Aloha !

                   In the nine months since I took office as mayor, the job has proven to be challenging, yet very rewarding. While there is a long list of things to do, my Administration has been able to make significant progress in many areas. I would like to take this opportunity to provide an update on some of the things we have been working on.

                    Upon taking office, I focused my attention on a budget proposal that is practical and responsible. I was pleased with the final results, which addressed community needs while staying within the County’s fiscal means. One of my priorities was to repair and upgrade our long-neglected infrastructure. Over $80 million was appropriated for road, wastewater, drainage, and water system improvements.

                     The current budget also includes funds for a new park and police station for South Maui, the fastest growing community in our County. Additional funds for environmental protection, agriculture, renewable energy, and sustainability programs were included to promote a diversified, balanced and sustainable economy, as well as increase our use of renewable energy sources.

                       Speaking of renewable energy, my Office of Economic Development has been working on organizing an energy expo. Themed “Green Power, Green Future,” the Maui County 2007 Energy Expo will be held November 7-9 in South Maui. The impact of global warming, brought on by climate change to our island communities is affecting our way of life. This forum will afford Maui County citizens the opportunity to learn more about Maui's renewable energy options and what local companies and residents are already doing to ensure a "green future." Bringing together all our stakeholders, the goal of the Energy Expo is to provide Maui County the impetus to make informed choices as we map our course of action for a more secure and sustainable renewable energy tomorrow.

                         The need for diversified energy sources was highlighted early on when we experienced a number of natural disasters. These incidents underscored the need for improved emergency preparedness. Since then, my Administration has conducted intensive trainings, updated disaster response plans, and expanded public communication and coordination efforts. While many of these improvements may not be visible day-to-day, they are essential and potentially life-saving during critical times. We have also made significant progress in another important area: affordable housing. I am pleased to announce that the first residential workforce housing agreement under the new Workforce Housing Law was recently signed. The agreement between the County of Maui and Pulehu Farm, LLC will bring seventeen new affordable units to Upcountry.          

                              In addition, Papaanui LLC, which received preliminary approval for a seven lot subdivision prior to the enactment of workforce housing bill (and thus was not required to comply with the new law) has voluntarily committed $600,000 to assist Lokahi Pacific, a Maui non-profit, to construct seven affordable single-family units in Kihei. My staff and I are also working on two other affordable housing agreements that will likely be signed by the end of this year.

                               Additional housing will be difficult to achieve, however, without addressing the significant water issues that we are now facing. This is why I have taken steps to seriously explore options that will result in new water sources for Upcountry and Central Maui, including storage reservoirs, new wells, surface water treatment and desalinization plants. I am committed to ensuring we will have safe, clean water for now and into the future.

                                While many of Maui Nui’s environmental issues fall outside of the County’s boundaries and jurisdictions, my Administration has also taken the lead in protecting our precious natural resources. My budget provided increased funding for watershed protection and invasive species control. We have also led efforts on anti-littering, reduction of marine debris, and marine resources protection. These environmental issues align with the identified needs and concerns of the community-at-large as well as local conservation agencies. By working in concert with state, federal, and private agencies, we will accomplish the objectives that benefit all who live and work here.

                                Of course, there is much more going on. While I am pleased with the progress thus far, there is a lot of hard work ahead. I look forward to continuing our efforts to achieve the goals that I set forth in my inaugural address.

                                 To recognize what we have accomplished to this point, I invite you to join me for a family-oriented and Halloween-themed celebration on Thursday, October 25th from 5:00 to 7:30 p.m. at the Maui Tropical Plantation in Waikapu. The cost is $35 per person; we will have great food, entertainment, door prizes, a keiki costume contest, and a few other surprises. Enclosed for your convenience are two tickets and a remittance envelope. If you need additional tickets, they can be purchased at the door, or you can call 242-5500. With your continued support, we can keep Maui County No Ka Oi.

                                                                                        Aloha,

                                          P.S. There will be many fun activities and prizes for the keiki, so be sure to bring the whole family!

                                                I hope to see you on October 25th.