Maui Panel Discusses Quality of Life Issues Ahead of 2018 Election

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Maui Now’s Wendy Osher was among the Maui panelists who appeared on a LIVE edition of PBS Hawaiʻi’s Insights program, which sought input on quality of life issues that matter most to Maui. The information is being compiled ahead of the 2018 election cycle.

The program was led by moderator Yunji De Nies and featured participation from four Maui residents from different parts of the island.  Others on the panel were: Mahealani Wendt whose family farms kalo in Keʻanae, Aric Nakashima the co-owner of Pukalani Superette and Saumalu Mataafa who is a legislative analyst for the Maui County Council.

The panel discussed issues that included the influx of tourism, keeping pace with infrastructure, affordable housing, control of water, the importance of agriculture and efforts to diversify the economy.  Tourism dominates the Maui economy and the island is undergoing significant change following the closure of the Hawaiian Commercial and Sugar Company Mill in 2016.

Next week’s program will focus on the Island of Lānaʻi and airs at 8 p.m. on Thursday, June 28 on PBS Hawaiʻi.

What do you feel is the biggest quality of life issue faced by Maui residents and how would you address it? Leave your thoughts in the comment section below.