March 2015

The High Street JournalAn Official Publication of the County of Maui

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March 2015March 2015

An Offi cial Publication of the County of Maui

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TheTheHigh Street JournalHigh Street Journal


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CONTENTS

PUBLISHER / EDITORLynn Araki-Regan

EDITORIAL COORDINATORSLois WhitneyTiff any IidaHerman Andaya, Jr.Rod Antone

PHOTO COORDINATORRyan PirosJaime Kane

CONTRIBUTORSDana AcostaMayor Alan ArakawaKaren ArakawaJoAn GasconVeralyn LathamDeclan Mc CarthyLinn NishikawaLisa PaulsonTeena RasmussenKeith ReganCrystal SakaiAnn SakamotoBrianne SavageDee Dee ThyssenSharon ZalsosKit Zulueta

The

High Street Journal Message from the Mayor....................................................................................

M.D. Minute ............................................................................................................

Happenings at the County .............................................................................

Arakawa outlines priorities, goals in State of County Address ..........

OED vendor applications, sponsors now being accepted for 2nd Annual Made in Maui County Festival ........................................................

B & C Highlight......................................................................................................

Second round of small business revitalization grants for Hana, Lanaì announced ................................................................................................

Winners of 2015 Mayor’s Small Business Awards honored..................

Workshops at Maui County Business Resource Center Announced for March ................................................................................................................

First portable trailer restroom at West Maui Skate Park completed...............................................................................................................

Maui County Ag Festival seeks entries for 2015 Hawaii Food Products Recipes Contest..................................................................................

Exciting events for seniors, thanks to Kaunoa...........................................

Risk Management off ers First Aid/CPR/AED classes .............................

Kupaianaha (“Blessings of Life”).....................................................................

Maui County Charity Walk kicks off ...............................................................

Photo Gallery .........................................................................................................

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Cover photo: Lynn Araki-Regan


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Aloha everyone,

Today I would like to ask for your assistance.

Our Film Commissioner Tracy Bennett has helped to put together a very high quality video about ocean and hiking safety here on Maui. As you know, many of our visitors get into a lot of trouble doing these things here.

The video is narrated by local actor and stuntman Branscombe Richmond and also features some of our county workers, including personnel from the Department of Fire and Public Safety and Parks and Recreation, Division of Ocean Safety.

The safety video is currently being played at Kahului Airport and there are more eff orts to get it playing in hotels, activity kiosks and even in arriving fl ights to Maui.

These are all good things. But recent events have caused me to think that visitors are not the only ones who should be watching this video, which is why I am asking for your help.

Last month two local teens from Kahului drowned near Honokohau Bay. They were walking along the shoreline when one of them was swept off of the rocks by a wave.

The other one jumped in the ocean to help. Our Fire and Rescue personnel found both bodies a short time later.

I don’t know if watching these teens watching this video would have changed the situation. But I do know that we should off er our own residents the same sort of advice that we are giving our visitors, at the very least.

So if you would like a DVD copy of this video to show to your child’s classroom or soccer team or even just to let them watch it at home, please let my offi ce staff know. Or if you want we can send you the YouTube link, here it is here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kudYTe0XDDQ

As I said, it is a well produced video. They talk about the dangers of shore breaks, how to swim out of a riptide, the dangers of fast-rising stream waters while hiking, etc. It is worth your time to watch it with your children.

We shouldn’t assume that just because we were born and raised here that we are somehow immune to our surroundings. Especially where our children are concerned.

Mahalo for your kokua.

Aloha and God bless.

Mayor Alan Arakawa

MESSAGE FROM THE MAYORMESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR


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“A budget is more than just a series of numbers on a page; it is an embodiment of our values.” ~ Barack Obama

Since the fi rst Presidential budget was submitted to Congress in 1921, governmental budgeting has been an important task for each administration. And while Maui County’s annual budget is but a fraction of the United States’ total budget, the annual budget proposal that gets submitted to Council is a valuable process that shapes the work of our County departments every day of the fi scal year.

Our departments handle tasks big and small, from the mundane and overlooked to the highly anticipated road reconstruction of certain bumpy Upcountry roads and the maintenance of heavily used swimming pools, gyms and recreational facilities.

As COM employees we often have a more in-depth understanding of the way the services the County provides touches so many lives. Yet it is important that we never take for granted the good work that takes place each and every day.

Yes, we are indebted to the fi re fi ghters, the police offi cers and lifeguards who rescue people in distress, put out fi res, keep drunk drivers off the roads and arrest suspected criminals. But it’s equally important to take a moment to thank a janitor for keeping the park restrooms clean and free of litter. To give a wave to the crew patching asphalt in the hot sun. To say mahalo to the DMV clerks who work as fast as they can all day, helping the many diff erent folks who need assistance.

To the folks sorting mail in the back room, to the staff answering the phone taking complaints from the public because their needs weren’t met, to the counter staff processing payments for refuse accounts… Thank You.

To the Parks caretakers who mow, rake, weed, repair sprinkler heads and paint over graffi ti… Thank You.

To those dedicated employees who crunch numbers, handle permit applications or follow up on requests for service… Thank You.

There are countless individuals just like yourself whose daily work here at the County may not receive accolades or be written up in the newspaper, but it does accomplish something inherently valuable: Your work makes a diff erence in the lives of each resident and visitor in our County. And for that, I would like to say Thank You.

So as each department submits its proposed budget needs to the Mayor, and ultimately to the County Council, know that the many pages included in the Budget are much more than just numbers, they represent the good work you do each and every day. The funding requests are a sign of the expectations we have of successfully serving our community in the coming fi scal year, to the best of our ability.

With gratitude,

Keith ReganManaging Director

M.D. MinuteA Message from Managing Director Keith Regan

Happenings at

THE COUNTY

COMMUNITY MEETING TO ADDRESS HANA BAY SEPTIC SYSTEM

he County of Maui Department of Parks and Recreation invites Hana residents to attend a community meeting on plans for improvements to the Hana Bay Septic System.

The meeting, which will include Parks offi cials, a County engineer and representatives from the State Dept. of Health, will be held Thursday, March 12, 2015 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Helene Hall.

For more information, call 270-7626.

PARKS PERMIT OFFICES TO CLOSE FOR SOFTWARE UPGRADES

The Department of Parks and Recreation announced it has been working toward the implementation of a new software permitting system, which will include updating forms and establishing a clearer process for its many permitting forms and procedures.

To ensure a successful and smooth transition for the department and community, the Parks District Permit Offi ces will be closed for a series of days in March and the fi rst week of April as follows:

Aff ected Offi ces:

Central District Permit Offi ce at the War Memorial Complex

East District Permit Offi ce at the Eddie Tam Memorial Complex

South District Permit Offi ce at the Kihei Community Center

West District Permit Offi ce at the Lahaina Civic Center

Closure Dates: Thursday, March 12, Thursday, March 19, Tuesday, March 31, Thursday, April 2, Monday, April 6.

Aff ected Offi ces:

Molokai District Permit Offi ce at the Mitchell Pauole Complex

Lanai Permit Offi ce at the Lanai Gymnasium

Hana Permit Offi ce at the Hana Community Complex

Closure Dates: Thursday, March 12, Thursday, March 19, Thursday, April 2, Monday, April 6

These closures will provide time for Parks staff to convert to new permitting and scheduling software, which is designed to provide more effi cient scheduling and processing of the more than 10,000 permits that are processed annually.


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Additionally, the closures will allow staff to input data from the old program to the new software; update all forms and processes for the permitting process; update the website with improved fi llable forms, instructions and checklists for the permitting process; conduct training for departmental staff on the new software system and improved procedures; and conduct customer service training for Permit Offi ce staff .

During these Permit Offi ce closures, the District Recreation Offi ces will be open to assist with key pick-ups and drop-off s that cannot be arranged for during the days the Permit Offi ces are open.

For additional information, contact Parks Deputy Director Brianne Savage at 270-7386.

SLURRY SEALING IN WAILUKU BEGINS THIS MONTH

The County of Maui Department of Public Works announced that its Highways Division will be applying slurry sealing to roadways in Wailuku Heights. The work is part of the department’s pavement preservation program.

Slurry application will take place from March 9-27, 2015, starting at the intersection of South Alu Road and Kuikahi Drive, and moving north on South Alu Road to Kualau Street. The work will continue from the south end of South Alu’s cul-de-sac and move north.

Residents will be notifi ed through door hangers two days before they will be directly impacted. On these days, residents are asked to park on the roadside outside of the work zone and to stay off the resurfaced areas to allow proper curing time. Residents are also asked to shut off all irrigation systems while crews are working on the street.

Any questions regarding the Wailuku Heights slurry sealing project may be directed to Public Works’ Makawao Highways Division Offi ce at 572-7272, Monday-Friday from 7 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Motorists are asked to be attentive to traffi c control personnel and to expect delays as traffi c will be restricted to one lane only. Access to driveways in aff ected areas will not be available due to a drying time of approximately 4-6 hours; temporary walkways will be provided in designated areas. Work is scheduled to take place Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Slurry sealing is one of the methods designed to extend the life of County roads, saving money for taxpayers and providing safe, drivable roads for the public. The protective coating is applied directly to roadways to help protect the top layer of asphalt from oxidation and wear caused by exposure to the sun, air, water and chemicals such

as oil and gasoline.

The Department of Public Works is responsible for the pavement management system for the County of Maui. Since 2008, the department has been using iWorQ Pavements as its pavement management system, which monitors inventory, data collection, inspections, data management, and updates. iWorQ Pavements also tracks historical data, pavement treatments and condition histories.

The department appreciates the public’s cooperation and patience, and apologizes for the inconvenience.

ROUTE CHANGES ANNOUNCED FOR MAUI BUS “UPCOUNTRY ISLANDER” AND “KULA VILLAGER” ROUTES

Last month, the Maui County Department of Transportation announced changes to the Maui Bus Upcountry Islander and Kula Villager routes, beginning Saturday, February 28, 2015.

The changes are as follows:

* The bus connection between the Upcountry Islander and the Kula Villager will be relocated to the Kulamalu Town Center, near Longs Drug Store.

• Kulamalu Town Center has been added to the Upcountry Islander route.

• Both the Upcountry Islander and Kula Villager will continue to service the Pukalani Street bus stop separately.

• The Kula Villager bus schedule will be moved to 17 minutes after the hour with the first bus now starting service at 7:17 a.m. from Pukalani Street.

The Kula Highway bus stop fronting Long’s at Kulamalu will be relocated within Kulamalu, near the roundabout closest to the County park and will become the new meeting point for the Upcountry Islander and Kula Villager. Kulamalu developer Everett Dowling has worked closely with the Maui County Department of Transportation to allow access to this area.

The area within Kulamalu will be designated as a “No Parking” area, and drivers will be asked to use adjacent parking to avoid blocking traffic. Signs will be posted, new schedules prepared and information posted on the County website at www.mauicounty.gov/Bus. For more information, contact the Department of Transportation at 270-7511.


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Arakawa outlines priorities, goals in State of County Address

Mayor Alan Arakawa gave his 2015 State of the County Address to a packed house on Tuesday, March 10 at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center’s McCoy Theater.

Outlining priorities and goals for the County’s future, Mayor Arakawa presented the following speech:

Aloha and welcome.

Let’s give a round of applause for our emcee, UH Maui Chancellor Lui Hokoana. Mahalo Lui, and thank you for your kind words about Mele Carroll.

Mele was a kind, warm, intelligent beacon of light, and she is sorely missed by us all.

And many thanks to all of you who came here to the Maui Arts and Cultural Center today, and for those of you watching at home, live on Akaku television.

Your interest in what takes place today means you care about what happens here in Maui County.

Today I am pleased to say that the State of Maui County is STRONG.

It is strong because of the hard work put in by our residents, our businesses and our public servants.

As with any community, we have had challenges to meet, problems to solve and opportunities to create. And for every occasion, the people of Maui County

have risen up to the task.

When we got into offi ce in 2011 we made a list of our priorities, fi gured out how to address each issue and then put our plans into action.

This community backed up those plans and supported the resources we needed.

Because of that I am very happy to say we have made real progress.

Real progress is slow because you have to tackle one issue at a time, but we are moving forward.

So mahalo to everyone who has stepped up and helped to make this community a better place.

If you look at our private sector, our tourism industry has had recordsetting years as far as visitor numbers and spending.

Property valuations are up again this year, which means the home real estate market is also rebounding.

The construction industry has been slowly coming out of its slump as well, and we are seeing more and more of our workers back on the job.

Construction projects have been taking place all over Maui including the $300 million redevelopment of the Maui Lu resort, the ongoing $344 million construction of the Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope, the recently completed Hyatt timeshare building in Kaanapali, as well as the new Target store in Kahului.


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There are more projects on the horizon from Hyatt and the Westin as well.

Even our local sports teams are doing well.

At this time I would like to recognize the Lahainaluna High School boys and girls wrestling teams for making history this past weekend.

Both boys and girls won state titles at the state wrestling championships on Oahu. This is the fi rst time that any neighbor island team has won a state wrestling championship and Lahainaluna wrestlers did it not once, but twice.

So let’s give a hand for both Lahainaluna championship boys and girls wrestlers for their extraordinary wins.

Let’s also not forget our Kamehameha Schools Girls Varsity Cheerleaders, who won their fourth interscholastic league championship last fall.

Wins like these boost our community spirit, and are a few of the many reasons we are still Maui No Ka Oi.

However, like any community we have had our share of problems.

Maui Memorial Medical Center is in critical condition. It is bleeding money, at the rate of more than $40 million just this year.

My offi ce has submitted testimony to the state legislature asking that the hospital be allowed to privatize in order to better deal with its fi nancial situation.

Maui Memorial has already had to take some drastic measures, such as closing their adolescent mental health ward. That, along with the long waits at the emergency room and shortage of doctors here, should convince legislators that they can’t aff ord to ignore this problem any longer.

In East Maui we have a problem that threatens our entire island.

Recently in Nahiku, members of the Maui Invasive Species Committee discovered a large infestation of Little Fire Ants, aff ecting some 21 acres.

These ants are a menace and their painful stings will make life miserable for you, your children and your

pets if we don’t eradicate this pest as soon as possible.

Please, if you discover the Little Fire Ant on your property, contact the State Department of Agriculture, the Maui Invasive Species Committee, or our County Environmental Coordinator Rob Parsons.

We can meet these challenges if we analyze each problem and are not afraid to implement real solutions.

Take the condition of our roads. Our Department of Public Works used to be on a 50 year road maintenance schedule.

The result was that many of our roads were substandard and full of potholes. And because

we were on a 50 year schedule, these roads had the potential to stay in a state of disrepair for decades.

Instead we are now on a 20 to 25 year repair cycle. Because of this increased pace, we estimate that 69 percent of all of the county’s roads are in fair to excellent condition.

I’d also like to thank the state for working with us and stepping up their road repair. The Department of Transportation has opened up the Lahaina bypass, are working on the Airport bypass and doing maintenance on many of our highways as well.

Our water resources are another good example. There used to be many concerns about the reliability of our water supply and its delivery system.

Since then, we’ve replaced pumps, drilled wells and rebuilt old facilities such as the Waikamoi Flume, which had been leaking massive amounts of precious water needed by our Upcountry community.

The fl ume has been completely replaced with aluminum instead of rotting timber and will retain much more water for our consumers.

Our parks were another issue. While our population grew, our parks inventory did not. It languished at about 180 acres, which may sound like a lot, but not for a community of more than 150,000 people.

This meant we had many athletic organizations competing to get some playing time on the fi eld.

To address this we negotiated a deal with A&B to

Mayor Arakawa reviews his speech in the theater’s “green room” prior to State of the County event.


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purchase 209 acres of land off of Kuihelani Highway that will one day become Central Maui Regional Park. When it’s fi nished it will be a place where families can gather for many diff erent sporting events.

We know we need more park space in West Maui as well, which is why we are working with Maui Land and Pine to create a regional park out in Napilli too. This is a 50 acre park, 10 acres of which will be developed before it is handed over to the county.

Preservation of land for environmental and cultural reasons was also a huge issue before us, so we purchased land to keep it free from development. During my fi rst administration we purchased 100 acres in Ukumehame, and followed up with the purchase of 147 acres in Launiupoko.

One day this land in West Maui will be known as the Pali to Puamana Parkway.

We also bought 64 acres in Paukukalo and had another 30 acres of beachfront property in Paia gifted to the county by A&B.

These land acquisitions are especially important as many of our coastlines are eroding badly. Already a number of oceanfront properties in West Maui are falling into the ocean bit by bit, year after year.

By purchasing coastline properties as we have, we help to keep nature safe from development, as well as development safe from nature.

We have done all these things to prepare for the future, to make right what once went wrong or in some cases, to prevent a bad situation from happening in the fi rst place.

These are all things that we have DONE. So now, let’s talk about what we are DOING in 2015.

I am pleased to announce that this year we kick off one of our most eagerly anticipated Upcountry

projects, the long awaited Kokomo Road Pavement Reconstruction.

This $6.8 million dollar project is 80 percent paid for by federal funds, the approval of which has taken our Public Works Department several years to obtain.

In fact if not for the weather, this project would already be underway.

The same goes for the Hansen Road Pavement Reconstruction project.

This will cost $5.3 million and is also 80 percent paid for by federal funds.

These federal funds enable us to take badly damaged roads like Kokomo and Hansen and not just repave,

but rehabilitate, from the bottom up. The results are practically brand‐new roads that will last for decades.

As you know, federal funds are harder to come by nowadays and the application and approval process can take years, so many thanks to our county employees for hanging in there and getting it done.

Over at the Department of Water Supply we have two exciting projects to mention.

The fi rst is our Iao Water Surface Treatment plant.

This is a 15 million dollar facility which will clean the extra 1.5 million gallons of water A DAY that the county will receive, thanks to the successful agreement worked out between the parties of the recent Na Wai Eha decision before the State Water Commission.

I would like to off er a sincere thank you to the parties in that case for reaching an agreement that balances the competing needs of our community. This is a tremendous gift that has been given back to us. Mahalo.

The second announcement is that the department has purchased new acoustic leak detection technology which will enable us to check almost all of

University of Hawaii at Maui College Chancellor Lui Hokoana served as emcee.


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our underground pipes over the next couple of years.

This has the potential to save thousands if not millions of gallons a day, depending on how many leaks are out there. It will also allow us to fi nd and fi x leaks before they become breaks.

This will save taxpayers time and money. Time spent waiting in traffi c while our crews fi x a broken water main and money spent on expensive emergency repairs.

I for one am very curious about the state of our water pipes. We look forward to hearing about the progress of this project.

Over in South Maui, we will fi nally see construction begin this year for the South Maui Community Park Recreation Center, which will complement our Kihei Regional Park system.

This is a 22 million dollar project which will feature up to four full courts and hold approximately 1,100 people in the stands.

We expect the center to be open by 2017.

Roads, parks and water. All of these are important for any community.

Another high priority for OUR community is aff ordable housing.

For this reason it gives me great pleasure to announce that the county will break ground on the Kulamalu Aff ordable Housing Project this summer, which is headed by our Department of Management.

Once complete, Kulamalu will provide 56 rental units which we believe will help our workforce population move their families into good homes. These are our middle‐income earners – our teachers, construction workers and hotel employees.

Kulamalu is a $12 million project with $2.25 million coming from federal funds, and the rest from the county’s Aff ordable Housing Fund.

It is close to schools, shopping and parks and will be a fi ne fi t for the Upcountry community.

For years we have seen very few aff ordable housing projects, mostly because of two bills. One that put the aff ordable housing requirement for developers at 50 percent, and the “show me the water” bill.

The council at the time meant well when they passed these bills, but they were very bad for our community.

Our new council recently modifi ed the housing requirement to 20 to 25 percent.

Mahalo to our councilmembers for taking that action. Next, I look forward to hearing your discussion on the “show me the water” bill, which in my opinion also needs to be updated.

Some of our other county projects include:

‐ The opening of our new Upcountry Dog Park adjacent to Eddie Tam Park this summer. This three acre site is our largest dog park to date. Upcountry dog owners helped to build this park with their own labor and donations alongside our dedicated workers from the Department of Parks and Recreation.

‐ The design of two important county facilities in Central Maui. In Wailuku, we are designing the fi rst building of the Kalana O Maui Campus Expansion, which will enable us to relocate many of our county offi ces from leased properties. The other is the design of the new County Service Center at the A&B Business Park Phase II.

‐ This Service Center will replace the one at Maui Mall and also save us half a million dollars in rent annually. All together the county spends more than $3 million annually renting offi ce space.

‐ We are also redesigning a new War Memorial Gymnasium. War Memorial was built in the 1950’s and has served generations of residents, but time has taken its toll on the building. The pipes leak and the windows are rusted in place. Please note that no matter what kind of new design we come up with, we will recommend that the new structure remain named “War Memorial,” so that we may continue to honor those who gave their lives during military service.

‐ For our Maui Bus riders we have added sixteen new buses and seven new bus shelters to our inventory. We have also begun to update the Maui County Short Range Transit Plan, which will help to determine new routes and stops by looking at the changing needs of our ridership.

Besides these physical improvements to our infrastructure, we are also making great strides in upgrading our digital infrastructure.

The fi rst is our MAPPS project led by the Department of Management. MAPPS stands for Maui’s Automated Planning and Permitting System. MAPPS will dramatically modernize our planning and permitting process, including enforcement and research and make it available to use online.

For residents, this means you will be able to do things like fi le your building plans online and keep track of their status as it goes through the approval process. You’ll also be able fi le code enforcement complaints and track those electronically as well.

At our Department of Parks and Recreation we are attempting to make similar improvements to our parks permitting process and how we manage the use of our parks and park facilities.

Currently we are implementing new software that will enable our employees to handle parks permit requests in a more effi cient and timely manner.


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It will also enable our workers to view our facilities calendar easier, which will help with the scheduling of events and facility management.

Our third digital upgrade will be in the form of a county‐wide troubleshooting app that you can download on your cell phone. The app is called C.O.M.Connect, short for County of Maui Connect.

The app is very simple. You download it and if you see something that the county should be aware of, such as a pothole, abandoned vehicle or some sort of code violation, just open up the app, take a picture with your cell phone, submit the information and hit send.

Right now the app is in its beta‐testing phase but it should be available for download for the general public before summer.

We must all participate when it comes to making our community a better place. You don’t have to be a county employee to do something for our home.

In fact, in many cases, we need your help to resolve many issues.

One of them, is homelessness.

Maui County does not have the same level of homelessness as Oahu has, but our numbers are growing.

Right now, when we get complaints about illegal homeless camps, we plan for months and work with nonprofi ts, mental health experts, social workers, law enforcement and even animal control, and then we go in and try to provide options for them.

Some accept our help and move on to transitional housing or some sort of social service. Others have outstanding warrants and have to be arrested and processed.

But despite our best eff orts many just pack up and leave and set up camp elsewhere. This is not a solution. Right now we are just moving the problem from one location to another.

I truly believe that many of our homeless population suff ers from some sort of mental illness, and need our help.

This is why I have formed a committee to look into transforming the Old Maui High School campus into a residential community for the mentally challenged.

These people are someone’s son or daughter, brother or sister, and if we do not help them, who will?

The Old Maui High School campus is a beautiful and peaceful place, with some infrastructure already existing. It was once a place of learning, but now I hope it can be a place of healing.

Another important committee that we have put together is one that looks at improving our community by taking better care of our most valuable

resource: our children.

The fi rst few years of a child’s life are a sensitive time which can shape everything from behavior and academic achievement to physical health.

Studies have shown that a person’s brain is already 80 percent formed by age 3. By age 5 the structures in your child’s brain involving learning, memory, motor control and other functions have already been established.

This is why early childhood intervention programs have been shown time and again to yield tremendous positive results.

This committee will also be looking at the importance of prenatal care, and programs which can benefi t both mother and child.

The work that these two committees are doing may seem somewhat unrelated, but in reality they are all geared towards the same goal: improving our community.

When you help an adult break the chains of drug addiction or receive that mental health care that he or she needs, that adult no longer becomes a burden to their community.

The cost of not helping our fellow human beings comes in the form of crime, homelessness and unemployment.

In other words, it aff ects everyone.

Besides, it is the right thing to do.

Doing what is right, fi nding real solutions and working towards the future. As public employees and elected offi cials we should be striving to do these things every day that we serve.

Like I said before, none of this is easy. But as long as these paths lead towards a better future for ourselves and our keiki, we must persevere.

I just want to mention a couple more things.

Hopefully some of you went to our Made in Maui County Festival last year. It was a GREAT success. I know because my wife came back with many shopping bags full of stuff that she bought.

Seriously though, the festival featured 130 vendors, had 9,400 people in attendance and made $300,000 in product sales.

We are already taking applications for this year’s festival, so please contact the Offi ce of Economic Development for more information.

Also Maui County has offi cially joined the Aloha Plus Challenge, a project which sets a number of sustainability goals for 2030. These include clean energy, local food production, natural resource management, solid waste reduction, climate


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resilience as well as green jobs and education.

This is a wonderful program that will help us focus on creating a more sustainable community. Also, I have high confi dence that Maui County can meet one or more of these goals long before 2030.

Finally, I wanted to mention that the county is looking at obtaining a parcel of land near Hookipa Beach Park in hopes of providing more

parking for beach goers.

This is one of our most popular parks and because of that parking is a nightmare. In fact it’s almost getting too dangerous for pedestrians as drivers try to squeeze through that tiny parking lot. We hope to be able to alleviate this situation soon.

In conclusion, I would like to just say that Maui County has had its challenges. We’ve had to upgrade everything from our parks to our roads to our computer systems, just to get everything up to par.

Some of it has taken awhile, because like I said, we’re tackling these problems systematically. But make no mistake, WE’RE GETTING THINGS DONE.

We are making progress toward a brighter tomorrow.

Right now I would like to take this time to thank you all for providing me with a brighter tomorrow. Specifi cally the day after the General Election.

Your vote gave me an unprecedented third term in offi ce as Maui County mayor, and the honor of being the fi rst Maui Mayor to be reelected to a second term in 20 years.

Ann and I would just like to say thank you and that we are humbled by your support.

We will always strive to fi nd the best answers for this community.

I believe that we are all here to make our world a better place. We may disagree on how to do it, but in the end we are all heading in the same direction.

And so I thank you all for helping us to make this community the best in the world. For today, tomorrow and for generations to come.

On that note, I would just like to say mahalo for coming, drive home safely and God bless you all. Aloha.

Following the State of the County event, attendees enjoyed light refreshments in the McCoy Pavilion.


page13

Vendor applications and sponsorship forms are now available for the 2nd Annual Made in Maui County Festival, which will be open to the public on Saturday, November 7, 2015. The event will be held at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center in Kahului and is being presented by the Mayor’s Offi ce of Economic Development and the Maui Chamber of Commerce.

Over 9,400 residents and visitors attended the 2014 inaugural event, which featured 130 vendors showcasing a wide variety of made-in-Maui County products including foods, produce, art, crafts, jewelry, fashion, gifts, collectibles and more-- all in one location. More than $300,000 in products were sold over the weekend and participating vendors reported gaining 180 new wholesale accounts and 1,070 new business leads for future sales.

Riding the wave of last year’s success, event organizers are looking to expand this year’s Festival by off ering additional

vendors, products and food trucks.

“Supporting our local businesses is a win-win for our community,” said Mayor Alan Arakawa. “Helping to grow our local product companies not only helps strengthen our community through job creation and diversifi cation of our economy, but our visitors and residents also benefi t by having an incredible array of locally made products to choose from at the Festival.”

Product vendors must attend a mandatory vendor training and meet specifi c criteria to participate, including having their business based in Maui County (GET license required), with products being off ered for sale meeting a minimum 51% of their value added in Hawaii. The product mix, quality and creativity value of products will also be considered during the vendor selection process.

Exhibit space is limited, and a limited number of local food

truck vendors will also have an opportunity to sell their menu items in the Food Court during Saturday’s Festival.

Sponsorship opportunities are available for companies wishing to show their support for Maui County’s entrepreneurs and their products while increasing visibility for their own business. Sponsor benefi ts include event promotions, visibility during the Festival, access to a private buyers’ preview event, program advertising and more.

For information and to download a Vendor Packet, Food Truck Packet and/or Sponsor Packet, visit the event’s offi cial website: www.MadeInMauiCountyFestival.com, email [email protected] or call 270-7710. Connect with the Festival on Facebook (“Like” the page for updates), Twitter (#MIMCF2014), Instagram and Pinterest.

OED vendor applications, sponsors OED vendor applications, sponsors now being accepted for 2nd Annualnow being accepted for 2nd AnnualMade in Maui County FestivalMade in Maui County Festival


page14

The Maui County Cultural Resources Commission meets the fi rst Thursday of each month and works for the preservation of the County’s historic and cultural resources through the following functions:

• Advises and assists Federal, State and County agencies in carrying out their historic preservation responsibilities;

• Administers the provisions of the County’s historic districts and advises the Mayor, Council and County Planning Commissions on the establishment of historic districts and their regulations;

• Provides public information, education, training and technical assistance on National, State and County historic preservation programs;

• Initiates, accepts, reviews and recommends to the State historic preservation offi cer, historic properties nominations for inclusion on the Hawai‘i and national registers of historic places;

• Maintains a system for the survey, inventory and nomination of historic properties and archaeological sites within the County;

• Administers the certifi ed local government program of federal assistance for historic

preservation within the County;

• Provides design review for projects aff ecting any building or structure, site or district eligible for listing on the national or Hawaiì register of historic places;

• Develops and implements a comprehensive county-wide historic preservation planning process;

• Makes recommendations on the use of gifts and grants associated with historic and cultural preservation; and

• Reviews and comments on archaeological reports submitted as part of development proposals to various County agencies.

Highlights:

Recent agenda items include a discussion with County offi cials about law and zoning enforcement in the Maui County Historic Districts; updating the Lahaina Sign Design Guidelines; a presentation on an archeological inventory conducted in conjunction with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ ‘Iao Stream Flood Control Project; a site visit of Lahaina historic districts; and a presentation on the Aha Moku system.

Members of the Maui County Cultural Resources Commission:

• Warren Osako - Chair (Lanai) - 03/31/2015

• Bruce U‘u- Vice Chair (Pa‘ia) - 03/31/2015

• Christy Kajiwara-Gusman - (Waihe‘e) - 03/31/2015

• Gaylord Kubota - (Kahului) - 3/31/2016

• Owana Salazar - (Lahaina) - 03/31/2018

• Arlene Ricalde-Garcia - (Kahului) - 3/31/2019

• Janet Six - (Haiku) - 3/31/2018

• Bridget Mowat - (Molokai) - 3/31/2016

• Francis Skowronski - (Haiku) - 3/31/2019

Additional Info:

Supporting Department: Department of Planning

Ph. 270-7735

Website: www.mauicounty.gov/Boards

Note: This column will feature a County board, commission or committee each month, as well as announcements and recent member changes. Chairs are encouraged to submit items for this column to [email protected].

B & C Highlight Maui County Cultural Resources CommissionBY: LOIS WHITNEY


page15

Second round of small business revitalization grants for Hana, Molokaì announced

The Mayor’s Offi ce of Economic Development (OED) recently announced that $24,000 in Small Business Revitalization grants were awarded to small businesses on Lanai, and noted that applications are now being accepted for a second round of grants for businesses in Hana and on Molokai. The grant awards will range from $500 to $5000; non-profi t entities are not eligible for this program.

The small business revitalization grants are designed to assist businesses with fewer than 10 employees who do business in Maui County’s rural communities such as Hana and Molokai, which have been identifi ed as the areas hardest hit in their ability to recover from the economic downturn of the past few years.

The grant funds may be used for new equipment, renovation, websites, marketing materials or other purposes that will help the businesses grow, prosper and create jobs. The grant program is a 40/60 match grant, which means that for applicants accepted, for every $40 they contribute they will receive a match of $60.

Applications and rules for this program are available online at www.mauicounty.gov/OED (click on “Grants & Awards” on the left side) or at Lokahi Pacifi c, which is managing the grant program. For more information, call 242-5761 or email susie@lokahipacifi c.org. The deadline for applying for this round of

funding is April 15, 2015.

“This program is very innovative,” said Mayor Alan Arakawa, “because it allows each applicant to determine exactly what they need in their business and provides owners a great opportunity and low-cost way to grow their business.”

“Positive programs such as this have the ability to breathe some wind in our sales!” said Councilwoman Stacy Crivello. “For our existing businesses that can aff ord the match, this gives them an opportunity to leverage their funds.”

Councilman Robert Carroll noted that the Small Business Revitalization grants give Hana residents who own their businesses a “unique opportunity to get the funds they need to do those projects they could not aff ord before. This will allow them to produce products more effi ciently and thus become more profi table.”

OED awarded companies on Lanai a total of $24,000 in Small Business Revitalization matching grants. The grants were made possible by a generous donation by Pulama Lanai, augmenting the Maui County OED grant funding.

Grant awards were made to the following companies and owners on the island of Lanai:

Jason Allen of Spinning Dolphin Charters of Lanai, Inc.: $2,700 grant

Harvey Gaceta of Mo Betta Yard Service: $5,000 grant

Samuel Dimaya of Island Appliance Sales and Service, Inc.: $2,268 grant

Laurie A. Gomes-DeLima of LD Cleaning & Maintenance: $5,000 grant

Nancy Rajaei of Kumu ‘Ola Farm: $4,880 grant

Judi Riley of Happy Honu Maui & Lanai: $4,151 grant

The projects consisted primarily of specialized equipment purchases and maintenance on equipment needed to operate the business.

OED Director Teena Rasmussen noted that these businesses strive hard to remain profi table, noting that “small micro grants are such a great way to preserve the jobs these companies off er in our rural communities.”

Lokahi Pacifi c was selected by OED as the master grantee and fi scal agent for the Lanai Small Business Revitalization grants. Susie Thieman, Lokahi Pacifi c Executive Director, said this has been an “exciting and popular project for our agency.”

The Mayor’s Offi ce of Economic Development has a variety of grant programs targeted to diff erent sectors in the economy. For more information on grant availability, visit the OED website at www.mauicounty.gov/OED.


page16

Winners of 2015 Mayor’s Small Business Awards honored

The Mayor’s Offi ce of Economic Development and the Maui Chamber of Commerce honored the nominees and winners of the 2015 Mayor’s Small Business Awards on Thursday, February 26 at the King Kamehameha Golf Club.

The awards dinner was held in partnership with the Maui Chamber of Commerce, and sponsored by Silver Sponsors American Savings Bank and Maui Electric Company; Bronze Sponsors Bank of Hawaii, Employers Options, First Hawaiian Bank and Hawaii USA Federal Credit Union. Applications were scored by judges Debbie Finkiewicz, David Fisher, Richard Kehoe, Tom Leuteneker and Susie Thieman.

The awards were presented in six categories by Mayor Arakawa and Pamela Tumpap, President of the Maui Chamber of Commerce.

“Small businesses are a vital component of Maui County’s economy, and these awards celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit that is alive and well in Maui County,” Mayor Arakawa said. “Business owners take many risks, work long hours and put their personal assets on the line to provide our community with goods and services, as well as much-needed employment. I congratulate each of

this year’s nominees and winners, and wish them continued success.”

The 2015 winners were:

Young Small Business Person of the Year: Ginni Madsen, The Maui Mortgage Team

(Nominated by Cliff ord Wright of Control Freaks Hawaii)

Ginni Madsen owns her own mortgage business and runs a team of individual mortgage loan originators from her Kihei offi ce. Recognizing that many fell on hard times during the recession, she off ers 0 point packages where she gets paid upfront by the lender instead of on a commission based on how much she sells. Rather than trying to upsell her clients to increase her commission, Ginni helps people get loans that will save them money and are not beyond their fi nancial means. She truly has a heart to help and genuinely wants to see people get out of debt faster. Ginni is great at communicating, is easily reached, and answers questions in a timely fashion so that clients know exactly what is happening with their mortgage. Additionally, she created the Maui Mortgage Minute on KPOA and KISS to provide the Maui


page17

community with tips on what they can do to help save on their mortgages and refi nancing needs.

Outstanding Nonprofi t Business of the Year: Lanai Community Health Center

Diana Shaw, Executive Director (Nominated by Aaron Fernandez of First Hawaiian Bank)

In 2012 Lanai Community Health Center’s (LCHC) patient count was 975; by the end of 2014, the patient count increased to 1,402 (a 44 percent increase in the past two years). LCHC is in the process of building their new facility, which is located in the middle of Lanai City. In addition, they have added many services to accommodate the needs of Lanai residents, such as Optometry and Physical Therapy. As the economic picture changes, LCHC adapts, covering services that make sense for Lanai City. For example, they provide services in the evenings and weekends to accommodate patients who work shift hours at the Four Seasons Hotels. They also provide services on a sliding scale to serve low-income residents and those who are uninsured or underinsured. Further, they have a low-cost medicine program to off er patients needed medication at $5/generic and

$10/brand. They deliver quality holistic care aimed at the body and mind of their patients and their ‘ohana.

Exceptional Small Business of the Year (10 or fewer employees): Maui Sunseeker, LLC

Chuck Spence (Nominated by Alvin Santander of Bank of Hawaii)

Maui Sunseeker, LLC is the operating company for the Maui Sunseeker LGBT Resort that primarily caters to the discerning LGBT traveler, but welcomes all adults to its location in Kihei. In 2012, when Hawaii civil unions were legally off ered to same-sex couples, the Sunseeker marketed its service and arranged over 60 civil unions that year, equating to 6 percent of all civil unions in the state. Since full marriage equality passed in 2013, the ‘Sunseeker’ markets Maui as the ultimate destination for same-sex weddings and honeymoons, even creating their own “Marriage is for Everyone; Say I Do on Maui” video. Their impeccable service and aloha spirit shared with guests has earned the resort TripAdvisor’s coveted Certifi cate of Excellence for four consecutive years and the resort enjoys 4.5 stars out of 5 thanks to

Mayor Alan Arakawa and Maui Chamber of Commerce President Pamela Tumpap present the 2015 Mayor’s Small Business Lifetime Achievement Award to Jennifer Brittain-Fulton of Exceptional Inc. DBA Employers Options Maui


page18

rave reviews from custo-mers.

Exceptional Small Business of the Year (11-35 employees): Rawlins Enterprises, Inc.

Shirley Rawlins (Nominated by Ku‘ulei Arce of Moloka‘i MEO Business Development Center)

Rawlins Chevron is a family business made up of (Aunty) Shirley Rawlins, her daughter Lori Lei Crivello, three other family members and hired employees, for a total of 20 employees. At the main entrance of Kaunakakai town, Rawlins Chevron is beautifully landscaped and shares the joy of upcoming holidays. They are a stop for food, gas, drinks, ice and chat before you head to the beach or head home and allow people to post notices of funerals and fundr-aising events, as Molokai gets much of its news form the “coconut wireless.” Customer service is very important to them and customers are always greeted with aloha. If it’s not too busy, they’ll also fi ll you in on the latest fi shing catch or fundraising eff ort. Running a business on Molokai is tough, the cost of living itself is a struggle, but Aunty Shirley and Lori Lei are an awesome team that shows strong business leadership. They support school, community and sports events whenever asked.

Exceptional Small Business of the Year (36-100 employees): Maui Gold Pineapple Company

Darren Strand and Rodrigo Balala (Nominated by Leland Kahawai of First Hawaiian Bank)

With the help of many hands, including a handful of former Maui Land & Pine employees, Maui Gold Pineapple Company was born in January 2010 after Maui Land and Pine closed its pineapple operations in Hali‘imaile. They joined together to preserve the 100-year-old pineapple culture on the island. It is short of a miracle that fi ve years later, this fl edgling agricultural company continues to

grow. Over 83 highly versatile and skilled workers remain employed and 1,200 acres of agricultural land and open space have been conserved. Over 50% of their current employees have been working in the pineapple industry for more than 30 years. The key to their economic success is attributed to the development of innovative new food processing technologies and mutually benefi cial partnerships. The company’s dedication to their product and customer service does not end until the customer is entirely satisfi ed with the “best tasting pineapple in the world.”

Lifetime Achievement Award Winner: Jennifer Brittin-Fulton, Exceptional, Inc. DBA Employers

Options Maui (Nominated by Lester Nakamoto of Bank of Hawaii)

During the last 24 years, Jennifer Brittin-Fulton’s company, Employers Options, has placed thousands of people in permanent jobs. The company has changed many times over

the years, but Jennifer really learned to listen to her clients in 2008-2009. Small businesses were seeking more effi ciencies and savings from payroll and human resource services and listening allowed Employers Options to off er new solutions and become their trusted HR partner, tripling sales since then. Jennifer ensures that her team has the best training and technology tools available to do the best job possible. For the past ten-plus years, Employers Options has been selected as one of the “Top 25 Women-Owned Businesses in Hawaii” by Pacifi c Business News. Today, they employ over 1,000 people, are the fourth largest Women-Owned business in the state and the largest on Maui, and also one of Maui’s largest employers.

For more information on awards, grants and programs managed by the Mayor’s Offi ce of Economic Development, visit www.mauicounty.gov/OED.


page19

Workshops at Maui County Business Resource Center announced for March

The County of Maui Mayor’s Offi ce of Economic Development announced its workshops for the month of March. Workshops are presented at the Maui County Business Resource Center, a County of Maui facility, located in the Maui Mall across Pizza Hut in Suite B-9. Seating for all workshops is limited, and all workshops are subject to change or cancellation. To reserve a seat, call the Maui County Business Resource Center at 873-8247. Workshops are free unless otherwise noted.

The following workshops are available:

Go from Chaos to Carefree in Five Easy Steps!

Instructor: Gylian Solay, MS

Wednesday, March 11, 2015 – 12:00 to 1:15 p.m.

This workshop will help you focus on getting more done and having more time for your business. Time is money, therefore time management and being orderly allows you to fi nd what you need when you

need it. That’s a huge a time-saver. We will also review the fi rst three steps: Clarify your present business situation. Harmonize the various aspects of your business. Actualize your business vision. Sign up for this inspiring workshop to create your “Mission Possible” by optimizing your business. Gylian Solay, MS off ers her expertise as an organizer and small business owner. She has amassed a wealth of experiences, challenges, and successes to take you from overwhelming chaos to user-friendly order. The results are empowering!

Marketing Success in the Busy “Click-Click” Mobile World

Instructor: McKenna Hallett

Tuesday, March 17, 2015 – 12:00 to 1:30 p.m.

What are you doing in the digital world to remain visible and seen by your clients or potential clients? When you fi nally get their attention, are you creating engaging pages with strong content to keep them on your website? Are your emails hitting the mark?

Did you know the average time spent on a web page is 54 seconds? And worse than that: 55% of visitors leave a page within 15 seconds. That’s less time than you have spent on this so far. Today, in this busy click-click world, everything should automatically resize. Even with that, you still need to learn how to keep people engaged. Over 50% of emails are seen on a phone these days! This 90-minute seminar will help you create emails and web pages that keep people lingering and learning. This seminar will include a review of the marketing best practices and easy to use ideas you need so you can stay in front of your clients. Come learn the newest tools – especially the new rules for successful digital marketing to mobile devices from speaker, blogger, author and “Word Nerd” McKenna Hallett of My Golden Words. Bonus materials will be distributed at the event, which will conclude with a Q&A session.

Blogging Basics 101 – For Beginners

Instructor: Nicole Fisher


page20

Wednesday, March 18, 2015 – 12:00 to 1:15 p.m. (Q & A until 1:30 p.m.)

Do you need a blog? If so, how do you start a blog? In this workshop, Nicole Fisher will go over the diff erences between WordPress and blogger, how to choose a platform, and most importantly, what kind of strategies and tactics should be used for success. In addition, Nico will give examples of successful blogs. She is an energetic entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience in marketing and social media. As a Marketing Strategist, Social Media Consultant and Trainer,

Nico is passionate about taking businesses from good to great through various marketing avenues.

Special Evening Workshops: $45.00 per session:

Quickbooks for Small Business: Hands-on Computer Training for Beginners

Instructor: Richard Kehoe, CPA

Thursday, March 26, 2015, 5:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Learn to set up your company’s QuickBooks in a small class setting with personalized

tutoring. This class is for new users and will teach you how to record sales, receive payments, prepare invoices and balance your checkbook. Get customized answers and schedule a follow-up appointment at no cost to discuss your solutions. Sponsored by SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives) and presented by Richard Kehoe, CPA and lead SCORE counselor.

FREE COUNSELING SESSIONS WITH EXPERIENCED SCORE COUNSELORS

The Hana Fire Station celebrated its 20th Anniversary with an Open House on February 16, 2015. Attendees were given the opportunity to tour the fi re station, observe various demonstrations, and view historical documents and photos. The Department Administration and Event Coordinator Captain Gale Notestone would like to thank Mayor Arakawa, Members of the Maui County Council, and all event attendees for their support of this momentous event.


page21

First portable trailer restroom at West Maui Skate Park completedBY BRIANNE SAVAGE

The Parks Planning and Development Division under Division Chief Robert Halvorson has completed the installation of our fi rst portable trailer restroom at the West Maui Skate Park in Lahaina. This project started about two years ago with some research to try and fi nd some creative solutions to some of our restroom dilemmas. Karla Peters, one of our outstanding Capital Improvement Project Coordinators has been the lead on the project.

This location will be the fi rst of this pilot project. There are many potential opportunities for these portable facilities such as being able to transport and stage them for use at larger events in areas where our current restroom facilities are not of adequate size and capacity. There is also the potential for these to be staged at shelter locations in

times of emergency, they are ADA accessible and cost signifi cantly less than the building of a brand new restroom.

Some of the items we will be reviewing in the upcoming months as we evaluate the portable trailers are:

- How resistant they are to vandalism - interior and exterior

- The ease and ability to clean and maintain

- Average cost of the portable restroom trailer versus the cost of renting individual portable restrooms

- If replacement parts and pieces are cost eff ective

We are excited to see how it works out as it could have signifi cant

potential for many of our parks facilities. In addition to this location there will be three (3) other locations through out the County that we will be placing similar trailers at for this pilot project. The additional locations are being fi nalized as we await for the next container to arrive.

A big Mahalo to Karla Peters and the West District Maui Crew - Jeff Anderson - Eddie Curimao and Dwayne Kalilikane who assisted in getting this one set up and ready for the public to use. We are hopeful it will work out to be an asset for the department that will assist in serving the community by providing safe, satisfying and cost eff ective recreational opportunities for the residents of and visitors to Maui County.


page22

Maui County Ag Festival seeks entries for 2015 Hawaii Food Products Recipe ContestBY: LINN NISHIKAWA

Hawaii Food Products Recipe Contest organizers are currently seeking new, locally made food products that utilize Hawaii grown and/or made ingredients. Sponsored by the Maui Food Technology Center (MFTC), the contest will be held during the Maui County Ag Festival at the Maui Tropical Plantation in Waikapu on Saturday, April 4.

Hawaii residents 18 years of age or older are eligible to enter. Each entry form must include a list of ingredients in the recipe, specify the Hawaii ingredients, and include a short story about the product.

Six servings of the contest entry product must be delivered between 9 am and 10 am on Saturday, April 4, to the Grand Taste Education Tent at the Maui County Ag Festival.

Recipes will be judged on taste; appearance; commercial viability of recipe; and the best use of Hawaii grown and/or made ingredients. The more local ingredients, the more points will be awarded.

Winners will receive assistance from MFTC consultants with nutritional label or food science services to help them take their product from idea to the store shelves. The First Place winner will receive consultation services valued at $1,500, Second Place services valued at $500, and Third Place services valued at $250.

For an offi cial contest entry form, visit www.MauiFoodTechnology.org or call 808-948-MFTC (6382). Send completed entry forms via email [email protected] or fax 888-887-4495 no later than April 1.

“We look forward to helping this year’s recipe contest winners bring their food product ideas to market,” said Luana Mahi, President of MFTC. “Hawaii has such an incredible pool of culinary talent and when you pair that with the fresh local ingredients grown and made here at home,

it always adds up to a winning combination.”

Established in 2004, Maui Food Technology Center is a non-profi t organization focused on growing Hawaii’s food industry, connecting students, food producers and farmers through the practice of food science. MFTC provides non-profi t outreach, and business incubation services designed to identify and develop opportunities for local entrepreneurs to be successful in the agriculture and food product industries.

In 2014, John Cadman won 1st place in the Hawaii Food Products Recipe Contest for his delicious Ulu Hummus.


page23

Exciting events for seniors, thanks to Kaunoa BY: DANA ACOSTA

Over 200 Kaunoa Congregate Nutrition Program participants celebrated Valentine’s Day with a “Sweetheart Swing” dance party at the Kihei Community Center. Seniors from

Hana to West Maui enjoyed live music by The Four of Us and lunch by Aria’s Restaurant & Catering. Kaunoa staff decorated the tables with photos of the seniors and donated dozens of stuff ed animals for gifts and prizes. The only complaint heard was that the morning went by too quickly.

Kaunoa’s Congregate Nutrition Program serves balanced, nutritious meals to nearly 1,000 senior citizens 60 and better at 16 convenient locations on Maui, Molokai and Lanai; the suggested voluntary contribution is only $2 per meal. County-wide, 83,000 meals are served annually; transportation options are available. The program’s impact is far reaching and more than a meal: socialization, education, health, fi tness and wellness opportunities are regularly incorporated into program schedules. For more information on locations and schedules contact 270-7306.

Opening Ceremonies for the 2015 Maui Senior Softball League were held on Sunday, February 8. Thirteen teams are vying for “bragging rights” as the games begins at 9:00 a.m. on Sundays, now through July, on the fi elds at the War Memorial

Complex. Players are all age 60 and better (each team is allowed one 55 - 59 yr. old per game). The Maui Senior Softball League is coordinated by the Recreation Division of the Dept. of Parks & Recreation and the Kaunoa Senior Services Division of the Dept. of Housing & Human Concerns. For more information please visit www.mauisoftball.com.

RSVP volunteers fi elded nearly 4,500 inquiries and requests for assistance at the County Building Information Desk in 2014. Mayor Alan Arakawa honored these intrepid volunteers with a special Valentine’s luncheon.

Professor Willis H.A. Moore of the Hawaii Geographical Society will present The Cherokee Word for Water, a feature-length motion picture inspired by the true story of the struggle for, opposition to, and ultimate success of a rural Cherokee community to bring running water to their families by using the traditional concept of “gadugi” – working together to solve a problem. Discussion and Q&A to follow. Monday, March 23, 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Call Kaunoa for reservations.

Kaunoa’s volunteer opportunities, classes and activities are open to people 55 and better; pre-registration is required, unless otherwise noted. For a full listing of events and opportunities, with complete details, call the Kaunoa offi ces at 270-7308 or 661-9432 to receive the monthly newsletter and listing of ongoing activities.


page24

Risk Management off ers First Aid/CPR/AED Classes BY: RONALD STEBEN & BUSINESS LEGAL REPORTS

County of Maui Risk Management Safety Specialist Ron Steben will present classes for First Aid/CPR/AED on the following dates :

March 16, 2015 at 8:30 a.m.

April 27, 2015 at 8:30 a.m.

June 8, 2015 at 8:30 a.m.

August 17, 2015 at 8:30 a.m.

October 12, 2015 at 8:30 a.m.

December 14, 2015 at 8:30 a.m.

Where: 6th fl oor of the County Building Kalana O Maui(DPS Conference Room)

Interested employees should use Employee Self-Service to request participation in this workshop.

WHY????

It’s a good time for training on the use of automated external defi brillators (AEDs)—for those times when even the few minutes it may take for EMS to arrive could mean the diff erence between life and death.

Let your workers know that while there are no specifi c OSHA regulations concerning the use of AEDs in the workplace, OSHA’s medical and fi rst-aid standard (29 CFR 1910.151) does require that in the absence of an infi rmary, clinic, or hospital in proximity to the workplace that is used for the treatment of all injured employees, a person or persons must be adequately trained to render fi rst aid. Adequate fi rst-aid supplies must also be readily available.

In addition, OSHA recommends that all workplaces be equipped with AEDs and that AEDs be located around the facility so that they can be reached within 3 to 5 minutes when needed. OSHA recommends locating AEDs in:

• Areas where many people work closely together, such as assembly lines and offi ces

• Areas close to confi ned spaces

• Areas where electric-powered devices are used

• Outdoor worksites where lightning may occur

• On-site nurse’s/doctor’s offi ce, where workers may seek treatment for heart attack symptoms

• Workplace fi tness units and cafeterias

• Remote sites, such as construction projects

Show your workers where in your facility AEDs are located. If you have a facility map, point out the locations. If your department or work area is small, take the group to where the AED is located.

Explain what AEDs are and how they work. AEDs are computerized devices that can check a person’s heart rhythm.

• They are compact, lightweight, portable, battery operated, safe, and easy to use.

• They can recognize a rhythm that requires a shock and advise the rescuer when a shock is needed.

• They can also recognize when a person does not require a shock and will not give one.

• AEDs use voice prompts, lights, and text messages to instruct the rescuer about what steps should be taken.

• Fully automated defi brillators deliver a shock without prompting the user to press a shock button.

Assure your workers that AEDs are easy to use, and anyone can be taught to use one. Although even an untrained person can operate an AED, it is recommended that users complete a short training program—such programs are available in most communities. Formal training will make users familiar with the features of the AED and give them confi dence to operate the device successfully in an emergency situation. AED training includes:

• Recognition of sudden cardiac arrest symptoms

• How to notify emergency response personnel

• How to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)

• How to operate an AED eff ectively

• How to care for victims until emergency medical personnel arrive


page25

If possible, you may want to bring in a qualifi ed AED trainer to conduct training in this session. Or you can refer workers to local agencies that provide training.

________________________________________

If this is just an overview session, give these general AED guidelines to your workers:

• Before a shock is given, move the victim to a dry area, and remove any wet clothing.

• The victim’s skin must be dry or the electrode pads won’t adhere properly to the skin.

• At no time should anyone touch the victim while the shock is being administered.

• After the AED delivers a shock, it will usually prompt the operator to continue CPR while the device continues to analyze the victim. CPR helps to circulate oxygen-rich blood to the brain.

Encourage workers with the stories under “Why It Matters” about how AEDs save lives.

Why It Matters

• A 41-year-old worker at a manufacturer of heating and air-conditioning systems suff ered a sudden cardiac arrest at work. After three shocks with an AED and CPR administered by co-workers, he was revived within 4 minutes. By the time EMS personnel arrived, he had been resuscitated and survived the incident.

• A 62-year-old employee of a coatings, glass, and chemical manufacturer suff ered a sudden cardiac arrest after walking up the stairs to her offi ce. Employees in the next offi ce heard her fall and notifi ed the plant emergency response team. She was defi brillated and saved in less than 2 minutes.

• An employee at an automobile manufacturer was working on the production line when he suddenly collapsed, lost consciousness, and stopped breathing. Plant security responded, and after two shocks with an AED, the employee’s heart responded, and his pulse returned. He survived, thanks to the fast actions of his co-workers and the company’s emergency response plan, which included AED installation and training.

Department of Fire & Public Safety Personnel wtih Managing Director Keith Regan at the Scout-O-Rama on February 21. The annual event is sponsored by the Maui County Council of the Boy Scouts of America.


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Department of Finance, Accounts and Administration ladies were pretty in pink to celebrate Girl’s Day (March 3rd). They had a wonderful buff et of food and desserts and best of all some time to enjoy with one another.

Top left to right: Shari Papagayo, Dee Dee Thyssen, Vicki Constantino. 2nd row left to right: Gail Fujiwara, Diane Grogan, Taytum Kimura, Marci Sato, Terrie Ream. Front row left to right: Danielle Navarro, Jean Inaba, May-Anne Constantino, Debbie Hayase, Grace Andam, Ortaeine Acidera, Sutji Gunter.

The Department of Finance, Real Property Assessment ladies wore pink or displayed pink hearts to celebrate Girls Day on March 3rd.

Top left to right: Kari Stockwell, Nancy Swienton, Dawn Matney, Jennifer Rivera. Bottom left to right: Lisa Garcia, Grace Komoda, Tamara Lovato, Jodi Leval, Seiko Machida, Tina Reponte, Carrie Alexander

Deanna Thyssen, Secretary to Finance Director wanted to wish Happy Birthday to the February birthday staff members of the Finance Department/Accounts Division. They celebrated their birthday month with a Strawberry/Cool Whip Cake. Happy Birthday and hope all your wishes come true and many more blessed birthdays to come.

Left to right: Taytum Kimura, Director Danny

Kupaianaha “Blessings of Life”BY: TIFFANY IIDA

We are each so fortunate to have wonderful people in our lives, friends, co-workers, loved ones who are iimportant to us. The High Street Journal wishes to share our employees’ good news, off er a chance to get to know each other better and off er the precious joys that add spark to our lives. These are special moments and stories as written and provided by employees of the County of Maui. This column is your chance to express gratitude, praise and the simple and abundant joy these experiences have brought you- The blessings of life! Please send submissions to tiff [email protected] for inclusion in future issues of The High Street Journal.


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Agsalog, Diane Grogan.

Congratulations to the 11 Webelos 2 Scouts of Pack 40 who received their Arrow of Light Award at their Pack’s Blue & Gold Dinner held on February 22nd at Wailuku Hongwanji Mission. Led by Den Leader Public Works’ Lance Nakamura, the Scouts who earned the Arrow of Light Award included Aaron Nakamura, son of Lance & Cathy Nakamura, Matthew Takakura, the son of Planning Dept’s Jacky Takakura and Miles Takakura, and Tyler Taguchi, the son of Auditor Lance Taguchi and Heidi Taguchi.

The Arrow of Light Award is the highest rank in Cub Scouting. Earning this rank prepares a Webelos Scout to become a Boy Scout. Webelos Scouts who have earned the Arrow of Light Award have also completed all requirements for the Boy Scout badge.

Congratulations to those county employees who participated in the 27th Annual Law Enforcement Canoe Regatta held at Kaneohe Bay Marine Corps Base on February 15. Participants included employees from the Department of the Prosecuting Attorney, Maui Police Department, Dept. of the Corporation Counsel, Dept. of the Attorney General, Dept. of Parks and Rec, and Maui Community Correctional Center. All participants from Maui received a medal in their respective divisions that they raced in.

Congratulations to Lahainaluna Boys Varsity Basketball Team for being undefeated 14-0 during the MIL season, thereby winning the fi rst place spot in the MIL Touranament, and then taking 5th in the state tournament.

Ryan Madera (#42), son of Kaunoa Senior Services’ Lindsay Elam, is one of six seniors included in this photo taken after the team’s fi nal MIL game. Ryan is pictured standing second from the right.

Congratulations to Managing Director Keith Regan who won fi rst place in Binhi At Ani’s barong contest held at the Mrs. Maui Filipina Pageant & Terno Ball on March 8th. He was presented with a wooden, engraved plaque.

Congratulations to Shelly Barfi eld on being recognized as an Outstanding Volunteer by the Lanaì community.

A Lanai girl who has dedicated her life to caring for Lanai’s youth, Shelly is a mother of three children, sits on the board of Lanai High & Elementary School Foundation, is the secretary

and past treasurer for the Lanai Youth Center, and is involved in other activities as well.

She is also a dedicated county employee, serving


page28

as a one-woman show at Lanai’s DMV.

In 2003, the American Heart Association and the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute took action against a disease that was claiming the lives of nearly 500,000 American women each year – a disease that women weren’t paying attention to. A disease they truly believed, and many still believe to this day, aff ects more men than women.

Stemming from that action, National Wear Red Day was born. It’s held on the fi rst Friday in February every year to raise awareness about heart disease being the No. 1 killer of women.

National Wear Red Day, Feb. 6, 2015, marks its 12-year anniversary.

Pictured in red in honor of National Wear Red Day are staff from the Real Property Assessment/Collections Division. Front row (left to right): Kekoa Cashman, Tina Reponte, Ryvette Figueroa, Tracy Maenaka, Marilyn Tadeo, Dreu DeCastro, Carrie Alexander, and Marcy Martin.

Back row (left to right): Alberto ‘Lewis’ dela Cruz, Carolyn ‘Anji’ Franklin, Grace Komoda, James ‘Kimo’ Kurokawa, Kari Stockwell, Anna Albert, and Jennifer Rivera.

The Parks Department is very happy to announce that Karin Phaneuf joined the team as their Administrative Offi cer on March 2, 2015. Please drop by to say hello and welcome her to Parks. Karin transferred from the Department of Public Works where she worked as their Admin Offi cer for the past fi ve years.

She will continue to help keep the jobs fi lled at Public Works until they dry their tears and fi nd a replacement.

Congratulations to Pomaikai Elementary School for winning the Math Matters competition held at Maui Waena Intermediate School cafeteria on March 7. Beating other public as well as private schools, the team included Derek Takeno, son of Ty Takeno of the Dept. of Public Works and Sheri Takeno, Sophia Otsuka, daughter of Chris Otsuka of the Dept. of Water Supply, and Olivia Otsuka, as well as Aimi Sakamoto and Sean Cortez. Mahalo to the Maui Chapter of the Hawaii Society of Professional Engineers for sponsoring this annual event, and to Annette Matsuda of the Dept. of Public Works for serving as the event’s emcee.

Congratulations also to Seabury Hall’s Math Counts team for winning 2nd place in the recent Math Counts statewide competition! Team members included Kaitlin Takeno, daughter of Ty Takeno of the Dept. of Public Works and Sheri Takeno. Seabury Hall’s Steven Doan ranked third in the individual tournament so he will be going to Boston on an all-expense paid trip to compete in the national tournament.


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Maui County Charity Walk Kicks Off BY: DECLAN MC CARTHY Chair, Maui County Charity Walk 2015

We are well into our peak visitor season and by all accounts, and I am sure that most of you will agree that business is good in Maui County. There is no better opportunity to share some of this success with Maui County’s many worthy charities and give them the support that they deserve. This is the time for you and your co-workers to shine and show everyone what can be done when we put our minds to it.

This week is the Offi cial Kick-off for Maui County Charity Walk, with meetings planned on Molokai, Lana’i, West Maui, Central Maui and South Maui. By now your goals should be established, your teams should be selected and organized, the rules of engagement communicated, strategies ironed out, battle lines drawn and you’re most courageous ideas deployed for maximum advantage. Proceed to the battlefront, take no prisoners, the sweet smell of success is just a short nine weeks away. The gloves are off , let the fi ght begin and may the best fundraising team win!

There are many creative and enterprising methods to relieve your friends, family and co-workers of their hard earned cash; wine dinners, soda sales, rummage sales, bake sales, closest to the green contests, boiled peanut sales, bake sales, plate lunch specials, pizza slice/hot dog sales, parking stall raffl es, lau lau sales, Mother’s Day gifts,… The list is endless, only restricted

by your imagination and your desire to make a diff erence and make it happen.

Some businesses are incentivizing early fundraising by off ering prizes to teams which are the fi rst to collect and turn in certain team goal milestones (Example: 25% of their goal, 50% of their goal…). What a great way to motivate fundraising teams to start early!

The grand prize for the Maui Island Charity Walk this year has been secured and it will be a three night stay at any one of the Boyd Gaming’s seven hotels in Las Vegas, along with a rental car and airfare for two to Las Vegas. Don’t forget our Mayors Challenge, the County with the largest year over year percentage growth wins. Mayor Arakawa is determined to win this challenge for Maui County, so much so that he has the Maui County employees helping to raise funds this year!

There is a reason Maui is No Ka Oi and it is because of you. Thank you all for giving your time to the Maui County Charity Walk and making it a priority.

The clock is ticking; we’ve 9 weeks to go, let’s show everyone that Maui County can make the One Million goal.


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Photo GalleryA photo-essay of activities in the County

Managing Director Keith Regan and Mayor’s Chief of Staff Herman Andaya, Jr. join Mayor Arakawa on KPMW 105.5 to discuss pertinent county issues during their weekly one-hour radio shows on Tuesdays at 6:30 a.m.

Mayor & Keith are also on KAOI 1110 AM on Thursdays at 7 a.m.

Mayor Arakawa feeds a head of cabbage to the lions during the County of Maui’s Chinese New Year celebration held on the front lawn of the Kalana O Maui Building on February 20, 2015.


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On the recent “Your County with Mayor Arakawa” TV show aired live on Akaku Channel 55 on Wednesday, March 4 at 7 p.m., discussion focused on economic development and the Made in Maui County Festival.

The show will re-air on Wednesdays at 7 p.m. on March 11-25 on the same channel.

Enjoying the Mrs. Maui Filipina Pageant & Terno Ball held on March 8th are Binhi At Ani President Florante Garcia, Binhi At Ani Immediate Past President Cecille Piros, Councilmember Gladys Baisa & Sherman Baisa, Managing Director Keith Regan & Lynn Araki-Regan, Councilmember Mike Victorino & Joycelynn Victorino, and Emmanuel Baltazar.


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Enjoying the Boys & Girls Club’s 2015 Gene & Ruth Freedman Youth of the Year Program at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center on February 25th were Housing & Human Concerns’ Deputy Director Jan Shishido, Director JoAnn Ridao, Lynn Araki-Regan, Managing Director Keith Regan, and Mayor’s Executive Assistant John Buck.

Mayor Arakawa with Boys & Girls Club’s 2015 Gene & Ruth Freedman Outstanding Youth along with Malika Dudley who served as the emcee.


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Mayor Arakawa & Managing Director Keith Regan join Puù Kukui Elementary School Staff on March 2nd. Both Arakawa & Regan read to students in celebration of Read Across America Day.

Managing Director Keith Regan reads “A River Ran Wild” to Mrs. Pauole’s 4th grade class in celebration of Read Across America Day.

Mayor Arakawa presents plaques to the 2014 Made in Maui County Mayor’s Choice Best Booth winners on February 19 in the Mayor’s Lounge.


page34

Mayor Arakawa at Baldwin High School for the unveiling of the “Not Even Once” mural.

People who were recognized by The Maui News as “People Who Made A Diff erence” over the past years were invited to a reception in the Mayor’s Lounge on February 24. Coordinated by Managing Director Keith Regan, the purpose of the event was to thank past awardees for making a diff erence in Maui County, as ewll as discuss how the group can collectively make a bigger diff erence for the Maui Nui community.

Congratulations to Maui Artist Phil Sabado who was commissioned to paint a large mural for St. Francis Hospital in Honolulu. Working on the mural for about a year, Phil is a few weeks away from sending this mural to Oahu.


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Photos from the 2015 State of the County Address:

Maui County Product Enrichment Program 2015

March & April Wailuku FIRST FRIDAY! Mar. 6 & April 3, 6 – 9 pm Market Street, Wailuku, This is a FREE family event on historic Market Street. Come and enjoy “ono kine” foods, multiple live music & entertainment stages, shopping and activities for the keiki (children). Info: (808) 878-1888 or https://mauifridays.com/wailuku

Hawaiian Music Series Mar. 26 & April 30, 6 – 7:30 pm, Baldwin Home Museum, Front Street, Lahaina (Corner of Dickenson & Front Street) Enjoys FREE Hawaiian Music Series concert in Lahaina. Info: (808) 661-3262 or https://lahainarestoration.org

“Fire & Art at the HUI” The Hui offer year round attractions with studio demos, exhibitions, art programs and most recently added glassblowing! Demos and classes are available. Be sure to check visit the HUI with your keiki and friends. For more info: (808) 572-6560 or https://www.huinoeau.com

Schaefer Portrait Challenge 2015 Now through March 22, Tuesday through Sunday, 10 am – 5 pm in Schaefer International Gallery, the Maui Arts & Cultural Center (MACC) is presenting the work of artists from Maui County which features artists of many skill levels and diversity. The show offers something for everyone with a range of drawing, painting, sculpture, photography, printmaking, jewelry, and digital media. Admission is FREE! Find out which artist will receive the $5000 Marian Freeman people’s Choice Award based on votes cast by Gallery visitors, on Sunday, March 15th at 5 pm. Info: (808) 242-7469

POPS Orchestra Mar. 22, 6 – 9 pm, Maui Arts & Cultural Center, Castle Theater (MACC). The Maui Pops Goes to the Ballet (March 22, 2015): Verdi, Mendelssohn, Stravinsky, and Delibes are all featured in this concert. In addition, the Maui Academy of Performing Arts (MAPA) will partner with the Maui Pops Orchestra to present the comic ballet Coppelia with music by Delibes. Info & Tickets: (808) 242-7469 (SHOW) or http://www.mauipops.com

USDA Grant Opportunity Workshops for

Rural Small Businesses and

Agricultural Producers

The USDA Rural Development, in partnership with the Maui County

Business Resource Center and MEO Business Development Center, is

hosting two workshops for small businesses and agricultural producers

on the island of Maui.

The primary focus of the morning workshop is to inform rural small

businesses and agricultural producers of renewable energy loan and

grant opportunities. Topics to be covered include project eligibility

requirements, application information, and tips for submitting a better

proposal.

In the afternoon, there will be a hands-on grant-writing session for

small business owners and agricultural producers who are interested in

applying for the Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Efficiency

Improvement Projects grants.

Both workshops will be held at:

The Maui County Business Resource Center Maui Mall – Across of Pizza Hut March 17, 2015 Morning workshop: 9:30 am to 11:30 am Afternoon workshop: 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm

Please call Karen Arakawa at 270-5767 to reserve your seat. More information on the Rural Energy for America Program can be found at: http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/BCP_ReapResEei.html.

http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/BCP_ReapResEei.html

Documents

March 2015