Maui County Councilmember Don Guzman, who currently holds the seat for the Kahului residency area, filed his paper work for candidacy for Mayor of Maui County on Thursday, Feb. 15, 2018.

Maui County Councilmember Don Guzman, who currently holds the seat for the Kahului residency area, filed his paper work for candidacy for Mayor of Maui County on Thursday, February 15, 2018.

Guzman’s platform and slogan sets the tone. “Leadership that Listens” is what Guzman believes the public elects a Mayor for, and is lacking in so many decisions today. He will always take the time to listen to all sides and be open to all people. “Bringing Real Solutions Forward”, Guzman has the education, drive, dedication and experience to make things happen. We need to move past simply stating the problem and begin bringing real solutions forward.

Now in his sixth year as councilmember, Guzman made the decision to run for mayor to ensure continuity in the positive impact of his work on legislation. As Mayor,Guzman’s leadership will bring the right balance for the community to address the crisis in affordable housing and infrastructure, while preserving the county’s natural resources and cultural heritage. Prioritizing the completion of community plan updates with valuable public input and deliberation is a must for Guzman.

Guzman said, “My work on the Council helped preserve precious coastal open space and park lands, supported economic diversification by removing barriers for our farmers and small businesses, and maintained the momentum on alternative energy generation.” He went on to say, “As Mayor, I will continue to advocate for a transparent and efficient government operated with integrity, accountability and aloha. Government needs to restore the people’s trust and I intend to do that. My approach to problem solving will be to consider all sides, consult with knowledgeable people and build coalitions to achieve the community’s goals.”

Guzman took the initiative in the creation of the Maui Agricultural Working Group – an informal advisory group of farmers and experts, which has provided significant contributions in County policy-making.

Guzman is an attorney and former Maui County prosecutor. He left his practice in 2012 to serve on the county council, where he chaired committees dealing with the environment, litigation, agriculture, economic development, parks and recreation.  He served as Council Vice-Chair from 2014-2016.

“Our community deserves a Mayor who will listen to the people and respect opinions shared.” Guzman said. “It is crucial to have a mayor who can be objective and fair, be able to speak to the divided community yet maintain aloha for everyone.”

“Bringing competence to any job is critical.  I have prepared myself through education, community service with a career experience in the private sector and public service. I plan to bring a team of the best and brightest to address the challenges at hand” he said.

“I care deeply about our community and believe that by working together we can do more to support the well-being of our families. My focus and commitment will be to further our community’s interest with a sense of fairness, dignity and respect. I have the experience and dedication to help create a positive future.”

Don Guzman, 48, is married to Wailuku physician, Dr. Rose Guzman, and they have three children – Reese, Nealon and Andrew.