The
The High Street Journal
An Official Publication of the County of Maui
High Street Journal An Official Publication of the County of Maui FEBRUARY 2017
MAUI COUNTY WELCOMES THE YEAR OF THE ROOSTER COUNTY TO HOST INAUGURAL PICKLEBALL CLINIC, TOURNEY TEN WAYS TO BE MORE SUSTAINABLE IN 2017 page 1
The High Street Journal
An Official Publication of the County of Maui
The
CONTENTS
High Street
Journal
Message from the Mayor.................................................................................... 3 M.D. Minute............................................................................................................. 4 Happenings at the County ............................................................................... 5
PUBLISHER / EDITOR Lynn Araki-Regan EDITORIAL COORDINATORS Lois Whitney Tiffany Iida Herman Andaya, Jr. Rod Antone PHOTO COORDINATOR Ryan Piros CONTRIBUTORS Dana Acosta Mayor Alan Arakawa Karen Arakawa Stacia Ash SeaRay Beltran Jennifer Hawkins Jan Inouye-Ogata Sue Kiang Michelle Makii James Mariano Stephanie Ohigashi Rosalina O’Keefe Jaime Paa Keith Regan Hana Steel Jacky Takakura
County to Host Inaugural Pickle Clinic, Tourney February 11 ............ 7 Host families needed for Fukuyama students’ visit next month....... 7 Beyond the Basics ................................................................................................ 8 Calling All Artists: Receiving Day April 1st................................................ 9 Public Works Highways Crew hard at work ............................................... 10 Kulia i ka nu`u ........................................................................................................ 11 Explore life at 55! .................................................................................................. 14 Ten ways to be more sustainable in 2017.................................................. 15 Kupaianaha (“Blessings of Life”)..................................................................... 16 Maui County residents asked to hold on to their used motor oil..... 18 Photo Gallery ......................................................................................................... 18
Cover Photo: Jaime Paa
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An Official Publication of the County of Maui
MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR Aloha everyone, The island of Lana‘i had a bit of an emergency after high winds knocked down 19 power poles overnight, leaving the entire island in the dark. It took Maui Electric several days to get power restored but in the meantime the community did what it needed to do take care of itself. People cooked rice on open fires and gas stoves, stores stayed open using generators and people charged their cell phones at the Lanai police station. One resident we talked to said this was “good practice” for when a real emergency comes up. Well in my book this was more than just “good practice.”Thankfully Maui Electric got the power back on in time so that people weren’t waiting in line for ice like they were doing in Puna on the Big Island after Hurricane Iselle in 2014. It took 15 weeks for power to be 100 percent restored on the Big Island. So just keep in mind that with these strong winds we’ve been having lately, power outages seem to be a more common emergency, this year especially. So please keep in mind these important tips for before, during and after a power outage: - Know where the manual release lever of your electric garage door opener is located and how to operate it. - If you rely on anything that is battery-operated or power dependent like a medical device determine a back-up plan. - Only use flashlights for emergency lighting, candles can cause fires. - Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed. Most food requiring refrigeration can be kept safely in a closed refrigerator for several hours. An unopened refrigerator will keep food cold for about 4 hours. A full freezer will keep the temperature for about 48 hours. - Turn off or disconnect appliances and other equipment in case of a momentary power “surge” that can damage computers and other devices. Consider adding surge protectors. - If you are considering purchasing a generator for your home, consult an electrician or engineer before purchasing and installing. - Only use generators away from your home and NEVER run a generator inside a home or garage, or connect it to your home’s electrical system. - Throw away any food that has been exposed to temperatures 40° F (4° C) for 2 hours or more or that has an unusual odor, color or texture. When in doubt, throw it out! - If food in the freezer is colder than 40° F and has ice crystals on it, you can refreeze it. - Contact your doctor if you’re concerned about medications having spoiled. - Restock your emergency kit with fresh batteries, canned foods and other supplies. Remember it is better to prepare now than have to be fumbling in the dark during an actual outage. Stay safe out there everyone. Mayor Alan Arakawa page 3
The High Street Journal
An Official Publication of the County of Maui
M.D. Minute
A Message from Managing Director Keith Regan “There is no passion to be found in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living.” ~ Nelson Mandela We’re often advised not to settle for anything less than the best, and to strive to reach our highest potential in life. This is good advice, yet sometimes life hands us circumstances beyond our control, whether illness, disability or other hardships. As County employees, we are fortunate to be able to utilize a number of resources to help deal with these kinds of stressors, such as leave time and employee assistance counseling. I would like to address one particular resource that is not often discussed in the workplace, yet is an important means to help employees perform their jobs even when they experience temporary or permanent disability. Reasonable accommodation, as defined by the U.S. Department of Justice, is any modification or adjustment to a job or the work environment that will enable an individual with a disability who is qualified to participate in the application process or to perform essential job functions. It also includes adjustments to assure that the individual with a disability has rights and privileges in employment equal to those of employees without disabilities. As an employer, this means we are required to make reasonable accommodation to the known disability of an applicant or employee who is qualified if it would not impose an undue hardship. A qualified employee or applicant is an individual who, with reasonable accommodation, can perform the essential functions of the job in question. Accommodations vary and are not one size fits all. They depend on: •
The nature of the disability.
•
The needs of the individual requesting the accommodation.
•
The needs of the department.
The bottom line is that a reasonable accommodation should enable the requestor to perform the essential job duties. If an employee doesn’t ask for a reasonable accommodation, or doesn’t know the terminology to make such a request, an employee may ask for help to perform their job or state that they are having trouble in the work place. Sometimes a disability isn’t obvious, such as when an employee or job applicant has diabetes, cancer or a cognitive impairment that may not be identifiable. The employee may not even request or need reasonable accommodation. Reasonable accommodations are made only for the known disability of an applicant or employee who is otherwise qualified. The offer of an accommodation to a job applicant or employee, who has not self-identified as a person with a disability, is to place them in the “regarded as” category, which can be construed as discriminatory. If the disability is obvious and it is clear that the requested accommodation would enable the applicant or employee to perform the essential functions of his/her job, medical documentation should not be required. Anyone requesting a reasonable accommodation should be prepared to provide medical documentation from his/her health care provider to verify his/her disability and/or what type of accommodation is needed to enable the applicant or employee to perform the essential functions of the job. For more information, please check with the Maui County EEO Specialist or refer to the Reasonable Accommodations Guidance web page on the County Intranet – click on “Human Resources” then the “Americans with Disabilities (ADA)” tab. Wishing you good health and happiness in the new year, page 4
Keith Regan Managing Director
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Happenings at
THE COUNTY
KALAMA PARK COURTS CLOSED OVER THE WEEKEND DURING WHALE DAY CELEBRATION Tennis and basketball courts at Kalama Park will be closed temporarily during the Maui Whale Day Festival weekend this month. The basketball courts will be closed all day on Friday, February 17 and again on Saturday, February 18th. The tennis courts will be closed all day Saturday, February 18th. For more information regarding the court closures, contact the Department of Parks & Recreation, South District Permits Office, at 8794364. For general parks information please visit www.mauicounty.gov/parks. MAUI COUNTY WINS DISTINGUISHED BUDGET AWARD FOR 24TH CONSECUTIVE YEAR For the 24th consecutive year, the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) of the United States and Canada has awarded the County of Maui the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for its budget for Fiscal Year 2017, which began on July 1, 2016. The award is a nationallyrecognized standard of achievement for Maui County that reflects the commitment of the governing body and staff to meeting the highest principles of governmental budgeting.
To receive the budget award, the County was required to meet national guidelines for effective budget presentation. These guidelines assess how well an entitys budget serves as: * A policy document * A financial plan * An operations guide * A communication device Budget documents must be rated proficient in all four categories, as well as meet 14 mandatory criteria within those categories, to receive the award. In its written assessment, the GFOA commented that the Countys presentation of its financial policies were excellent and praised the budget document as outstanding. The budget document offers an excellent overview of the Countys fund structure, the review stated. The budget document provides a wide variety of performance measures on many different operational levels. When a Distinguished Budget Presentation award is granted, a Certificate of Recognition for Budget Presentation is also presented to the individual or department designated as being primarily responsible for its having achieved the award. In this case, the award has been presented to Mayor Alan Arakawa.
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Award recipients have pioneered efforts to improve the quality of budgeting and provide an excellent example for other governments throughout North America. “We are proud of and grateful for the efforts of our County staff to improve the quality of our budgeting,” said Mayor Alan M. Arakawa. “I wish to congratulate my predecessor, Sandy Baz, Senior Budget Specialist Marci Sato, and our dedicated team for assembling a nationallyrecognized document,” said Budget Director Lynn Araki-Regan. “My staff and I are currently working diligently on Mayor’s proposed Fiscal Year 2018 budget to ensure it too will meet nationally recognized guidelines for effective budget presentation.” The Government Finance Officers Association is a non-profit, professional association serving nearly 17,400 government finance professionals throughout North America. The GFOAs Distinguished Budget Presentation Awards Program is the only national awards program in governmental budgeting.
APPLICATIONS BEING ACCEPTED FOR FY 2018 COUNTY RECYCLING GRANTS The County of Maui Department of Environmental Management (DEM) announced it is soliciting grant applications/proposals from the public for the use of available funds from the DEM Recycling Grant, Fiscal Year 2018. Estimated funds available are $239,500, subject to County Council appropriations; deadline to submit initial summary applications is Friday, Feb. 10, 2017. Projects must be consistent with the goals of DEM, the Environmental Protection & Sustainability Division and the Recycling Section and focus on landfill diversion. Potential projects may include, but are not limited to: recycling education, equipment upgrades, program expansion and the collection or processing of materials. Applications are now available online at www. mauicounty.gov/recycle; paper copies may be picked up between the hours of 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. from the Department of Environmental Management, Environmental Protection & Sustainability Division, Recycling Section, 2145 Wells Street, Suite 103, Wailuku, 96793. Completed Grant Summary Applications must be delivered or postmarked by 4:00 p.m. on page 6
Friday, Feb. 10, 2017, to the Department of Environmental Management, Environmental Protection & Sustainability Division, Recycling Section, 2145 Wells Street, Suite 103, Wailuku, Hawaii 96793. Summaries will be reviewed and applicants will be notified if they have been selected to submit a full DEM Recycling Grant Application; submittal of the grant summary application or the complete grant application does not guarantee funding. Complete full DEM recycling grant applications must be delivered or postmarked by 4:00 p.m. on Friday, March 24, 2017, to the Department of Environmental Management, Environmental Protection & Sustainability Division, Recycling Section, 2145 Wells Street, Suite 103, Wailuku, Hawaii 96793. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that all required documents are complete when submitted. After the first round of grant applications are funded, there may be additional grant applications accepted in fiscal year 2018, subject to annual Council funding. To learn if additional funds are available, please contact the Recycling Section. For more information, call the Recycling Section at 270-7880. For those calling from Lanai, call 1-800-272-0125 x7880, and from Molokai, call 1-800-272-0117 x7880.
MPO SEEKS PUBLIC INPUT ON PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PLAN The Maui MPO Draft Public Participation Plan identifies key opportunities for citizen input on transportation plans for the island of Maui, including the budget for all federally-funded or regionally significant road, bridge, transit, bicycle and pedestrian projects. View the Draft Maui MPO Public Participation Plan at http://www.co.maui.hi.us/ArchiveCenter/ ViewFile/Item/22501 and share your comments by email to lauren@mauimpo.org by April 28, 2017.
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County to Host Inaugural Pickleball Clinic, Tourney Feb.11 The County of Maui Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) announced its first annual Pickleball Clinic and RoundRobin tournament will be held on Saturday, Feb. 11, 2017.
tennis-type net on a badmintonsized court. Like tennis, the game is played with two or four participants. The International Federation of Pickleball first published a rule book in 2010.
The event will be held at the tennis courts at the War Memorial complex in Wailuku. Clinic registration will begin at 8 a.m.; the clinic will start at 8:45 a.m. Tournament registration begins at 10:15 a.m., with tournament play beginning at 11 a.m.
According to DPR, regularly scheduled pickleball games are currently taking place in Maui County with play scheduled at the War Memorial Complex in Wailuku on Tuesdays from 5-7 p.m.; at Eddie Tam in Makawao on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon; and at Waipuilani Park in Kihei on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 7-11 a.m. on courts 5 and 6. Players should bring their own equipment if possible.
Equipment for the clinic will be provided by DPR. Tournament players are encouraged to bring their own paddles; however, the Parks Department will provide paddles for players who do not have their own. One of the fastest-growing sports in the United States, pickleball is a paddle game played using a special perforated, slow-moving ball over a
For questions about the clinic, call 270-6157. For questions about the tournament, call 8914955. Registration forms are available at www. mauicounty.gov/parks; click on the Recreation and Support Division site for participant waiver forms.
Host families needed for Fukuyama students’ visit next month Maui County’s Sister City of Fukuyama will be sending 18 high school students to Maui on March 12-19, 2017. The students will spend time at the University of Hawai’i Maui College, Maui High School, King Kekaulike High School and Maui Ocean Center. For those interested in hosting, contact Stephanie Ohigashi, UH Maui College-International Affairs at sohigashi@hawaii.edu or (808)281-4535. A stipend will be provided to cover expenses. Fukuyama City, the City of Roses, and Maui County established a sister city relationship in Feburary 2008.
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Beyond the Basics How Wailuku’s Clean & Safe Team offers services with heart BY: ERIN WADE I invited Lawrence Kauha’aha’a, the Wailuku Clean and Safe program coordinator, up to my office for this interview and he brought one of his Safety Team Ambassadors with him. Brian, who I refer to as The Zen Master, has never been up to the 6th floor of One Main Plaza before. We step into my conference room and his jaw drops. He walks over to the window as the morning light is bathing the town all the way to the harbor with a warm, radiant glow. His eyes are dancing with excitement and a huge smile spreads across his face. He takes a deep breath and straightens his posture. “I wish I had my guitar so I could play a song for Maui,” he says as he pretends to hold an acoustic guitar and pulls back his shoulders and opens his heart to the vista before him. I giggle at this. A fifty-something former prison guard, born and raised on Maui still finding wonder and feeling grateful for this place he calls home.
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In a nutshell, it is the character of the people involved with this service that inspired me to write this article. When we built the Clean & Safe program for Wailuku we received so much more than a security service or property management company in return. We literally have a network of coaches who are there to educate, support, guide, and protect the Wailuku Town community, lending a helping hand to those that need it most. In 2010, the Maui Redevelopment Agency (MRA) hired an expert on downtown planning
and economic development to provide us with recommendations to get Wailuku Town on the road to revitalization. He told us our first and most important step was a Clean & Safe Program though I honestly didn’t know what that was at the time. This was a higher priority than parking, he said, because even with all the parking in the world people wouldn’t come if the place was a mess and didn’t feel safe. As the MRA’s staff planner, so began my investigation into managing downtown districts. Clean & Safe programs vary widely across the country but in most big cities they are provided by two national companies. In 2015 & 2016 I visited four downtowns with robust Clean & Safe programs: Grand Rapids, MI (my hometown –where I also visited my folks), San Francisco, Portland, OR, and Waikiki. They all had crews in baseball hats and polo shirts that were sweeping, greeting patrons, answering questions and generally acting hospitable. It was comforting and certainly showed a sense of pride in the downtown to see this level of attention being directed to the maintenance of the streets and the needs of visitors. But to be honest, it felt a little artificial – like being at Disneyland. The vibe just didn’t match Wailuku and I was worried that without the right approach the homeless and vagrancy issues things could get confrontational, uncomfortable, and perhaps make the situation worse; not better.
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Calling All Artists: Receiving Day April 1st Maui’s 2017 Art of Trash show will be accepting entries for the annual juried exhibition from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 1st at the Maui Mall. Art of Trash, held during the month of April to celebrate Earth Day, features everyday discarded recyclable items that have been given new life in art pieces. Artists are encouraged to start collecting, creating, designing, and saving recyclable materials that will inspire their artwork. Artists entering the competition should be mindful that pieces made from natural materials, water feature pieces and works that include food will not be accepted. Judy Bruder, owner of Duck Soup, will jury the show. Art of Trash is presented by local nonprofits Malama Maui Nui and SharingAloha. This exhibition changes environmental awareness of what is trash and gives new perspective on how we might reduce our footprint by finding creative ways to keep reusable items out of our landfill. There is a $15 per piece entry fee. Entry forms are available online at sharingalohamaui.org. For more information regarding the Art of Trash 2017 exhibition, call Malama Maui Nui at 808877-2524. For some creative inspiration, visit www.facebook. com/ artoftrash. The public is encouraged to attend the Opening Night reception at 6 p.m. on Friday, April 7th, at the Maui Mall Center Court. page 9
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Public Works Highways Crew hard at work BY: SEARAY BELTRAN Safety Specialist III, Department of Corporation Counsel I would like to give a shout out to Public Works Highway Crew for their hard work in completing the South Kihei road by 633 S. Kihei road next to the old Maui Lu Resort. The road has been beaten down by heavy rain and very strong winds which in turn made the road unsafe with dirt, mad and beach sand. This narrow portion of the road is used heavily by pedestrians, joggers, cyclist and motorist. A well-established event for the year was about to take place on January 15, 2017, better known as the Maui Oceanfront Marathon. Knowing that event was only a weeks away, I requested the assistance of Lesli Otani, DPW-Hwy, Chief Field Operation Division Head. Lesli put her highway crew to action and brought the needed manpower and equipment to the address location to correct the unsafe issue. Proper flagger used to control traffic used: I decided to pay a visit to the location to see what DPW-Hwy crew was doing to correct the unsafe passage for all to use. This is what I came to: a full highway crew busy with heavy equipment, flaggers on both sides and advance warning signs on South Kihei Road to warn motorists. I was delighted to see the safety procedures in place.
DPW Highway crew hard at work and clearing up dirt, mud and sand from both side of the road way. Mahalo to all the highway crew that take action to make the road safe again for all to use! page 10
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Kūlia i ka nu‘u Strive to reach the summit Please help congratulate these dedicated employees as they continue to serve our community and in doing so, “strive to reach the summit.” BY: TIFFANY IIDA Department of Management Here’s a submission from Rosalina O’Keefe from Molokai Immigrant Services: CheeeWhoooo, they have survived it! Catalina Rabara has worked for the County of Maui, Department of Parks & Recreation – Molokai for 15 years and retired as a Park Caretaker 1. From the grounds of Mitchell Pauole Recreational Center to the Baseball fields of Kaunakakai, she has made her mark. Pictured are Catalina Rabara and Leonida Molina proudly holding their When asked “What framed acknowledgement of service from the Maui County Council. will you be doing with all the time on your hands?” her reply was, “umh, I still busy, even though I retired, I still wake up at 5:30 in the morning. I think no such thing as retirement, but that’s good for me because I don’t like to do nothing, I always busy. I have time now to think what I like do; maybe I can visit my grandchildren and my daughters in Honolulu. Maybe take a vacation some place, I don’t know.” Leonida Molina’s roots grow deep with the Maui County. She started working in 1983 which stretches out 34 years of service to our community. As an Immigrant Specialist III, she has assisted thousands of clients over the years of employment. When asked what was most rewarding about this position she stated, “Families being reunited; I’ve seen families go through struggles to get their families here, they have worked very hard and the sacrifices that they endured cannot be measured. My reward was to finally see the families together.” Leonida wanted to thank the clients and people she encountered through these years for the laughter, the tears, and for being a part of their lives.
A new chapter is here for Catalina and Leonida. The question is, where to begin? In whatever the tides bring, may these two wonderful ladies be blessed, enjoy what is ahead of them and stay safe for the journey before them. We are so proud of you both for the services you have given over the years. May your “retirements” be all the things that you hoped for. This is your time, (lots of time), CONGRATULATIONS & ENJOY!
Congratulations to Central Purchasing Agent Greg King on being presented with the Inaugural Hawaii Procurement Professional Excellence Award by Governor David Y. Ige and State Procurement Office Administrator Sarah Allen. Greg was selected from seven nominees who were recognized by their departments
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for being extremely hard-working, dedicated and passionate professionals in government procurement.
Planning Department Announcements:
Department of Environmental Management Announcements: We would like to welcome new hires Mark Franco, Joey Villanueva, Rico San Agustin, Taycia Pactol-Kaahanui and Guillermo Bolo. Mark will be working as a Maintenance Manager at our Kihei Facility. Joey will be working as an Electrician at our Kihei Facility. Rico will be working as an Electronic Technician at our Kihei Facility. Taycia will be working as a Cashier at our Molokai Landfill. Guillermo will be working as a Wastewater Treatment Plant Worker at our Lanai Facility. Welcome all to the DEM ohana!
Mark Franco
Aloha oe and best wishes to Joe Alueta who resig-ned at the end of January. Joe worked for the Department for 25 years and was an Administrative Planning Officer in the Zoning Administration & Enforcement Division (ZAED). Joe is now working on home projects, his farm, and at his music store on Market Street. Farewell also to Mary Jorgensen who resigned January 17, 2017. Mary was a Planner V in the Long Range Division and was with the Department for 6 years. Mary plans to travel, spend time on Maui and in the Pacific Northwest, and “enjoy the openness to whatever may happen.� The Planning Department extends a warm welcome to new hires Annie Alvarado and Jared Burkett.
Joey Villanueva
Annie started with the Long Range Division on January 17, 2017 as a Planner VI. She previously served on the Maui County Cost of Government Commission, was the Development Manager at the Pacific Whale Foundation, and has many years of planning experience
Rico San Agustin
in Arizona. She and her husband live in Wailuku. Taycia Pactol-Kaahanui page 12
Guillermo Bolo
Jared is the new Planner III in ZAED. He joined the team on January 23, 2017, and previously worked at the Indiana
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County Office of Planning and Development in Pennsylvania. Jared lives in Pukalani. Another new hire is David Raatz, who was hired February 1 on a temporary basis to fill the Administrative Planning Officer position in ZAED. Dave worked for the Office of Council Services for many years and is excited about helping update the Maui County Code. Carolyn Cortez accepted a voluntary demotion to Planner V in the Plan Implementation Division. Carolyn was previously a Planner VI in the Zoning Administration & Enforcement Division. Last month’s Above and Beyond winner Planner IV Tara Furukawa passed on the Above and Beyond award to Zoning Inspector II Gail Davis, who is not only hard-working, but knowledgeable too. Tara said, “I’ve been able to pick up the phone or ask Gail to sit in on meetings and she always answers questions without having to constantly refer to the Maui County Code. She is a team player and helpful, and works well with others from other Divisions. There have been occasions when I have had concerns about applicants and the way they are operating, and Gail has made it a priority to do a last-minute site visit to find out what is really going on. She is able to call or meet with applicants and they quickly come into compliance. It’s funny sometimes when people (who are twice Gail’s size) are really afraid! I have seen empathy from Gail and a recognition that applicants are trying to comply with the rules and regulations. I have seen her work reasonably with applicants to make sure that they are operating in line with their permit terms, and help them resolve their violation.” Congratulations Gail!
Administration Division’s Office Operations Assistant II Theresa “Momi” Maglente passed on the other Above and Beyond award to Account Clerk III Charmaine Rodrigues. Momi commended Charmaine for keeping our supply cabinets well stocked, submitting PO’s and requisitions in a timely manner, and for those employees who travel or have other expenses, Charmaine is very conscientious about getting their payment to them as soon as possible. And Department personnel can thank Charmaine for ordering the comfortable chairs we sit in! Thank you and congratulations Charmaine!
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Explore life at 55! BY: DANA ACOSTA Department of Housing & Human Concerns Civic Adventures: Heroes on the Water Senior participants at Kaunoa’s Kahului Union Center were thrilled after participating in a recent Party with Art class with Martina Benedetti. Several seniors said this was their first time ever trying their hand at painting an art project and they were thrilled and very grateful for the experience. The Kahului Union Center is one of twelve Nutrition Program Centers serving senior citizens 60+ throughout Maui County, including Lanai and Molokai. A recent Civic Adventure took seniors to a culturally sensitive area of undeveloped shoreline in Paukukalo, where they learned historic tales of this sacred locale, which is under the care of nonprofit organization Ka Ao I Ka Makani Hoehaili. Senior volunteers captured apple snails in wetland taro patches, cut brush, pulled weeds, and picked up trash along the shoreline. Civic Adventure projects merge volunteer opportunities with meaningful, educational, and often exclusive adventures. The Best Years begin at 55! page 14
The County of Maui offers a wide variety of Wellness activities for adults ages 55 and better. Staying physically active and continuing to learn new skills is critical for increasing our Healthspan – the period of
our lives when we are healthy, productive, and independent. Don’t miss the following Kaunoa adventures and classes coming up; there’s something for everyone. Pre-registration is required. For a complete listing of all of Kaunoa’s activities, call 270-7308 or 270-4310 to receive a monthly newsletter. • Oral History Project with Kamehameha Schools will partner seniors with seniors in Hawaiian History classes; interviews will be recorded and each participant will receive an online link to their interview. Tuesday, February 28. Transportation provided. • Billboard chart topper Rock Hendricks joins R.E. Metoyer & Island Soul Band for a rocking good time at Kono’s on the Green in Kihei on Friday evening, February 24. Space is limited and transportation is available. Save these date in March; sign up begins February 14. • March 3 Hinamatsuri Girl’s Day Festival at West Maui Senior Center • March 10 Freeing the Gentle Giants with Ed Lyman, Large Whale Entanglement Response Coordinator for NOAA • March 17 Asian Blend and a Yabba Dabba Do Party for some Friday night FUN!
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Ten ways to be more sustainable in 2017 BY: ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AND SUSTAINABILITY DIVISION 1) Practice meal planning and try to eat less meat. Practice sustainable habits when serving your meal planning. Buy only what you need, buy food with minimal packaging, compost any food scraps, and be sure to serve food on reusable dishes. While not everyone is ready to become 100% vegetarian, there is little doubt that eating less meat is one of the fastest ways to reduce your carbon footprint. Pick one or two days a week where you will only cook vegetarian food. Find a good vegetarian food cooking book to learn the best recipes, and you’re set! 2) Pick seasonal and local fruits and vegetables and buy local. While it can be tempting to eat strawberries in winter, when they have been imported from halfway across the planet or grown in energy-hungry greenhouses, they’re hardly sustainable. Do some research into what is naturally grown in your area in the season, and opt for these instead. This way, you’ll also rediscover the pleasure of meals changing with the seasons! 3) Take your bicycle out of the shed. People who cycle to work and/or the supermarket often say that it’s lovely to rediscover their neighborhood that way. In fact, unless you live in a very mountainous area, this could be the most relaxing resolution you take! 4) Use public transport more. Start by using public transport to go to work and the supermarket. If public transport connections are poor in your area, then it’s time to wake up the local campaigner in you and ask for it - make 2017 the year when your community stood up for sustainability. 5) Make your home efficient. By now, most of you have switched to CFL light bulbs - so it’s time to take home efficiency to the next level. Check your house for energy losses (there are companies specialized in this if you don’t feel expert enough) and make it your Do-It-Yourself project in 2017 to fix them. 6) Become a toxic-free household. This might take a while to research, so plan to do it over the whole year. From beauty products to clothes detergent and computer parts, we have become used to toxics products in our daily lives. Time to stop it. When buying new products, check what they are made of, and pick the one that will have the least toxic residues.
7) Keep your electronics for the year. New cell phone? Must absolutely have the latest iPad? How about the newly released gaming console? Our consumption of electronics is reaching records. Take a break, and promise not to buy new electronics this year, unless the one you already have breaks down, and when it does, ensure it is recycled properly! 8) Take recycling to the next level. You probably already recycle many household items but it doesn’t end here. In 2017, take it step further & try to reduce the amount of waste that is picked up by the garbage truck. If you have a garden, start your own compost with food scraps and yard wastes. Commit to recycling more than you currently do. Find out what additional items can be recycled on Maui by calling the Maui County Recycling Hotline at 270-7880. When you’re at the supermarket, choose products that are not over packaged (you know the one: plastics wrapped in plastic, or wrapped in cardboard). If there are too many of these items in your local supermarket, time to start campaigning! Write or talk to the store manager and express your concerns - and convince your neighborsneighbours to do so as well. And remember to bring and use reusable bags, even when shopping at the mall or for other nongrocery purchases. 9) Spend more time outdoors. Learn to enjoy nature again. Make a habit of taking a weekly walk outside. We have become so used to live in our houses and in our cars, many people have no idea what nature looks like anymore. Pick a nearby beach and pledge to pick up trash there for an hour once each week in 2017. Take your friends, co-workers and family with you! You will be very surprised at what you will find and it may help you modify your purchases to be more sustainable. 10) Help clean up the aina. Convince (at least) three friends to sign up to participate in a roadside clean up by calling Malama Maui Nui at 877-2524. Why three? Because almost everyone knows three people they can influence. If those three convince three more people next year and so on, we will grow a movement capable of protecting our planet - and the resolutions above will become a no brainer for everyone. Another way to contribute is to make a donation to a local environmental organization.
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The High Street Journal
An Official Publication of the County of Maui
Kupaianaha “Blessings of Life” BY: TIFFANY IIDA Department of Management We are each so fortunate to have wonderful people in our lives, friends, co-workers, loved ones who are important to us. The High Street Journal wishes to share our employees’ good news, offer a chance to get to know each other better and offer the precious joys that add spark to our lives. These are special moments and stories as written and provided by employees of the County of Maui. This column is your chance to express gratitude, praise and the simple and abundant joy these experiences have brought you- The blessings of life! Please send submissions to tiffany.iida@mauicounty.gov for inclusion in future issues of The High Street Journal.
At this year’s Hawai‘i Lodging & Tourism Association’s Na Po’e Pa‘ahana awardwinner in the hospitality industry, The Westin Maui Resorts & Spa landscape manager Duane Sparkman, son-inlaw of Don Medeiros, Director, Department of Transportation was the 3rd place winner for the Manager of the Year award. He received this prestigious honor for preserving the environment by introducing an innovative Mauka to Makai Botanical Tour within the resort for guests to learn more about the traditional Hawaiian ahupua‘a system, as well as partnering with nonprofit and local organizations on other initiatives such as reef preservation, restoration of a Hawaiian settlement in Honokowai and more.
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Morisaki, Willard Peralta, Donald Poepoe, Robert Puu, Romeo Yanos
Lois Whitney, Assistant Communications Director in the Mayor’s Office, was delighted to help her calabash aunty Irene Lai (center) celebrate her 104th birthday in Honolulu on January 29th. Yes that’s correct, 104! Aunty Irene greeted her guests and enjoyed the entire party at the Waialae Country Club, ate heartily and participated in all the games. Not only is she still walking with a quick gait, she can beat anyone brave enough to take her on for a game of Scrabble! Here she is with another of Lois’ calabash aunties Juliette “Honey” Ling. At a few years shy of 90, Aunty Honey still drives all over Michelle Makii, Secretary to the Director of the Honolulu and keeps busy with Ikebana flower Department of Environmental Management arranging, playing mah jong, volunteering and would like to wish a happy birthday to our organizing events with fellow retired educators. February babies from the Department of Never a dull moment for these wonderful Environmental Management! women whose Chinese genes keep them active, healthy and engaged members of the Patrick Chung, Joseph Duarte, Rodney community. Lois hopes some of their youthful Figueroa, Louis Garcia, Tyson Higa, Audie and energetic DNA will rub off as she preps for Kalehuawehe, Paul Pagay, Allen Sumabat, her own “decade” birthday later this year- but Kaleo Tokunaga, Brandyn Watanabe, Reginald she’s not saying which one! Balidoy, Chachleigh Clarabal, Kyle Hashizaki, John Kudlich, William Mohlman, Casey
The High Street Journal
An Official Publication of the County of Maui
Congratulations to Planning Department’s Avelina Cabais whose daughter, Asaiah Danielle L. Cabais, an 8th grader at Maui Waena Intermediate School, was declared 1st runnerup in the Maui County District Spelling Bee held on January 26, 2017 at H.P. Baldwin High School. She and Leela Waterford, a 7th grader at Emmanuel Lutheran School, fought a good fight and reached the 65th round. Both Leela, who was declared the champion, and Asaiah will be competing in the State Spelling Bee Championship on March 17th.
Happy Birthday to Danielle Navarro, Dee Dee Thyssen, & Dawn Winter (not pictured) of the Department of Finance who shared birthdays in January. Both Danielle & Dee Dee’s birthday was on January 20th!
Lynn Araki-Regan of the Mayor’s Budget Office was featured in the January-February 2017 issue of the Maui No Ka Oi magazine. After traveling to Atlanta, GA to obtain the necessary training to become a certified etiquette instructor, Lynn has begun teaching social and dining etiquette to Maui’s youth as well as adults. Congratulations to Councilmember Yuki Lei Sugimura on receiving the Japanese Cultural Society of Maui’s 2017 Nihon Bunka Award. The award recognizes individuals for their excellence and contributions to the Japanese arts and culture, and for their unselfish willingness to share their talents with the community.
Dept. of Housing & Human Concerns Director Carol Reimann & Councilmember Yuki Lei Sugimura
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The High Street Journal
An Official Publication of the County of Maui
Maui County residents asked to hold on to their used motor oil The County’s Used Motor Oil (UMO) Program for home mechanics has been suspended immediately, due to increased costs and a lack of available funding. The program suspension is expected to be temporary; however, in the meantime anyone doing mechanic work at home is asked to store their used motor oil. “The UMO program had been managed using a state fund but those funds are no longer available,” said Michael Miyamoto, Deputy Director of the Department of Environmental Management (DEM). “DEM has requested from the Council a supplemental budget increase to manage this very worthwhile program through the end of this fiscal year, June 30, 2017. We are confident that we will receive the funds but until then, we ask that
residents store their used motor oil safely.” Maui County estimates that residents changing their own motor oil turn in about 21,000 gallons of used motor oil annually to the UMO Program. The UMO Program is the county’s most environmentally important recycling initiatives as one gallon of used motor oil can contaminate millions of gallons of water. Recycling Section staff estimate that residents might have to store their used motor oil until the end of May. For general recycling information go to the County of Maui website at www.mauicounty. gov/recycle, email recyclemaui@mauicounty.gov, or call the Recycle Maui County Hotline at ph. 2707880.
Photo Gallery A photo-essay of activities in the County
Mayor Alan Arakawa with dignitaries at the Maui Korean Thanksgiving Festival on February 4.
Mayor Alan Arakawa with the Maui Wonder Girls at the Maui Korean Thanksgiving Festival. The Maui Wonder Girls, which include Dept. of Housing & Human Concerns Director Carol Reimann, Tiffany Iida of the Dept. of Management, and Lynn ArakiRegan from the Mayor’s Budget Office, as well as Joyce Yang Harris and Jennifer Nguyen. page 18
The High Street Journal
An Official Publication of the County of Maui
Deputy Water Director Gladys Coelho Baisa recently shared her knowledge with student leaders who make up the Maui District Student Council Organization. The students appreciated her insights and her words of inspiration.
Managing Director Keith Regan also shared his insight on leadership with the members of the Maui District Student Council Organization. Photo: Ryan Piros
Proclamation presentation to Keku Akana for his involvement with “A Cup of Cold Water”, his care for the poor, the destitute, the lost and the homeless of the County of Maui. Mayor proclaimed Jan 21, 2017 as “KEKUHAUPI‘O R. AKANA APPRECIATION DAY” Photo: Ryan Piros
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The High Street Journal
An Official Publication of the County of Maui
Little League Opening Ceremonies on February 4 Photo: Lois Whitney
Mayor Alan Arakawa with members of the Hawaii Society of Professional Engineers to celebrate Engineers Week 2017. Photo: Lois Whitney page 20
The High Street Journal
An Official Publication of the County of Maui
County of Maui’s Chinese New Year Celebration on the lawn fronting the Kalana O Maui building. Photos: Jaime Paa page 21
Maui County Business Resource Center February Workshop Schedule Maui County Business Resource Center workshops are offered to the general public through the Mayor’s Office of Economic Development. All workshops are held at the Maui County Business Resource Center, Maui Mall and are subject to change or cancellation. Workshops are free unless otherwise noted.
Call to reserve your seat at 270-5770
Farm Development 101 Instructor: Richard “Buddy” Nichols Monday, February 13, 2017 – 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. Are you possibly thinking of working off the land and being a farmer? In this workshop, Buddy Nichols will help you to achieve what you want out of life, as a farmer. He will focus on assisting you to compile a list all of the resources that are currently available to you and providing information on how to best utilize these resources in order to become a successful farmer. The end result would be a fulfilling life for the farm, as well as, for the farmer. Buddy Nichols is a USDA Farm Loan Program Manager on Maui. He has a BA in Animal Science and an MBA. He owned/managed a dairy, raised cattle and fruits/vegetables. He understands the aspects of farming from production to financial recordkeeping.
BiTT in Central Maui - FREE - RSVP required When: Tuesday, February 14, 2017 - 11:30AM - 2:00PM Where: Maui County Business Resource Center Link for more info and RSVP: http://www.meetup.com/MauiBusinessBrainstormers/ Link for more info and RSVP: http://www.meetup.com/MauiBusinessBrainstormers/
Join the Maui Business Brainstormers (MBB) in Central Maui and/or Upcountry Maui this month. The audience brainstorms on ideas to address business challenges with the "build it, measure it, learn from it, improve it!" spirit. Sometimes the best things in life are the unexpected. It may just be the spark that you needed to challenge yourself, try something new, or reaffirm that you are on your path to success. In the MBB's BiTT meetings, that spark shows up often. Besides, it's dynamic, fun and productive!
BECOMING A BEST-SELLING AUTHOR: Leveraging the World's Greatest Marketing Secret by Writing, Publishing and Promoting Your Book to Better Market Your Business Instructor: Patrick Snow Friday, February 17, 2017 – 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Are you looking for a better way to market your business? Do you have a burning desire to become a best-selling author? Attend this seminar and learn how to make your publishing and business goals come true. If you want to stand out from your competition, strengthen your credentials, and get free publicity, then writing and publishing a book is your best marketing strategy. Let international best-selling author, Patrick Snow, guide you through the process. In this two-hour workshop you will learn your three publishing options, top five requirements for becoming a best-selling author, and 18 mistakes to avoid. Most importantly, you will learn how to monetize your passion and even better market your business, or start a new business using your book as a platform from which you can launch! Come early, and stay late for his Q/A session that will answer all questions on your book project. As a professional speaker he has given more than 2,500 speeches on three continents. As a publishing, book marketing, and speaker coach, he has mentored more than 750 clients worldwide to achieve their publishing goals. What to Say, and How to Say It. - Create Winning Emails and Other Marketing Content. Instructor Mckenna Hallett Thursday, February 23, 2017 – 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. The goal of this workshop is to help you learn to use both words and images to craft your marketing messages. Learn to grow your influence with your clients and nurture deeper relationships. We all know the advice in real estate "location, location, location”. For online marketing, it's "Content, Content, Content!" What you say, and the way you say it (tone, date & time, frequency) is how you will attract, engage and be shareworthy to your audiences. What are the Keys to Great Content? Be Compelling! You'll learn how to: Create compelling content based on what your clients are already asking for. Learn the tricks that the pros use to curate (gather up) articles and news your audience craves. Extend the life of your content by re-purposing on a myriad of marketing channels. With a little help from this presentation, you will learn how good content creation will help you achieve your goals. Mckenna will cover tidbits like how to keep up your customer’s engagement by turning questions into high “open rates” as compelling subject lines. And discover some easy to use tips on using graphics. And, don’t forget the power of pictures and videos. All this and more with extra time for Q and A after the one hour presentation. Mckenna Hallett is a professional marketing consultant, wordsmith, and owner of www.MyGoldenWords.com. She blogs business savvy hints and tips to a worldwide audience, and teaches seminars throughout the state and on the mainland.
You Want to Start a Business, Now What? Instructor: Wayne Wong Friday, February 24, 2017 – 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. (Please feel free to bring your “brown bag” lunch) New Business Ideas cross people’s minds all the time. Learn what elements to evaluate and what it takes to start a business in Maui County. Here are some key questions to ask when starting a business: Are you an entrepreneur? LLC? Incorporate? Sole Proprietor? Can you describe your business; what problem are you solving? What are your Startup costs and how will you finance that? How do you learn about your target market? How will you market your business? Who are your customers and what’s in it for them? How will you reach your customers? Who are your competitors? How will you distribute your product? How will you price your product or service? How will you make a profit? What is your sales potential? Finally, how do you take the answers above and turn it into an action plan? Wayne Wong is the Maui Center Director of the Hawaii Small Business Development Center Network. The Center provides both existing and aspiring business owners with confidential, one-on-one, no cost business advising services, training workshops, and market research services.
SPECIAL EVENING WORKSHOP- $45.00 PER SESSION
“QUICKBOOKS FOR SMALL BUSINESS” by Richard Kehoe, CPA Hands-on computer training for beginners. Thursday, February 23, 2017 – 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Learn to set up your company’s QuickBooks in a small class setting with personalized tutoring. This class is for new users and will teach you how to record sales, receive payments, prepare invoices and balance your checkbook. Get customized answers and schedule a follow-up appointment at no cost to discuss YOUR solutions. Sponsored by SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives) and presented by Richard Kehoe, CPA and lead SCORE counselor.
Free counseling sessions with experienced SCORE and Small Business Development Corp. (SBDC) counselors: Thursday afternoons – 1:00 to 3:30 p.m. and Friday mornings – 9:00 to 11:30 a.m.
Kuha′o Business Center WORKSHOPS County of Maui Mayor’s Office of Economic Development
February 2017 Kuha’o Business Center workshops are offered to the general public through the Mayor’s Office of Economic Development. All workshops are held at the Kuha’o Business Center, and are subject to change or cancellation. To register call 553-8100. Workshops are free unless otherwise noted.
DEMYSTIFYING BUSINESS PLANS Instructors: Wayne Wong, SBDC Maui Center Director Wednesday, February 22, 2017, 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Writing a Business Plan or have you been told to write a Business Plan? What makes an effective plan? What should you concentrate your writing effort on? Is there an alternative that works better? Consider a Plan-As-You-Go methodology. Bring your questions and join Wayne Wong, SBDC Maui Center Director in an informal session on business planning. He provides both existing and aspiring business owners with no cost, confidential, one-on-one business advising services, training workshops, and market research services. Wayne will also be available at Kuha’o Business Center, by appointment from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. for individual consultations. Call 553-8100 to sign up for the workshop and/or schedule an appointment. THE “BUSINESS” OF ALOHA- Helping your business Thrive…Not just Survive Instructor: Richard Roddy, Creating Harmony Workshops Thursday, February 23, 2017, 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. This half day presentation will focus on Creating Positive Attitudes, Accepting Greater Accountability and Responsibility, Gossiping & Drama in the Workplace, Eliminating Excuses & Negative Beliefs, Cooperation & Teamwork, Stopping the “Victim/Blame” Game and Increased Respect, Appreciation, & Kindness in the Workplace. We encourage supervisors and manager participation for sure. Additional employees are welcome to attend. SPACE IS LIMITED! To sign up call Kuha’o Business Center at 553-8100
Presented by:
Get ready for...
Maui Economic Development Board (MEDB) proudly presents TWO power-packed workshops for entrepreneurs. As part of MEDB’s Startup Weekend Maui Series, these must-attend sessions will help you jumpstart your new business or fine-tune your existing business.
Pinching Your Pennies: Finance for Entrepreneurs
Business Model Canvas & Lean Startup Overview
Thurs., February 9, 2017 • 5PM - 8PM
Wed., February 15, 2017 • 5PM - 8PM
Learn how to run your business more profitably and avoid mistakes that cause businesses to fail. Led by Gerry Smith, MEDB’s Director of Business Development, you’ll learn valuable tips and tricks to ensure that whatever product or service you offer is profitable for your business. This workshop will address these important questions:
The business model canvas is an important tool that people can use to help bring clarity to the question, “How will my business succeed?” Learn about the canvas and immediately apply your knowledge in this hands-on workshop. Led by Sultan Ventures and XLR8UH, you’ll learn to: • Develop a new or existing business model
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Are you covering ALL of your costs? How much should your product sell for? Should I sell my product wholesale? What is break-even analysis? What is cash flow and why is it so important? What are fixed vs. variable costs?
WHERE: MEDB’s Malcolm Center, 1305 N. Holopono St., Suite 5, Kihei COST: $25 per person per workshop Dinner will be provided. Reservations required, space is limited.
• Outline your firm’s or product’s value proposition, customers, and finances • Align and evaluate your business activities by recognizing potential tradeoffs in a much easier and effective way
WHERE: Kuha'o Business Center COST: FREE- Live Video Conference Reservations required, space is limited.
ATTENTION MOLOKAI: To register for these workshops, call: 808-553-8100
Workshops sponsored by: Startup Weekend is a global grassroots movement of active and empowered entrepreneurs of various skill sets who are learning the basics of founding startups and launching successful ventures. It is the largest community of passionate entrepreneurs with over 2,900 past events in 150 countries around the world.
OSHA Paper Links Worker Safety, Sustainability SUBMITTED BY: SEARAY BELTRAN Safety Specialist III, Department of Corporation Counsel Sustainable organizations strive to balance the triple bottom line of people, planet, and profit to achieve long-term success and viability. This means that organizations cannot be sustainable without protecting the safety, health, and welfare of their most vital resource: workers. Sustainability is not just about what is done, but how it gets done. It is a mindset that requires leadership; not settling for second best in any aspect of operations; setting and achieving goals beyond regulatory compliance. Organizations of all sizes across the country and around the world have embraced this mindset as a way to showcase their values, measure impacts and outcomes, and increase their competitive advantage. However, workplace safety and health is often underemphasized, or overlooked completely. Integrating safety and health into sustainability provides an opportunity to better protect workers and achieve a truly sustainable organization.
Sustainability White Paper Released This paper highlights the importance of including worker safety and health in the growing movement toward sustainability and corporate responsibility. Sustainability provides a platform for reimagining and identifying innovative approaches for protecting workers by:
Creating new partnerships to advance integrated OSH and sustainability activities; Enhancing interdisciplinary training and education for workers, the OSH community, and business professionals; Measuring the impact of safety and health performance on business outcomes; Recognizing employers that successfully integrate OSH into sustainability efforts; and Improving access to data on safety and health for sustainability reporting.
OSH-Sustainability Connection The three pillars of environment, society, and economy are frequently used to model how sustainability can be incorporated into an organization's mission, goals, and practices. The "three Venn" diagram is a well-recognized visualization of these pillars. Each of the pillars is considered essential for sustainable outcomes to be achieved. To date, the environmental community has effectively leveraged the sustainability movement to advance improvements in environmental outcomes, such as resource usage and emissions reductions, through increased awareness, the establishment of a collective vision, investment in innovations, and promotion of transparency. The issues that are most often classified under the social sphere of sustainability (e.g., OSH, human rights, labor relations, community engagement, diversity, equity, benefits and compensation, the organization of work, supply chains, culture) are less understood and have gained less attention. This has led to people siloing sustainability; using the concepts of "environmental sustainability" and "social sustainability" rather than an integrated vision for sustainable outcomes. This singular focus on any one aspect of sustainability can result in unintended negative impacts (e.g., hazards to workers arising from improvements to reduce environmental impacts) or creating tension between goals (e.g., labor/environment). Although there are many worker issues embedded within the concept of sustainability, there is a unique opportunity to advance OSH through this framework. In this context, OSH refers to the promotion of the safety, health, and welfare of workers. Utilizing a sustainability framing provides a way to reimagine approaches for protecting workers and raises new issues to explore and opportunities for innovation. Download OSHA's white paper, Sustainability in the Workplace: A New Approach for Advancing Worker Safety and Health, to learn more.