Maui Discussion

“By my calculation this netted A&B a whopping $250 in earnings per total planted acre … their property could be leased for use by others that may be interested in growing nut, coffee, or fruit trees … $500 per year per acre would be solid profit…”

The mayor discusses an upcoming non-automatic method of paying county water bills, more questions on the county’s tobacco ban, and who is responsible for maintaining overgrown vegetation on sidewalks.

Local teacher Joe Kent says the idea to make the film “Price of Paradise” was inspired by his and others’ inability to find affordable housing on the island. In the documentary, he interviews economists, landlords, developers, real estate professionals …

Preliminary figures show Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa with a slim 1% lead over Big Island Mayor Billy Kenoi for the koa slippah.

The current situation regarding the road and lava field around La Perouse, whether the non-acceptance of metal cans for recycling was driven by county guidelines, and a new update on the rebuilding of Kokomo Road.

Where smoking is now prohibited following the tobacco ban, plans for road improvements between Kaohu Street and Waiinu Road, and archives of “Ask the Mayor.”

“If a stone from the proposed seawall (or other heavy debris) from a tsunami were to crash through the plate glass windows in the Chlorine Building and crack one of the tanks, the liquid chlorine would become lethal chlorine gas (used as a weapon in World War 1).”

Arakawa answers questions on how to get more than one handicap vehicle placard, the destroyed Pukalani Park bathrooms, and the Haiku Fire Station.

“When it comes to development, A&B have the power and money to develop all over Maui and they already have plans to do so.”

Arakawa answers questions about the Central Maui sports complex, controlled burns in West Maui, and the traffic problem by Haiku School.

“As I understand our government, no one person in any position of authority may have the power to simply decide something into law and force citizens to follow.”

The mayor explains the porta-pottie situation at Hana Ball Park, and the pavement rehabilitation project and how it applies to Well Street and roads in the Wailea area.

The mayor clarifies the parking situation by Mama’s Fish House in Paia, the legality of the dumping of fish entrails near ocean users, and when the Old Haleakala Highway’s sidewalk project will begin.

“The Hawaii Bicycling League calls for the application of the state’s Vulnerable User Law in this case. … the lawbreaking motorist is subject to more severe punishment, such as elevating a misdemeanor to a felony.”

The NFL’s new draft format for the Pro Bowl kept the neighbor islands from hosting annual youth clinics with the league’s players last season.

Arakawa discusses when the new bus shelter by the State Building will be built, the re-paving of Amala Place by Kahului Harbor, and the complexities of fire hydrant testing procedures.

“The clear majority of visitor needs are filled by the counties, not the state. It is the counties that provide water and sewer service; police, fire and ocean safety protection; development and upkeep of most roads …”

Arakawa covers why some safety stickers are valid for two years instead of one, who is responsible for rainwater retention pond maintenance, and the issue of additional buses for Upcountry.

As the deadline to obtain healthcare approaches, Insurance Commissioner Gordon Ito with the Hawaii Department of Consumer Affairs explains who is exempt, as well as what income bracket qualifies for tax credits.

Arakawa explains why the county has water issues despite the abundance of rain, when Kaupakalua Road will be re-surfaced, and the procedure for reporting excessive dog barking.