A Mayoral Business and Economic forum takes place tonight (Friday, October 1, 2010)—featuring incumbent Mayor Charmaine Tavares and former Mayor Alan Arakawa.  The live televised event runs from 6:30 to 8 p.m. and is sponsored by the Maui Chamber of Commerce, the Maui Hotel and Lodging Association, the Maui Contractor’s Association, and the Realtors Association of Maui.

Both candidates will be given three minutes for an introduction and three minutes to answer each question. The opposing candidate will be allowed 1½ minutes to give their rebuttal.

“Maui County’s economy, like the rest of the country’s, is hurting, said Realtors Association Government Affairs Director, Dave DeLeon.  “The policies set by Maui County will seriously affect how well and how fast we recover and get our people back to work full time. Our associations believe that it is important to have a chance to review the philosophy and goals of the two candidates for our community’s highest position, especially how they affect business,” said DeLeon.

Arakawa and Tavares were the top two vote-getters in the September Primary Election.  The two advance to the General Election on November 2^nd.