At the organizational meeting last week Friday, new County Council Chair Mike White told attendees, “I pledge to you that we will be straight with you, we will communicate openly with you, we will be positive and helpful, and we will be responsible with your money. Most important, we will do what is pono.”

WAILUKU – The County Council at its organizational meeting on Friday voted to appoint Makawao-Paia-Haiku Councilman Mike White as chair for the 2015-17 term.

“I look forward to working with a great team in crafting quality legislation for the next two years,” said White.

“I will work hard to guide council operations and facilitate a healthy working relationship among members and with the administration.”

Councilman Don S. Guzman of Kahului was appointed vice-chair, and Councilman Michael P. Victorino of the Wailuku-Waihee-Waiehu residency area was elected presiding officer pro tempore.

The council also adopted Resolution 15-5, establishing the following committees: Infrastructure and Environmental Management Committee chaired by Elle Cochran of West Maui; Budget and Finance Committee chaired by Riki Hokama of Lanai; Committee of the Whole and Economic Development, Energy, Agriculture and Recreation Committee, both chaired by Guzman; Human Services and Transportation Committee chaired by Stacy Crivello of Molokai; Land Use Committee chaired by Robert Carroll of East Maui; Planning Committee chaired by Don Couch of South Maui; Policy and Intergovernmental Affairs Committee chaired by Victorino; and Water Resources Committee chaired by Gladys C. Baisa of Upcountry.

“We are ready to work and deliver results,” White said.

He added that committee chairs are anxious to get work done, especially with unresolved issues carried from the past term.

The council reappointed Danny Mateo as county clerk and Josiah Nishita as deputy county clerk.

White, who also serves as general manager of the Kaanapali Beach Hotel, shared four guiding leadership principles he has practiced for more than 40 years in the private sector: Focus on the positive, remember to count blessings; Always do the right thing, do what is pono; Be responsible with money, be frugal and use only what you need; Have an open and honest communication.

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