John Ornellas – Maui County Council, Lanai

As neighbors, in just the last two weeks we’ve faced tremendous uncertainty with respect to our economy and jobs for our people. All we would need and ask for is a decent and stable job for each of our people so that we can send our kids to school, put food on the table, and keep a roof over our heads. With my resolve and determination, I would hope to tackle our county’s economic concerns.

Here’s what we must do together to stimulate our economy and bring it back for the good of the people of Maui, Molokai and Lanai: 1. Accelerate construction of affordable housing. 2. Invest our resources into improvements of our infrastructure. 3. Increase support for and communication with our visitor industry entities. 4. Advocate for the development of more water sources and. 5. Assert the growth of natural, sustainable and alternative forms of energy.

I want to thank the people of Maui County for their vote of confidence this primary election and I will work hard to do the following: Preserve the rights of citizens to a transparent and open government. Support the completion and development of the General Plan of the County of Maui. Ensure that small-business permitting process is not too burdensome, but is efficient and service-friendly. Ensure that our residents’ working-families are not over-taxed. Support programs for our senior citizens and those who are disadvantaged. Reduce our reliance on oil and work on alternative clean-energy resources. Support the development of existing surface water in Central Maui, balancing it with an adequate stream flow. Ensure the preservation of our unique historical and cultural resources—keeping it’s small-town, old-fashioned, and “local charm” character.

We need to work together as a community to solve our common challenges and bring confidence back to our now-ailing economy and in our public servants. With your help, support, and especially your vote for this coming November 4th general election, I hope to have the honor of serving you as your county councilmember for this upcoming term. Mahalo nui loa, John Ornellas