County of Maui's January 2018 newsletter

The

The High Street Journal

An Official Publication of the County of Maui

High Street Journal An Official Publication of the County of Maui JANUARY 2018

FOSTER CARE NEEDED FOR HAWAII’S YOUTH CREDIT CARDS NOW ACCEPTED AT WAIEHU MUNICIPAL GOLF COURSE PUBLIC INVITED TO ATTEND OPEN HOUSE FOR WEST MAUI COMMUNITY PLAN 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

Public invited to open house for West Maui Community Plan........

EDITORIAL COORDINATORS Lois Whitney Tiffany Iida Rod Antone

MEDB to hold workshop: “Patents: Adding Fuel to the Fire of Genius”...................................................................................................................... 8

PHOTO COORDINATOR Ryan Piros CONTRIBUTORS Dana Acosta Karen Arakawa Mayor Alan Arakawa Karen Arakawa SeaRay Beltran Charnan Carroll Chelsie Evans Jan Inouye-Ogata Michael Kehano Jason Lopez Jennifer Maydan Linn Nishikawa Geri Onaga Christopher Platiro Keith Regan Carol Reimann Michele Sakuma Jacky Takakura

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Financial Preparedness for Disaster ............................................................ 9 Hui Ho`omalu looking for additional loving homes for Hawaii’s children .................................................................................................................... 10 County’s Homeless Division works with departments to implement Compassionate Action Plan to address homeless concerns................................................................................................................. 11 Kulia i ka nu`u ........................................................................................................ 12 Kupaianaha ............................................................................................................ 15 Outdoor shower improvements at Honokowai Beach Park to begin.................................................................................................................. 16 Nominations sought for 2018 Mayor’s Small Business Awards ..... 16 Explore life at 55 .................................................................................................. 17 Photo Gallery ......................................................................................................... 18

The High Street Journal

An Official Publication of the County of Maui

MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR Aloha everyone and Happy New Year!

This year in the Chinese zodiac is the Year of the Dog, which promotes universal dialogue and solidarity. A good thing for sure, especially in this divided, political environment we are seeing nowadays nationally.

This is the last year of this administration but we won’t be taking it easy. We’ll be asking more from our departments to do whatever we need to do to continue to serve the public, maintain our infrastructure and plan for future generations.

Speaking of future generations, we need to ensure their safety. This is why I’d like to look into how illegal fireworks are getting into the hands of buyers.

If anyone took a look at the skyline this past New Year’s Eve they would have seen what seemed like more illegal aerial fireworks than ever before bursting above. While I do enjoy fireworks displays I would rather they come from trained operators who are using pyrotechnics in a safe manner.

Speaking with Fire Chief Jeff Murray on this issue he agrees that Maui dodged a bullet when it came to fireworks related incidents for New Year’s Eve. They had two brush fires and five rubbish bin fires in all from 8 a.m. Dec. 31, 2017 to 5 p.m., Jan. 1, 2018.

Those are low numbers but more due to the fact that we’ve had some very wet conditions leading up to New Year’s and no high winds that night. In the past fireworks have caused injuries, brushfires and even destroyed some homes.

Just last year on Oahu a fireworks explosion killed a 38-year-old woman. Also last year on Maui fireworks seriously injured a Maui Lani man when it exploded in this face.

There are countless examples through the years, but it is obvious that we must attack this problem at the source. The fireworks are being shipped in and we must find a way to stop these shipments before they get out into the community.

This means working with local police, the State Department of Transportation Harbors Division and the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives to choke off the supply route for fireworks. On Oahu police got lucky when police seized 8,394 pounds of illegal fireworks, worth a street value of $300,000. They found the fireworks when they were called to investigate a suspicious van in Kaneohe.

That’s $300,000 worth of fireworks in one van! Can you imagine what’s inside shipping containers?

It’s time to take a stand before another family member is killed or another home destroyed by illegal fireworks.

If you agree let me know, I’d like to get the thoughts of our county workers on this subject. Mahalo.

Email me at mayors.office@mauicounty.gov.

Alan Arakawa

Mayor Alan Arakawa

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An Official Publication of the County of Maui

M.D. Minute

A Message from Managing Director Keith Regan

“Write it on your heart that every day is the best day in the year”.

– Ralph Waldo Emerson Happy New Year to every one of you! Each new year brings with it a new set of challenges. Some of them small and easily met; some of them not so small and not so easily met. We think about our goals, plan out the path to achieve them, and, hopefully, by following that path, we are successful in changing that goal into an accomplishment.

There will be times though that we will not be able to move along that path without the help of our friends, family or even our co-workers. Similarly, there will be times when others get bogged down and will need our help to trudge through the challenge and get back on track. There’s a saying that a rising tide lifts all boats, and, like the rising tide, if we take a moment to give that helping hand, there’s virtually no challenge that is insurmountable.

With that said, I hope that your goals, your dreams, your resolutions, or whatever it is that you set out to do this year, will become a reality. If there’s some part that I may be able to play in that process, to help you be successful, I will do my best to be a part of that rising tide. I humbly ask that you join me and be a part of that rising tide too.

Finally, as we move forward into 2018, let’s hope that more people will take Emerson’s words to heart and try to make “every day…the best day in the year!”

Keith A. Regan

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An Official Publication of the County of Maui

Happenings at

THE COUNTY

CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED AT WAIEHU MUNICIPAL GOLF COURSE The County of Maui Department of Parks and Recreation announced that all major credit cards will be accepted at the Waiehu Municipal Golf Course starting on Wednesday, January 17, 2018.

For more information, contact the Maintenance Division Office, Department of Park and Recreation, at (808) 270-7382. For general Parks information, visit www.mauicounty.gov/parks.

NEW COUNTY EMAIL RETENTION POLICY The County of Maui is implementing a new email retention policy in which emails older than three years will be deleted from County email systems (GroupWise and Retain). This policy has been established in order to provide acceptable email system performance, control the cost of email storage, and facilitate migration to a new email system in the future.

A transition period of Jan. 01, 2018 – May 31, 2018 is provided to give you time to review old emails and save any before the end of the transition period. Written instructions for completing this activity will be provided via email.

Emails older than three years will be automatically deleted from the County’s email retention

systems at the end of the retention period. And each day a job will run to delete emails that have exceeded the three year retention period.

GroupWise Personal Archives will also be deleted.

Please be sure to begin any necessary clean-up soon!

Please contact the Help Desk at 270-7842 or ITS. HELPDESK@co.maui.hi.us if you have questions.

CHANGES TO RECYCLING PROGRAMS ON MAUI AS OF JANUARY 2018 The Environmental Protection and Sustainability Division of the Maui County Department of Environmental Management recently announced that there are several changes to current recycling programs that may impact Maui County residents.

1) China Policies You may have been hearing new terms like China’s Green Fence and The National Sword and wondered what they are and how they impact our community. These are new policies that are being implemented by China and will impact the exports of recyclable materials worldwide. Most of the plastics, paper and cardboard from Hawaii and the mainland USA are shipped to markets in China and now that there is less material being accepted, Hawaii’s recyclers are now unable to recycle some of the materials they could before.

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An Official Publication of the County of Maui

China enacted The Green Fence policy to address contamination levels and The National Sword initiative was enacted to set standards on the types, quantity and quality of materials that are allowed to be shipped into the country. These policies set limits on the imports of certain types of plastics, paper and other recyclables and are intended to limit contamination, to improve the quality of the materials received and to ultimately protect their environment.

What this means to us is beginning Jan 1, 2018, residents will no longer be able to recycle office paper, junk mail, magazines and phone books at the four County redemption centers in Kihei, Makawao, Haiku and in Kahului (nor at Aloha Recycling).

The way we recycle plastics in our dropbox program is changing too. Starting Jan 1, we will only be able to recycle plastics that are labeled # 1 and # 2 and only those with necks that have been rinsed entirely clean. All the other #1 and #2’s will have to be discarded since those materials are now considered contamination. Some examples of typical items that can no longer be recycled on Maui include: snap closed tubs that hold spinach, berries, apples and essentially any plastics # 1 & # 2 that do not contain a neck. In addition, these policies set regulations on the contamination levels of imported recyclables and have set the current standard at a 1.5% contamination limit.

This means that all recyclable materials must to be cleaned of food, soap and oily residue. If containers are not rinsed clean, they will just be discarded.

2) EKO Commercial Monitoring Maui EKO Systems, Inc., along with the support of the Central Maui Landfill will be monitoring green-waste haulers to ensure that incoming “commercial” green-waste is weighed at the landfill scale house with applicable fees charged to the account holder. Maui EKO is currently monitoring incoming vehicles to determine if the customer is residential or commercial. As part of their contract with the County, Maui EKO may designate a vehicle as “commercial” by the following criteria: Vehicle has commercial license plates, advertising or signage, or the hauler is determined to be commercial by frequency of use and/or the type of materials they bring in.

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EKO will monitor facility users and suspected “commercial” users will be investigated.

Investigation will include a review of the data collected including license plates, materials delivered, frequency of visits and inspection of the source address to determine if that vehicle is a commercial vehicle. Users determined to be “commercial” will be required to set up an account and weigh all incoming loads at the

scale house. Maui EKO may deny entry to any customer who does not follow the rules.

3) Propane Tanks In addition, beginning January 1, 2018, the Kahului Airgas Store will no longer accept used propane tanks for recycling. The County is researching local alternatives for propane tank recycling. Hammerhead Metals accepts propane tanks with valves removed for recycling, contact them for fees and policies at 280-8844. Propane tanks are accepted for recycling as part of the County Household Hazardous Waste Collection Events that occurs annually. At this time, the next HHW Collection event date has not been determined. The last HHW Collection event was held in October 2017.

For more information about recycling visit the Maui County Recycling website, www. mauicounty.gov/recycle or call the Maui County Recycling Hotline at 270-7880.

SPECIAL OLYMPICS MAUI COUNTY TO HOLD FIRST RESPONDERS INVITATIONAL SUBMISSION GRAPPING JIU-JITSU TOURNAMENT Special Olympics Maui County is proud to host a First Responders Invitational Submission Grappling Jiu-jitsu Tournament at Historical Iao Theater on Friday, February 9, 2018.

The event will have 16 Matches against trained Maui Police Department, Maui Fire Department and American Medical Response staff. Come support our local heroes and experience the joy of sport and competition while supporting our Special Olympics Maui athletes. All proceeds will go to the training of Special Olympics athletes and help with their development of year round sports training and competitions, focusing on families being strengthened, and the community at large can participate in and observe an environment of equality, respect and acceptance. Please join us in what is expected to be a evening of positive competitive fun.

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Public Invited to Attend Open House for West Maui Community Plan

The County of Maui Department of Planning will hold a community open house to display feedback gathered during the 2017 community engagement effort for the update of the West Maui Community Plan. The open house will be held on Saturday, January 20, 2018, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the West Maui Senior Center at 788 Pauoa Street in Lahaina.

The public is invited to drop by any time between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. to view the summary of community feedback provided through questionnaires, public meetings, interviews, site visits, workshop activities and the We Are West Maui website. The open house is a great opportunity for the public to see what fellow community members are concerned about and value most when planning for West Maui’s future.

At the open house the public can continue to provide input that will help shape the West Maui Community Plan.

More information about the West Maui Community Plan update is at www.wearemaui. org, and on Facebook and Instagram @wearemaui.

For general planning information, visit www. mauicounty.gov/planning.

The West Maui Community Plan guides future growth in West Maui, and is the first of Maui Island’s six community-specific plans to be updated since County Council adopted the Maui Island Plan in 2012. The existing West Maui Community Plan was adopted in 1996. The update process involves numerous community meetings and workshops followed by the formation of a Community Plan Advisory Committee, which will review a draft updated plan and provide recommendations. The Maui Planning Commission will then review the draft plan and provide recommendations to the Maui County Council, which ultimately adopts the plan.

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An Official Publication of the County of Maui

MEDB to hold workshop “Patents: Adding Fuel to the Fire of Genius” On Thursday, February 8th, Maui Economic Development Board (MEDB) will present a workshop entitled “Patents: Adding Fuel to the Fire of Genius.”

Among the topics to be covered during the February 8th workshop are:

Don’t miss this opportunity to engage patent attorney, Dr. Victoria Brewster, in an informal roundtable discussion on the ins and outs of securing a patent. This important session will cover patent basics, including putting early safeguards in place to protect rights to your innovations; applying for a patent; devising a patent strategy; and building a portfolio to help your startup reach and exceed your business objectives.

- How to prepare and apply for a patent (process, timeline, cost)

- What is a patent and what do I get with it

- What to expect during examination of a new patent application - Best practices for developing a patent strategy - Guidelines for building a portfolio - Common pitfalls that may affect intellectual property rights

Victoria Brewster, The workshop will be Ph.D., J.D. is a partner held at MEDB’s Malcolm at FisherBroyles, Center at 1305 N. LLP in Palo Alto, Holopono Street, Suite Calif. Since 1996, Dr. Victoria Brewster 5 in Kihei. Registration Brewster’s practice has and networking lunch focused on worldwide will begin at 12:30 pm, patent preparation followed by the patents workshop from 1 pm to and prosecution; strategic counseling; licensing 4 pm. Admission is $25 per person. Lunch will be assistance; and due diligence portfolio reviews provided. to life sciences and pharmaceutical companies, academic institutions, and venture capital groups.

Technology startups, scientists, engineers, Her practice also includes litigation support, the inventors, C-suite executives, entrepreneurs, general counsel, investors and those curious about preparation of patentability, freedom-to- operate, and non-infringement opinions. patents are encouraged to attend.

Dr. Brewster will underline the value of protecting your intellectual property,” observed Frank De Rego Jr., Director of Business Development Projects at MEDB, “Those who create new and innovative products should be aware of the pathway to protecting and reaping the benefits of their hard won efforts.”

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Reservations are required for this MEDB workshop, space is limited. To register, visit http://www.medb. org/patents18.

The February 8th Patents workshop is presented by the Maui Economic Development Board Inc. Event sponsor is the County of Maui Mayor’s Office of Economic Development.

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Financial Preparedness for Disaster Adapted from Ready.gov It’s a new year and financial planning tops the resolution list for many of us, to accomplish personal goals and improve our lives. We consider our daily budget, make plans to pay off debt, and contribute to our long-term savings. There is one area that we should remember to include in this process - financial preparedness for a disaster.

information for financial and legal providers & apply for FEMA disaster assistance

Americans at all income levels have experienced the challenges of rebuilding their lives after a disaster or other emergency. In these stressful circumstances, having access to personal financial, insurance, medical, and other records is crucial for starting the process of recovery quickly and efficiently. Take the time now to collect and secure these critical records either in a safety deposit box, an external drive, or on the cloud to make it easy to access during a disaster.

Personal Identification: • Photo IDs to prove identity of household members • Birth certificates, marriage licenses, other name-change documents, passports, etc.

• Social security card to apply for FEMA disaster assistance •

Military service

•

Pet ID tags

Medical Information: • Physician information to provide doctors with health information if medical care is needed • Copies of health insurance information to ensure existing care continues uninterrupted •

Immunization records

• Medications Financial and Legal Documentation: • Housing payments to identify financial records and obligations • Insurance policies to re-establish financial accounts • Sources of income to maintain payments and credit •

Tax statements to provide contact

Household Contact information: •

Banking Institutions

•

Insurance agent

•

Health professionals

•

Service providers

•

Place of worship

Insurance Information: Having insurance for your home or business property is the best way to ensure you will have the necessary financial resources to help you repair, rebuild, or replace whatever is damaged.

Obtain property (homeowners or renters), health, and life insurance if you do not have them. Review existing policies for the amount and extent of coverage to ensure that what you have in place is what is required for you and your family for all possible hazards. Homeowners insurance does not typically cover flooding, so you may need to purchase flood insurance from the National Flood Insurance Program. www.fema.gov/nationalflood-insurance-program Get your benefits electronically: A disaster can disrupt mail service for days or weeks. If you depend on a paycheck, Social Security or other regular benefits, switching to electronic payments is a simple, significant way to protect yourself financially before disaster strikes. It also eliminates the risk of lost, damaged or stolen checks.

Keep a small amount of cash at home in a safe place.

It is important to have small bills on hand because ATM’s and credit cards may not work during a disaster when you need to purchase necessary supplies, fuel or food.

For more information, download FEMA’s publication Strengthen Your Financial Preparedness for Disasters and Emergencies with Checklists and Forms at www.fema.gov/medialibrary/assets/documents/96123.

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Hui Ho’omalu looking for additional loving homes for Hawai’i’s children BY: CHELSIE EVANS Partners in Development Foundation Maui No Ka Oi. Even as a child I recognized the beauty of this place. Every morning our drive from upcountry to town would start my day with a thought of being blessed as I stared at the beauty of the ocean surrounding downtown. The statuesque presence of the West Maui Mountains has always demanded protection over Maui’s people. My visits to Moloka’i and Lana’i to visit ‘ohana showed places of it’s own beauty, and yet it’s sights revealed it’s connection with Maui, a family of strength and beauty.

Now as an adult who has moved away I often long for the beauty of Maui County. Although I am far away by physical nature a part of my soul still lingers among Maui’s people, especially it’s children through both family and work. My everyday title is Community Relations Manager with Hui Ho’omalu a program of Partners in Development, but more importantly my every day kuleana (responsibility) is to reach out on behalf of keiki waiting for foster homes asking if someone will take them in.

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It saddens me greatly every time a note passes my desk of a child in need of temporary care on Maui with no where to go. It triggers a question, “how this is possible in this place of such extreme beauty?” I realize that part of the kuleana is on me, through my ways of communication to the community of the consistent and dire need for Resource Caregivers (formerly known as foster parents). It is also the kuleana of you, our community to ensure that every child who lives on Maui will have a place to go, should there ever be a situation where they need a temporary place to lay their heads until a time for reunification meets them.

Here at Hui Ho’omalu we help to share information about becoming a Resource Caregiver. We help you through the application process and work with Department of Human Services to find the right fit of families for Maui’s keiki. Department of Human Services has shared its dire need for families in all areas of Maui.

Children in care run from newborns to teenagers and come from different ethnic backgrounds. Native Hawaiian children are more prominent in the foster care system and we are always looking for people who can culturally relate to each child in need.

The truth of Maui County’s keiki in need is that there are not homes with open doors. On average we search for homes for about 1200 keiki statewide per year. The greatness of Maui County does not just sit in its visual beauty, but in the people of Maui County’s ability to step up and take hold of the need of its keiki. Call us today to get more information on becoming a Resource Caregiver.

Should you choose to become a Resource Caregiver there are support services to help you, medical coverage for the keiki, room and board stipends, support groups, and a helpline to call with any questions you may have.

The children in need are not strangers. They are our neighbors, our children’s class mates, our friend’s ‘ohana member. There is not “someone else” with their doors open. It is on us, each one of us to find a way to be there for our keiki.

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County ‘s Homeless Division works with departments to implement Compassionate Action Plan to address homeless concerns BY: CAROL REIMANN Department of Housing & Human Concerns

In collaboration with MPD and various other County Departments and agencies, Maui County’s Homeless Division has developed and implemented an 8-step “Compassionate Action Plan” to address the health and safety concerns surrounding illegal encampments and close the gap for unsheltered/ chronically homeless families and individuals.

Most recently, the Compassionate Action Plan team focused their attention on a growing community of unsheltered individuals who took up residence in an area on Kaulawahine Street and Wakea Avenue, in Kahului. Individuals in this area included many who have been cleared from various other locations over the past few years, and are considered chronically homeless*.

The plan calls for the issuance of a “Notice to Vacate” by MPD with a two-week window during which social service outreach providers such as Family Life Center, Ka Hale A Ke Ola and Mental Health Kokua intensified their focus to help the individuals in the area. Overall, 16 individuals were encountered at Kaulawahine, two of whom accepted services and were subsequently housed during the two week period. This represents a 12.5% success rate, which may not seem like much, but for the agencies who work the frontline serving our most vulnerable and chronically homeless; it is a success and a step in the right direction to permanent housing. More often than not, it takes countless encounters and years - if not decades - of outreach for chronically homeless individuals to accept help to get off the streets.

Permanent Supportive Housing and Housing First for our most vulnerable, and chronically homeless is the ultimate goal.

Clean up work in the area included the removal

of over 1300 lbs of trash and 12 shopping carts; as well as the tagging of one abandoned vehicle.

Lastly, an integral part of the 8-step plan provides for follow-up patrols and checks to the area and with individuals to continue well after the area has been successfully cleared. All in all, the effort included a well thought out plan encompassing the coordinated collaboration of the Department of Housing & Human Concerns Homeless Division, MPD Community Police, Public Works Highways Division, Environmental Management’s Abandoned Vehicle Division, Park Rangers, Family Life Center, Ka Hale A Ke Ola, Malama Maui Nui and Mental Health Kokua.

Previously, other Compassionate Action Plan efforts have taken place throughout the year, in areas such as Hoaloha Park, Baldwin Beach/Lime Kiln, Keopuolani Park, Kanai Place, Amala Road, South Kihei Road and more. In addition, numerous smaller cleanups have taken place within Kahului, Kihei and Lahaina.

It takes a village … and Maui County’s Homeless Division alongside MPD Community Police have spearheaded the efforts of a multi-agency team to address illegal encampments and the associated

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health and safety concerns. The team remains solution-oriented, rather than problem-focused to find meaningful results for our unsheltered families and individuals.

For more information on the Department of Housing & Human Concerns’ Homeless Division efforts, call 270-7805.

Chronically Homeless: person as either (1) an unaccompanied homeless individual with a disabling condition has been continuously homeless for a year or more, OR (2) an unaccompanied individual with a disabling condition who has had at least four episodes of homelessness in the past three years. This definition is adopted by HUD from a federal

standard that was arrived upon through collective decision making by a team of federal agencies including HUD, the U.S. Department of Labor, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness (HUD Homeless Assisted Programs, 2007).

People experiencing chronic homelessness typically have complex and long-term health conditions, such as mental illness, substance use disorders, physical disabilities, or other medical conditions. Once they become homeless, it is difficult for them to get back into housing and they can experience long or repeated episodes (National Alliance to End Homelessness, 2016).

Kūlia i ka nu‘u Strive to reach the summit Please help congratulate these dedicated employees as they continue to serve the community and in doing so, “strive to reach the summit.”

Congratulations to Maui County’s Executive on Aging Deborah Stone-Walls who has been identified as one of the six most influential individuals in the field of aging in Hawaii

by Generations Magazine. She will be featured in the December 2017/January 2018 issue of the publication. Our Office on Aging is pleased to continue to receive positive press for Maui County’s ongoing commitment to ensuring that older residents have opportunities to thrive.

Congratulations to Nancy Carpio who retired on December 31, 2017 as a Customer Service Rep. II with 36 years of service in the Department of Water Supply! page 12

Congratulations to Herman Andaya Jr. who was unanimously selected by a blue ribbon committee to be the administrator of the County of Maui Emergency Management Agency. The

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position is a non-political appointment and was filled through the civil service process. The Department of Personnel Services oversaw the recruitment process which is governed by the State of Hawaii civil service laws. In the last six months, Andaya served as the interim administrator of the agency.

Andaya was among a packed field of 40 applicants for the position. The Department vetted all of the applicants and those who met the minimum qualifications for the position were allowed to sit for a three-hour written examination. A “list of eligibles” was created based on the examination score and forwarded to a selection committee comprised of the Maui Police Department Chief Tivoli Faaumu, Maui Fire Department Chief Jeff Murray, Elton Ushio, Administrator of the Kauai Emergency Management Agency and Vern Miyagi, Administrator of the Hawaii State Emergency Management Agency. Upon completion of the interview, the selection committee considered Andaya as the top applicant and the most qualified. Mayor Alan Arakawa was neither part of the recruitment nor selection process for this position.

“Herman’s combined proven leadership abilities, executive level experience, and impressive knowledge of emergency management, particularly in the unique issues and challenges facing Maui County and the State of Hawaii, make him an excellent fit for the position,” noted Ushio.

Andaya’s executive experience includes having served as the deputy director of the Department of Housing and Human Concerns, assistant administrator (acting administrator) of the housing division and the Mayor’s Chief of Staff which included oversight over the Office of Economic Development, Budget Office, Community Development Block Grant office, communications office, executive assistants and clerical staff. Andaya’s employment history also includes positions at the State of Hawaii including the Hawaii State Legislature, the Hawaii Judiciary, and with the executive branch.

“Herman is familiar with government processes, especially an intimate familiarity with County Government,” Fire Chief Murray commented.

“What impressed me was his institutional knowledge of the various emergency incidents on Maui since 2003 because of his involvement in the emergency operations center at civil defense when it was activated.”

Maui. He is a graduate of H.P. Baldwin High School and holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and speech, as well as a master’s degree, from the University of Hawaii at Manoa, and a juris doctorate degree from the William S. Richardson School of Law. To fill the vacancy in the Mayor’s Office, Mayor Arakawa appointed Lynn Araki-Regan to succeed Andaya.

Araki-Regan served for one year as the County of Maui’s Budget Director, overseeing the County’s budget, and 4 years as the County’s Economic Development Coordinator from 2003 to 2006, while having practiced law for a span of 21 years.

“Lynn has proved herself to be a critical part of our efforts. She was a competent Budget Director, is known by her colleagues and the public to be energetic, reliable, and responsive, possesses a combined background of accounting and law, as well as a working knowledge of every county department and the challenges they face,” said Arakawa. “Lynn is uniquely prepared to assume this job.”

To fill the budget director slot is the former budget director Sandy Baz. Prior to Baz being appointed as the budget director to succeed Araki-Regan, he was employed temporarily in the Department of Corporation Counsel and, previous to that, was appointed by the County Council as the Director of Council Services from December 2016 to October 2017, and served as the Budget Director from 2011 to 2016.

Andaya, Araki-Regan, and Baz assumed their new responsibilities on December 16, 2017.

Andaya was born and raised on the island of page 13

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Congratulations to Marci Sato who was appointed by Finance Director Mark Walker to serve as the new Deputy Finance Director.

Marci was working as a Senior Budget Analyst in the Mayor’s Budget Office e for the two last years and prior to that was an Internal Control officer with the Finance Department. She filled a position vacated by Finance Director Walker, who left his deputy finance director position to take over for former Finance Director Danny Agsalog after he retired earlier this year.

Sato is a Maui High School graduate and holds an accounting degree from the University of New Mexico. Prior to her appointment Sato had 17 years of finance experience in the public and private sector.

Congratulations to Economic Development Director Teena Rasmussen who was recently apppointed as a Farm Service Agency (FSA) Hawaii Committee Chair. She will serve at the pleasure of the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue and is responsible for carrying out FSA’s farm programs within delegated authorities.

“The State Committees will help to ensure USDA is providing our farmers, ranchers, foresters, and agricultural producers with the best customer service,” Secretary Perdue said. “They serve as a liaison between USDA and the producers in each state across the nation by keeping them informed and hearing their appeals and complaints. The committees are made up mostly of active farmers and ranchers, representing their peers and ensuring USDA’s programs are supporting the American harvest.”

Congratulations to Captain Brandy Lee who retired from the County on December 30 after 27 years with the Department of Fire & Public Safety.

You’ll be missed, Captain Lee!

Kudos to the Department of Environmental Management Administration Division for sponsoring a Christmas star deccorating contest during the holidays. There was a tie between Michael Ratte and Bob Schmidt.

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Kupaianaha BY: TIFFANY IIDA Department of Management

Real Property Assessments and Collections celebrated October, November, and December birthdays with a chocolate truffle cake from Stillwell’s Bakery.

Pictured from left to right: Lauren Arakawa (Delinquent Tax Collection Assistant I) - November 23, Nicholas Schlag (Property Valuation Analyst III) - December 1, Alyson Kitaoka (Real Property Appraiser I) - October 24, Meaghen Figeroa (Tax Clerk II) - October 1, and Tracy Maenaka (Tax Maps and Records Technician III) - November 5.

Missing: Kyle Shimizu (Real Property Appraiser VI) - October 30 and Gery Madriaga, (Assistant Administrator) - October 7.

The Accounts/Administration Finance Department hopes you all had a very Happy Holidays!

On December 10, 2017, Malia Crouse, Department of Housing and Human Concerns, Housing Program Specialist II, ran the Honolulu Marathon.

Malia finished as the first female Kama’aina in a time of 2:58:03. Malia stated “I’m very proud of my Maui running roots and to bring the award home!” The attached pictures are from the awards ceremony on the beach. Malia is pictured with her parents (Roger and Joan Crouse) and a close up of the awards and with her finisher’s medal. page 15

The High Street Journal

An Official Publication of the County of Maui

Congratulations to the 2017 Parks Department Men’s softball league for having a GRAND SLAM SEASON! The Molokai district conducted the 3-round league from September to December.

The 7 men’s teams that participated were: Mycogen, Misaki’s, Bricklayers, Team Repo, Wiz Action, Mansanto, and Wranglers. Games were held Monday through Thursday nights at the Duke Maliu Regional Softball field.

Players had the opportunity to enjoy some quality recreation time while also providing their bodies a great workout. The games were very competitive with players showing off their skills.

Needless to say it was a smashing success!

Thanks to the county staff, game officials, and participating teams for supporting their Men’s Softball League. Looking forward to more softball action next season!

Outdoor shower improvements at Honokowai Beach Park to begin The County of Maui Department of Parks and Recreation announced that construction is scheduled to begin at Honokowai Beach Park in West Maui, on Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2018, for replacement of the outdoor shower and shower drainage improvements. Work is anticipated to be completed in March 2018.

The project includes the removal of the existing shower; the surrounding area will be closed during construction. The comfort station will remain open for the majority of construction but interruptions in use may occur during construction. Park users

are asked to please avoid the construction area and equipment to ensure public safety.

Site Engineering, Inc. will be doing the work at a construction cost of $107,600.

For more information, contact April Shiotani, CIP Coordinator, Department of Park and Recreation, Planning and Development Division at (808) 2707931 or the West District Recreation office at (808) 661-4685. For general Parks information, visit www. mauicounty.gov/parks.

Nominations Sought for 2018 Annual Mayor’s Small Business Awards The Mayor’s Office of Economic Development and the Maui Chamber of Commerce are pleased to announce that nominations are now being accepted for the 2018 Annual Mayor’s Small Business Awards. All finalists and winners will be honored at an awards dinner on Friday, March 9, 2018, at the Waikapu Ballroom of the King Kamehameha Golf Club.

The Mayor’s Small Business Awards recognize outstanding businesses in our community that have 100 or fewer employees and have had a Hawai`i General Excise Tax license for no less than two years. Other criteria include demonstrating business leadership in a changing economic environment, creating a quality work environment for their employees, exhibiting the aloha spirit and exemplary customer service, developing partnerships with other sectors of the community, and demonstrating other exceptional qualities or traits. page 16

•

Exceptional Small Business of the Year (11

to 35 employees) • Exceptional Small Business of the Year (36 to 100 employees) • Outstanding Non-Profit Business (no employee limit) • Young Small Business Person of the Year (under age 40 as of March 9, 2018 • Lifetime Achievement Award (for any individual doing business in Maui County for more than 20 years; no limit on number of employees)

This year’s event includes the following six award categories:

Completed nomination packets must be received at the Maui County Business Resource Center at Maui Mall on or before 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, February 14, 2018; only those entries received on or before the deadline will be considered.

Submittals must include the nomination form, nomination criteria form, one typewritten letter of recommendation from other sources, and a high resolution (minimum 300 dpi) digital photograph of the nominee. No self-nominations will be accepted.

• Exceptional Small Business of the Year (10 or fewer employees)

Nomination forms are available online at www. mauicounty.gov/MCBRC. .

The High Street Journal

An Official Publication of the County of Maui

Explore life at 55!

BY: DANA ACOSTA Department of Housing & Human Concerns Exploring life at 55! Kaunoa serves seniors in many ways, from the active and able-bodied to the frail, isolated homebound. Organized group activities and classes, as well as volunteer options, keep seniors active, engaged and focused on staying healthy and connected to the community.

Kaunoa reaches out

Preschool children from Kamehameha School visited Kaunoa’s Spreckelsville campus singing Christmas carols and bringing holiday joy to seniors in classes. When they stopped at Malorie Arisumi’s bamboo watercolor painting class, the youngsters had fun with an ornament project alongside the welcoming seniors.

The Best Years begin at 55!

RSVP Advisory Council member Clare Kihara explains the services and programs available through Kaunoa Senior Services at Maui Health System’s 3rd Annual Diabetes Day, held at Maui Memorial Medical Center, which attracted approximately 200+attendees.

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. Preregistration is required. For a complete listing of all of Kaunoa’s activities, call 270-7308 or 270-4310 to receive a monthly newsletter.

Coming your way in January & February: Lili’uokalani, Hawai’i’s Last Queen with Mele Fong Learn about the legacy of the kingdom of Hawai’i’s last monarch. Sing some of her compositions and discover the stories behind them, in keeping with Hawaiian oral history traditions. Wednesday, January 31, 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.

The Battle of Iao Valley with Maui historian Katherine Kama’ema’e Smith Discover how Kamehameha I and the warriors of Hawai’i Island conquered Maui. (West Maui Senior Center). Friday, January 26, 10 a.m. – 12 noon.

Meals on Wheels staff gratefully accepted the 4th annual donation of 400 pair of warm & fuzzy gripper socks for clients from managers of Valley Isle Community Federal Credit Union.

Stories From Around the Rim: A Mixed Plate of Asian Folktales with Alton Chung Experience the diverse lands of the Pacific Rim and beyond through folktales, stories, and legends. Monday, January 22, 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Chamber Music Hawai’i: Honolulu Brass Quintet This premier brass quintet performs a wide repertoire of breathtaking music throughout the state. Monday, February 12, 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

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The High Street Journal

An Official Publication of the County of Maui

Photo Gallery A photo-essay of activities in the County

The Molokai Ukulele Program held their second recital on December 6, 2017 at the Mitchell Pauole Center. There were 23 students who took part in the recital. The class performed Christmas selections for the event.

The class performed Medleys of two and three songs together, modulations, shifts and transitions, a great accomplishment for beginners. Class teacher and Parks staff Bernell Bishaw shared “what impressed me about this class is that I played my guitar throughout the entire performance to have the class realize that they could accomplish the entire recital and be dependent on themselves and trust each other collectively when they play in a group. It was fun, and very entertaining for everyone including the audience�.

Another incredible aspect of this program is that there are three different Parks Rec Center sites where classes are held. The only time that the entire group played together, is at the recital.

The class has improved tremendously and it was announced prior to the performance that they had all graduated from a beginners class to the intermediate class.

It was a wonderful recital with great music and much holiday cheer.

page 18

The High Street Journal

An Official Publication of the County of Maui

Kaunoa Civic Adventures senior volunteers took a break following a morning of rigorous cleaning and weeding at Hale Ho’ike’ike at the Bailey House Museum. The seniors were treated to an exclusive museum tour with Executive Director Sissy Lake-Farm and Special Projects Volunteer Wallette Pellegrino, which included the rarely seen Archive Room.

Kaunoa’s Toys for Tots drive resulted in 150+ new toys and gifts for children of all ages, valued at approximately $3,080, donated by seniors, volunteers, and staff. Michael Bargabos, General Manager of the Fun Factory in Maui Mall, also made a generous contribution of toys. When the day came to load up all the toys, U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sergeant Ignacio Reyes (3rd from left) was assisted by (L - R) Renee Gaines, Leora Murakami, Kathy Fong, Roy Nakasone, Kevin Kanemoto, and Gloria So.

page 19

The High Street Journal

An Official Publication of the County of Maui

The Molokai district of the Parks & Recreation Department conducted their annual flag football program. The program was a huge success; rain or shine the kids played! The season ran from October to December with a total of 160 participant’s ages 8 to 12 years old from all areas of our island.

Each team chose their NFL Football teams: Kualapuu Cowboys, Kilohana Dolphins, Kaunakakai Steelers, Kaunakakai Broncos, and Kaunakakai 49ers. There were five 10 & under teams and four 12 & under teams.

Thanks to our volunteer coaches and team moms who diligently held practices, scheduled snacks and drinks, and distributed NFL flag belts and jersey to the kids. Another successful season in the books and looking forward to the next one!

Mayor Alan Arakawa throws out the first pitch to Councilmember Don Guzman at the opening of the 2018 Senior Softball season.

(Photo: Ryan Piros)

page 20

The High Street Journal

An Official Publication of the County of Maui

Courtesy Visit by Philippine Consul General of Hawaii, Gina Jamoralin and the Philippine Consulate Staff of Honolulu. We want to thank Consul Gen. Jamoralin for her years of service helping the Filipino Community in Maui County and wish her the Best of Luck with her new post in Chicago.

(Photo: Ryan Piros)

Izumi Shine Matsui Athletic Center Dedication (Photo: Ryan Piros)

page 21

The High Street Journal

An Official Publication of the County of Maui

Mahalo to the many employees, including Mayor Arakawa, who worked hard to raise approximately 10,000 lbs. for Maui Food Bank to feed needy families during the holidays!

(Photo: Lois Whitney)

page 22

Mayor Alan Arakawa proclaimed the month of January 2018 as “MENTORING MONTH� throughout Maui County and call upon all citizens, businesses, public and private agencies, as well as religious and educational institutions, to join the mentoring movement and be part of the Big Brothers Big Sisters Program. (Photo: Ryan Piros)

Maui County Business Resource Center January 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 The ABC’s of a Business Plan Instructor: David Daly Wednesday, January 3, 2018 – 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Maui Economic Opportunity Business Development Center’s Core Four Business Planning is a 36-hour course on how to write a business plan while providing the information you need to know in order to start, operate and grow your business.

This workshop is a one hour introductory workshop which will provide you with a better understanding of the course outline for the Core Four Business Planning.

David Daly, Director of the MEO Business Development Center, will discuss the numerous reasons for writing a sound business plan. He has more than 25 years of experience in business ownership, financing, education and economic development. His background includes residential lending and being a Financial Industry Regulatory Authority-licensed financial advisor. Participants will receive an outline of the business plan taught by MEO’s Core Four Business Plan Course.

Do I Have to Pay My Employees for That?

Instructor: Stephen Thomas Wednesday, January 10, 2018 – 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Do you have to pay employees for unauthorized overtime? Do you have to pay them for off-the clock work? These are some of the most popular wage and hour questions received by ADP’s HR HelpDesk. In this workshop we will review pay-related scenarios to help you to navigate this challenging area. In addition, this workshop will cover an overview of the FLSA, DOL overtime rules and minimum wage salary, exempt vs. non-exempt status, independent contractor vs. employee tests (issuing 1099 vs. W2), guidelines for properly classifying workers, and review how to handle pay related to off-the-clock work, travel, training and working interviews.

This workshop qualifies for a 1-hour CPE Credit for Personnel/Human Resources.

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, January 12, 2018 – 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 book is your best marketing strategy. Let international best-selling author, Patrick Snow, guide you through the process. In this two-hour seminar 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.

Patrick Snow is an international best-selling author of Creating Your Own Destiny, The Affluent Entrepreneur, and Boy Entrepreneur has sold between 250,000 and one million copies of his three books in five languages and 108 countries. 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. He has been featured as a cover story in USA TODAY, The New York Times, and Forbes. When he is not traveling the world presenting, he lives in Wailuku, HI. For more information visit www.PatrickSnow.com or www.ThePublishingDoctor.com.

Pricing Your Ag and Value Added Product Instructor: Richard “Buddy” Nichols Tuesday, January 16, 2018 – 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Are you or are you thinking of working off the land and being a farmer? Are you considering developing a value added product? Would you like to have a financial sustainable business?

Then pricing your product will determine if your business works for you or if you work for your business. In this workshop, Buddy Nichols will help you to achieve what you want out of life. He will focus on assisting you analyze the valuation of your product to make sure you receive what you and your product are worth. We will investigate all of the resources that are currently available to you and provide information on how to best utilize these resources in order to become a successful Ag. businessman. The end result would be a fulfilling life for the business, as well as, for the entrepreneur. Buddy Nichols is the USDA Farm Loan Manager on Maui. He has a BA in Animal Science and an MBA in accounting. He is a fourth generational farmer who owned/managed cattle, fruits, vegetables, as well as processed and marketed value added agricultural related products. He understands all aspects of Ag Business from the farm to the table and what is needed to be financially sustainable.

Tips for Successfully Promoting and Marketing Your Small Business on Maui Instructor: Taryn Kama & Eric T. Richter Friday, January 19, 2018 – 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.

In this fast-paced introductory workshop, Eric and Taryn will explore the basics of print, electronic and on-line cross channel marketing, explore demographics and how they apply to using social media, and the marketing funnel. Participants will have the opportunity to learn more about these topics in-depth in a future workshop Taryn Kama, owner of Go Get it Media, is an experienced media professional specializing in: on-line marketing, print/web communications, video, public relations, social media and information design. She is currently the owner of Go Get it Media, GGM (www.GoGetitMedia.com), a heart-centered marketing company based on the North Shore.

Eric T. Richter, owner of Maui Promotions, publishes Maui Vision Magazine quarterly. Eric has taught marketing seminars for wellness-oriented businesses for over 15 years and sponsored many special events. Check his website, www.mauivision.net.

“QUICKBOOKS FOR SMALL BUSINESS” by Richard Kehoe, CPA Hands-on computer training for beginners.

Thursday, January 25, 2018 – 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Cost: $45 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.

Winter 2018 FREE Aqua Fitness Programs at Shiraishi Pool Starting January 29th – March 14th, 2018

Aqua Aerobics with Strength and Tone Mondays 10:30 -12:00

Holo Wai with PIYO (Pilates and yoga)

90 minute Workout with Cardio, Core Work, Strength and Tone using resistance bands and Aqua Bells and Stretching

90 minute Workout Aqua Jogging, Aquatic Calisthenics, Pilates Style Core Work and Yoga based Stretching

ALL FITNESS LEVELS AND NON SWIMMERS WELCOME! SHOW UP~ SIGN IN ~WORKOUT

Wednesdays 1:30-3:00

WORKOUTS LED FROM DECK BY A CERTIFIED AEA, AFAA AND COUNTY LIFEGUARD

SHIRAISHI POOL (808)-270-7410 148 Kaulawahine Street Kahului, HI 96732 Shiraishi Pool is Maui County’s one and only salt water pool and is heated during the winter months

2014. OSHA ‐‐ False Statement, Representation, Or Certification SUBMITTED BY: SEARAY BELTRAN

Safety Specialist III, Department of Corporation Counsel

I would just like to remind our employees of the County of Maui to please follow proper protocol when reporting Safety and Health issue or issues of their department, division or workplace. Here are the “Procedures” to follow before calling “HIOSH” State OSHA.  Document the safety or health related issue  Take photo of the issue.  Write the date and time of the occurrence or issue.  Explain the clearly why it is a safety or health related issue.  Report the matter to your supervisor and provide documentation.  If your supervisor doesn’t correct the issue follow the next step.  Report it to your division head. If your division head doesn’t correct the issue. Contact Risk Management and provide all the information. Your name and information is kept confidential. Risk Management will look into the issue/matter and get back to you promptly. We will work with your department, division or workplace to ensure S&H full compliance. If need be the Corporation Counsel Director will be notified of the issue/mater. Then RMD will request Corp Counsel to provide assistance to correct the issue/matter.  If needed be RMD may request CC Director to ask Managing Director to assist RMD with this issue/matter.  If and only if this process fails then you do have the right to call HIOSH and file a legitimate formal complaint but only after you have gone through the proper internal procedures. Crying wolf to report false issues can be penalized for false statement.  I may just go as far to see that the person or persons making the false claim be penalized by HIOSH. The County of Maui Risk Management Division as place this procedures in place to help ensure the every department, division and workplace is free of hazards and no retaliation is committed to the employees for informing RMD of an issue as per OSHA standards section 5(a)(1) & (2), (b), Section11.

Title 29 U.S.C. § 666(g) provides criminal penalties for any person who knowingly makes a false statement, representation, or certification in any application, record, report, plan or other document filed, required to be filed, or required to be maintained pursuant to the Occupational Safety and Health Act.