Maui Discussion
Ask Mayor: White Rock Surveys; Lifeguard Tower Demolition
Arakawa answers questions about signs of construction at the county-owned portion of Palauea Beach, the demolition of the lifeguard tower at DT Fleming Beach, and roadwork in Kahului.
Changes to Vehicle Safety Inspections Labeled “Brutal”
The program has been described as a “charity” as inspectors propose fees be raised $25 to $50 per inspection, exacerbated by the state’s plan to computerize the process starting Nov. 1.
ANALYSIS: Pay in Hawai`i, By the Numbers
We examine which jobs win and lose in Hawai`i, as well as surprisingly obscure occupations that pay well.
Ask the Mayor: Lahaina Halloween 2013; Iao Bathrooms
The mayor answers questions about this year’s Lahaina Halloween celebration, when the bathrooms at Iao Valley will be fixed, and our partnerships in the Sister Cities program.
Maui No. 2 For Foreign-Owned Ag Lands in Hawai`i
While Hawaii overall was second in the nation for having the most foreign-owned agriculture land.
Ask Mayor: Hali`imaile Tennis Courts; Mopeds on Bike Paths
The mayor discusses why Hali`imaile tennis court cannot be rehabilitated, and clarifies the law on mopeds on bike paths.
ANALYSIS: Wealth in Hawai`i, By the Numbers
Which island’s residents make the most money, which island will see the most income growth in the coming years, and how we’re all doing compared to everyone else.
Ask Mayor: Water Meters; Mural for Pu’unene/Kuihelani Wall?
Arakawa answers questions about the status of water meters, community center events going past curfew, and the possibility of having a mural painted on the cinder block wall going up Pu’unene Avenue and Kuihelani Highway.
LETTER: Rock & Brews Bar Detracts from Paia’s Uniqueness
“If it begins to look like any other place in the world’s strip malls, what would be the tourist draw?”
Ask the Mayor: Alcohol Permits; Stench & Construction; Childcare
The mayor covers alcohol permits for one-off fundraising events, construction and stench issues in West Maui, and county-subsidized child care.
LETTER: Ban on Personal Watercraft Defies Logic
“Not only do the PWCs separate themselves from other vessels with low emission engines, unlike every vessel mentioned above, PWCs do not have a prop.”
ANALYSIS: Race in Hawai`i, By the Numbers
Which island is the “whitest,” which is the most “native,” and who comprises our most slender minority.
Ask the Mayor: Bearcat Justification, Traffic Fine Funding
Mayor Arakawa explains where the money from traffic fines go, plans for Hansen Road, and why the Bearcat was a justifiable expense.
ANALYSIS: Romance in Hawai`i, By The Numbers
We discover the best island to be single, a man or a woman, where the most babies are being born, the commitment level of men, and other interesting love facts.
Sunlight Shown to Affect Mercury Levels in Fish
Researchers have found that mercury levels are lower in the fish that feed in well-lit upper waters of the ocean.
ANALYSIS: Hawaii’s Unique Scheme to Fund Home Solar
With Hawai`i residents reeling from electrical bills that are triple the national average, a new state initiative aims to eliminate the up-front cost of clean energy upgrades.
Ask the Mayor: Red Light Malfunctions; Ho’okipa Parking
Arakawa answers questions about superfluous stops at red lights, ‘no parking’ signs at Ho’okipa and re-opening the dump on Sundays.
VIDEO: Is This Behavior by Kite Surfers Dangerous?
Watch these videos and leave a comment below on whether you think this could be dangerous for bystanders.
ANALYSIS: DOMA Ruling: Precursor to Changes in Hawaii?
The ruling striking down a section of the Defense of Marriage Act is in keeping with recent paths taken by Hawaii’s Legislature and its governor.
LETTER: New Kahului Community Center on the Horizon
“The targeted site, currently owned by A&B, is approximately seven acres and will be deeded to the county.”