PHOTOS: County On Your Corner: Paia

By Madeline M. Ziecker

Members of the Maui County cabinet, including Mayor Arakawa, Mike White, Keith Regan. Photo by Madeline M. Zeicker.

This morning, Saturday August 13^th from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., “County On Your Corner” came to Paia.

County On Your Corner is a monthly event where members of the Maui County cabinet meet and greet with residents who have questions for their government and concerns for their community. Mayor Arakawa explains County On Your Corner as one part of the whole effort to provide the community with personal access to their government.

Leading the event this morning, held in front of Paia’s coffee hub The Green Banana Café, was Mayor Arakawa. Also in attendance was Managing Director Keith Regan, Communications Director Rod Antone, Public Works Director David Goode, Environmental Coordinator Rob Parsons, and Mayor’s Executive Assistant Bill Medeiros. Some of these members have also been present at past County On Your Corner settings in communities Hana, Lahaina, Kahului, Pukalani, Haiuku, and Kihei.

In Paia this morning, through an initial spurt of showers, Arakawa answered the questions of representatives from local businesses such as Mana Foods and the MACC.

Mayor Arakawa and Communications Director Rod Antone. Photo by Madeline M. Zeicker.

County On Your Corner, Paia 8/13/2011. Photo by Madeline M. Ziecker.

ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW AD Photo by Madeline M. Zeicker.

Local residents at the event murmured concern in areas such as the Paia parking fiasco, as well as the recently increased cane burnings in the area. The Mayor assured that he and his cabinet are working to finalize new locations in Paia for public parking. As for the cane, decisions are left to the Health Department and upper legislative state government. According to state law, the cane companies are not currently breaking any major health codes.

When asked which project Arakawa is focusing on with the most zeal, he replied, “My job is like trying to complete a jigsaw puzzle. Though some pieces take longer to place, each is equally important to the whole.”

Arakawa says his short-term goal is to enhance each area that needs improvement, leading towards a physically and mentally healthy community. As for long term, he hopes for unity among the Maui County community and its government.

For those of who couldn’t make County On Your Corner this month in Paia, check back with Maui Now for details on the next.

Though not confirmed, there are indications that the next County On Your Corner will be held on a neighboring island.