Council Chair Mike White filing for reelection at the County Clerk’s Office with long-time Campaign Manager Leslie Ann Yokouchi.

Maui County Council Chair Mike White officially filed nomination papers for reelection to the Council’s Makawao, Ha‘ikū and Pā‘ia residency seat.

“I look forward to continuing my work on behalf of the people of Maui County in a fair, honest and most importantly, an accountable manner,” said White in a statement.

“Under my tenure as Council Chair, through a collaborative effort, I am proud to say that the Council has seen its most productive days as a body and is evolving every day to become more open and transparent.”

White is leading the effort to place all council and committee agendas, minutes, and legislation online through a new system called Granicus, which also offers online video streaming of each meeting. The new system allows the public to track the actions of the Council with greater ease.

In the Fiscal Year 2017 Budget, which is slated to begin on July 1, 2016, White has worked with his colleagues to secure funding for projects such as the Upcountry skate park, funds for coqui frog mitigation, road maintenance and rehabilitation projects, and $9.5 million for the acquisition of 267 acres of land on Maui’s north shore near Pe‘ahi.

White said his top priority however, remains developing economic initiatives and job creation.

“During the coming months, our community will face tough challenges with the closure of HC&S and Mākena Resort, and we must be ready to assist. The County will play an important role in helping to bolster our community and developing new opportunities is critical.”

Council Chair White’s decades of visitor industry and business experience help him make informed decisions and address the County’s fiscal challenges with compassion and balance. He previously served five years in the state legislature, has dedicated over 30 years to community service on Maui and is credited with having created the award-winning Hawaiian culture-based Po‘okela program at Kā‘anapali Beach Hotel.

“As promised, I have brought 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. 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.

ILWU Local 142 along with the Hawaiʻi Regional Council of Carpenters announced their early endorsement of White.

“I have been and will continue to be pro-business, pro-environment and fully dedicated to the preservation of our host culture,” Chair White said. “I support balanced growth that provides for the preservation of open spaces and the protection of Maui County’s natural beauty.”

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

White is being challenged by Trinette Furtado who filed for candidacy in March.  Another potential challenger is Kula resident Alan Kaufman, who pulled papers but had not yet filed according to the latest candidate report posted on Wednesday, June 1, 2016.