And for those who go away to the mainland, wed want to work with them when theyre home on their breaks as interns. The Maui News. Nobriga (Nonpartisan) Tina Pedro (Nonpartisan) The mayor needs to step in at those points and say this is a priority, King said. Whatever was needed we met those needs. So what weve been doing is ramping up the housing initiative. Ive known some of them for a long time. To avoid backflow where contaminated water could get into the countys drinking water, he envisions two systems where the catchment system would go towards watering yards, cattle, cars or even flushing toilets in a pinch.. Do you think there should be a cap or limit on how many visitor or hotel units can be built? If voters decide to reelect him, Victorino is hoping to make up for lost time in the pandemic and tackle ongoing issues like housing. It was an opportunity for them to talk to all departments in one day. This is really important. I was honored to be the speaker at the recent police recruit graduation. He quit working for out-of-state real estate investment companies, as he couldnt see himself assisting companies who would then turn around and sell homes at high prices. Marina Riker/Civil Beat/2022 Whatever their plans, the stakes are high. Lot of the infrastructure is used for short-term (rental), basically investment, money-making corporations coming in and buying multiple homes and turning it into an investment opportunity instead of it being housing for the locals, he said. Bissen: Well of course we need livable wages for our kamaina. So again, its a very complex system as you say in your question. Eight candidates are vying for the seat, and the top two vote-getters will make it through. . Bell supports the community and county taking the lease that East Maui Irrigation is currently seeking to use water from the East Maui watershed. He envisions having a grocery store on a bottom level, doctors offices and a coffee shop, or other businesses depending on the demographics of the residents. UH Maui Mayoral and Congress Candidate Forum Recap November 10, 2022Aysha Jarnesky On October 17 and October 24, 2022, two candidate forums were held in our UH Maui college student lounge. Today's story focuses on. I think the mayors job is again to inspire those that the mayor leads, and I think that Im the kind of leader that can bring that out of a 35 year experience with law enforcement and providing public safety., Victorino: The shortage in our police department as far as personnel has long existed, and it has gotten worse because of retirements that have come, and we have not been able to recruit. Bissen also believes every drought-prone area should be allowed to have water catchments. And finally, taxationIve always said this state has a regressive tax. Josh Green and Mayor Michael Victorino during the pandemic. And so with that being said, I think the hospitality industry with the Maui Nui plan, which we are a part of and weve spent the last two-and-a-half years working on, is now taking effect. People are still upset about that, nobody knows where that money went, King said. He was elected again in 2018 and 2020. So I think for us, we should really consider what the auditors concern was. Whether or not Im mayor or not mayor its more about what we can do as a community and bring a lot of these ideas forth and implement those as a vision for Maui, he said. A special voters guide to candidates is included in todays edition on page T1. The mayor appoints the police commission. Bell (Nonpartisan) Richard Bissen (Nonpartisan) The cost of living has always been an issue for our island community, however it has been amplified by inflation and climbing interest rates. When it comes to food, we will start to grow here, we start to become competitive in the growing of food, and being able to sell within our local markets hereour farmers markets and other areas. You know, these private partnerships help the government put in infrastructure for the reduction in price of the homes or apartments for our residents to live in, and these look very promising in the future. Hawaii voters may return their voted ballot through the US Postal Service, by dropping it off at a ballot drop box, or may visit a voter service center in their county. Developers meanwhile have said that it will make it harder to build affordable projects. Find 2022 Hawaii Election coverage here The crowded race for Maui County mayor is underway with eight candidates trying to win the spot currently held by Incumbent Michael Victorino.. Click on the links below to view the Financial Disclosure Statements (FDS) of Mayoral candidates: Do you believe that over-tourism exists and if so, how should it be measured and mitigated? On Friday, December 13th, RAM members were invited to attend a RAM Community Meeting regarding the Council's real property tax reform efforts. In other words, we use their own car, and not a fleet car. But we are just not working together, Kay said. Name one thing in this years record-setting budget that could have been trimmed. But as an adult it just sets you up for success, to persevere.. Bissen, who spent three decades as an attorney and judge, said theres no direct correlation in being a legislator and being an executive.. Voted ballots must be received by 7 p.m. on Nov. 8, 2022. Its not so much a lack of water here, its a lack of ideas and old irrigation systems that need upgrades, he said. Become a Candidate; Candidate Reports; Nonpartisan Candidates in Partisan Contests; Presidential. I know we use the term affordable as a formula, as a way of determining eligibility, but the fact of the matter is, I dont think you can call a $1 million house an affordable housethats the average price of homes. Looking back on the current administrations term, Kay said she did not support the decision to move forward with the West Maui wastewater injection wells lawsuit that went all the way up to the Supreme Court. Green, makes 17 more appointments critical to, Maui Now Reader Survey Results: Inflation and Cost, Tokuda gives inaugural floor speech on debt ceiling, Hirono Advocates Window Safety for Children Living, Benefits increase 8.7% for Social Security, Maui Top 20: Maui Visitor & Tourism Information. Candidate. We had a pent-up demand for visitors. County of Maui 200 S. High St. Kalana O Maui Bldg, Wailuku, HI 96793 Information Desk located: 2nd floor lobby; Helpful Links. She said this could be a temporary solution when other longer-term housing is being worked on. Whether or not we are able to afford what it would take to actually own the systemagain the system, not really the water The water is a public trust. In Fact, RICHARD BISSEN Won 11-8-2022 Election !!! I think that our program that wed like to promote is kamaina housing. Dave's names is probably familiar for a few reasons: Dave was Government Affairs Director for RAM for about 10 years, he's authored hundreds of stories as a local journalist, and he is currently serving on the Maui County Charter . Maui County: Richard Bissen Wins Big In The Race For Mayor - Honolulu Civil Beat Elections 2022 Maui County: Richard Bissen Wins Big In The Race For Mayor Voters across Maui, Molokai. Candidate. In a Hawaii News Now interview just prior to the Bissen announcement . Molina said that for the first 10 years of his political career, he received donations including from developers, but that later he declined them, explaining that he wanted to leave the big money out of the equation so his decisions will be clear when deciding on things such as rezoning. Keep the ball rolling, I call it. Ive lost two and a half years to COVID, now I want to do this.. She added that lots of times families who may not show enough income to qualify but could make it work may be turned down as they do not meet certain standards on paper. The race for Maui Mayor is heating up, as incumbent Mayor Mike Victorino seeks re-election.He's facing some tough competition in a crowded 8-person race: Cullan Bell, Richard Bissen, Kim Brown, At 4:45 p.m. one afternoon near the start of the pandemic, a senior care home provider called Mayor Michael Victorino to say just two employees would be able to care for 75 patients after 6 p.m. Victorino called Maj. Gen. Kenneth Hara, adjutant general for the state of Hawaii. . Adding more ground water to the system would require changes to treatment plants, yet another expense. We started one up in Wailuku at the Wailuku Apartments324 apartments will be built on the corner of Waiale / Kuikahi / and Honoapiilani Highway thats across Longs and Foodland in Wailuku. He said he would like to see stricter campaign spending reforms and reduce spending limits, that way the playing field is level.. You know if you say to someone: Oh, I want to buy this car, and they go, Well how much does it cost, and I say, Well Ill tell you after you tell me you want it. Ill [say], Well, I hope I can afford it. She said that the permitting process is quick for some and very slow for others. How much is it going to cost to fix? Bell, who is helping out with the restoration of loi in Honomanu, said East Maui at one time could provide food for the entire island. He pointed out that often times what drives prices up is protests over developments that try to build in inappropriate places. He proposes that since the resorts use a lot of water, that they be made to grow food as well on their campuses; the same could go for golf courses, which, for example, could grow fruit trees. I think the mayor can help inspire them to aspire and be ambitious to do more. He said the high courts ruling brought more clarity. Instead, they should follow the instructions on their ballot to request a replacement ballot. 1, (b) Top 10 (c) this is not a priority. Email aloha@bissenmovement.com. With that in mind, members of the County Council have been holding community meetings throughout Maui County, and Councilmember Alice Lee was kind enough to hold one at RAM! We should use different building materials and different roofing materials and plant more trees in the city to improve the moisture and bring the temperature down, she said. Addressing Maui Countys ongoing drought, Brown said that we live in one of the wettest places in the world.. To the issue of transparency with the CARES Act federal COVID relief funds, Victorino said he provided reports to the council committees every month as he knows they are part of the checks and balances of government. So this would help to be a starting point along with my private-public partnerships that we have instituted. Maui County Candidates at a Glance Local News Jun 8, 2022 Maui County Mayor (nonpartisan) Cullan Bell Richard (Rick) Bissen Kim Brown Alana Kay Kelly Takaya King Jonah Lion Mike Molina. Box 3083 Wailuku, HI 96793. At 9 years old, Kim Brown was ironing dress shirts for a nickel apiece. What is an equal share to pay? This episode is a good one for all my REALTORS out there. While the pandemic spurred plenty of public criticism and an effort to recall Victorino, the mayor believes his leadership is the reason voters should keep him in office. He also supports the county contributing to the infrastructure of projects to help cut down building costs. It can be kpuna, it can be millennials, people just getting their first homes, or people who want to downsize. Instead of submitting plans that go from one department, then they approve it, it goes to the next department and they approve it, she said. When the first COVID cases popped up in Hana and Molokai, the county was quick to get cleaning services. They are all things on the books we are moving forward, Victorino said. The main reason why Im running is my children and all of our children of Hawaii, really. There are ways we can co-exist, but I think we have to understand there is a capacity that we can withstand on our islandon our three islands that make up Maui County. Molina said to help remedy the situation, the county could drill for more sources, create more reservoirs for storage, maybe using catchment systems and even considering working with the Department of Health to use and treat grey water, such as water from washing machines or dishwashers, to do things such as water plants. There will also be more training for personnel to help applicants better and more quickly through the process. The two garnered the most votes in the Primary Election and now face off in the General Election, with the top vote getter to lead the County of Maui for the next four years as mayor. . And again, theres one separate for Lnai, separate for Molokai, and separate for Maui so that we can manage the tourist industry. He advocated for the charter amendment that will be placed on the general election ballot to establish a water authority that would seek the lease. Lanai. The following candidates ran in the primary for Mayor of Maui on August 13, 2022. * Melissa Tanji can be reached at mtanji@mauinews.com. Anyone who receives a grant from the County of Maui on my administration would be required to have an internship program there. Another alternative building material that can be used is hempcrete (hemp mixed with a lime binder and water) or aircrete (aerated concrete), he said. Molina holds the Makawao-Haiku-Paia residency seat, and while parts of his district see frequent rain, other areas are impacted by yearly drought. What are some immediate solutions you have to strengthening safety within the community, and do you feel progress is being made? The trio on Thursday night was asked about Maui County's new budget, which spiked about 40% from recent times. The Upcountry water meter list has been stalled for decades. His opponent is Mike Victorino. Im not running against anyone else, Im running for my grandsons, Bissen said. Her father, a former sergeant in the Seattle Police Department, is the one who urged her to get into politics. Maui Mayor Mike Victorino and retired Maui Chief. We also need viable career options for our youth, and we need to be very mindful of the industry that we can create for our youth. I think we are in a sense of urgency., As a young kid, you dont see the value in it,, But as an adult it just sets you up for success, to persevere., Being raised by an immigrant, you have no option but to work,, If you want to positively influence your community, you will be involved with politics,, our money and the hearts of the community, I was tired of seeing privileges for you know, developers, or the big businesses over the small business,, a lot of those monies dont address our immediate needs., For example, a $43 million cultural center, if we dont have people here, whos going to go to the cultural center?, we live in one of the wettest places in the world., It doesnt take a genius to figure out how to create reservoirs, catchment, drill wells, all of those things need to be in place,, I would love to see a four- to six-week permitting process,, I want to be in the position where everyone knows who I am and I can say, why cant we all get along? CHRISTIE WILSON / CWILSON@STARADVERTISER.COM. It is not the same as it was 25 years ago. The change may be expensive and a paradigm shift, but worth it in the long run for future generations of residents. If elected as mayor, King aims to improve the coordination between the county and developers, saying that there are times that a mayor must step in to assist if there bumps in the permitting process. i lost my emission test notice maryland. The other candidates are Richard Bissen, Kim Brown, Alana Kay, Jonah Lion, Mike Molina , Kelly King and Mike Victorino.. Candidate Mike Victorino (Nonpartisan) Cullan H.M.M. So Im not sure what the cost or what kind of offer would be acceptable to EMI or A&B who owns much of that systemor at least controls the system. Our first interview is with Dave DeLeon, candidate for the Makawao-Haiku-Paia seat on the Maui County Council. So Im in favor of making stronger laws, but making sure that theyre fair and equitable and that it is applied across the boardand not be sometimes good behavior youre let go early and have another chance to strike at the public itself.. In his line of work, hes now looking to help local homeowners. RAM GAD POD - Michele McLean, Director of the Maui County Department of Planning. Nonpartisan primary for Mayor of Maui. She advertised free rent at the onset to get folks to live there and eventually pay rent. Keith is the ideal candidate for any team looking to achieve exceptional results. Voters are also reminded to sign the return ballot envelope. I think our Hna peoplethey want the tourist business, but I also think that the residents who have to drive in and out for work dont want to have that extra impact. A list of locations and hours is posted online atelections.hawaii.gov. Yes or No. Thats why I want to be re-elected because I know what we can do. It was nicknamed the cockroach village, a place where college students would break down walls to make bigger apartments and throw wild parties. Ways we can do that is we can leverage our money by working closer with federal and state departments and agencies, and organizations. King is the chairwoman of the councils Climate Action, Resilience and Environment Committee and founded Pacific Biodiesel with her husband, Bob, on Maui in 1995. *Indicates candidate was elected after the Primary Election. Our kamaina housing plan also involves short-term, which is accessory dwelling units, people call them ohana or cottages. He also supports establishing county water authorities, which will be up to voters in the general election. The owner would pay for the catchment, but in turn they may not pay as much for county water as they will be using the catchment, Bissen said. What we need to do is build trust. King said she would take the various executive assistant positions in the Mayors Office and place at least two employees as ombudsmen for the planning process, to help smaller developers and individuals get through the permitting process. I think what people see is name recognition and familiarity in county government, the 60-year-old Kahului resident said. To help my grandsons and other peoples grandchildren and generations to come. I want the East Maui taro farmers, and other farmers, ranchers, the residents of East Maui, Mahi Pono, EMI, A&Beverybody has to be at the table to make sure that this water authority works, and works the way it should be at workthat everybody gets what they deserve, and no waste is occurring. Register to vote in person from now until November 8th. And I think what we call regenerative tourism will be a big part about how we move forward both in the hospitality industry and as a community. And we needed a lot of water back in the day, and it was a marvelous feat of engineering to bring water from East Maui to Central Maui. Bell took his advocacy to the state Board of Education, Department of Education and Department of Health. 2022 candidate interview: Richard Bissen for Maui County mayor Listen 13:24 The Conversation is also interviewing candidates for some county council districts, Kauai County mayor, the U.S. House of Representatives, lieutenant governor, and governor. CHICAGO (AP) Paul Wallace and Brandon Johnson will face off in a runoff for Chicago's next mayor after voters on Tuesday rejected incumbent Lori Lightfoot for a second term, reprimanding a leader who made history as the nation's third mayor. He wondered how much water could be saved even in the resorts by just reusing the wastewater for toilets. So we know one of the biggest things is we need to make sure the water we use is used properly like the ahupuaa systemto make sure that we use the water as it comes down the mountain. Is that going to fall on commercial? There needs to be a discussion with permitting departments to see if something can be provided to speed up the process. Brown said if elected mayor, she will bring servitude and her CEO experience to the offices. Bissen: So we understand that tourism is our main economic driver for our island, our county. A lease agreement could be worked out with a private party, and when the project is done, the building and the land could be turned back over to the county. I think theres two pricesexpensive, and out of reach. These are places that already have water, already have sewers, already have parking, theyve already been disturbedthe ground, so we may as well make those into living quarters. I think we are in a sense of urgency.. 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