LahainaTown Action Committee Annual Meeting Recap

Maui Mayor Mike Victorino gave a surprise address at the LahainaTown Action Committee’s annual meeting. PC: LAC.

An award for the 2018 LahainaTown Action Committee Business of the Year was issued to Hawaiʻi Gelato and Volunteer of the Year to Waiola Church during the organization’s annual meeting.

LAC Board President Snehal Patel presented the awards during the event, which marked the organization’s 30 years in action fostering the historical, cultural and commercial vitality of its treasured town and the greater West Maui community.

“Both recipients have gone above and beyond in supporting the events and initiatives of The LahainaTown Action Committee all year and are well deserving of their respective awards,” said Patel. “These two organizations exemplify the kind of leadership it takes to build strong communities,” he continued, “Waiola Church and its members served as a beacon of hope to many West Side residents in need during the tragic Lahaina Fires last year and this recognition serves as a reminder to the community of the church’s long-standing commitment to bettering the lives of West Side residents.”

The meeting included a surprise address by Maui County Mayor Mike Victorino, who changed his flight home from the Conference of Mayors in Washington, D.C., to attend the event. He spoke extensively about his longtime connection to West Maui and shared his vision and goals for the region. At the meeting’s conclusion, the mayor and administration members participated in a talk story forum in which the public asked questions and gave testimony regarding concerns facing Lahaina town and the West Side community.

In an address to members, Board President Patel shared that the organization was founded to stop a proposed closure to Front Street that “would have caused irreparable harm to Lahaina town businesses and families.”  Patel said that LAC continues to embody the spirit in which it was founded “through its firm commitment to address the evolving challenges of the West Side’s economic and cultural landscapes.”

To that end, LAC is actively seeking new membership and invites business, organizational and community members wishing to make a difference to reach out to the organization. Patel announced the re-election of Ryan Beenken and George (Kapule) Paoa, to the board for a three year term.

The evening ended with a networking session that featured music by Maui Jam and pūpū donated by Betty’s Beach Cafe, Kimo’s, Cool Cats, Captain Jack’s, Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., Down the Hatch, Hawaiʻi Gelato, Honolulu Cookie Company, Lahaina Fish Co, Maui Pineapple Store, Surfside Pizza and the Pioneer Inn.