Councilmember Mike White filing for reelection at the County Clerk’s Office with Campaign Manager Leslie-Ann Yokouchi. Courtesy photo.

By Wendy Osher

Councilmember Mike White today filed nomination papers for re-election to Maui County Council’s Makawao, Ha‘ikū and Pā‘ia residency seat.

“When I took office one and a half years ago I knew there was much to be done,” said White in a statement.  “In a short time, the council has made tremendous progress and I’m optimistic about our county’s future,” he said.

Now, seeking a second term, White said, he has managed to bring a more “business-like approach” to running the county.

“I continually work to scrutinize county expenditures and operations while balancing the needs of the community,” he said.  “We must carefully consider how we will continue to provide core services to residents without burdening future generations with huge debts. Fiscal responsibility will be the key to maintaining a strong and vibrant county,” said White.

White said he has worked to achieve a greater level of accountability during his time in office by introducing legislation to establish an Office of County Auditor.  He said he also worked on efforts to bring fairness to the county’s real property tax system.

In the area of economic development, White said he worked with the mayor and his administration to create an Economic Development Revolving Fund and the Council’s Budget and Finance Committee to create an Economic Development Initiatives budget line-item aimed at stimulating emerging economic drivers.

White said, still, “There is much more to be done.”

In his district, White said, he hopes to move initiatives forward, including: the improvement of Ho‘okipa Beach Park, the construction of restrooms in Pā‘ia and Makawao Town, and the expansion of the 4th Marine Park in Ha‘ikū.

“It has been rewarding to serve the residents of my district and I am eager to continue the work we have started,” he said.

Prior to his current term on the County Council, White previously served five years in the state Legislature.  He also served as the general manager of the Kaanapali Beach Hotel since 1985.

“I have been and will continue to be pro-business, pro-environment and fully dedicated to the preservation of our host culture,” said White.

In seeking re-election, White said he will continue to support balanced growth that provides for the preservation of open space and the protection on Maui’s natural beauty.

“Most importantly, I promise to continue to work for the people of Maui County with aloha, respect and kindness,” he said.

As of May 17, no other candidates were listed as potential contenders for the Makawao, Ha‘ikū and Pā‘ia residency seat.  The filing deadline is is 4:30 p.m., on Tuesday, June 5, 2012.