Mayor Alan Arakawa

By Maui Now Staff

Mayor Alan Arakawa will speak at the Maui Native Hawaiian Chamber of Commerce’s February Membership Dinner to outline the county’s current efforts in alleviating high housing costs affecting many Maui residents. The event is scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 10, at 5:30 p.m. at the Maui Tropical Plantation in Waikapū. Reservations must be made by Sunday, Feb. 8.

“Affordable housing is a key issue for the Maui Native Hawaiian Chamber,” said Doreen Pua Canto, MNHCoC president. “We are very concerned about the cost of housing in Maui County and its effect on our workforce and our local families. We look forward to hearing from the mayor about how the community can help with timely solutions to this ongoing challenge.”

The mayor will describe the present state of affordable housing in Maui County as well as current actions being taken to alleviate demands. Event guests and members of the MNHCoC will have a chance to ask the mayor questions during a Q&A session moderated by Boardmember Mercer “Chubby” vicens.

Prepaid admission for members is $20, and $25 for nonmembers, available online at www.mnhcoc.org, or by calling (808) 633-3079. There will be an additional $5 charge for admissions paid at the door. The fee includes a buffet dinner featuring Kumu Farms green salad, hoison glazed chicken, grilled island fish and papaya lychee salsa, roast pork and pan gravy, stir-fried vegetables, white rice scented with lemongrass, dessert, and coffee or tea.  There will be a no-host bar opening at 5:30 p.m.

MNHCoC membership is available to anyone interested in continuing the aloha spirit through commerce, culture and community. The organization welcomes Hawaiians and Hawaiians at heart to share in their mission of promoting and maintaining Hawaiian values and culture, while enhancing the socioeconomic status of Native Hawaiians in business and as people.