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County Council candidate profiles for Makawao-Haiku-Paia seat

By Staff | Sep 16, 2010

Four candidates — Mary Ribucan Cochran, Kai Nishiki, Leona Bak Nomura and Mike White — are vying for the Makawao-Haiku-Paia seat on the Maui County Council.

Here are their responses to our council candidate questionnaire.

 

County Council candidate profile: Mary Ribucan Cochran

 

Mary Ribucan Cochran

OCCUPATION: Retired Lawyer

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND: Bachelor’s Degree from Chaminade University of Honolulu; Juris Doctorate from University of Hawaii William Richardson School of Law

POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: Hawaii State Board of Education Member 2002-10

WHY ARE YOU RUNNING?

I am running because of my desire to develop governance in Maui County that makes daily life easier for local families.  Born and raised on Maui, I have watched Maui’s changing landscape and want to be a voice of reason on the council. My eight years of experience on the Board of Education has furthered my desire to help our community face challenges head-on. My focus is on affordable housing, developing water sources, expanding public transportation and restructuring property taxes so longtime residents are not overburdened. The most critical component of this is stimulating Maui County’s economy through new jobs.

HOW CAN MAUI COUNTY DIVERSIFY ITS ECONOMY, SUPPORT SMALL BUSINESSES AND CREATE JOBS?

As a former small business owner, I know how county rules, regulations and programs can impact businesses. I fully support the notion of buying local, and my first priority will be to implement policies that help businesses succeed. I believe in the spirit of entrepreneurship and favor at-home small businesses with the condition that it does not impact the character and peace of its surrounding community. In terms of economic diversity, Maui County must consider innovative solutions to fuel our job market. One such growth area is renewable energy, which has the potential to preserve our environment while also driving our economy to create thousands of new jobs.

WHAT ARE THE THREE KEY ISSUES IN THE 2010 ELECTIONS AND HOW WOULD YOU ATTACK THEM?

Water, affordable housing, and stimulating the economy are the most pressing issues in this upcoming election. Water has been a long-standing problem throughout Maui County, and I would push for mandatory water-saving fixtures in all new buildings and offer rebates to residents who install water-saving features or utilize recycled water. The county must also get back into the business of searching for new water sources to ensure we have adequate resources to support our population. Gone are the days when residents can easily afford a home. I want to change this reality by increasing the county’s role in helping first-time homebuyers. I propose growing the county’s first-time homebuyer fund and promoting the development of homes that are ACTUALLY affordable to our residents. Most importantly, I will be relentless in getting our residents back to work. I will push for long-term job growth by making Maui County a favorable place for innovative business ventures. We must also stimulate our economy by supporting our visitor industry through promotional dollars and our construction industry by utilizing local workers.

WHY SHOULD VOTERS CHOOSE YOU?

With my background as a lawyer and eight years of experience on the Hawaii State Board of Education, I am ready to tackle issues facing our county head-on. I am the only candidate in my district with a detailed plan of action and an extensive track record of success in getting projects done for our community. I was instrumental in obtaining funds for Kihei High School to be built and making our schools safer by allowing the utilization of drug sniffing dogs in our schools — just to name a few. My philosophy of leadership heavily emphasizes collaboration, as accomplishments are only made possible with the vote of confidence, help and communication of others. I believe the community must also have a strong voice in decisions, and if elected, I will continue to hold regularly scheduled community meetings, just as I have as a member of the Board of Education.

WHAT ARE THE TOP PRIORITIES OF YOUR DISTRICT?

The top priorities of my district are water and jobs. Residents of Makawao, Haiku and Paia face droughts year after year, and getting this resolved will be a top priority of mine. We must build new reservoirs and repair leaky transmission flumes that date back to the founding of Hawaii’s sugar plantations. Millions of gallons of water are lost daily, and we must capture this valuable commodity. I will also work to eliminate the Upcountry water meter list, so longtime residents can actually obtain adequate water sources in a fair and timely manner.

Like all other districts, Makawao, Haiku and Paia also face the reality of joblessness. We must get our residents back to work, and I will be the most vocal and action-oriented member on this issue. We must stimulate our economy through the utilization of tax breaks for new businesses and help to revitalize depressed industries. Government must also do its part by ensuring that it uses its entire allotment of federal stimulus funds and not burden residents with higher taxes.

 

County Council candidate profile: Kai Nishiki

Kai Nishiki, 39

OCCUPATION: Owner of small wholesale bakery

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND: Some college

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: Paia Relief Route Advisory Group, Statewide Pedestrian Master Plan CAC, Mental Health America, Haiku Community Association, Halau Kulia I ka Nu‘u, and various school and athletic organizations

POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: Legislative aide for the County of Maui; ran in the 2008 election for the Haiku, Makawao and Paia District. I am actively involved with community partnerships, boards and working groups, so that I stay informed of what is truly important to the people of Maui Nui. I follow committee and council matters closely, so that I stay current on issues that affect our communities. I try my best to spread the word to promote community involvement at the council level, where it is so important for your voices to be heard. Growing up and being closely tied to politics has taught me that there is so much more we can do to be a more self-sustaining community.

WHY ARE YOU RUNNING?

Maui is my birthplace, my home and my children’s future.  I want to be a voice for other families, like my own, who dream of a future that includes housing we can afford, jobs that we can count on and a safe, clean community.

HOW CAN MAUI COUNTY DIVERSIFY ITS ECONOMY, SUPPORT SMALL BUSINESSES, AND CREATE JOBS?

I believe that each of the islands of Maui County could have many more economic opportunities and job growth over the next 15 years. Each island has its own path to follow. For Molokai, small business, low impact tourism, agriculture, fisheries management, health- and information-based industries and renewable energy all appear to have community support as future job generators.

On Lanai, cultural, recreational and educational tourism, the arts, small business and home-based businesses all have room for growth and need support. Funding needs to be found to upgrade the island’s infrastructure and create construction industry jobs. Proposed renewable energy projects will need to have a strong and ongoing community benefit component. Water availability limits many economic opportunities in Lanai, so investment in reforestation and alien species control will need to play a role in Lanai’s economic future.

On Maui, the visitor industry will need to diversify to include more educational, health and wellness, sports and cultural activities to broaden its appeal. We must also make a commitment to support our small towns and businesses countywide. We can support them to compete through streamlined regulations, adequate access to capital, opportunities to lower energy costs and innovative marketing strategies.

We must support diversified farming countywide to cost-effectively produce and distribute healthy local food, fuel and building materials. We have opportunities to create jobs producing not just traditional plant and animal crops, but higher end, value-added agricultural products like plant-based items for the burgeoning health and beauty industry. We must also prepare to expand our health and wellness industry to serve an aging local population and retirees who choose Maui for their golden years. We should offer incentives to establish more educational institutions and opportunities, as well as clean, green industries built around renewable energy production and management.

WHAT ARE THE THREE KEY ISSUES IN THE 2010 ELECTION AND HOW WOULD YOU ATTACK THEM?

Please see above.

WHY SHOULD VOTERS CHOOSE YOU:

I grew up being involved in local government, and as a volunteer community leader, I am already working to improve conditions in my district and our county. I have the energy, dedication and the collaborative skills to get things done.

WHAT ARE THE TOP PRIORITIES OF YOUR DISTRICT?

Our district has beautiful beaches, charming small towns, scenic coastlines, a long agricultural history and very resourceful people. What we face is the challenge to create a viable local economy as plantation agriculture is shifting course. Local, home-based businesses are common in the district, but our current laws don’t support them. I would work to pass laws that do, and create a process to end business closures while the law is being reformed. Our small towns need support to have adequate parking and small business-friendly laws.

Interest in farming and other agricultural activities is high in our district, but access to water is a huge challenge for both farmers and residents looking to build a home. I would work to pass laws that give local farmers incentives to create water storage systems and allow reuse of gray water. I would support adding additional public water sources to the Upcountry system to end the long wait for water meters. I would work with our administration to negotiate for community use of natural springs and streams in the region.

We need important infrastructure projects, such as a Haiku fire station, the Paia relief route and Upcountry reservoirs and water system upgrades. I would work to find county, state and federal funding sources to move these important projects forward, creating jobs and lasting benefits for our communities.

 

County Council candidate profile: Leona Bak Nomura

Leona Bak Nomura, 63

OCCUPATION: Owner of the small business Kuau Mart

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND: St. Joseph School, Saint Anthony High School, Woodbury College, Alu Like Inc. Business Development Center, Creative Floral Designs of New Orleans 

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: Cofounder and active member of Paia School PTA, SCC Community representative for Paia School, St. Joseph Feast Craft Fair, St. Joseph Alumni, Makawao Rodeo Scrip Sales, St. Anthony Alumni Ho‘olaule‘a, campaigned for new cafeteria at Paia School, established parking stalls and access to beaches, collected over 1,000 signatures banning commercial businesses at Hookipa and Baldwin Beach Parks.

POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: Campaign manager for a state senator for eight years.

WHY ARE YOU RUNNING? 

I am running because of my deep connection and passion to my district. I was born, raised, schooled, live, work, worship and volunteer in these communities. I am here. I see, I care, I feel. I need to be part of its future decision-making.

HOW CAN MAUI COUNTY DIVERSIFY ITS ECONOMY, SUPPORT SMALL BUSINESSES AND CREATE JOBS?

By creating more small businesses — encourage Maui people’s ingenuity to come up with ideas to start a small business. We need to bring in other industries, more local small farms to provide local food, etc. Also, I would like to fast track starting up businesses, instead of waiting for weeks to get started. We need to make it easier to start a small business.

WHAT ARE THE THREE KEY ISSUES IN THE 2010 ELECTIONS, AND HOW WOULD YOU ATTACK THEM?

The number one priority is jobs. Without jobs, we are dead in the water. If we can get federal funding to repair our infrastructure, we could put a lot of our people to work. We should try and loosen up any red tape holding up approved construction developments.

Second is the water issue. This is a very complicated issue; otherwise, it would have been solved a long time ago. I want to understand what is going on so I can work toward a solution. Repairing the flumes and purchasing the Piiholo South Well maybe the answer. Again it’s about money.

Third is the economy. We have always followed the pattern of the Mainland. If their economy flourishes, we follow months later. We may not be able to wait for them. We have to diversify our economy now. Farming, fishing — anything that is self-sustainable for our survival.

WHY SHOULD VOTERS CHOOSE YOU?

Because I am connected to this island. I care very much for the people of this island, especially our seniors and children. I communicate with them every day and understand the needs of the community. I want to make sure that the Maui I know will be here for generations to come.

WHAT ARE THE TOP PRIORITIES OF YOUR DISTRICT?

The people, water, farming, traffic, beach access, sidewalks, bicycle lanes, bicycle tours, home businesses and all of the above.

 

County Council candidate profile: Mike White

Mike White, 61

OCCUPATION:  General Manager at Kaanapali Beach Hotel

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND: Graduate of Punahou School and the University of Hawaii School of Travel Industry Management

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: Current — Hawaii Tourism Authority-Hawaiian Cultural Program Advisory Council, University of Hawaii School of Travel Industry Management Advisory Council, Native Hawaiian Hospitality Association (Board of Directors and Treasurer), Hawaii Employers Council Board of Directors, Maui Hotel & Lodging Association Board of Directors, Maui Visitors Bureau Board of Directors and Executive Committee and Hawaii Hotel & Lodging Association, Board of Directors; Past — Hawaii State Tourism Marketing Council (Maui Representative), Member of Hawaii’s Delegation to The White House Conference on Travel & Tourism, Maui Economic Development Board Board of Directors and Executive Committee, Maui Food Bank Board of Directors, Maui Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, Lahaina Restoration Foundation Board of Directors, Hawaii Visitors & Conventions Bureau Board of Directors

POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: Hawaii House of Representatives 1993-98 representing West Maui, Molokai and Lanai; 1993 — Appointed to serve the last year of Roz Baker’s term in the House; 1994 — Elected, served two years; 1996 — Elected, served two years

WHY ARE YOU RUNNING?

I would like to bring my years of business, legislative and community service, and cultural experience to the council. The county needs to be run in a more businesslike way, and I would like to bring more aloha to the way the county serves the public.

HOW CAN MAUI COUNTY DIVERSIFY ITS ECONOMY, SUPPORT SMALL BUSINESSES AND CREATE JOBS?

Maui County needs to become more business-friendly and look at business as a partner in an economic recovery rather as an adversary. The quickest way to kick start our economy, create jobs and help our struggling businesses would be to increase our focus on visitor and business promotions. For example, our historic small town, sporting and cultural organizations should be encouraged to maintain current events and generate new opportunities to bring communities together in a way that helps local businesses and bring locals and visitors together. The county should provide both monetary and manpower assistance as appropriate. We should be helping Maui farmers with marketing and promotion, as well as securing a stable water supply.  Additionally, we should be spending more to market Maui to the world since 75 percent of Maui’s economy is generated by visitor expenditures. Because of this reality, increases in visitor spending have an immediate positive impact on small business and help create jobs. With other destinations competing for our visitors, our promotional efforts must be strengthened.

WHAT ARE THE THREE KEY ISSUES IN THE 2010 ELECTIONS, AND HOW WOULD YOU ATTACK THEM?

Jobs, the economy and fiscal responsibility are key issues. In addition to doing more to promote a variety of businesses on Maui, we need to make it easier for businesses to improve and expand. The permitting process must be made more predictable, timely, understandable and friendly to facilitate business and job growth. We must develop more ground water resources, transmission lines and storage facilities. The other key issue is that the Maui County budget is growing much faster than the economy and our population. In difficult economic times, Maui County needs to be run more like a business, operate with a high level of fiscal responsibility and do more with less. This will require effective teamwork between the council, the administration and county employees.

WHY SHOULD VOTERS CHOOSE YOU?

My decades of visitor industry and business experience here on Maui provide me with an important set of skills for addressing the county’s fiscal challenges. Five years in the state legislature and over 25 years of serving the community and creating a Hawaiian cultural program at Kaanapali Beach Hotel provide me the compassion and balanced perspective necessary to make informed and effective policy decisions. The council team needs more individuals with proven leadership, legislative experience and a long-standing commitment to the community.

WHAT ARE THE TOP PRIORITIES OF YOUR DISTRICT?

Addressing the impacts of Maui’s economic downturn by: 1) supporting the preservation and renewal of our historic towns;  2) making it easier to create jobs by improving the approval process for upgrading and expanding businesses; 3) focusing more of the county’s promotional budget on the extreme sports and lifestyles of the North Shore; 4) allowing home-based businesses and TVRs to continue to operate while appropriate regulations are developed with community input; and 5) fixing the county roads.