Meanwhile, three freshman council members who won their seats in 2016 take on challengers. South Maui Council Member Kelly King, an ‘Ohana-backed candidate, will have her first re-election test with a challenge from Zandra Amaral Crouse, a real estate broker. Upcountry Council Member Yuki Lei Sugimura will field a challenge from Hannibal Starbuck, a Baldwin High School science teacher. And, Wailuku-Waihee-Waikapu Council Member Alika Atay will see if he can keep his seat from former Council Member Alice Lee. She served on the council from 1989 to 1998 and was director of the county Department of Housing and Human Concerns from 1998 to 2006.

That leaves four open seats with council Chairman Mike White not running for reelection to his Makawao-Haiku-Paia seat, the retirement of Bob Carroll from his East Maui seat and Council Members Cochran and Don Guzman giving up their West Maui and Kahului seats, respectively, to run for mayor.

The Makawao-Haiku-Paia contest pits former Council Member Mike Molina against web page and graphics designer Trinette Furtado, a legislative and policy analyst for Council Member Atay. In the primary election, Molina came out on top with 16,385 votes, or 48.1 percent, and Furtado had 11,642 votes, or 34.2 percent.

Candidate Adam Borowiec had 1,012 votes, or 3 percent. There were 5,045 blank votes, 14.8 percent.

The East Maui race brings together Claire Kamalu Carroll, daughter of Council Member Carroll, and Shane Sinenci, a public school special education teacher. Sinenci, an ‘Ohana-backed candidate, lost to Bob Carroll in 2016, taking 19,119 votes, or 36.1 percent, to Carroll's 25,273, or 47.7 percent.

The Kahului council race has Mayor Alan Arakawa attempting to retake the seat he held from 1995 to 1998 and from 2001 to 2002. In the primary election, he finished second to social justice organizer Natalie “Tasha” Kama. She received 12,712 votes, or 37.3 percent, to Arakawa's 11,790, or 34.6 percent. Candidate Deb Kaiwi took 4,519 votes, or 13.3 percent.

There were 5,060 blank votes, 14.8 percent.

And, the West Maui contest has county lifeguard and former mayoral candidate Tamara Paltin facing photography and video production business owner Rick Nava. In the primary, Paltin finished on top with 15,242 votes, or 44.7 percent, while Nava had 5,799 ballots, or 17 percent. Finishing close behind in third place was Kanamu Balinbin with 5,623 votes, or 16.5 percent. Blank votes amounted to 7,421, or 21.8 percent.

Brief biographical sketches and the candidates' answers to the questions follow.

The races are in alphabetical order.

Furtado did not respond to the questionnaire, but her biographical information is listed.

EAST MAUI

ballots that they are voting for.”

BALANCING DEVELOPMENT

“When we look at the community plans, we need to do a 50-year plan. See where Maui County sees its future and plan infrastructure, housing, agriculture and where will Shane Sinenci Age: 51 we be at as an island. Maui has grown on Birthplace: Hana population due to generational families and Residence: Hana people who made Maui their home. County Occupation: Public needs to move forward in wastewater treatschool teacher, spement facility so irrigation systems may use cial education recycled water.

Political “Be mindful of water usage. experience: Ran for “For roadways, there are roadways that County Council seat were built and people choose not to use them. in 2016 There are areas with traffic congestions that Education: Lahainaluna High School, community can use alternate routes.

1985; University of Oregon, Bachelor of Ar“Back streets of Kahului are neglected chitecture, 1992; Chaminade University of from road improvements. This needs attention.

See COUNCIL CANDIDATES “Invasive species not only needs funding on the next page but community work groups and volunteers

Claire Kamalu Carroll Age: 49 Birthplace: Hana Residence: Hana Occupation: Employee of Gammie Home Care and Travaasa Hana (Hana Ranch Restaurant) Education: Hana High School Community service: Neighborhood Crime watch; Maui County parks enrichment program, Kupuna awareness; Hana Community Association vice chairwoman; Hana Advisory Committee chairwoman; Fill the boot, Fireman’s fundraiser (Muscular Dystrophy Association) Family: Three children and five grandchildren

GENERAL EXCISE TAX SURCHARGE

needs to happen in order to help control the problem (miconia, fire ants, coqui frog, African tulip).

“Working with the future administration is important so we can get things done.”

“I do not support the increase. Maui County already contributes into the transient accommodations tax a large amount estimated to be 40 percent of the TAT. We are penalizing our visitors industry. What needs to happen is we need to get more of our share from the TAT and enforce fines on illegal rentals.

Maui County contributes millions, and now the state wants to take more. This is up to the community to understand what will be on the A Supplement of THE MAUI NEWS – Sunday, October 28, 2018 – Page S7

GENERAL ELECTION 2018 ment and urban growth. I strongly believe that communities have inventoried their Continued from Page S7 natural resources, their cultural sites and open spaces, their farmlands, their public Honolulu, teacher certification facilities, their housing needs and their Community service: Hana Community As- plans for community growth and expansociation, 2014-18; ‘Aha Moku Councils, sion. It is unfair for only certain communiHana, 2013-18; Maui County Planning Com- ties to be targeted for large tracks of housmittee, advisory, 2009-11; sports coach ing, while others reap the benefits of in(soccer, volleyball, tennis, Makahiki games), creased economic growth and social serv2006-present ices.

Family: Single “I believe every community should have access to all the benefits of public services GENERAL EXCISE TAX SURCHARGE and social entertainment within their own “The cost of living index in Hawaii is al- districts. As a council member, I would ready high, and many families struggle to fully support all community plans.” pay rents, mortgages, vehicle tax, insurance, household bills and food costs.

“Adding another tax will only add to the exorbitant high costs of living in Hawaii.

However, I feel the surcharge will help to fix our civic utilities and bring them up to Alan M. Arakawa modern standards, maintain failing infraAge: 67 structure due to increase wear and tear; and Birthplace: Wailuku help to build much-needed affordable Residence: Kahului homes for local residents. That said, I Occupation: Mayor strongly believe people want to contribute of Maui County to projects that directly benefit the public Political experience: good and if presented in that fashion, they Maui County Council, would fully support an additional tax. The three terms tax could potentially be a temporary tax Education: Maui that would cease after civic projects are High School, University of Hawaii, Maui completed. Of course, such projects need Community College to be collaboratively funded by all stakeCommunity service: Chairman of the holders including state, county and federal board of Maui Hui Malama; vice president of subsidies to foresee the completion of said the board of the Kahului Town Association; projects. Ultimately, we want to see what Maui Coastal Land Trust; Maui Filipino our residents want and could potentially af- Chamber of Commerce; board member and ford, with what our county truly needs to president of the Maui Okinawa Cultural Censerve the public good.” ter Family: Married, two adult children

COUNCIL CANDIDATES

KAHULUI

BALANCING DEVELOPMENT

“As a resident of rural East Maui, I can understand the inherent issues of small town communities. While campaigning in the different communities around Maui County, I find that each community is established in its own identity, lifestyle and traditions — each one being unique. Many community associations have formed their own mission statements and community directives to guide them into the future — work that has taken many years to formulate. As a council person, I would seek the advice and recommendations of each community first when considering develop-

GENERAL EXCISE TAX SURCHARGE

related projects. If enacted, the additional GET would allow for additional and faster road improvements. The creation of an improved route over the pali, the completion of the Lahaina bypass, the creation of a Paia bypass and the creation of a Kihei to Haliimaile road are a few projects that could be completed more quickly. Bridges and culvert repairs, sidewalks, etc., could also be funded at an accelerated rate. Another option is to implement the tax and at the same time, use these funds to replace expenditures for road and highway improvement projects currently funded by property taxes.

A citizens' vote should determine whether to implement the additional half-percent GET tax or not.”

BALANCING DEVELOPMENT

“The County Council should create a General and Community Plan process that allows for the implementation of an expected need component for housing. The desired areas of need should be estimated for the 10-year plan period. The desired locations should be assigned comprehensive zoning, which should bring everything in line for actuation.

“Medium- and long-range planning should also be key elements. Some projects, like water source development, waterlines, sewage treatment plants, highways, harbors and airports are very expensive and have long-term impacts. These types of infrastructure should be programmed into a longrange plan for 50 to 100 years or longer and should be required. The 10-year community plan should follow the long-range plan.

“There should be a requirement that all of the infrastructure such as roads, sewers, water, etc., should be in place in order to keep up with the projected demand.

“This process would allow planning and control of where, when and how the community would be allowed to grow.

“The county budget would also be programmed, and the reality of budget and demand would determine the real rate of expansion or contraction.”

“The state currently allows us about $20 million a year for roadwork. This is barely enough to cover minimum maintenance.

We have only one major tax base, which is our property tax. Major road construction and bridge repairs can cost hundreds of millions of dollars. Without adequate funds, our roads and bridges will deteriorate and/or lose capacity. We are experiencing major traffic backups in Lahaina, Kihei, Paia and Kahului.

“The half-percent additional GET is a conditional tax for roadway- and highwayA Supplement of THE MAUI NEWS – Sunday, October 28, 2018 – Page S8

Natalie “Tasha” Kama Age: 66 Birthplace: Honolulu Residence: Kahului Occupation: Social justice organizer, Faith Action for Community Equity Political experience: Ran for Office of Hawaiian Affairs; Maui County Council, Wailuku-Waihee-Waikapu seat; state House of Representatives, District 8 Education: University of Hawaii Maui College graduate Family: Married, 11 children, 30 grandchildren, two great-grandchildren

GENERAL EXCISE TAX SURCHARGE

“My position on whether Maui County should enact a surcharge of as much as half a percent on the state's general excise tax is that the surcharge should not be enacted.

My sense is that we come up with our priorities and then propose the funding mechanism. We should not increase taxes, add surcharges or fees if we are not clear as what they will be used toward.”

MAUI COUNTY ECONOMY ASSESSMENT

“My assessment of Maui County's economy is that we need to diversify our economy.

Tourism is an external economy, and we need an internal economy. We are too dependent on tourism to admit that there are negative impacts that our residents suffer from, and if don't diversify, much of our social ills will only escalate. I believe the county needs to shift its thinking around a more internal economy such as agriculture for these reasons: (1) Should we get cut off from air and ocean shipping we will certainly starve waiting for help; we must actively grow our local agricultural economy; (2) We are able to sustain ourselves as an island community by actively growing our local agricultural economy because the experts are here; (3) Every new housing development should have a subsistence agricultural program attached to make housing affordable as well as sustaining that family; (4) Historically, it is proven to be successful; (5) We have a mandate from our youth to perpetuate the culture

See COUNCIL CANDIDATES on the next page

GENERAL ELECTION 2018 large percentage of our workforce commuting to the same areas, South and West Continued from Page S8 Maui, for work within the visitor industry.

“The council should consider enticeand create incentives for them to return home ments in the health and education fields to from college (the Hawaiian culture is aina broaden our county's economy, and therebased).” by creating employment opportunities to reduce the need for residents to work multiple jobs. In tandem with creating and exLANAI panding diverse employment sectors, we should identify viable areas for housing Riki Hokama and economic growth. We can then very Age: 65 Birthplace: Waimea, purposefully direct community growth in areas that would fit these sectors and in Kauai turn mitigate traffic congestion and imResidence: pacts on water, wastewater capacity and Lanai City the environment.”

Occupation: Maui County Council Gabe Johnson member Age: 45 Political experiBirthplace: Miami ence: Delegate to the 1978 Hawaii State ConResidence: stitutional Convention; Maui County Council Lanai City 1999-2008, 2011-present Occupation: InvaEducation: Bachelor of Arts in sociology, sive species techniwith minor in Hawaiian studies from Univercian sity of Hawaii at Manoa Political experiCommunity service: Coordinated ence: Ran for Counfundraising drives for Lana‘i Intermediate ty Council seat in 2016 Band to attend Maui District Band Festival; Education: Bachelor of Arts, English coordinated fundraising drives for Lana‘i major; Kent State University, Ohio Physical Fitness Team to attend national Community service: Lanai Heritage Subcompetition; Maui Lana‘i Pono Softball sponsistence Fishing Practices, member, 2014sor present; Maui County Commission for AmerFamily: Single icans with Disabilities Act, member GENERAL EXCISE TAX SURCHARGE Family: Single, one child “No, I believe the county currently genGENERAL EXCISE TAX SURCHARGE erates sufficient revenues. Our challenge “I am against any increase of the general has been to receive our fair share of revexcise tax because it affects the middle enues from the state. If the state believes class much more than the tourist. I go to that a 'surcharge' for a specific purpose in the grocery store almost daily while a Maui County (i.e., state highways) is crititourist may not even leave the hotel. It is cal, the Legislature has the authority to do just another tax burden on our workers.” so. If that is the case, the state should follow through with appropriate legislation instead of relying on the county to do so.” MAUI COUNTY ECONOMY

COUNCIL CANDIDATES

ASSESSMENT

MAKAWAO-HAIKU-PAIA Mike Molina

MAUI COUNTY ECONOMY ASSESSMENT

“I believe our economy will continue to prosper provided we continue to look for ways to diversify our economy and not just depend on our visitor industry. As agricultural lands become available, we have a unique opportunity to pursue grants, establish tax incentives for farming and bring together traditional and organic farmers to address food sustainability and to discuss ways to expand local livestock, perennial crops and crop diversification. Furthermore, with an aging Council, 2001-2010 Military: U.S. Air Force, Hawaii Air Nation- population, I would like to work with my colleagues, the administration, UH-Maui Colal Guard lege and health care leaders to attract and deEducation: Makawao School, Maui High velop more health care professionals to servSchool, UH-Hilo (degrees in sociology and ice our citizens who are now living longer, education) Community service: Veterans of Foreign fuller lives. This industry will grow our Wars; Maui Evangelical Church, board presi- workforce and create jobs. With Kaiser taking the reins at the hospital, we now have a dent; Maui Economic Opportunity board unique opportunity to work with them to enmember hance our health care services.”

Family: Married, three children Age: 58 Birthplace: Wailuku Residence: Makawao Occupation: Executive assistant to the mayor Political experience: Maui County

GENERAL EXCISE TAX SURCHARGE

“I am not in favor of increasing the GE tax because it impacts businesses and consumers, and it impacts the poor and needy the most. We are fortunate to have a very strong economy. People are working. The visitor industry is flourishing, and the minimum wage continues to grow. Why at this point would we take money out of people's pockets when we have fought so hard to establish a living wage for our community? As a general rule, any tax increase must be justified, have a long-term benefit and be supported by the community. Maui County should focus on securing a larger portion of our contributory share of the transient accommodation tax instead of raising taxes on our citizens.”

Trinette Furtado Age: 47 Birthplace: Wailuku Residence: Haiku Occupation: Independent web and graphics designer; legislative and policy analyst for Council Member Alika Atay Political experience: Sought the MakawaoHaiku-Paia council seat in 2016 Education: University of Hawaii at Manoa, Bachelor of Fine Arts, 2001 Community service: Sierra Club Maui executive board member, 2016-17; ‘Aha Kauleo See COUNCIL CANDIDATES on the next page

Please vote on November 6th.

“Ready to Serve”

Restore political power back to the people.

“I think there is too much money leavImprove the quality of life for Maui County.

“We need to change the paradigm. Pair- ing our county. How can we have tourism Develop opportunities for civic engagement. breaking economic records and yet we ing affordable housing with economic Create housing that is reflective of our cannot pay hotel workers a livable wage? growth in specific and purposeful employresident’s income. ment sectors can go a long way to address- There has been a growing number of people who want to farm and realize the iming affordable housing needs, while also balancing impacts on traffic and resources. portance of a local food source. Small loMaui County Council / Kahului Seat We need to look at adjusting the economy. cal farms work well with tourism. I see an opportunity here.”

Paid for by KAMA 4 COUNCIL • P.O. Box 503, Wailuku, HI 96793 Many of our traffic concerns stem from a A Supplement of THE MAUI NEWS – Sunday, October 28, 2018 – Page S9

BALANCING DEVELOPMENT

Natalie Tasha Kama

GENERAL ELECTION 2018

COUNCIL CANDIDATES Continued from Page S9 executive board member, 2014-16 Family: Single, one child Furtado did not respond to The Maui News questionnaire for this supplement.

Workers for Elle

COUNCIL MANAGEMENT

“No. I do not believe changes are needed with the management and operations of the Maui County Council, except of the employ Stacy Helm Crivello of the council members' hired assistants. I Age: 72 Birthplace: Hoole- believe enforcement of workplace violence or any indication of threats from any emhua, Molokai ployee should be subject to termination of Residence: Kalaemployment and direction to stay away maula, Molokai from the respective properties of the counOccupation: Maui cil. This enforcement lacks because segment County Council member, since 2013 of employees appointed by the individual Education: Molokai council members are not recognized under the jurisdiction of the Office of Council High School; College of Commerce, Honolulu; Maui Commu- Services and involvement of the county’s personnel department. The assistants are nity College hired at will by the council member. CounCommunity service: Founding memcil members select their respective office ber/past board member of Molokai Land Trust; Molokai East Watershed Project; Kala- executive assistants. The process allows the member to hire and fire assistants. I would maula Homesteaders Association propose to have policies in place to prevent Family: Single, four children, six grandand protect all employees from tactics that children, one great-grandson indicate threats of any type.

GENERAL EXCISE TAX SURCHARGE “The Office of Council Service staff is “The state has authorized the counties made up of legislative analysts, legislative attorneys, committee secretaries, administo enact a half-percent increase to the 4 trative support and council district offices. percent GET. It is unfair to increase our Maui County residents with a regressive The elected council chair with the County EARLY VOTING tax that will be taking a larger percentage Council has oversight of the Office of October 23 to November 3 • 8 am to 4 pm Council Services and its management. The from lower-income residents. The GET Open Saturdays too! operations are professional and responsive increase is added to activities taxed at the Maui Island: Wailuku Community Center 4 percent rate and this may include food to the needs of the County Council.”

(Velma McWayne Santos) and prescription drugs costs.

GENERAL ELECTION • Tuesday, NOVEMBER 6th Keani Rawlins-Fernandez “I recognize the need for additional 7 am to 6 pm Age: 35 funding to pay for transportation projects.

Find your polling place 808-453-VOTE (8683) Birthplace: Molokai However, are Maui County residents SAME DAY REGISTER & VOTE! Residence: willing to pay for state highway and Kaunakakai roadway projects? The state has a greater Occupation: Lead capacity to increase taxes than we do. advocate, Hawai‘i Hawaii state has 17 taxations and Maui Center for Food County has three, leaving the state with Safety; executive as14. Rather than imposing this surcharge, sistant, Office of the state may want to consider giving the Council Member Elle counties its full share of transient accommodations tax. Maui County generates See COUNCIL CANDIDATES $125 million in TAT revenues, but it reon the next page A Supplement of THE MAUI NEWS – Sunday, October 28, 2018 – Page S10

MOLOKAI

Farmers for Elle

ceives only $24 million. Instead of taxing our residents, I would ask the state Legislature to allow Maui County to receive its revenue stream from its visitor tax accommodations.

“However, I do support the opportunity to have the discussion on the half-percent surcharge and outreach to our community for their input.”

Families for Elle

GENERAL ELECTION 2018 “Support wider public engagement: Increasing public engagement must start with Continued from Page S8 making participation easier. Simple measures, such as employing existing technology to acCochran; administrative director, Molokai Community Service Council; graduate assis- cept testimony via video chat from where the tant, Office of Civil Rights at the University of person is, will help those that live far from the Hawaii at Manoa; research assistant to profes- Council Chambers; those with full-time jobs; and those who aren’t as mobile, like our eldsor Malia Akutagawa, Ka Huli Ao Center for erly and people with disabilities.

Excellence in Native Hawaiian Law “I’d also create a public access information Education: Juris doctorate degree, specializing in environmental and Native Hawai- room, like that at the state Legislature, to eduian law; master’s degree in business admin- cate the community on the council process, navigating the council website, tracking bills istration; bachelor's degree in public relaand testifying. tions; Molokai High School “Adopt a professional manager model: A Community service: Board director, county manager would help to ensure that the Molokai Child Abuse Prevention Pathways; board director, Office of Hawaiian Affairs’ Na- most qualified department director is hired tive Hawaiian Revolving Loan Fund; precinct and would provide continuity and consistency for our county operations. president for 13-6, Democrat Party of “Revamp the budget process: Every year, Hawai‘i; president, Ho‘olehua Hawaiian Civic the council takes a month and a half to focus Club; member, Ho‘olehua Homestead Agrion crafting the budget. All other business gets culture Association sidelined until it's complete. Since amendFamily: Married, two children ments are made to the budget throughout the GENERAL EXCISE TAX SURCHARGE year anyway, it makes sense to move to a bi“My position on whether Maui County ennial budgeting process, like the state Legisshould enact a surcharge of as much as half lature.” a percent on the state’s general excise tax is that it is worth exploring, especially to help alleviate traffic for our residents, thereby improving everyone’s quality of life. I would support the implementation of a 0.5 percent GET surcharge for the three Zandra Amaral Crouse Age: 66 critical highway projects: Paia bypass, LaBirthplace: Maui haina bypass, and the north-south collector Residence: Kihei road in Kihei. Traffic has become a serious Occupation: Real problem throughout the island, and it’s unestate broker fortunate that our elected officials didn’t do Political experimore to pace development of highways ence: President and and other infrastructure with the growth of vice president of the population. This additional surcharge Democratic Party will help the county raise $440,000,000 South Maui District for these projects. While I recognize that Education: Attended Baldwin High School; the GE tax is a more regressive tax, it would only be an additional $8 per month St. Anthony High School graduate; University of Hawaii graduate for someone with an annual income of Community service: Chorister and choir $20,000. I would work hard to secure funding from the state and federal govern- member, Church Of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints, 2000-present; supporter of Little ments, so that this surcharge would end sooner than the sunset period of 11 years.” League, football and other sport teams, 1999-2018 Family: Married, two children, eight COUNCIL MANAGEMENT grandchildren, four great-grandchildren “The council and community members would benefit by increasing public engageGENERAL EXCISE TAX SURCHARGE ment, adopting the county manager model, “Can we afford added cost to doing busiand making the budget process more efficient.

COUNCIL CANDIDATES

SOUTH MAUI

ness in Hawaii? Can small businesses afford another tax?

“When the governor signed Act 1, two things impacted us: “Cap on the transient accommodations tax became permanent for counties.

“Counties have another opportunity to enact a half-percent surcharge on GET for transportation.

“Specifically for operating and capital costs for public transportation systems, including public highways, public buses, trains, ferries, pedestrian paths or sidewalks, or bicycle paths; and expenses in complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 with respect to public transportation

systems.

“Who pays these surcharges?

“Purchasers of goods and services subject to GET. “Visitors pays on all purchases.

“Currently, they don’t contribute any taxes directly to the county.

“Visitors will pay approximately 30 percent to 40 percent of surcharge collected.

“Eligible food purchases under federal food assistance programs are exempt from GET (SNAP, WIC).

“Reasons we need the surcharge:

See COUNCIL CANDIDATES on the next page

e s i c r e x e e s a e l P ! e t o v o t t h g i your r

orted: Riki proudly supp Complex for Wailuku Civic ss Ongoing progre Recreation Center Pa i Community rk au M h ut So of g Buildin Center in Kahului w County Service tchen Construction of ne er Commercial Ki i Community Cent na La r fo g in nd Fu rk country Skate Pa Development of Up Center and aikapu Community Renovations of W urt the basketball co reconstruction of ai Baseyard building to Molok w ne a of n io ct Constru

General Election: 18 Tuesday, Nov. 6, 20

of Riki Hokama.

Paid for by Friends i City, HI 96763 na P.O. Box 631258, La

A Supplement of THE MAUI NEWS – Sunday, October 28, 2018 – Page S11

GENERAL ELECTION 2018

COUNCIL CANDIDATES Continued from Page S11 “Opportunity to diversify tax base (other than real property tax and transient accommodations tax).

“Opportunity to address traffic congestion.

“Opportunity to improve roadways.

“Opportunity to recoup costs from visitors for the resources they use.

“Approximately 30 to 40 percent of the GET collected comes from visitors.”

BALANCING DEVELOPMENT

Union board of directors, 2012-14 Family: Married, two children

GENERAL EXCISE TAX SURCHARGE

“The surcharge was unanimously supported by the Metropolitan Planning Organization as a funding mechanism for what we considered to be the three most dire roadway projects: Honoapiilani Highway realignment, Paia bypass and the Kihei northsouth collector road. As a member of the MPO, along with Council Members Stacy Crivello and Yuki Lei Sugimura, I believe this should be considered by the council and at least give the public a chance to weigh in.

If we do move ahead with this funding avenue, which is estimated to bring in over $40 million annually for 10 to 11 years, I would also propose creating a fund to assist low-income taxpayers if the estimated $100/year extra fee is too burdensome.

While the surcharge could allow Maui to bond-fund and move ahead with projects that seem out of reach for the state or county, I believe $200,000 annually could cover the potential burden on those who are least able to pay.”

“In respect to balancing the need for affordable housing and growth with community concerns about traffic congestion and impact on resources such as water, wastewater capacity and the environment, we need to put our island people first. Work with developers, public and private entities in streamlining the permit process; have affordable units built first; build near existing infrastructure; putting roads and all infrastructure in prior to building; maintain and protect our watersheds; use more recycled water for irrigation, saving potable water for consumption. Providing for our local fami- COUNCIL MANAGEMENT “I think the current problems (lack of inlies while preserving these assets gives our frastructure, affordable housing and wastecommunity a higher quality of life.” water capacity) are a direct result of lack of planning and management by an adminisKelly Takaya King tration who has had eight years to address Age: 58 these problems. There is a lack of accountaBirthplace: bility in the administration, which is mostly Gardena, Calif. caused by a structure that makes the managResidence: Kihei Occupation: Pacific ing director politically beholden to helping Biodiesel, vice presi- keep the mayor in office and prevents the managing director from actually managing dent, communicathe departments since the managing director tions; Maui County has no authority to hire and fire department Council member Political experience: Elected as a member heads.

“I propose that the council and mayor of the state Board of Education jointly hire a professional managing direcEducation: Graduated from high school with top honors; college coursework at Santa tor, through a professional search process, Barbara City College (journalism, graphic de- who would then have the authority to hire and fire department directors and retain the sign) and Maui Community College (now ability to oversee the departments on a dayUniversity of Hawaii Maui College) Community service: Sustainable Biodiesel to-day basis (rather than have the mayor decide which departments the managing direcAlliance, founder/board president, 200717; Share Your Mana, founding board mem- tor can manage). I also would like to see the ber, 2017- present; High Tech Development managing director hired by contact, for a term that is separate from the mayor's term.

Corp. board of directors, 2014-18; UH-MC Sustainable Sciences Management Program The contract could be extended if the manAdvisory Committee, 2013-17; Maui Farmers aging director proves worthy, and depart-

ment heads could continue in office if they are meeting their performance benchmarks.”

UPCOUNTRY Hannibal E. Starbuck

south connector road to relieve traffic in that area. Other uses for the funds generated by the GET increase could be the purchase of public lands, wastewater infrastructure improvements, reservoirs or tanks for water security, and basic infrastructure for affordable housing.”

BALANCING DEVELOPMENT

“Building the Paia relief route and completing the Lahaina bypass will bring confidence and buy-in to housing developments in areas affected by congestion on these routes. Many Central and South Maui areas are also congested and more traffic without improvements will lower our quality of life with longer waits in traffic. Upcountry needs a new 15 million-gallon reservoir present built at the highest possible elevation with Education: Bachelor of Science degree in intakes from EMI or county sources. The physics, University of Hawaii at Manoa, use of recycled water should be continued 2005; post baccalaureate certificate in secfor irrigation and other uses to reduce the inondary education, UH-Manoa, 2006; Master creased demand for the potable water from of Science degree in geoscience, Mississippi our aquifers and from our surface water State University, 2010 sources used for potable and/or agricultural Community service: Member of the Maui water. We should invest in Central Maui County Commission on Children and Youth, wastewater treatment facility improvements 2017-present, current chairman; Hawaiian to go from R-2 to R-1 capabilities to allow Canoe Club member, 1983-present; Hula Ha- for more flexible usage of the recycled walau Kekuaokala‘au‘ala‘iliahi parent duties, ter. We should consider strategically placing 2012-present; Kamehameha Schools Maui another treatment plant somewhere in CenCampus annual Ho‘olaule‘a parent duties tral Maui for future development. We 2016-17; Baldwin High School class adviser should entirely eliminate the practice of inFamily: Married, three children jection wells to protect our ocean environments as well as all of our aquifers. We GENERAL EXCISE TAX SURCHARGE should keep development away from “It is my position that the 0.5 percent coastal areas to protect coral reefs and besurcharge to the GET will provide an oppor- cause of rising ocean levels that expedite tunity for much-needed funding for large erosion.” projects that will improve our quality of life.

The first two projects that require funding are Yuki Lei Kashiwa Sugimura Age: 65 the Paia relief route and the Lahaina bypass. I Birthplace: Wailuku would like to see a Paia route that starts from Residence: Kula Kala Road and uses Sunnyside Road, Paia Occupation: Maui Mill Road and Lower Hamakua Road to exit County Council near Maliko Gulch. Most of this route has member since 2017; been identified as county owned and is the president, Connec route that the community wants. The state LLC, 2002-17; Maui has said that they do not have the money for field representative this route, and federal funds may not be available due to historical site interference. It for U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono, 2013-16; Maui is best for all of Honoapiilani Highway to the field representative for U.S. Sen. Daniel Akapali to be moved mauka, but for now, contin- ka, 2007-13 Education: Baldwin High School, 1971; uing the Lahaina bypass in both north and south directions is a start. Another needed See COUNCIL CANDIDATES highway project is extending the Kihei northon the next page Age: 47 Birthplace: Tonasket, Wash.

Residence: Pukalani Occupation: Baldwin High School science teacher, Hawaii Department of Education, 2006-

A Supplement of THE MAUI NEWS – Sunday, October 28, 2018 – Page S12

GENERAL ELECTION 2018 provement projects. Together with the community plan process, planning from the adContinued from Page S12 ministration with the council, our growing society can function efficiently and reflect University of Hawaii at Manoa, Bachelor of the changes we want to see in our islands.

Science degree “The council along with the departments Community service: Ready to Learn, Maui must plan based upon the input from the coordinator, 1999-2016; Maui Korean War community plans to meet the challenges of Veterans honorary member, 2016-present; traffic congestion and capacity.”

Maui Memorial Medical Center Foundation, board member, 2016-present; Maui County Democratic Party, vice chairwoman, 201317; Japanese Cultural Society of Maui, past president, board and member, 2002-present WAILUKU-WAIHEE-WAIKAPU Family: Married, one child

COUNCIL CANDIDATES

GENERAL EXCISE TAX SURCHARGE

“The Maui County Council has not taken up this item to implement the 0.5 percent GET surcharge on our residents. I see this tax as a 'regressive tax' as it will tax the hardworking families of Maui County for their daily needs to manage their family living. This tax imposes a harsher burden on the poor than the rich since a larger portion of their salary will pay for shelter, food and transportation. Any tax decreases their ability to afford these basics. The wealthy, on the other hand, can afford the basics and afford to invest in stocks, retirement savings and luxury items, making the excessive GET surcharge almost unnoticeable. The state of Hawaii has the power to impose additional taxes on our residents, including this general excise tax on the residents of our state.

“The state legislation allows this tax to be used for state infrastructure and transportation services.”

Alika Atay Age: 64 Birthplace: Hana Residence: Waihee Occupation: Maui County Council member since 2017; indigenous natural farming teacher and farm manager Education: Kamehameha Schools, 1972; Hasting College, 1977 Community service: Farm Apprentice Mentoring Program natural farming mentor, 2015-16 Family: Married, three children (one deceased)

decade (giving the unions, construction industry and local companies consistent work) while keeping them affordable for all and occupied by Maui families.

“We would work together to keep Maui, Maui.”

lic at regularly scheduled meetings.

“Additionally, I would propose that the council meet more often. Given that we are regulated by Sunshine Laws, we are only allowed to discuss the county's business during a duly noticed meeting. I feel that increasing the frequency of these COUNCIL MANAGEMENT meetings would facilitate better represen“Yes, I do feel that changes are due in tation of the people and more productive the management and operation cultures of operation on their behalf.” the Maui County Council. Specifically, we would work to continue to bridge the gap Alice Lee Age: 70 between administration and the legislative Birthplace: Wailuku body resulting in more streamlined effiResidence: cient spending of tax dollars and less time Wailuku and money spent on budget amendments.

Occupation: Social For example, our office, as well as other services and housmunicipalities we have researched around ing advocate the country have successfully made efforts Political experito meet regularly with representatives from ence: Maui County each department across the county in order Council member, to stay informed of and able to make accurate real-time decisions regarding budget 1989-98; ran for mayor in 1998; director of appropriations and amendments. Ideally, I would like to see each director give brief See COUNCIL CANDIDATES updates to the legislative body and the pubon the next page

More than ever, we need Alice Lee on the Council

GENERAL EXCISE TAX SURCHARGE

“At the current moment, Maui County does not need to impose more taxes on the people. In my experience, it is clear that with a more prudent and diligent look at our county budget, while prioritizing efficient and effective spending alongside BALANCING DEVELOPMENT “The County Council makes policy deci- transparency and accountability, we would have enough money to fulfill our current sions based on guidance from the General Plan, Maui Island Plan and various commu- needs and then some. This work must be done first. As we move forward from nity plans. These plans were created with Because the future is so important! there, we can address the surcharge with citizen input and provide a framework for managing growth in a way that balances our plenty of time before the 2030 expiration economy, culture and the environment. As date. If and when we decided to take advantage of the surcharge, I would explore the council evaluates the various developcreative ways to regulate tourism while inment proposals that come before us, we need to ensure that individual projects align creasing economy, to lower the tax burden on Maui residents while increasing availwith the overall values and vision outlined able services (especially for our kupuna), in these plans. Further, to balance growth, to solve the Upcountry water meter list in such as for affordable housing, the council for Maui County Council half the expected time while saving the also reviews the annual budget to ensure Wailuku, Waihe‘e, Waikapu that the growth areas proposed by the com- county money, and ways to build the Paid for

by Friends of Alice Lee, P.O. Box 1606, Kahului, HI 96733 munity plans are planned in the capital im- 14,000 necessary homes in the next A Supplement of THE MAUI NEWS – Sunday, October 28, 2018 – Page S13

ote

aliceLEE

GENERAL ELECTION 2018

COUNCIL CANDIDATES Continued from Page S13 the county Department of Housing and Human Concerns, 1998-2006 Education: St. Anthony School, Chaminade University, Bachelor of Arts degree in political science Community Service: Hale Makua board of directors, 2008-16; Civil Service Commission, vice chairwoman, 2013-18; New Leaf Ranch Inc., president 2013- present Family: Divorced, two children

GENERAL EXCISE TAX SURCHARGE

“I would prefer that the state return the full transient accommodations tax revenue to Maui County rather than the arbitrary amount we currently receive. I am also in favor of a legalized lottery to generate new funds to pay for the substantial infrastructure improvements our county needs. We must be creative and innovative and even bold when it comes to developing new revenue streams. Our carrying capacity is woefully inadequate to service our resident population of 170,000 and annual visitors of 2.8 million.”

BALANCING DEVELOPMENT

“One of the most important issues facing Maui County is maintaining its special quality of life. 'Quality of life' means different things to different people. People should have choices. To some quality of life could mean having 'affordable homes' or 'a clean, healthy environment.' To others, it could mean 'a rural lifestyle,' 'cultural preservation' or a safe environment, perhaps 'no traffic.' Maybe it could mean 'a strong economy' or 'good schools.' For the community as a whole, it’s some balance of all of these things.

“Quality of life can’t always be quantified, but somehow it seems to gradually slip away with change. The challenge of a council member is to find that balance which considers the measurable benefits to the economy and preserves our lifestyles and values for future generations. These are strong competing interests which are not easily reconciled.

“The challenges of reconciliation and competition can be eased if we had adequate resources, agreement on prioritization, and ongoing positive dialogue and

collaboration. We have many different needs, but still we are one community.”

industry. It is my vision to see local vegetables and fruits be sold in all major grocery stores, especially at Costco and all the Foodlands on Maui.

“For our tourism industry to continue to grow, we need to take care of our workWEST MAUI force. Because of the cost of living and due to limited opportunities, people are Rick Nava leaving the island, and we have a workAge: 59 force that is transient, making it very exBirthplace: Philippensive to run a business. I believe that pines Residence: Lahaina our visitors continue to return to Maui not just because we have the most beautiful isOccupation: President/owner of land in the world, but because of the peoMSI Maui and Aloha ple who truly believe in sharing the aloha Moment, photogra- spirit. Without workers who are happy and phy and video pro- fulfilled living on Maui, we will continue to lose our county's best asset — our duction business Political experience: Maui County Coun- friends and family.” cil candidate, 2014 Military experience: Served 29 years in Tamara Akiko Maile Paltin Age: 41 the U.S. Army and Army Reserve, 411th EnBirthplace: gineer Battalion Honolulu Education: Lahainaluna High School, Residence: Napili 1976 graduate Occupation/work Community service: Rotary Club of experence: Ocean Lahaina, three terms as president; former safety president of the West Maui Taxpayers Assolieutenant, DT Flem ciation; treasurer of the Maui Chamber ing Beach, County of Commerce; Maui Filipino Community of Maui Council; Lahaina After School Tutoring Political experience: Mayoral candidate, Program 2014 Family: Married, two children Education: Bachelor of Science degree in GENERAL EXCISE TAX SURCHARGE mathematics/education, Northern Arizona “No, I do not support the additional half University percent surcharge on the state's general exCommunity service: Save Honolua Coalicise tax. tion president, 2009-present; West Maui “However, if it is enacted, I will want to Preservation Association president, 2018see better accountability and transparency present; Hawaii Government Employee Asby the state providing Maui County quar- sociation Unit 3/14 steward, 2008-present; terly of the surcharge collected. Further, if Ka Ipu Kukui Leadership fellow, 2008-preenacted, I want this surcharge to remain in sent; Hawaii Lifeguard Association, 1997Maui County and be used for the public present schools and the students of Maui County, Family: Married, two children infrastructure and emergency preparedness facility and equipment for the county.”

GENERAL EXCISE TAX SURCHARGE “The state Legislature allowed all counties to enact a surcharge until 2030, specifMAUI COUNTY ECONOMY ically for transportation projects. Maui has ASSESSMENT not added the surcharge nor have they “I believe Maui County's economy is doing well. However, we can't continue to brought the issue up for discussion before rely just on tourism. We need to start look- the council. Personally, I feel hesitant to raise the general excise tax because it hits ing at agriculture. Maui County should those who can least afford to pay the hardpartner with the state of Hawaii and the est since we pay this tax on all goods and federal government to grow our farming A Supplement of THE MAUI NEWS – Sunday, October 28, 2018 – Page S14

services; on the other hand, there are at least four key roads that need to be built to improve our quality of life and I do not know how we would fund them without an increase in revenue. The roads are: Paia bypass, Kihei's north-south collector road, Lahaina northern terminus of the bypass and moving the road from Ukumehame to the southern terminus of the bypass inland due to coastal erosion. This is an issue that I think we need to discuss further, and I think it is the responsibility of the council to put it on the agenda and for us as a community to educate ourselves on the pros and cons and if there are any ways we can mitigate harmful effects or possibly come up with a better alternate solution.”

COUNCIL MANAGEMENT

“Yes! Change is needed. Our council needs to be more accountable, accessible and interactive. High numbers of unexcused absences and meetings having to be canceled due to lack of quorum are unacceptable. Elected officials need to be held accountable, either by docking pay for unexcused absences or fines for unexcused absences resulting in cancellation of meetings. Also, it's a hardship on many in our community to get to Wailuku for the possibility they may give a three-minute testimony. I'd like to see all districts be able to phone in testimony as we work towards videoconferencing capabilities. I'd like to see committees set up a transparent online format for folks to be able to provide input about solutions and challenges. I'd like to see more working groups involve the folks who are directly impacted by council decisions to be able to participate in a less rigid format, that is professionally facilitated between community and council; where people can talk freely and bounce ideas off of one another without having to fit input into three minutes or funnel it through a committee chair. I'd also like to see greater coordination between our council, the administration and state entities.”

GENERAL ELECTION 2018

And then there were three One Senate, two House races remain for Maui County seats ost of Maui County's legislative contests were settled in the Aug. 11 primary elections.

Because no other parties fielded candidates or nonpartisan candidates didn’t garner enough votes to advance to the Nov. 6 general election, the following House and Senate races and their winners will not be contested: ■ Senate District 7 (East Maui, Upcountry, Molokai and Lanai), Sen. J. Kalani English, Democrat.

■ House District 8 (Wailuku, Waikapu, Waiehu, Puuohala, Kahakuloa and Waihee), Rep. Troy Hashimoto, Democrat.

■ House District 9 (Kahului, Puunene, Old Sand Hills and Maui Lani), Rep. Justin Woodson, Democrat.

■ House District 11 (South Maui), Tina Wildberger, Democrat.

■ House District 12 (Upcountry, Spreckelsville and parts of Kahului), Rep. Kyle Yamashita, Democrat.

For the general election, that leaves: ■ Senate District 6 (South and West Maui), Sen. Roz Baker, Democrat, vs Green Party candidate Melissah “Mish” Shishido.

■ House District 10 (West Maui, Maalaea and north Kihei), Rep. Angus McKelvey, Democrat, vs Republican Chayne Marten and Green Party candidate Jen Mather.

■ House District 13 (East Maui, Molokai and Lanai), Rep. Lynn DeCoite, Democrat, vs Green Party candidate Nick Nikhilananda.

Brief biographical sketches and the candidates’ answers to the questions follow.

Shishido and Mather did not respond to The Maui News questionnaire for this publication.

M

SENATE DISTRICT 6

(SOUTH AND WEST MAUI) Roz Baker (D) Age: 72 Birthplace: El Campo, Texas Residence: Lahaina Occupation: State senator, since 2002 Political experience: Elected to state House of Representatives in 1988 (West Maui, Molokai, Lanai district); appointed to Senate in 1993; elected to Senate 1994-1998; coordinator, Maui County Office of Economic Development (appointed by Mayor James “Kimo” Apana) 1999-2002; elected to Senate (South and West Maui) in 2002 Education: Educated in Texas public schools; Bachelor of Arts degree in political science and speech, Southwest Texas State College (now known as Texas State University) 1968; graduate work in political science and graduate assistant at University of Southwestern Louisiana (now known as University of Louisiana, Lafayette) 1969 Community service: West Maui Task Force; Women Helping Women; current member and past president, Rotary Club of Lahaina Sunrise (2007-2008); organist and ukulele choir member, Lahaina United Methodist Church Family: Single

CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION

All House and Senate candidates were asked to answer: CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION. What is your position on the upcoming state Constitutional Convention referendum?

The candidates were asked to choose and answer one of the following: MAUI COUNTY’S LAWMAKERS’ INFLUENCE. What is your assessment of Maui County lawmakers' influence at the state Legislature? While Maui state senators hold key leadership and committee positions, there appears to have been a loss of standing in the House of Representatives.

GUT-AND-REPLACE CHALLENGE. The League of Women Voters and Common Cause have filed a lawsuit challenging gut-and-replace legislation in Hawaii. What do you think of this lawsuit, and how should lawmakers respond?

LIFEGUARD INDEMNIFICATION. Do you think state lawmakers should resurrect the issue of indemnifying county lifeguards? If so, why? years has elapsed without a Con Con. “Peter Adler, organizer of a 'Con Con Salon,' which discusses the potential 2019 Hawaii Constitutional Convention, notes that 'a new Con Con creates dangers.' I agree it could potentially: “≤ Be hijacked by entrenched interests, some supported by offshore political groups. “≤ Erode gains already garnered for Native Hawaiian rights, land and water rights, collective bargaining. “≤ Reignite old culture wars regarding same-sex marriage, reproductive rights, death with dignity, locals vs. Mainlanders, Hawaiians vs. haoles. “≤ Defeat the emergence of a new political generation if it becomes dominated by current politicians and officeholders. “≤ Be a waste of time because the bar for passing any measures arising from a Con Con were made impossibly high by the Legislature after 1978.”

“I am inclined against another Constitutional Convention since: (1) most of the large constitutional issues have already been addressed by the Legislature; (2) it will be an expensive proposition for taxpayers. Moreover, the current call for a LIFEGUARD INDEMNIFICATION Con Con does not come from a com“Absolutely. County lifeguards are pelling need, but from a constitutional pro- well-trained professionals who perform vision that automatically requires the high-risk duties daily. The state/county question to be put on the ballot if nine should provide liability protection for A Supplement of THE MAUI NEWS – Sunday, October 28, 2018 – Page S15

them, so they can respond to ocean emergencies without fear of lawsuits if their best efforts are unsuccessful.

“The 2018 state Legislature passed Act 181, a good first step in addressing this concern. This law requires the attorney general to defend civil action against a county and its employees who provide lifeguard services at designated beach parks. Although Act 181 appropriates funds to insure lifeguard services, it still leaves lifeguards themselves unprotected.

“As chair of the Commerce, Consumer Protection and Health Committee, I'm vitally concerned with ocean safety and those who oversee it. Recently, I co-introduced Act 145 to position tube flotation devices to keep distressed swimmers afloat while help is summoned. Act 145 amends Hawaii's Good Samaritan Law to provide civil liability exemption for persons who in good faith without remuneration attempt to rescue anyone with a rescue tube. It protects owners and operators of any premises, property or facility adjacent

See HOUSE/SENATE RACES on Page S17

GENERAL ELECTION 2018

Voters to cast ballots on three proposed charter amendments here will be three proposed amendments to the Maui County Charter on the Nov. 6 general election ballot.

In one, voters will be asked whether to change the current limit of a $1,000 or one year's imprisonment, or both.

T

The proposal calls for allowing a penalty for the operation of a transient accommodation without a valid permit to a civil fine of up to $20,000, plus a $10,000per-day fine for each day the unlawful operation continues.

The charter change is aimed at curbing illegal vacation rentals, estimated at 3,000 to 8,000 countywide.

The unpermitted vacation rentals are believed to drain the islands' inventory of available rental housing, and result in unobtained state and

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The ballot question will be: “Shall the Charter be amended, effective January 2, 2019, to increase the penalty for the operation of a transient accommodation without a necessary permit from the current $1,000 amount to a civil fine of up to $20,000 plus $10,000 per day for each day the unlawful operation persists, unless a higher fine is authorized by State law, and to clarify that the current limit of a $1,000 fine for the violation of an ordinance is a limit of $1,000 per day the violation persists?”

The second proposed charter amendment would require

that claims be filed with the Department of the Corporation Counsel instead of the County Clerk. The move is intended to streamline government processing of civil claims and provide clarity for litigants.

The question will be: “Shall Section 13-6 of the Charter be amended, effective January 2, 2019, to require that claims be filed with the Corporation Counsel instead of the County Clerk?”

The third proposal would allow the county's Open Space, Natural Resources, Cultural Resources and Scenic Views Preservation Fund to be used for safety and security improvements on

A Supplement of THE MAUI NEWS – Sunday, October 28, 2018 – Page S16

lands acquired through the fund.

The ballot question will read: “Shall the Charter be amended, effective January 2, 2019, to expand the uses of the Open Space, Natural Resources, Cultural Resources, and Scenic Views Preservation Fund to authorize the fund to be used to perform safety and security improvements on lands acquired through the fund?”c To see the charter amendments, go to mauicounty .gov/elections.

The three proposed amendments are what was left of nine that had been considered by County Council members.

GENERAL ELECTION 2018 arts extension program right here in West Maui, and the residents at the Front Street Apartments and their advocates can attest to how hard I fought to secure the funding to keep those apartments affordable. Despite not having a leadership role, I was able to get the support to secure an additional $30 million to go toward more afAngus L.K. McKelvey (D) fordable rentals in West Maui as well.

Age: 50 “So, at the end of the day, it's not so Birthplace: much about the position one holds. To the Honolulu Residence: Lahaina contrary, it's about having the grit and determination to roll up your sleeves and find Occupation: State creative ways to tackle the problems we legislator, since face and work collaboratively with all my 2006; graphic de colleagues at the Capitol for the betterment signer; fine art of our community.” consultant Education: Sacred Hearts School, Lahaina; Jen Kamaho‘i Mather (G) Hawaii Prep Academy, Waimea, Hawaii; Bachelor of Arts in political Green Party candidate Jen Kamaho‘i science from Whittier College, Los Angeles Community service: LahainaTown Action Mather did not respond to a questionnaire for this publication.

Committee, director, 2014-present Family: Married

protection from lawsuits. Whatever it takes to protect our lifeguards and promote them, Continued from Page S15 I will support. My community is important, and I will fight to give equal opportunity to to navigable waters where rescue tubes are located. We should provide this same level all, especially the ones who need help the of liability protection for all county lifeguards most.” employed at our beach parks.”

Festival of Pacific Arts, 2017 to present; Hawaii state director, National Foundation of Women Legislators; chairwoman, Farm Service Agency, 2007 to 2015; member, Board of Agriculture, 2012 to 2015 Family: Married; three children; one grandchild

Melissah Shishido (G)

CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION

HOUSE/SENATE RACES

Green Party candidate Melissah Shishido did not respond to a questionnaire for this publication.

HOUSE DISTRICT 10 (WEST MAUI, MAALAEA AND NORTH KIHEI) Chayne Marten (R) Age: 65 Birthplace: Stock ton, Calif.

Residence: Lahaina Occupation: Real estate Political experience: Republican West Maui House candidate in 2012, 2014, 2016; appointed to advisory council San Mateo Board Supervisor Education: Canada College, Stanford University Community service: Member of the American Red Cross, American Heart Association Family: Married, three children

CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION

“In regards to a Constitutional Convention, why not? We will work with Hawaiian leadership to see how we can advance the cause of the Hawaiian people. Together, we will find a solution. Just as important is raising that minimum wage to $18 an hour.

Rent control. Eliminate tax on food. For Hawaii residents, offer free school meals. Increase teacher pay by 20 percent.

Pass tort reform that will help our doctors.

Free junior college. 176,000 families on government food aid. All this needs to be changed.”

LIFEGUARD INDEMNIFICATION

“Our lifeguards are underpaid. They need

CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION

“I am opposed to the Constitutional Convention. Because of the cost — the Legislative Reference Bureau estimated the cost between $7.8 million to $48.8 million. That is a large amount of money with a large big gap in the potential price tag, and we have plenty use for the money in many other areas, namely education.

“This is why you have elected officials, namely your elected state representatives and senators. We (They) are your voice at the Legislature and for changes to the constitution. At the Legislature, there is an open process that welcomes public input. I don't believe the Constitutional Convention process is as open as people expect it to be.

“I recommend everyone read the September 2018 Public Access Room Newsletter. They have a very in depth write-up, and (it) describes the process for a Constitutional Convention. (It can be found at lrbhawaii.org/par.)”

“I'm opposed to having a Con Con beHOUSE DISTRICT 13 (EAST cause it would open the door for outside special interests to come in and change the MAUI, MOLOKAI AND LANAI) constitution for the worst. One such protecLynn P. DeCoite (D) tion I worry about losing would be our Age: 48 constitutional right to public access to our Birthplace: beaches and oceans. Fundamental rights Honolulu for Native Hawaiians, working people and MAUI COUNTY LAWMAKERS’ Residence: Hoole our environment could also be at risk beINFLUENCE hua, Molokai cause in a Con Con everything and any“My assessment is that while there has Occupation: State thing could potentially be on the table. I been a loss of seniority, there is still an representative since believe amending the constitution through open process for dialogue and to have our 2015; owner of a ballot question is the more prudent way voices heard. This is also why it is imporL&R Farm to go as it constrains the debate to one partant for the Maui delegation to work toEducation: Molokai ticular issue alone and doesn't open up our gether and not to let manini quibbles get High School, class of 1988; University of constitution to a free-for-all!” in the way of working for all of our conHawaii Maui College, Molokai Education stituents.”

Center, 1988-1990 MAUI COUNTY LAWMAKERS’ Community service: President, Molokai INFLUENCE See HOUSE/SENATE RACES Homestead Farmers Alliance, 2006 to “Position doesn't always equal success, on the next page 2015;member Commission on the 13th and this is especially true in the Legislature. By working together with the Maui delegation and other colleagues, I've been able to get things done for West Maui, Maui County and Hawaii at large. As Higher Education chair, I passed the Promise Program bill, which offers $750,000 in scholarship aid to deserving students in Hawaii. I was also able to secure funding to kick-start the design of a new culinary Paid for by Gabriel for Progress • P.O. Box 631620 • Lanai City 96763 A Supplement of THE MAUI NEWS – Sunday, October 28, 2018 – Page S17

GENERAL ELECTION 2018 “Constitutions define basic rights, duties and are our highest-level rules; reflecting Continued from Page S17 fundamental state policies about the structure/function of government, defining the social/legal compact between those govNick Nikhilananda (G) erned and those elected to govern.

Age: 67 The initial one created core branches of Birthplace: Brookgovernment, plus citizen and governmental lyn, N.Y. protections. In 1968, constitutional refineResidence: Huelo ments; collective bargaining for public emOccupation: Candi ployees; a code of ethics; and specific imdate, state House of provements to the way various branches Representatives; function. Land-use conflicts with growing substitute teacher at anti-development sentiments were prevaKing Kekaulike High lent. The 'Hawaiian Renaissance' and enviSchool ronmental concerns were the emerging Work experience: Working on private ideas from 1978. land/property in Huelo “The single, state-run DOE needs to be Political experience: Maui County Council CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION “Article XVII of the Hawaii Constitubroken up; the exorbitant amount of money candidate, 1992, ‘94, ‘98, 2000, ‘06, '14; cantion mandates if nine-year period elapsto stand for office needs reducing; institutdidate, U.S. Congress, 2nd District, 2002, eswithout the Legislature proposing a Con- ing campaign finance reform and public fi‘03; candidate state House of Representastitutional Convention, Hawaii’s citizens nancing of elections. Citizen initiatives and tives, 2016 can decide for themselves. There have referendum must be adopted.”

Education: Master of Arts degree, Public been three in Hawaii: 1950, 1968 and 40 Law/Urban Affairs, The American University, GUT-AND-REPLACE CHALLENGE Washington, D.C., 1975; Bachelor of Arts de- years ago in 1978. Each one moved the “Gut and replace refers to lawmakers gree, political science, Bradley University, Peo- state in a certain progressive direction. Is it ria, Ill., 1972; Hawaii facilitator certificate, Medi- time to hold another? I tend to support one, stripping a bill of its original content, then ation Services of Maui, 2008; Board of Direc- aware that we must alter our constitution in substituting something entirely different in its place. A piece of legislation gets commore progressive directions. tors Certificate, Maui Economic Opportunity

HOUSE/SENATE RACES

Inc., 2004; Legal Research and Lexis/Westlaw certificate; Maui Community College, Office of Continuing Education and Training, 2002; Mediation Certificate Mediation Services of Maui Inc., 1991; real estate salesman license, Hawaii Institute of Real Estate, 1987 Community service: Producer/host, Maui Talks-TV, 2002-11; co-chairman Green Party of Hawai‘i, 2009-14; Hawaii delegate to the Presidential Nominating Convention of the Green Party of the United States, 2012; one of two Hawaii delegates to the Green Party of the United States National Committee; past president of the Ha‘iku Community Association, 1999-2006 Family: Single

“Effective Leadership.

Trusted Visionary.”

“I humbly ask for your support for the General Election on November 6!”

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pletely changed, and citizens and voters had no say in its final content and language. It confuses and frustrates the public. We need a fair and transparent process. Citizens must be able to participate, have their voice heard and their input counted.

“This deceptive practice has been used for years to cut the public out of the conversation. Our lawmakers need to respect the public and abide by our state constitution.

“The abuse continues. The heart of democracy is citizen participation. Yet this undemocratic disregard for the people deprives the public of a substantive voice in the legislative process. Often the final bill bears no resemblance to the original.

“The suit and complaint asks the court to void the law and to declare the process used to adopt it unconstitutional. This is the Legislature’s ongoing practice of gutting and replacing bills without giving the public its constitutionally required opportunity to participate in the lawmaking process. It is a crusade for more open and transparent government.

“Lawmakers and elected officials need to stop this practice!”

GENERAL ELECTION 2018

Constitutional Convention referendum set for ballot Voters will be asked whether there should be a state Constitutional Convention, a question that has drawn fire from establishment politicians and others.

The Constitutional Convention question will be on the ballot because Hawaii law provides that, if after nine years there's been no Constitutional Convention, then the question needs to appear on the general election ballot. The last time this happened was in 2008.

At that time, voters rejected holding a convention with 281,668, or 61.9 percent, voting “no” and 152,596, or 33.5 percent, voting “yes.”

According to the online hawaii.concon.info, a clearinghouse for information on

the state Constitutional Convention referendum, the vote is aimed at implementing Hawaii residents' “inalienable right to alter their constitution where the interests of the Legislature and people conflict.”

If the Nov. 6 vote were to call a convention, then voters would elect delegates, and then voters would decide whether to ratify any amendments a convention might propose. People cannot ratify any constitutional change that would be in conflict with federal law or the U.S. Constitution. The convention's agenda is independent of the Legislature.

Opponents of holding a Constitutional Convention argue it would be costly and

unnecessary. They say it could potentially be taken over by special interests, including offshore political groups, and it could erode Native Hawaiian rights, land and water rights and collective bargaining.

The online news site Honolulu Civil Beat has taken a stand in favor of a Constitutional Convention, arguing that it could improve life in Hawaii, just as conventions did in 1968 and 1978.

An Oct. 9 Civil Beat editorial says convention delegates are unlikely to undo progressive achievements from past conventions, and a convention has “sparkling potential.”

“And that's what scares defenders of the status quo,”

GOP struggles to make inroads in Democrat-dominant Hawaii al Okimoto, a mother of two, may be the RepubliV can Party's best hope in De-

mocrat-dominant Hawaii.

The former special education teacher is spending long days knocking on doors in the suburban Honolulu town of Mililani, listening to voters fret about the high cost of living and their rising expenses. She believes they're ready to elect someone like her to the state House.

"There's been a disconnect between the people who represent us and what I call 'us normal people' that live in the community," Okimoto said in a recent interview.

The Republican Party currently has just five represen-

it says. “If they're unwilling to share some of the policymaking power that they currently monopolize, their fears are as legitimate as they are self-serving. Entrenched power brokers are not necessarily bad people. It's only natural that they want to defend a system they're comfortable with.”

On another matter, voters will see a question on ballots that asks: “Shall the Legislature be authorized to establish, as provided by law, a surcharge on investment real property to be used to support public education?”

However, the Hawaii

Supreme Court invalidated that question on Oct. 19, siding with Hawaii's four counties that challenged the proposed constitutional amendment. They argued that the language of the ballot question was vague and misleading.

The Supreme Court justices wrote that the ballot question did not comply with state law in “that the language and meaning of the ballot question be clear and not misleading.” The ruling was too late to prevent the question from being published with ballots for the Nov. 6 election.

The judges ordered that

the state's chief elections officer issue a public statement that the ballot question is invalid and that any votes for or against it would not be counted and would have no impact.

The Hawaii State Teachers Association lobbied heavily for the ballot measure, arguing that Hawaii public schools are badly in need of additional funding.

The union called the counties' lawsuit “frivolous.”

The state attorney general defended the proposed ballot question, arguing that voters should be allowed to decide the matter.

State Legislature candidates were asked their views on the referendum for this publication. (See their answers beginning on Page S15.)

tatives in the 51-member we can slowly increase our state House. Shirlene Ostrov, numbers," she said.

The GOP in Hawaii has the party's chairwoman, is bringing in experienced struggled since the 1950s, as staffers from the mainland to labor unions increasingly orPlease vote for the candidates professionalize local cam- ganized workers in once nuwho support Maui’s trees! paigns, and is working to merous sugar and pineapple build its donor base and re- plantations. The GOP became associated with an era cruit candidates.

There's still a long way to before statehood when white go; Republicans are contest- plantation owners dominated ing just five of the 13 state Hawaii's economy and govSenate seats next month and ernment.

In recent years, the Hawaii only 17 of the 51 House seats. Ostrov said the party is GOP’s numbers have taken focusing on candidate quali- hits from electoral losses and multiple defections by electty, not quantity.

Caring for the Aina "We targeted districts we ed Republican lawmakers to Through Preservation.

Protection & Education could win and recruited can- the Democratic Party. didates that would help us Like www.mauibeautiful.org See GOP win some seats. We know us on To learn how trees benefit the environment, go to itreetools.org on the next page that if we do that every time A Supplement of THE MAUI NEWS – Sunday, October 28, 2018 – Page S19

YOUR VOTE COUNTS! MAHALO! Maui Green & Beautiful

GENERAL ELECTION 2018

GOP Continued from Page S19 Ostrov said the party has pulled in a broad cross-section of Hawaii's people.

"This is not your Hawaii Republican Party of yesterday. It's a very diverse party.

It represents all demograph-

ics of our islands," said Ostrov, who is Filipino.

Okimoto, who is seeking a vacant state House seat, is part Filipino, Japanese and Caucasian. She grew up on Kauai and believes her background as a teacher resonates with voters.

Okimoto is opposed to

"excessive taxation" and is pro-life. She supports the rights of gay people, but opposes redefining marriage.

Fukumoto represented the area as both a Republican and then a Democrat.

Okimoto's opponent, Marilyn Lee — a mother of four and a grandmother of eight

— represented the area until Fukumoto ousted her in 2012. She said an Okimoto win would send "a very conservative woman" to the Legislature at a time when Republican control of the White House, potentially Congress and a new conservative majority on the U.S.

Supreme Court may mean Hawaii will have to do more to protect women's access to health care.

"Even though we have a Democratic majority, I think we need women who are really strongly willing to fight for these things," Lee said.

Ostrov said the party's

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strategy toward winning is simply logical and pragmatic.

"What the Republican Party is focused on is making incremental changes in order to provide the state of Hawaii a choice, in that we would provide a viable two-party system," Ostrov said.