By Wendy Osher

Elle Cochran (left) and Alan Fukuyama (right) faced off in the November 2nd, 2010 General Election for representation on the Maui County Council in the West Maui district. Now, Fukuyama is seeking election to the council's Kahului seat. File photos by Wendy Osher.

Self-described small businessman and entrepreneur Alan Fukuyama announced his run for the Kahului County Council in 2012.

“There are many tough issues facing our county and I am proud to offer a lifetime of practical experience, a deep passion and a desire to ensure the policies of our government make sense,” said Fukuyama in a press release.

The seat has already drawn the interest of others as well, including local attorney Don Guzman who announced his candidacy for the seat two weeks ago.

The Kahului council seat is being vacated by Council Member Joseph Pontanilla, who reaches his term limit next year.

Fukuyama ran for the West Maui Council seat in 2008 and 2010.  He made the move from Lahaina to Kahului earlier this year to care for his 90-year-old mother, who required full-time assistance.

“Sometimes life works in mysterious ways and I believe things happen for a reason,” said Fukuyama.  “Although things did not work in my favor in the last election, it was a blessing in disguise to allow me to care for what is important in life, my family. Family should always come first,” he said.

Alan Fukuyama, courtesy photo.

Fukuyama said he plans to run on a platform of “bringing common sense back to government.”

He identified several issues that he said he plans to support including affordable housing/rentals, water system improvements, streamlining building permits, implementing curbside recycling, improving park facilities, expanding public transit, and developing economic drivers to help job development.

“My priority,” Fukuyama said, “will always be making decisions for the betterment of Maui County‟s long-term future.”

Fukuyama said there are too many issues, not only for Kahului, but also for the entire county that must be addressed.

“I am ready for a spirited campaign and I look forward to the possibility of serving the people of Maui County,” he said.

In the community, Fukuyama helped to establish the first annual fishing contest for Big Brothers Big Sisters in 2010. The 2nd annual event will be hosted in partnership with the Lions of Maui in June of 2012.