Candidate Response: John Pele

John Pele 

Running for Maui County Council — Molokai Councilmember 

1. What are your priority goals for Molokai if elected?

I would like to reach out to the community to see if there is a need for housing options for our

residents. However, we must build in a way that insulates us from outside speculation. Land

trusts and leaseholds are good examples of this. I would also seek continued funding for our

keiki and kupuna programs as well as try to expand services for mental health and substance

abuse. Programs dealing with environmental issues and invasive species should also be

considered for funding. I support the efforts of the Molokai Hunting Club with axis deer

management.

2. How would you address the transportation issues that have frustrated Molokai residents in recent years?

The county has no jurisdiction over our airline industry or the companies that provide services. I

would continue to advocate for the community over service concerns. I do support and would

continue the efforts the county has made to bring ferry service to Molokai as it can be an option

for those who can use that travel method and leave the airline capacity available for our kupuna

and other individuals who might not be able to use the ferry service. Of course, there needs to

be safeguards in place with the ferry to protect against the introduction of invasive species to

Molokai.

3. How would you help Molokai families who are struggling with the high cost of living?

We need to have economic options for our community. What I see on Molokai is many

individuals who have a desire to be small business entrepreneurs. I believe small business is

an important economic engine for all communities. Being able to advocate for funding options

either through grants or loans would be a great way to generate opportunities for the creation,

and more importantly, long term sustainability of small business on Molokai. If a business can

flourish it will be able to provide economic opportunities for our residents.

4. Do you support phasing out short-term rentals on the Minatoya List — which includes

Wavecrest and Ke Nani Kai on Molokai? If so, why?

This is a complex issue. The mayor specifically brought this legislation forth to create

accelerated housing options for the wildfire survivors. I could support that. However, I have

talked to individuals who say that they are going to sue the county over this legislation, as the

the mayor expected upon the bill’s introduction. I think that could bring long delays to the process and prohibit people being housed quickly. The county has hired a firm to complete a study of the effects of this legislation and I believe that when it is completed a more comprehensive approach can be established to address the community’s needs. 

In specificity to Ke Nani Kai and Wavecrest, they are good examples of how a unilateral application of the legislation could have negative impacts. I am not convinced that those properties will provide housing needs for the wildfire survivors. Having managed a condo on Molokai for 14 years, I know that the individuals who provide services to these properties depend on the income for their livelihood.

Your previous question asked about families struggling with the high cost of living. I believe

losing jobs on these properties would exacerbate that situation.

Learn more at johnpele.com.