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Sol Kaho`ohalahala – Maui County Council, Lanai

Monday, November 3rd, 2008

I consider jobs, food production and energy as the most important issues for Maui Nui. I am interested in creating new jobs for us through food production and a clean renewable energy future.  By working with our local families to grow and produce healthy food crops we can rise to a level of self-reliance, self- sufficiency and sustainability.

Government can provide incentives, technical assistance, agricultural resources, assistance and subsidies to help our families and communities to reconsider farming as a future direction.  Grow locally, buy locally; support locally and live locally - this is the island way. This idea is not new to Moloka'i but it needs to be encouraged and supported by government.

Developing a clean renewable energy future is a necessary and vital component which can make us independent fossil fuels.  Aside from the impacts we face from global warming and sea level rise, we are the most isolated islands located in the largest ocean on earth.  Focusing on renewable energy will help create jobs for the installation, maintenance and care of all manners of the industry.  This will enable us to continue our sustainability and our ability to live and survive in our islands of Maui Nui.

I will put forth policies to support and provide the incentives and programs to bring short and long term solutions.  These critical times provide us with opportunities and alternative directions.

My knowledge of government processes at both the County of Maui and the State of Hawaii levels, the experience of being a Councilmember and a State Legislator, being a collaborator and leader in community work and organizing and the ability to be a visionary for the betterment of our island people.  The distinction is clear, and my accomplishments speak for themselves.

Working with you to find solutions that will be good for Molokai in a manner that is transparent, inclusive and honest are the things that I offer as your Lanai Councilmember.  I look forward to representing you on the Maui County Council.  Mahalo and Aloha.

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John Blumer-Buell – State Senate 6th District (East Maui-Molokai-Lanai-Kahoolawe)

Monday, November 3rd, 2008

The biggest issue for Molokai is self-determination. Molokai needs to determine its own future with regards to land use planning and natural resource issues. How can you create this within the system? Can Molokai become its own county? A constitutional amendment, would allow people to choose. If people want Molokai want to become its own county, I would support the process.

I really admire the Molokai community for standing up for what is pono. I have watched every La`au hearing on Akaku and I support people of Molokai against this development.
I have also been following Molokai’s hopes to buy Molokai Ranch in order to create wind farms. If this would make the island economically independent, this is something we should all consider seriously.

With regards to an economic plan for Molokai, I strongly believe the people of Molokai know what’s best. It’s up to the creativity of the people to inspire appropriate economic development. A good place to start would be to provide essential human needs which include control of the water so that people can grow their own food crops. The state and county should support subsistence because Molokai is in best position to realize a subsistence-based economy. Molokai represents a unique opportunity because it has not been over-developed.

In 1995, I helped facilitate the transfer of the state owned and operated Hana Medical Center to the Hana Community. Kalani deceitfully privatized the health center and has been a supporter of their proposed $26 – $52 million tax-payer funded health and wellness village – I completely oppose that. I continue to advocate giving control of Hana’s health needs back to community – Hana deserves better.

If elected, I will be on Molokai once a month to meet with people to work on Molokai’s preferred future. The people of Molokai have been successfully informing rest of state about themselves - people all over Hana know about Molokai issues. It is through better communication that things change and while I can offer good advice, it is the people who know best.

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John Ornellas – Maui County Council, Lanai

Monday, November 3rd, 2008

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

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Mike Molina – Maui County Council, Makawao-Haiku-Paia (Incumbant)

Monday, November 3rd, 2008

We have to boost the economy of Maui County because if we keep business strong, those revenues can be used to help Molokai. Everything is connected.

Another way to boost the economy for Molokai is working with the visitor industry on neighboring islands to put together attractive travel packages. We want to stimulate people to come to Molokai, but we have to do it on a small scale, with no large operations like cruise ships. We need to make Molokai something special that people can visit and enjoy.

We need to stimulate sustainable jobs, as well as address housing opportunities and services such as drug rehabilitation programs on Molokai. I think it’s important to keep the youth on the island, and as a former teacher, youth and education are areas I think are necessary to fund.

Budget cuts are inevitable in these tough economic times, but the County needs to see how we can tighten our own budget first. Sometimes in the worst of times, the best comes out. We need to look at lowering water rates to stimulate economy through agriculture, as well as marketing local products.

I am a veteran, and have long been involved community service projects. Candidates need to prove themselves long before they decide to run for office, and show a familiarity with the issues and people they will be working for. I am not working for just one issue, but have a broad range of concerns from the environment to affordable housing.

When choosing who you want to vote for, think about those members who are experienced, who have an open door policy, who will be a responsible candidate, and who don’t discriminate. I encourage residents to call candidates to talk to them personally and ask questions.

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Joe Pontanilla – Maui County Council, Kahului (Incumbent)

Monday, November 3rd, 2008

I think economy is the number one issue in this election. We always talk about the food chain, and the way I perceive business is a work force chain. Primary sources of employment such as tourism and construction drive Maui County, offering support to smaller businesses, and money keeps moving in a cycle.

On the County Council, we try to do our part by moving capitol improvement projects forward, such as the fire station on Molokai. Construction of fire station improvements and the new Parks facility will open up labor opportunities for Molokai residents.

Unemployment breeds social ills, so creating jobs is a top priority for me. We need to be aware of social services that will help residents address unemployment. In terms of employment opportunities, landfill improvements and road resurfacing are a couple examples of jobs that could be utilized on Molokai.

Budget cuts will have to occur but core services like police and fire get first priority. The County needs to look to its own budget, and then look to government inefficiencies and vacancies before cutting funding from other organizations. But Maui County provides more dollars than any other county in the nation.

What sets me apart in this election is my good understanding of what Molokai and Lanai needs and the issues the people are facing. I used to be manager for the phone company on Maui, Molokai and Lanai, and so I have a working knowledge of all three islands. It’s important to take into account Molokai and Lanai as well as Maui when examining budget needs and county plans. It’s also important for candidates to have an open door policy to be accessible to residents.

As you decide who to vote for this election, you should look at the candidate’s record and what they’ve done for the county. Another important aspect of this job is representing the entire district, and taking all three islands into account.

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Bill Medeiros – Maui County Council, East Maui (Incumbent)

Monday, November 3rd, 2008

Bill Medeiros – Maui County Council, East Maui (Incumbent)

On Molokai it’s important to listen to the community and their concerns, recommendations and solutions. These things are important for officials to hear. As a council member we look to members from each district to get idea of where that district is going.

In regards to the economy, the County is considering how to be sure we have money in the budget for infrastructure; building infrastructure will provide work for businesses and people who live here. There is a lot of infrastructure that needs to be replaced like wastewater systems that were installed in early 1970’s and are now starting to give out.

I worked for county for 31 years before retiring and being elected to the County Council. In the last budget we put in 20 million for water and wastewater systems, which, along with highways, are among our highest priorities. This is an excellent means of revitalizing local economy.
 
We need to be creative to come up with ways to revitalize economy as whole. Bed and breakfast ordinances will be completed shortly, as will ordinances for short-term rentals (transient vacation rentals). We are currently trying to incorporate clauses from the Molokai Planning Commission into the county-wide ordinance.

Healthcare is another big issue. I recently helped bring dialysis treatment services to Hana. I also got Medicare to approve payments in Hana. I am also working on the Maui adult daycare agency where we are planning to rebuild elderly housing using donated acres. These are projects that affect the quality of life.

An advantage I offer residents is a good awareness of our lifestyle in Hawaii. Look at my reelection campaign and candidacy as someone who can relate to the concerns on Molokai because we have same needs in Hana, and the same cultural background. Molokai people can be assured that I have a firm understanding of their needs.

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Feeling the Squeeze of a Tighter County Budget

Sunday, November 2nd, 2008

Molokai commissioners may only meet once a month.

By Catherine Cluett

Schedule Changes
Perhaps desperate times call for desperate measures, but anyone who has sat through a Planning Commission meeting knows that the possibility of adding even an hour to the already interminable sessions is not something to take lightly. The Molokai Planning Commission is no exception.

During last Wednesday’s meeting, Clayton Yoshida of the Maui County Current Planning Division announced a proposal by the county to reduce the Molokai Planning Commission meetings from twice monthly to once a month. In light of a tightening Maui County budget, this cut would reduce air fare costs for Maui County officials like Yoshida to attend Molokai meetings.

“Our meetings are already five hours long,” said Commissioner Teri Waros. “If we only met once a month, would the meetings be 10 hours long?” She suggested the possibility of video conferencing as an alternative to Yoshida’s physical presence.

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Kupuna Volunteer 15,000 Hours

Sunday, November 2nd, 2008

Seniors enjoy a morning of entertainment and acknowledgement.

By Marie Nowell

After all the long hours and hard work throughout the year, RSVP Volunteers were able to sit back and relax. The volunteers were treated to great entertainment and ono food at the annual Kaunoa’s RSVP Molokai Recognition Luncheon.

Volunteers enjoyed a relaxing morning with opening music by Wahine U’I O Molokai and entertainment by famous local performer Melveen Leed.

The luncheon, held this year at Hotel Molokai, is an annual event for all senior volunteers. It is a time for those to be recognized for all their services and dedication.

The RSVP, Retired & Senior Volunteer Program of Maui County are made up of seniors 50 years of age or older who devote their time in helping the community.

Individuals are open to choose the agencies and activities of interest they would like to take part in. Two key volunteers from the program work together with the agency and volunteer to make good matches for work.

Seniors volunteer at a long list of local agencies including, schools, the Molokai Museum, Molokai Habitat for Humanity, MEO, Natural Conservancy, Credit Union, Planning Commission, Molokai Public Library, Molokai General Hospital and the Lions Club, according to Dana Acosta, Director of RSVP, Kaunoa Senior Services.

The agencies are responsible for recording hours on time sheets and turning them into the Molokai Senior Services. Acosta says “the hours are then reported to the Federal Government, where the program receives support from the Corporation for National and Community Service.”

In the year 2007, 76 Molokai RSVP volunteers logged 15, 221 hours. All the volunteers were recognized at the luncheon on Friday, October 24, 2008.

Please contact Molokai Senior Services at (808) 270-7998 or (808) 270-7986.

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Storyteller and Author Cathy Spagnoli Visits Molokai

Sunday, November 2nd, 2008

Lights turned down for storytelling.

By Marie Nowell

 While most kids enjoy bedtime stories, a group of children got to hear a great story from a true storyteller last week. Children gathered on the carpet as the lights at Molokai Public Library were turned down for storytelling. An audience, ranging in ages from six years old to adults, drew close to hear stories by storyteller and author Cathy Spagnoli.

Spagnoli opened with a Trickster Tale about a character named Lazy Dragon. The story was told of a thief who stole from the rich to give to the poor, while having the ability to trick people very well. It was turned over to the audience to solve how Lazy Dragon was able to steal gold from a rich couple.

Other tellings included traditional and modern folktales from China and Japan.

Several stories came from Kamishibai, a form of storytelling that originated in Japan. Kamishibai, or “paper-theater” is part of a long tradition of picture storytelling using illustrated scrolls combined with narration to convey stories.

Most stories are retellings, while some originate from Spagnoli’s own imagination and personal collectables from traveling to Japan and India. “Wonderful support and grants have given me the opportunity to travel to such great places,” says Spagnoli.

As an author she writes to reach children, teenagers and teachers. According to Spagnoli, she has been telling since 1986 and published her first book in 1989. Since then, she has written sixteen books with the seventeenth premiering soon.

Extending the experience, people gathered to play with Japanese folk toys and get a closer look at books and story cloths after the program.

Jeff Gere, a master storyteller and the director of the Talk Story Festival in Honolulu booked storytelling programs for Spagnoli to present in Maui, Honolulu, Molokai, and Kawai.

Spagnoli would like to thank “everyone who made this even possible and for all those who came to listen.”

The Friends of the Library of Hawaii and the University of Hawaii Outreach College’s Statewide Cultural Extension Program sponsored the program.

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Friends Indeed

Friday, October 31st, 2008

Word came from Maui this week that the county is providing financial aid to Moloka‘i residents feeling the impact of water rate hikes in the wake of Moloka‘i Ranch’s threat to cut off water service. The Helping Our Neighbors in Need program, through Maui Economic Opportunity, Inc., is distributing $100,000 to families that qualify.

According to an item in the Honolulu Advertiser (Wednesday, October 29), "Families with household income that falls within 80 percent of federal guidelines may qualify for payments of $20 per household member, up to $120 maximum per billing cycle. Payments are made directly to the utility company."

The same published report says that, "Consideration also is being given to residents who fall within 81 percent to 100 percent of income guidelines, with payments of $15 per household member up to $90 maximum per billing cycle."

For more information, contact Lyn McNeff at 808-249-2990.

That concludes the "public service announcement" portion of this column. What I am left with after hearing of the county’s action is a renewed sense that our community has not only the ability to help each other in times of need, but also the will. Of the two, the latter is probably the more important.

I imagine it would be easy for some people to see those impacted by the sudden surge in water rates as "them." As long as "they" have a problem and I don’t, the urge to take action is absent. The only productive response is to accept that the problems of the community are my problems, too. Maui County did that and, despite hard economic times, made it as priority to provide help.

I would contrast the county’s response to the Moloka‘i water situation with the state’s response to another situation developing in Oahu’s Kahana Valley. There, a group of tenants have asked the state to allow them to lease existing lots set aside for individuals who provide cultural resources to the ‘Ahupua‘a O Kahana Valley State Park, a "living park" that allows families with long-time ties to the valley to live there. Despite ongoing negotiations, the Attorney General issued an opinion in March that found that the new leases were not allowed under existing law. The Department of Land and Natural Resources is now evicting the affected families, while refusing to say why those evictions are necessary immediately. The DLNR has also refused to delay the evictions long enough to allow the State Legislature to address the shortcomings of current laws. It is a fairly involved story, but I encourage you to look into it.

When we see a family having a hard time, we help them. Maui county has not offered to pay the entire water bills of the families on Moloka‘i who will benefit from the Neighbors in Need program; they did what they could. Even if the DLNR can’t allow leases under the current law, the department should be willing—at the very least—to allow time for a solution to emerge. And for the DLNR to even address the question of why the eviction absolutely must proceed immediately? Clearly they are no friends of the public, indeed.

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