As a crew member on the Hōkūle‘a’s Voyages of Rediscovery in 1987 and 1992, I learned the importance of having a clear picture of where you want to go.

Understanding one’s location, having a tightly organized crew and ship, and being able to navigate the unforeseen makes it possible to sail around obstacles and overcome challenges to reach the destination.

As Mayor of Maui County, one of my immediate goals is to bring this spirit and these skills to bear on how we work together for Maui Nui.

Jobs, Opportunity & Economic Stability Needed!

For the past 50 years, Maui County’s economic development has been centered on tourism. Along with the successes of tourism came a booming real estate market. These changes had good and bad consequences, depending on one’s perspective.

We have learned that focusing on one or two major industries leaves us vulnerable to economic cycles. It’s time to expand our horizons.

Clean Up Waste & Make Government More Accountable!

The past few administrations have neglected to collect on millions of dollars of unpaid debt, even though this issue has been brought to their attention. This lack of administrative oversight has placed an unfair burden on taxpayers who are left to pick up the tab.

Hawaii spends $6 Billion a year on food; 85% of those dollars leave our state to pay farmers in other states!

In 2009 I convened an Agricultural Roundtable discussion to find out why we are not producing and buying more food locally. Some of the roadblocks are relatively easy to resolve. If we increase our food production by even a small percentage, it can translate into jobs, businesses, and millions of dollars for our local economy.

Water & Wastewater Infrastructure – the Time is Now!

Much of our existing infrastructure is inadequate for the demand placed upon it (on all Maui Nui islands); we are over-pumping wells and running dangerously close to compromising our resources. We must be realistic; we cannot grow without addressing this issue.

Get Aggressive About Going After Funding!

Solving some of our problems will take big money. We will recruit a top-notch team of grant specialists to go after funding for major capital improvement projects. We will also establish a network of volunteers to assist non-profits and community groups with training and grant writing; we can potentially transform several worthwhile organizations.