Candidate Response: Keani Rawlins-Fernandez

Thursday, October 31st, 2024

Keani Rawlins-Fernandez

Running for Maui County Council – Molokai Councilmember 

My priorities include continuing the work of relocating our firefighters from the Puko‘o Station to the future ‘Ualapu‘e Station, increasing the number of firefighters in Mana‘e, improving our air ambulance service, and supporting the Molokai Community Health Center. Likewise, working to ensure equitable funding for Molokai, particularly for capital improvements, equipment, and competitive grants to nonprofits and economic development opportunities.

My priorities also include promoting food sovereignty with grants, such as Farmers Microgrant and HFUU-Molokai Chapter and deer management, through partnership with the Molokai Hunting Club, keeping the county council accessible and transparent, continuing to malama our keiki with grants to support travel, Boys and Girls Club, and kupuna services through grants to Molokai Rural Health Care , and advancing our initiatives in climate action, ‘aina-back, and energy independence.  …

Candidate Response: John Pele

Thursday, October 31st, 2024

John Pele 

Running for Maui County Council — Molokai Councilmember 

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.…

Candidate Survey Response:Gabby Macaraeg (R)

Thursday, October 31st, 2024

Gabby Macaraeg (R)

Running for State Senator, District 7 

My goals are health care, especially for the kupuna, dependable and reliable inter-island transportation, lowering the cost of living, and higher education that establishes high paying jobs.

I would follow up with the current pilot program proposal pertaining to ferry transportation from Molokai to Maui. There should be consistent updates from start to finish with the project. With technology today, the ferry should be able to provide high quality resources such as equipment, services and good paying jobs for locals. …