“Action is the bridge between thought and reality.” ― Richie Norton “You become what you believe, decide, and act upon.” ― Anese Cavanaugh “Your beliefs become your thoughts, Your thoughts become your words, Your words become your actions, Your actions become your habits, Your habits become your values, Your values become your destiny.” ― Mahatma Gandhi

1. A CALL TO ACTION – 2016 GENERAL ELECTION
Maui County has the second highest unemployment rate in the State of
Hawaii, as of August 19, 2016.
Hawaii County 4.6
Maui County 3.6
Kauai 3.5
Honolulu 3.1
The number of businesses shuttered, vacant commercial buildings, vacant
retail spaces, rent increases to offset growing overhead costs, number of
people needing more than 1 job to survive, number of families doubling up
in residences, and deferred projects, governmental and private sector are
signs that the Maui economy requires immediate and resourceful action.
The Maui County economy is in recovery. Proactive, progressive and
action by Maui County Government is mandated.
Maui County Government has invested wisely and receives healthy returns
on its investment. “A penny saved is a penny earned” Great for the record
books. Great promotional. Direct benefit for the people is marginal.
Maui County has a Double AA Plus+ Municipal Bond Rating. Municipal
bonds are debt obligations issued by public entities that use the loans to
fund public projects.
Why are the Mayor and the Maui County Council recalcitrant to fund
projects in Maui County to improve the status of the Maui economy?
Incumbency establishes seniority for committee appointments, experience
in government protocol, time to vest retirement and continuity.
Wisdom from Governor David Y. Ige and Mayor Alan Arakawa,

2. STATE OF THE STATE ADDRESS, GOVERNOR DAVID Y. IGE
JANUARY 25, 2016
[M]aking things right to make things happen is not just a nice
slogan.
If we are truthful and act accordingly, if we value the public
trust, if we govern with the people, if we are strong yet
compassionate, if we take special care of our children, if we
look to all of our futures, then we can more than meet the
challenges we face today and tomorrow.
[T]he world is becoming a smaller place where pluralism is
increasingly the rule rather than the exception. These
conditions call less for fear and hostility and more for the
unyielding affirmation of diversity. We have found a way in
these islands—anchored by a remarkable host culture and the
enriching waves of immigration from east and west—to value
and venerate who we are.
It is a lesson we have learned over time and it is an active
pledge we must keep and live by every day. The transcendent
call from our island state to the surrounding world is that when
we demean others we betray ourselves.
There is a finer, better way. Pledge to it, make it real every day
and lead the way.
Source: Office of the Governor, State of Hawaii
http://governor.hawaii.gov/newsroom/governors-office-news-
release-governor-iges-state-of-the-state-address/

3. STATE OF THE COUNTY ADDRESS, MAYOR ALAN ARAKAWA
March 14, 2016
[A]s mayor, my guiding principal has been to do the most
important tasks that our community has asked us to do.
Over the years we've done our best to either do it, fix it or plan
for it.
These tasks include road improvements, new parks, affordable
housing and helping to transition our homeless population off of
the streets. Reliable public transportation, clean water, well
planned out communities and sound investment of our taxpayer
dollars.
Our Department of Finance and the Budget Office continues to
earn top honors nationally for their work. Because of their
decisions Maui County once again has the highest bond rating
in the state, double A plus. [Emphasis Supplied]
We’re also using taxpayer dollars to make sound investments
at minimal risk to our residents. Our county investments have a
projected $3 million return this fiscal year, up $1.5 million from
fiscal year 2015. [Emphasis Supplied]
All of these benefits are the result of careful planning and
execution. We have to do this, because it gives us some
leeway to deal with the things we couldn't plan for.
Efficiency means everything in government, because we are
using the taxpayer money to fund our operations.
Accountability is important as well, because if you aren’t being
efficient, people want to know why.
Source: Office of the Mayor, Maui County
http://www.co.maui.hi.us/2063/2016-State-of-the-County-
Address

4. UNEMPLOYMENT
JULY JUNE JULY
2016 2016 2015
U. S. 5.1 5.1 5.6
State 3.4 3.9 3.5
Honolulu 3.1 3.7 3.3
Hawaii County 4.6 5.1 4.5
Kauai 3.5 4.1 3.8
Maui County 3.6 3.9 3.5
Maui Island 3.4 3.6 3.3
Molokai 9.3 11.6 9.6
Lanai 6.7 7.6 2.4
Data Source: Hawaii Department of Labor, August 19, 2016.
https://www.hiwi.org/admin/gsipub/htmlarea/uploads/LFR_LAUS_PR_current.pdf
Please Vote! Your Vote Counts!
Mahalo nui loa … Malama pono … Aloha Pumehana