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South Maui Council race contested at state Supreme Court
By Wendy Osher
November 26, 2024 · 5:24 AM HST
Former Maui County Council Chair Kelly King and 30 Maui County voters have filed an election contest with the Hawai’i Supreme Court seeking to void the results of the South Maui County Council race and to order the holding of a new election.
By election day, the County Clerk deemed the return envelopes of 1069 mailed in ballots “deficient.” According to state law, a return envelope can be deemed deficient if the voter fails to sign the envelope, the signature on the envelope does not match the signature on file or some other condition of the envelope prevents the ballot from being counted.
After ballots were cured, incumbent Council Member Tom Cook came away with 26,423 votes (41.6%), which is 97 more than King’s 26,326 votes (41.4%), according to results finalized by the state Office of Elections.
Many voters who discovered their ballots had not been counted learned that their return envelope had been deemed deficient despite the signature they put on their envelope being the same as their ordinary signature, according to a news release issued by attorney Lance D. Collins. The voters are also represented by attorney Bianca Isaki.
“Furthermore, the 2024 Maui rejection rate for signature related deficiencies is nearly double the 2022 state average and more than four times the 2022 national average. The national rejection rate for signature related problems in the 2022 election was .4% of ballots mailed in. The state rejection rate for signature problems in the 2022 election was 1%. Maui County’s 2024 rejection rate was 1.9%,” according to the release.
Dr. Brian Richardson, a Honolulu based expert in statistics and large data, opined that “it is statistically improbable that this level of return envelope deficiencies were indeed caused by individual voter signature discrepancies.”
The Maui County Clerk’s office issued a news release on Monday evening saying all envelopes are initially processed by ballot envelope signature and sorting equipment, which identifies and segregates envelopes that are not signed or have signatures that do not match reference signatures.
“Election staff, who have received training on signature verification, then visually compare envelopes to the voter’s reference signatures following the procedures and criteria in Section 3-177-652 of the Hawaii Administrative Rules. If upon election official’s further review, the signature still is unable to be validated, the voter is immediately mailed a letter with detailed instructions on how to address the deficiency,” according to the County Clerk.
The challenge alleges the County Clerk failed to comply with standards and erroneously deemed return envelopes deficient. Challengers say their constitutional right of equal protection and due process were violated.
The County Clerk maintains that Maui County voters with email addresses on file received emails from Hawaii.BallotTrax.net, a service that allows voters to track the status of their ballots, as well as an email from the County Clerk’s Office. “These voters were contacted by email, phone and mail beginning in mid-October, once ballot envelopes began to be received and continued through election day, Nov. 5. Voters had until Nov. 13, 2024, at 4:30 p.m. to address the deficiency,” according to elections officials.
Approximately 1/3 of all voters who received deficiency notices timely cured their envelopes and their ballots were counted, the County Clerk reports. Challengers say the Supreme Court is not permitted to further extend deadlines to cure erroneously deemed deficient ballot envelopes so it is not possible to know what the true result of the election is. As a result, challengers are asking the Supreme Court to invalidate the election results and to order a new election for the South Maui County Council seat.
“It is very important that every lawfully cast vote be counted,” said Kelly King.
The State Office of Elections reported that of the 63,573 turnout, 57,713 voters returned their ballots by mail, with in-person voting totaling 5,860 in 2024.
Election Results Maui County Council Races
Councilmember (East Maui)
SINENCI, Shane 40,627 64.2%
Blank Votes: 22,630 35.8%
Over Votes: 0 0.0%
Councilmember (West Maui)
PALTIN, Tamara Akiko Maile 34,236 54.1%
ACQUINTAS, Lorien (Lolo) 14,616 23.1%
Blank Votes: 14,376 22.7%
Over Votes: 29 0.0%
Councilmember (Wailuku-Waihee-Waikapu)
LEE, Alice L. 28,125 44.5%
FORREST, James (Nahele) 22,235 35.2%
Blank Votes: 12,859 20.3%
Over Votes: 38 0.1%
Councilmember (Kahului)
KAMA, Tasha 27,379 43.3%
KAMEKONA, Carol Lee 22,037 34.8%
Blank Votes: 13,782 21.8%
Over Votes: 59 0.1%
Councilmember (South Maui)
COOK, Tom 26,315 41.6%
KING, Kelly Takaya 26,198 41.4%
Blank Votes: 10,688 16.9%
Over Votes: 56 0.1%
Councilmember (Makawao-Haiku-Paia)
UU-HODGINS, Nohe 27,616 43.7%
BOONE, Nara 21,664 34.2%
Blank Votes: 13,930 22.0%
Over Votes: 47 0.1%
Councilmember (Upcountry)
SUGIMURA, Yuki Lei Kashiwa 31,638 50.0%
CRUZ, Jocelyn N. 18,298 28.9%
Blank Votes: 13,281 21.0%
Over Votes: 40 0.1%
Councilmember (Lanai)
JOHNSON, Gabe 38,913 61.5%
Blank Votes: 24,344 38.5%
Over Votes: 0 0.0%
Councilmember (Molokai)
RAWLINS-FERNANDEZ, Keani 27,066 42.8%
PELE, John 20,906 33.0%
Blank Votes: 15,245 24.1%
Over Votes: 40 0.1%
GENERAL ELECTION 2024 - State of Hawaii - Statewide
U.S. Senator
(D) HIRONO, Mazie K. 323,489 62.1%
(R) MCDERMOTT, Bob 159,709 30.7%
(W) BILLIONAIRE, Shelby Pikachu 9,191 1.8%
(G) POHLMAN, Emma Jane Avila 8,241 1.6%
Blank Votes: 19,701 3.8%
Over Votes: 701 0.1%
U.S. Representative, Dist I
(D) CASE, Ed 163,921 65.3%
(R) LARGEY, Patrick C. 64,226 25.6%
Blank Votes: 22,625 9.0%
Over Votes: 153 0.1%
U.S. Representative, Dist II
(D) TOKUDA, Jill N. 165,881 61.4%
(R) BOND, Steve 75,282 27.9%
(L) TOMAN, Aaron 4,475 1.7%
(N) MEYER, Randall Kelly 3,908 1.4%
Blank Votes: 20,179 7.5%
Over Votes: 382 0.1%
State Senator, Dist 3
(D) KANUHA, Dru Mamo 13,099 63.1%
(R) SULLIVAN, Kurt (Sulli) 6,259 30.2%
Blank Votes: 1,384 6.7%
Over Votes: 15 0.1%
State Senator, Dist 6
(D) MCKELVEY, Angus L.K. 11,473 57.3%
(R) WALKER, Sheila 6,864 34.3%
Blank Votes: 1,558 7.8%
Over Votes: 145 0.7%
State Senator, Dist 7
(D) DECOITE, Lynn Pualani 15,833 66.5%
(R) MACARAEG, Gabby 5,904 24.8%
Blank Votes: 2,041 8.6%
Over Votes: 37 0.2%
State Senator, Dist 12
(D) MORIWAKI, Sharon Y. 12,758 64.6%
(R) DABBS, Shotaro 5,366 27.2%
Blank Votes: 1,591 8.1%
Over Votes: 24 0.1%
State Senator, Dist 16
(D) ELEFANTE, Brandon 16,425 69.6%
(R) BEEKMAN, Pat 5,891 25.0%
Blank Votes: 1,259 5.3%
Over Votes: 17 0.1%
State Senator, Dist 18
(D) KIDANI, Michelle N. 13,670 61.7%
(R) SVRCINA, Emil 6,978 31.5%
Blank Votes: 1,508 6.8%
Over Votes: 9 0.0%
State Senator, Dist 22
(R) DECORTE, Samantha 6,849 53.1%
(D) GATES, Cedric Asuega 5,711 44.3%
Blank Votes: 318 2.5%
Over Votes: 14 0.1%
State Senator, Dist 23
(R) AWA, Brenton 10,567 50.3%
(D) SHAFER, Ben 9,477 45.1%
Blank Votes: 946 4.5%
Over Votes: 21 0.1%
State Representative, Dist 3
(D) TODD, Christopher L.T. 5,806 61.0%
(R) WILSON, Kanoa 2,791 29.3%
(L) MARTIN, Austin D. (Shiloh) 276 2.9%
Blank Votes: 629 6.6%
Over Votes: 10 0.1%
State Representative, Dist 4
(D) ILAGAN, Greggor 6,563 66.2%
(R) HO, Keikilani 2,824 28.5%
Blank Votes: 513 5.2%
Over Votes: 10 0.1%
State Representative, Dist 5
(D) KAPELA, Jeanne 5,728 56.0%
(R) OYAMA, Ashley 3,458 33.8%
(L) FOGEL, Frederick F. 300 2.9%
Blank Votes: 727 7.1%
Over Votes: 16 0.2%
tate Representative, Dist 6
(D) KAHALOA, Kirstin 6,217 55.4%
(R) MADISON, Sylvie M. 3,883 34.6%
Blank Votes: 1,121 10.0%
Over Votes: 5 0.0%
State Representative, Dist 7
(D) LOWEN, Nicole 4,913 52.2%
(R) DALHOUSE, Timothy A. (Tim) 3,943 41.9%
Blank Votes: 547 5.8%
Over Votes: 6 0.1%
State Representative, Dist 8
(D) TARNAS, David A. 6,324 59.4%
(R) PERREIRA, Monique CobbAdams 3,816 35.8%
Blank Votes: 504 4.7%
Over Votes: 8 0.1%
tate Representative, Dist 11
(D) AMATO, Terez (T.Amato) 6,618 57.4%
(R) ACAIN, Aileen R. (Lily) 3,506 30.4%
Blank Votes: 1,250 10.8%
Over Votes: 150 1.3%
State Representative, Dist 12
(D) YAMASHITA, Kyle T. 7,765 59.6%
(R) JOHNSON, Dan 3,178 24.4%
(G) RYAN, Rita M. 840 6.4%
Blank Votes: 1,196 9.2%
Over Votes: 46 0.4%
State Representative, Dist 13
(D) POEPOE, Mahina 7,149 65.7%
(R) ADAM, Scott 2,564 23.5%
Blank Votes: 1,160 10.7%
Over Votes: 16 0.1%
State Representative, Dist 14
(D) COCHRAN, Elle 4,280 51.5%
(R) ARMSTRONG, Kelly J. 3,326 40.0%
Blank Votes: 702 8.4%
Over Votes: 8 0.1%
State Representative, Dist 15
(D) NAKAMURA, Nadine K. 6,635 64.7%
(R) MORANZ, David A. 2,685 26.2%
Blank Votes: 929 9.1%
Over Votes: 7 0.1%
State Representative, Dist 16
(D) EVSLIN, Luke A. 6,470 63.7%
(R) YODER, Steve 2,840 28.0%
Blank Votes: 840 8.3%
Over Votes: 6 0.1%
State Representative, Dist 17
(D) MORIKAWA, Daynette (Dee) 6,436 63.9%
(R) JAUCH, Michael H. 2,623 26.0%
Blank Votes: 1,008 10.0%
Over Votes: 5 0.0%
State Representative, Dist 20
(D) NAKADA GRANDINETTI, Tina 7,536 63.2%
(R) SOLOMON, Corinne S. 3,351 28.1%
Blank Votes: 1,030 8.6%
Over Votes: 8 0.1%
State Representative, Dist 21
(D) SAYAMA, Jackson D. 8,121 71.5%
(R) SEASHELL, Joelle 2,484 21.9%
Blank Votes: 743 6.5%
Over Votes: 8 0.1%
State Representative, Dist 22
(D) GARRETT, Andrew Takuya 8,408 72.3%
(R) IMAMURA, Jeffrey H. 2,269 19.5%
Blank Votes: 948 8.1%
Over Votes: 8 0.1%
State Representative, Dist 24
(D) TAM, Adrian 5,956 62.5%
(R) ANDERSON, Jillian T. 2,859 30.0%
Blank Votes: 706 7.4%
Over Votes: 9 0.1%
State Representative, Dist 27
(D) TAKENOUCHI, Jenna 7,920 66.3%
(R) LIM, Margaret U. 3,497 29.3%
Blank Votes: 511 4.3%
Over Votes: 10 0.1%
State Representative, Dist 29
(D) HUSSEY, Ikaika Lardizabal 4,056 64.5%
(R) KAAPU, Carole Kauhiwai 1,940 30.9%
Blank Votes: 285 4.5%
Over Votes: 6 0.1%
State Representative, Dist 30
(D) TEMPLO, Shirley Ann Labadan 3,392 64.8%
(R) AZINGA, P. M. 1,511 28.9%
Blank Votes: 329 6.3%
Over Votes: 2 0.0%
State Representative, Dist 31
(D) ICHIYAMA, Linda 5,568 65.7%
(R) VALDEZ, Nancy A. 2,496 29.5%
Blank Votes: 400 4.7%
Over Votes: 5 0.1%
State Representative, Dist 32
(R) SHIMIZU, Garner Musashi 4,588 47.5%
(D) AIU, Micah Pookela Kim 4,512 46.7%
Blank Votes: 549 5.7%
Over Votes: 10 0.1%
State Representative, Dist 34
(D) TAKAYAMA, Gregg 6,831 64.4%
(R) DUPIO, Gaius, II 3,153 29.7%
Blank Votes: 616 5.8%
Over Votes: 4 0.0%
State Representative, Dist 37
(D) LA CHICA, Trish 8,757 63.0%
(R) KAAUMOANA, Taylor 4,059 29.2%
Blank Votes: 1,069 7.7%
Over Votes: 12 0.1%
State Representative, Dist 38
(R) CHEAPE MATSUMOTO, Lauren 8,762 68.7%
(D) OZAWA, Alexander Kekuanao'a 3,411 26.7%
Blank Votes: 565 4.4%
Over Votes: 15 0.1%
State Representative, Dist 39
(R) PIERICK, Elijah 4,706 47.1%
(D) ROSENLEE, Corey 4,686 46.9%
Blank Votes: 586 5.9%
Over Votes: 13 0.1%
State Representative, Dist 40
(R) REYES ODA, Julie 4,290 49.4%
(D) MARTINEZ, Rose 3,828 44.0%
(W) ULUFANUA, Christian P. 253 2.9%
Blank Votes: 310 3.6%
Over Votes: 11 0.1%
State Representative, Dist 41
(R) ALCOS, David A., III 5,461 55.9%
(D) CLARK, John H., III 3,831 39.2%
Blank Votes: 473 4.8%
Over Votes: 11 0.1%
State Representative, Dist 42
(R) GARCIA, Diamond 4,795 54.4%
(D) PARIS, Anthony Makana 3,639 41.3%
Blank Votes: 368 4.2%
Over Votes: 17 0.2%
State Representative, Dist 45
(R) MURAOKA, Chris 3,117 48.4%
(D) DESOTO, Desire Auguste 2,908 45.2%
Blank Votes: 405 6.3%
Over Votes: 6 0.1%
State Representative, Dist 46
(D) PERRUSO, Amy A. 5,418 54.5%
(R) GABRIEL, Daniel Michael 3,939 39.6%
Blank Votes: 584 5.9%
Over Votes: 6 0.1%
State Representative, Dist 47
(D) QUINLAN, Sean 4,608 52.2%
(R) AGUIRRE, John W. (Johnny) 3,390 38.4%
Blank Votes: 827 9.4%
Over Votes: 4 0.0%
State Representative, Dist 48
(D) KITAGAWA, Lisa C. 8,562 70.9%
(G) DAILY, Asheemo N. (Koda) 1,787 14.8%
Blank Votes: 1,723 14.3%
Over Votes: 6 0.0%
State Representative, Dist 49
(D) MATAYOSHI, Scot 7,700 68.6%
(R) UBANDO, Josiah (BrahKruz) 2,976 26.5%
Blank Votes: 549 4.9%
Over Votes: 3 0.0%
State Representative, Dist 50
(D) LEE, Mike 9,776 66.6%
(R) CONNELLY, Timothy D. 4,199 28.6%
Blank Votes: 680 4.6%
Over Votes: 14 0.1%
Molokai Resident Trustee
ALAPA, Luana 168,390 32.3%
NIHIPALI, R. Kunani 118,132 22.7%
Blank Votes: 233,958 44.9%
Over Votes: 552 0.1%
Kauai Resident Trustee
AHUNA, Dan 159,647 30.6%
LINDSEY, Laura A. 124,242 23.8%
Blank Votes: 236,581 45.4%
Over Votes: 562 0.1%
At-Large Trustee
AKINA, Keli'i 200,071 38.4%
AHU ISA, Lei 125,043 24.0%
Blank Votes: 195,347 37.5%
Over Votes: 571 0.1%
Mayor, County of Hawai'i
ALAMEDA, C. Kimo 44,087 52.8%
ROTH, Mitch 35,518 42.5%
Blank Votes: 3,891 4.7%
Over Votes: 64 0.1%
Councilmember, Dist 5, County of Hawai'i
KANEALI'I-KLEINFELDER, Matt 4,302 50.6%
RODENHURST, Ikaika 3,254 38.3%
Blank Votes: 942 11.1%
Over Votes: 8 0.1%
Councilmember, Dist 9, County of Hawai'i
HUSTACE, James E. 5,173 53.4%
EVANS, Cindy 3,720 38.4%
Blank Votes: 792 8.2%
Over Votes: 4 0.0%
Councilmember (East Maui)
SINENCI, Shane 40,627 64.2%
Blank Votes: 22,630 35.8%
Over Votes: 0 0.0%
Councilmember (West Maui)
PALTIN, Tamara Akiko Maile 34,236 54.1%
ACQUINTAS, Lorien (Lolo) 14,616 23.1%
Blank Votes: 14,376 22.7%
Over Votes: 29 0.0%
Councilmember (Wailuku-Waihee-Waikapu)
LEE, Alice L. 28,125 44.5%
FORREST, James (Nahele) 22,235 35.2%
Blank Votes: 12,859 20.3%
Over Votes: 38 0.1%
Councilmember (Kahului)
KAMA, Tasha 27,379 43.3%
KAMEKONA, Carol Lee 22,037 34.8%
Blank Votes: 13,782 21.8%
Over Votes: 59 0.1%
Councilmember (South Maui)
COOK, Tom 26,315 41.6%
KING, Kelly Takaya 26,198 41.4%
Blank Votes: 10,688 16.9%
Over Votes: 56 0.1%
Councilmember (Makawao-Haiku-Paia)
UU-HODGINS, Nohe 27,616 43.7%
BOONE, Nara 21,664 34.2%
Blank Votes: 13,930 22.0%
Over Votes: 47 0.1%
Councilmember (Upcountry)
SUGIMURA, Yuki Lei Kashiwa 31,638 50.0%
CRUZ, Jocelyn N. 18,298 28.9%
Blank Votes: 13,281 21.0%
Over Votes: 40 0.1%
Councilmember (Lanai)
JOHNSON, Gabe 38,913 61.5%
Blank Votes: 24,344 38.5%
Over Votes: 0 0.0%
Councilmember (Molokai)
RAWLINS-FERNANDEZ, Keani 27,066 42.8%
PELE, John 20,906 33.0%
Blank Votes: 15,245 24.1%
Over Votes: 40 0.1%
Councilmember, County of Kaua'i
Number To Vote For: 7
CARVALHO, Bernard P., Jr. 15,391 7.2%
RAPOZO, Mel 14,365 6.7%
KANESHIRO, Arryl J. 13,021 6.1%
BULOSAN, Addison 12,350 5.8%
COWDEN, Felicia 12,285 5.8%
KUALII, KipuKai 12,251 5.8%
HOLLAND, Fern Anuenue 12,011 5.6%
KAGAWA, Ross 11,909 5.6%
DECOSTA, Billy D. 9,943 4.7%
APILADO, Abe, Jr. (Aba-G) 5,946 2.8%
KEAHIOLALO, W. Butch 5,191 2.4%
CUMMINGS, Sherri 4,155 2.0%
NELSON, Jacquelyn (Jakki) 3,380 1.6%
THOMAS, Bart 3,290 1.5%
Blank Votes: 77,473 36.4%
Over Votes: 61 0.0%
CON. AMEND.: Marriage
YES 267,432 51.3%
NO 210,661 40.4%
Blank Votes: 40,782 7.8%
Over Votes: 2,157 0.4%
CON. AMEND.: Senate Confirmation Process for Judicial
Appointments
YES 315,744 60.6%
NO 131,469 25.2%
Blank Votes: 73,420 14.1%
Over Votes: 399 0.1%
HAWAI'I: County Council Vacancy in Office
YES 56,135 67.2%
NO 16,177 19.4%
Blank Votes: 11,179 13.4%
Over Votes: 69 0.1%
HAWAI'I: Mayoral Appointment of Department Heads
YES 58,103 69.5%
NO 15,202 18.2%
Blank Votes: 10,194 12.2%
Over Votes: 61 0.1%
HAWAI'I: Term of Office for the Cost of Government
Commission
YES 28,906 34.6%
NO 42,408 50.8%
Blank Votes: 12,188 14.6%
Over Votes: 58 0.1%
MAUI: Salary Commission
YES 36,983 58.5%
NO 15,980 25.3%
Blank Votes: 10,241 16.2%
Over Votes: 53 0.1%
MAUI: Independent Staffing for Board of Ethics
YES 36,456 57.6%
NO 16,860 26.7%
Blank Votes: 9,865 15.6%
Over Votes: 76 0.1%
MAUI: Board and Commission Terms
YES 25,322 40.0%
NO 27,281 43.1%
Blank Votes: 10,598 16.8%
Over Votes: 56 0.1%
KAUA'I: Police Commission Investigations
YES 20,117 66.0%
NO 4,911 16.1%
Blank Votes: 5,422 17.8%
Over Votes: 34 0.1%
KAUA'I: Cost Control Commission Reports
YES 14,174 46.5%
NO 10,037 32.9%
Blank Votes: 6,249 20.5%
Over Votes: 24 0.1%
KAUA'I: Public Access, Open Space & Natural Resources
Preservation Fund
YES 21,361 70.1%
NO 3,670 12.0%
Blank Votes: 5,430 17.8%
Over Votes: 23 0.1%
KAUA'I: Surety Bonds
YES 15,905 52.2%
NO 7,867 25.8%
Blank Votes: 6,679 21.9%
Over Votes: 33 0.1%
KAUA'I: Ex-officio Youth Position on County Boards and
Commissions
YES 17,279 56.7%
NO 7,271 23.9%
Blank Votes: 5,906 19.4%
Over Votes: 28 0.1%
HONOLULU: Climate Resiliency Fund
YES 177,500 51.6%
NO 130,720 38.0%
Blank Votes: 35,136 10.2%
Over Votes: 357 0.1%
HONOLULU: Department of Emergency Management
YES 231,687 67.4%
NO 71,897 20.9%
Blank Votes: 39,862 11.6%
Over Votes: 267 0.1%
HONOLULU: Ocean Safety Commission
YES 200,576 58.4%
NO 105,431 30.7%
Blank Votes: 37,386 10.9%
Over Votes: 320 0.1%
HONOLULU: Salaries for Councilmembers
YES 283,983 82.6%
NO 30,396 8.8%
Blank Votes: 28,961 8.4%
Over Votes: 373 0.1%
REGISTRATION AND TURNOUT
TOTAL REGISTRATION 860,868
TOTAL TURNOUT 521,032 60.5%
MAIL TURNOUT 481,876 56.0%
IN-PERSON TURNOUT 39,156 4.5%
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GENERAL
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(G) - GREEN PARTY (G) (S) - SOLIDARITY PARTY (S) (R) - REPUBLICAN PARTY (R) (D) - DEMOCRATIC PARTY (D) (N) - NONPARTISAN BALLOT (N) (L) - LIBERTARIAN PARTY (L) (SL) - PARTY
FOR SOCIALISM AND LIBERATION (SL) (W) - WE THE PEOPLE (W) (I) - INDEPENDENT (I) (NL) - NO LABELS (NL)
Three Critical Races that Will Determine Maui's Future
Races the will determine if our governance is for affordable housing and sustainable development or for more luxury homes, and more pressure on an over-stressed water and road system
Vote for Kelly King an advocate for affordable housing, infrastructure needs, responsible water management and civic engagement
The future of Maui needs your vote! Choose People Over Profits
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Maui County Voting Guide
Video Content
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The two oppositional groups on the Maui County Council who they represent and what it means for Maui's future
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Funding of candidates by off-island investors to influence your vote
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Memes to share in your social network
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Maui County Council Report Card on Votes and Funding, get the facts in 6 minutes
Information on the key bills listed in the report card Click Here
Be an informed voter. Learn what the candidates support through their vote and who their funding sources are. There is a clear distinction between the council members who support the people and the 'aina and members who support big money, developers and off island investors. Vote according to facts instead of high profile marketing campaigns that big money purchases
Maui County Council 2024 Report Card on Votes and Funding
Information on the key bills listed in the report card Click Here
Ballots are in and final election is on November 5th.
Here are our recommendations after spending over 1,000 hours investigating candidates.
Check if you are registered to receive November election ballot https://elections.hawaii.gov/2024-ballot-proofs/
Proposed Charter Amendments Explained
https://www.mauicounty.gov/2395/Proposed-Charter-Amendments-2024
Kelly King for Maui County Council for vision, transparency, collaboration, and experience.
Candidate Forums
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Honolulu Civil Beat Pop Up Forum
Maui County Council Candidate provide their platforms at the last candidate meeting before the Nov 5 final election
Lahaina Strong Candidate Forum
Listen to Kelly King, Carol Lee Kamekona, James Forrest, Nara Boone, Keani Rawlins-Fernandez, Tamara Paltin and their opponents. Also Shane Sinenci and Gabe Johnson who are running unopposed answers questions.
Maui Taxpayers Association
Listen to Keani Rawlins Fernandez, john Pele, Jocelyn Cruz, Yuki Lei Sugimura, Nara Boon, Kelly King, Tom Cook, Alice Lee, James Forest, Carol Lee Kamekona, Kelly Armstrong, Elle Cochran, Sheila Walker, Angus McKelvy
Kula Community Association 2024 Candidate Forum
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Kihei Community Association Candidate Debate for County Council
Candidate Forum for West Maui, Kahului, Wailuku and Moloka‘i
James Forest vs Alice Lee
Keani Rawlins vs John Pele
Carol Lee Kamekona vs Tasha Kama
Tamara Paltin
Central Maui Water System Demand At or Over Capacity
"The estimated three-year forecast for water demand on the Central Maui system currently exceeds 99% of maximum reliable capacity."
Signed by JOHN STUFFLEBEAN, P.E. Director Department of Water Supply County of Maui dated 10/2/2024
The Central Maui system includes the Iao Aquifer. There are other signs of stress on the aquifer such as the DNLR Commission on Water Resources Management data. This shows from May 2006 through August 2024, the TTZ (top of transition zone Iao Aquifer) rose 201.72 feet to an elevation of 428.56 feet. This means salty water is rising and the fresh water lens is thinning.
Now is a really good time to vote for Maui Pono Network Ohana candidates who are dedicated to protecting and saving our water resources for 100% affordable housing. The non Ohana candidates are heavily funded by developers. They are intent on cutting affordable housing requirements and going forward with more water intensive tourist development. For example, the Maui County Council will decide the future of Honua'ula aka Wailea 670, Ledcor projects and Makena Resort among others.
Candidates Supporting the People and 'Aina
The 'Ohana Candidates Dedicated to Serving the People and the 'Aina
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Commitment to Environmental Stewardship: They advocate for sustainable practices that protect Maui County’s unique natural resources for current and future generations.
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Focus on Affordable Housing: By promoting responsible development, they aim to ensure that everyone in Maui County has access to safe, affordable housing.
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Economic Justice: Their dedication to economic fairness ensures that all residents have the opportunity to thrive, with policies that support local businesses and fair wages.
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Community-Centric Policies: Their approach prioritizes the needs and voices of the community, ensuring that decision-making is inclusive and reflective of our diverse population.
For the General Election on November 5th, we are proud to endorse these 'Ohana Candidates for Maui County Council: Vote for all 9 County Council Seats
The Maui Pono Network has spent hundreds of hours selecting candidates who support the people and the 'aina, instead of big money interests.
Interviews with Maui County Council Candidates
Be an informed voter. Learn about candidate's experience, stance on issues, knowledge of our county's needs, and how they plan to serve our community. Be an informed voter.
Carol Lee Kamekona Candidate for County Council Kahalui
Carol Lee Kamekona shows how to address rent stabilization as apposed to her opponent Tasha Kama who blocked even a discussion on this crucial topic. Our community needs Carol Lee's representaton
Maui State Senate and House Candidate Interviews
Why a Majority of Progressive Council Members is crucial for Maui's Future
Learn about Maui's Progressive History and county representatives who opposed big money interests and why a Progressive majority is essential for a healthy and prosperous community and environmental.
Vote for new majority in Maui County Council
Are you fed up with overdevelopment of beautiful places on Maui with luxury homes and condos that stress infrastructure and increase costs for locals?
Are you concerned about water?
Are you challenged parking for food, surfing, beach and so on?
If so, we need a new Maui County Council majority.
Three council seats are neck and neck. Kelly King, James Forrest and Carol Lee Kamekona could bring positive change or we can have big money business as usual.
The current majority enables Honua’ula Wailea 670 to change conditions required when they rezoned for over 1,000 units. One of the conditions was widening Piilani Highway. Reversing that sets up Maui for an evacuation disaster, with loss of life and expensive lawsuits.
Another condition was providing 700 affordable housing units. Now, this is whittled down to 288. The precedent risks the 1,800-acre Makena Resort conditions.
The current county council majority is funded by developers.
For example, Tom Cook receives $8,000 a month in “consulting fees” from construction interests through LC Hauling LLC. This exceeds his county council salary. An ethics complaint is filed.
Hawaii Carpenters Union is putting $8 million into Hawaii this election for development no matter what candidates. Mass development when Lahaina needs to be rebuilt? Really?
Bringing in more and more workers from off island to compete with local workers and rentals. Really?
We need Pono leadership.
Chandrika McLaughlin
The Maui Pono Network represents local values and needs, which is care and concern for the people and the environment. MPN stands for more local control and transparency, more civic involvement, and better representation of our local community. MPN works for a more efficient and ethical government. MPN is trusted because it is staffed by local people, supported by grassroots donations, and garners support from hundreds of local volunteers. MPN works diligently to identify and support candidates who support these local needs and values.
Maui Pono Network operates through local volunteers and grassroots funding. Find out how to get more involved, from sharing media, to helping with events and campaigns. Your monetary and volunteer donations stretch far and powerfully to effect positive change.
Get involved, donate, and help inform voters.
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