The High Street Journal The An Official Publication of the County of Maui High Street Journal An Official Publication of the County of Maui MARCH 2018
MAYOR ARAKAWA PRESENTS PROPOSED FY 2019 BUDGET TO COUNTY COUNCIL
UPCOUNTRY SKATE PARK CONSTRUCTION UNDERWAY
MAYOR ARAKAWA SIGNS SEA LEVEL RISE
PROCLAMATION, PROPOSES NEW page SHORELINE SETBACK REGULATIONS 1 The High Street Journal An Official Publication of the County of Maui CONTENTS Message from the Mayor...... 3
The M.D. Minute...... 4 High Street Happenings at the County ...... 5 Journal Upcountry Skate Park construction underway ...... 7 Piiholo tree removal, road closure to start March 26...... 7
Mayor Arakawa proposes “most aggressive budget to date” to Maui County Council members ...... 8 PUBLISHER / EDITOR Lynn Araki-Regan Maui County undergoes active shooter exercise ...... 10 EDITORIAL COORDINATORS Kehau Deutsche County’s Homeless Division works with departments to Tiffany Iida 10 Rod Antone implement Compassionate Action Plan to address homeless concerns...... PHOTO COORDINATOR Ryan Piros Mayor Arakawa signs sea level rise proclamation, proposes new CONTRIBUTORS shoreline setback regulations...... 11
Dana Acosta Workday to replace current information, payroll systems ...... 12 Karen Arakawa
Mayor Alan Arakawa Presentation on State Climate Commission’s Sea Level Rise and Karen Arakawa Adaptation Report on March 27 ...... 12 SeaRay Beltran Tom Blackburn-Rodriguez Puni Burrows Na Hale O Maui places 35th family in a truly affordable home ...... 13 Tamara Farnsworth Jason Lopez Public Works Baseyard Safety ...... 14 Virginia McKee Michele Mclean Parks Central Permit Office to change on Wednesdays ...... 14 Mark Middleton Linn Nishikawa Foodland expands family of Blue Zones Project approved stores .. 15 Geri Onaga Karin Phaneuf Kulia i ka nu`u ...... 16 Keith Regan Carol Reimann Praha 1, Prague Friendship City Day ...... 19 Michele Sakuma Award-winning film “Kuleana” opens in theaters statewide March 30 ...... 20
Workshop fuels understanding of the patent process ...... 21
Planning Department announces additional fees for repeat building permit review ...... 22
Winners of 2018 Mayor’s Small Business Awards announced...... 23
Kupaianaha ...... 25
Q & A with our RSVP Volunteers ...... 26 Cover Photo: Ryan Piros page Explore life at 55 ...... 28 2 Photo Gallery ...... 29 The High Street Journal An Official Publication of the County of Maui MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR
Aloha everyone, Budget season is before us. We’ve proposed implementing a different tax rate structure, new infrastructure and the start of a major plan to begin to house our homeless. We covered some of these projects in the State of the County address last month as well in my latest Maui News column regarding the Wailuku Civic Hub. The hub is a great example of planning and investing in our future. The property where our municipal parking lot sits in Wailuku is well used. Try looking for a parking space; you’ll see what I’m talking about. But what if it was more than just a parking lot? What if it were a parking structure that had several levels so that more people could find a parking space? And what if this parking structure also had office space for county departments? What if it also had performance areas and stalls for food trucks for Wailuku First Friday events? All of a sudden this parking lot becomes much more than just somewhere to leave your car. It becomes a community gathering place. It allows Wailuku businesses to accommodate more clients and customers because there’s more places to park. Wailuku was once a very busy place with a movie theater and a hotel, markets, stores, butcher shops and more. Like Oahu cleaned up and renovated Downtown Honolulu, this Civic Hub will bring the life back to Wailuku. All it takes is planning and investment. You can’t expect results if you don’t have both. You need to plan in order to make the most out of your investment and you need to invest otherwise a plan sits there on the drawing board and nothing happens. All over Maui County we have been planning and investing in our community based upon the needs of the people. In Wailuku we need parking. We need public gathering spaces. We need quality commercial property for small businesses. The Wailuku Civic Hub is all of those things rolled into one and much more. This project will also totally reconstruct Vineyard Street from High to Market street by providing sidewalks, storm drainage even putting the powerlines underground. Mahalo to planners Erin Wade and David Yamashita, our councilmembers, especially Budget Chair Riki Hokama; Maui Redevelopment Agency Chair Carol Ball and our Wailuku merchants. I look forward to talking about more projects and plans during budget deliberations so stay tuned. Alan Arakawa
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
“Do not be afraid to give up the good to go for the great.” – John D. Rockefeller The orchid plant with a little too much dust. A drawing from your 5 year old – who’s now 25. Your high school jersey from that really big game. Clutter can be found in every office, vehicle and home. From the dawn of time, it’s been a necessary and integral part of humanity to hunt and gather, collecting items that help our habitats. While some material items are necessary for function, others are meaningful due to sentimental value. Determining clutter is an individual preference. Only each person can decide what items should stay and what should go. This spring, I encourage you to choose what brings joy. Internationally acclaimed Japanese organizer Marie Kondo, recognized for “Spark Joy,” among books, teaches people how to declutter and better organize living areas. Instead of going through things and trashing them, or waiting until your spouse isn’t home to “hide” his or her high school jersey that’s been collecting mold in the closet, I encourage you to check out Kondo’s book, or watch some of her free YouTube videos, on how to simplify your office, home, vehicle or other living spaces. With more than 8 million copies sold worldwide in over 40 countries, Kondo’s method has been proven successful. And with the official start of spring on March 20, many people will be thinking about spring cleaning. Something unique about Kondo is her approach. Joy. Gratitude. Thanking items before passing them along to their next important use. These are all ways to cultivate positivity in an area that can be difficult for some individuals. It is important, after all, to acknowledge that you’ve had some great times with that soiled basketball jersey, the one you wore when you scored a ton of points during homecoming. It reminds you of friends. Family. Your childhood. Values like hard work. Optimism. Persistence. But, is it ready to move on to another season, perhaps in a storage part of the house? Or possibly with another person via donation? Holding on to many things prevents our lives, and our hearts, from creating space for new opportunities. Think of nature’s seasons, or planting and harvesting. The times of pruning, along with winter’s barren, seemingly lifeless fields, are significant to create fodder and a healthy foundation for new life. A study published in The Journal of Experimental Psychology found that employees who are in control of their working areas are 40 percent happier and 32 percent more productive. Also, gratitude for the things we have, even spending a few minutes daily for meditation or journaling about what brings joy, improves self-worth, diminishes negative feelings, reduces social comparisons, boosts resilience and builds social bonds, according to psychologist Sonja Lyubomirsky. Kondo encourages people to start small. This should not turn into an intervention or an episode of “Hoarders.” Take a quick scan around your home or office space. Can you designate 15 minutes to move things into a box that you’ll go through later? Are there files on your desktop that can be moved into a folder? Where is the non- emotional and easiest access point? Start there. Kondo’s YouTube videos are short and easy to understand. Just 10 to 15 minutes of decluttering, spring cleaning, simplifying, or whatever synonym you want to use, will create much more space in your head and in your heart for the good things to come. But don’t just take my word for it. Try it out for yourself and see. Wishing you and your loved ones a fresh, new spring season! page Keith Regan 4 Managing Director The High Street Journal An Official Publication of the County of Maui
Happenings at THE COUNTY
REAL PROPERTY ASSESSMENT NOTICES your notice while away from home.” FOR 2018 If you do not receive your assessment notice or if The County of Maui Real Property Assessment you have any questions, contact RPAD by phone Division (RPAD) announced today that 2018 real at (808) 270-7297 or view assessment information property assessment notices were mailed or online at www.mauipropertytax.com. emailed to property owners on or before March 15. The real property assessment notice shows the YOUTH BARBLESS FISHING PROGRAM taxable value of the landand improvements, if REGISTRATIONS ACCEPTED applicable; the amount of allowed exemptions; the person who received the exemption; and the The South District Office of the County of Maui classification assigned to the property. Department of Parks and Recreation announced that it is accepting registrations for the upcoming Property owners are encouraged to carefully youth Barbless Fishing Program. review the document and contact the division in person or by phone at (808) 270-7297 with The event is open to ages 9 to 15 and will be held questions. If property owners disagree with the 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 7, at the Kalama assessment, general land class, or exemption Park Extension Pavilion in Kihei. shown on their real property assessment notice, they may file an appeal with the board of review. Barbless hooks can be made by simply using a The deadline for filing an appeal is April 9, 2018. pair of pliers to smash down the barb. Research, angler reports and actual catches show that Also, the 2018 assessment notice will give although it’s easier for animals to rid themselves taxpayers the option of receiving an electronic of the hooks, the fishing style has better efficacy notice for 2019. when it comes to catching target fish. “This option offers taxpayers the opportunity to Space is limited to the first 20 registrants. At least view their assessment notice on their computer, one parent or guardian must remain with their phone or mobile device,” said Scott Teruya, RPAD child for the entire event. administrator. “In addition to saving the County money on paper, postage and printing costs, the Forms are available at the South District Office, page paperless notice offers taxpayers the convenience 303 E. Lipoa St., Kihei. For information, call the 5 of instant notification and the ability to receive office at 891-4955. The High Street Journal An Official Publication of the County of Maui
Another shout out goes to MIS IT Techs Chris SOUTH MAUI COMMUNITY PARK & Taylor for the swift job they did hooking up TEMPORARILY CLOSED our computers. Also, thanks to Leecia who coordinated to have Jay & Shirley hook up The South Maui Community Park is temporarily all of our computers and phone system at a closed for emergency work to install a 12-inch professional speed w/accuracy, lol. Their offices Double Check Detector Assembly at the main then were up and running by 1:00 pm the entry gate. Water at the park will not be available afternoon of the 15th. during installation. Finally, thank you to Glenn Ueno from DSA The facility, located at 1501 Liloa Drive, Kihei, is along with John Borden Molokai Public Works expected to reopen April 5. Baseyard Supervisor and crew for the outstanding construction of the counters. The community is asked to avoid the construction area and equipment for safety reasons . Mahalo from Nina Kawano, Sybil Lopez, Christy Manaba, Kalola Kaulili, Anthony Fukuoka and Puni For information, contact Robert Agapay, CIP Burrows-Ignacio. coordinator, Department of Park and Recreation, Planning and Development Division at (808) 270- 6158 or the South Maui Parks District Recreation office at (808) 879-4364.
MOLOKAI COUNTY OFFICES MOVE On February 15, the Molokai County Offices were moved to a temporary building at the Moore Center, Suite 300, due to renovations to the County Building on 100 Ainoa Street. The offices included in this move was Planning Department, Real Property Tax Division, Development Services Administration, and Department of Water Supply. The staff would like to send a huge “MAHALO” to Peter Pale Supervisor for Parks Dept. and Isaac Kan-Hai Supervisor for Public Works along with their awesome crew who helped with the move. Originally, offices were closed on the 15th & 16th of February. The crew moved & set up all of our page equipment by 10:00 am the morning of the 15th. 6 The High Street Journal An Official Publication of the County of Maui
Upcountry Skate Park construction underway
Construction is scheduled to begin March 19 on Goodfellow Bros. Inc. will be doing the work the Upcountry Skate Park in Pukalani. The new, at a construction cost of $1,460,000. California multilevel skate park will provide approximately Skateparks Inc. is the primary design consultant. 15,000 square feet of skateable area, along with ADA parking and accessible walks. Work is For information, call Robert Agapay, CIP anticipated to be completed by the end of the year. Coordinator, Department of Parks and Recreation, Planning and Development Division at (808) 270- For safety reasons, park users are asked to avoid 6158 or the East District Recreation office at (808) the construction area and its equipment. 572-8122. Piiholo tree removal, road closure to start March 26
The Department of The project consists of Public Works has cutting approximately 300 announced that Piiholo eucalyptus trees along Road emergency tree Piiholo Road down to removal project will 1- to 2-foot-high stumps. begin Monday, March Completion is set for June 26. 2018. The project will close a During the workdays portion of Piiholo from vehicles will detour using 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday Olinda Road. Three through Friday, except electronic signs will notify weekends and most motorists of the Piiholo holidays. (Please note project, which is near the that although March 26 Piiholo Ranch Zipline. is Kuhio Day – a state holiday – however work For more information, call the Public Works engineering office at 270-7745. page will still move forward.) 7 The High Street Journal An Official Publication of the County of Maui Mayor Arakawa proposes “most aggressive budget to date” to Maui County Council members
BY: ROD ANTONE Communications Director
ayor Alan for generations to MArakawa come. handed over what he called his “most * $35.4 million aggressive budget for road proposal to date” resurfacing and to the Maui County improvements, Council today. The including the budget consists much-anticipated of $820 million in roundabout at revenues to pay Kamehameha for an operating Avenue and Maui budget of $605 Lani Parkway, million and a capital which will improve program budget traffic and make of $214.9 million. the area safer for Add in $62.6 million students and other in grant revenues pedestrians. and $12.5 million * An additional in federal highway $23.5 million funds and the for wastewater grand total for the improvements Fiscal Year 2019 and expansion budget for Maui to supplement County is $882.6 the $94 million million. we have already “There are two invested, which will words that come to help the county mind when looking transition from at this, our 12th using injection budget proposal wells to using our for the community. recycled water for Those words are: irrigation. It’s a lot Planning and of work and the Investment,” Mayor Arakawa said. “Without planning, cost will be around $117.5 million but it needs to be we could not get the best return on the community’s done. investment. Without investment, there is no mechanism * $20.1 million for new parks facilities and to bring these plans into fruition. improvements, including a new starter booth and To be an effective government, we need to do both.” restaurant facility at the Waiehu Municipal Golf Course. Some of the major projects include: Operationally, the departments intend to improve services with the following changes: * $81.2 million for the construction of the Wailuku Civic Hub, which has undergone community planning for * $9 million for Housing & Human Concerns to page acquire property to expand homeless shelters and 8 more than a decade. The hub will be the cornerstone of the redevelopment and revitalization of Wailuku Town affordable housing countywide. The Department will The High Street Journal An Official Publication of the County of Maui also reestablish the number of the first-time patrol officers in the homebuyer’s central district -- assistance which encompasses program. Wailuku, Kahului, all the way out to * Depositing $6.5 Haiku and up to million to the Ulupalakua. The Emergency Fund. department also This includes needs $220,000 monies that were for police body spent for work cameras, data during the Iao storage and flood and that maintenance. were budgeted to cut down dead To help pay for Eucaplytus trees these projects, the along Piiholo Road. admini-stration is proposing a * $2.7 million for progressive, tiered, Fire & Public Safety new tax structure. to replace water rescue craft for There will be one Ocean Safety, as rate for properties well as pumper valued at less than trucks for Napili $500,000; another and Wailuku rate for property stations. The cost values between also covers pay $500,000 and $1.5 for four Ocean million; and a third Safety officers and rate for properties their equipment worth more than to operate a $1.5 million. lifeguard station at Black Rock in In addition, this will Kaanapali. Resorts be the first budget are donating land and the lifeguard tower to help do implementing the council’s amendments to separate their part. While this is not a county beach park, this is short-term rental units from hotels and resorts tax the area where the most drownings on our island are classifications. taking place, and this public-private partnership will Please note these changes will not affect homeowners help educate and protect beachgoers, as well as save and will allow rates to be adjusted to generate the many lives. revenue required to maintain county services and * $1.2 million for Planning’s Maui Island Plan infrastructure. implementation report; for community plan updates If this tiered rate structure is approved by council, we and studies; shoreline, beach management and will have no reason to increase property taxes this restoration studies; and to overhaul the Title 19 Zoning year, and rates will remain the same for a majority of Code. Some of our planning projects – like developing the property owners, despite the fact that values have our ag parks – can take years. Others, like reforestation increased. or creating a new, deep water harbor, may take generations. To review the FY 2019 budget proposal documents click on this link: https://www.mauicounty.gov/1896/ * $745,000 for the Transportation Department to Budget-Documents-Ordinances. buy replacement Maui Buses and MEO shuttles. This includes a $300,000 grant to MEO for a new maintenance facility. A pilot Waihee bus route will also begin this year. page 9 * $367,000 for the Maui Police Department to increase The High Street Journal An Official Publication of the County of Maui Maui County undergoes active shooter exercise
BY: MARK MIDDLETON Safety Specialist, Department of Corporation Counsel
On January 12, 2018, over 50 Maui County active exercises and drills like this one play a big employees participated in an active shooter role in discovering places where we can to improve exercise in the County Council Chambers led and provide opportunities for all involved to learn. by the Maui Police Department. The Maui Even MPD and their response teams benefit from Police Department has been supporting these drills gaining familiarity in community locations presentations and exercises throughout Maui such as schools, churches and public venues County since 2014. Holding and practicing drills they may not normally have in depth experience of potential events contributes to our emergency with. Special thanks to the MPD for leading the preparedness and reduces the number and presentation and exercise, Risk Management for severity of injuries and fatalities in the rare coordinating the effort and all those that attended likelihood an actual event occurs. Additionally, for participating in the exercise. page 10 The High Street Journal An Official Publication of the County of Maui Mayor Arakawa signs sea level rise proclamation, proposes new shoreline setback regulations
Maui County Planning for Mayor Alan these changes Arakawa signed means we may a Proclamation have to relocate that accepts the infrastructure and Sea Level Rise critical facilities Vulnerability out of hazard and Adaptation areas which Report that means we may was prepared have to ask the by the Hawaii council for the Climate Change funds to make Mitigation and these capital Adaptation improvement Commission decisions. and released in December 2017 This heightened as mandated attention on how by the State sea level rise Legislature. impacts Maui County has the potential to affect communities, The Proclamation acknowledges that climate culture, history and natural resources and cannot change is real and directs “County departments to be taken lightly.” use the Report in their plans, programs and capital improvement decisions, to mitigate impacts to “We appreciate the leadership that the Mayor infrastructure and critical facilities triggered by sea has shown in issuing the Proclamation and in level rise.” It also calls on the Planning Department supporting changes to the shoreline setback to propose rule changes to the Maui, Molokai and formula,” said Deputy Planning Director Michele Lanai Planning Commissions to include sea level McLean. “For years we have been asking, begging rise in their shoreline setback calculations. or urging applicants for shoreline projects to move their developments farther mauka, but we cannot As the Mayor noted in his State of the County require them to do so because it is not in the rules. address on Tuesday night, Maui County was the We will ask our three planning commissions to first county in the state to adopt shoreline setback amend their shoreline rules to include sea level rise formulas that include annual erosion hazard rates: in their shoreline setback calculations to further protect shoreline development from coastal “This means that when it comes to all county plans, hazards.” especially the Maui County Hazard Mitigation Plan and our Community Plans, all of them need to take The Proclamation makes Maui County the first in into consideration Sea Level Rise Vulnerability and the state to formally accept the Report’s findings. Adaption Report.
page 11 The High Street Journal An Official Publication of the County of Maui Workday to replace current information, payroll systems
Workday is the software solution that the County numbers and emergency contacts, your benefits, of Maui has chosen to replace the ePersonality HR and pay related information. You will also use information system, (also known as “eP”) and the Workday to manage your time entries and time off. ADP Payroll system. Employees designated as departmental Change You will hear more about Workday in the coming Ambassadors will be helping to promote months as the project team works diligently to understanding of the project’s progress, design and test various phases of the project. communicate department’s needs, and be a visible Once implemented, you will enjoy a friendly and presence of support and information as we all easy-to-access user experience in which you will transition to Workday together. End user training be able to retrieve and use accurate data, (such as will be made available to facilitate as smooth a your vacation and sick leave balances) and securely transition as possible. manage your personal and work information, (such as your leave requests, benefits selections and Please log onto our Intranet as the project beneficiary information.) team posts answers to FAQ’s (learn who your department’s Change Ambassador is) and monthly As a County of Maui employee, you will use project updates. And please stay tuned for more Workday to manage your personal information, information on this exciting new venture! including your home address, mobile phone
Presentation on State Climate Commission’s Sea Level Rise and Adaptation Report on March 27
Employees and the general public are invited to a workshop on the State Climate Commission’s Sea Level Rise and Adaptation Report on Tuesday, March 27, at 1 p.m. It will be held in the Planning Conference Room on the first floor of Kalana Pakui. The presentation will include a Maui Context, presented by the Planning Department’s shoreline planners and an overview of the Report and the Sea Level Rise Viewer, presented by State DLNR- OCCL. page 12 The High Street Journal An Official Publication of the County of Maui Na Hale O Maui places 35th family in a truly affordable home
BY: TOM BLACKBURN-RODRIGUEZ
Jonathan Kusunoki and his wife Joanna met in program that included an orientation seminar and high school; fell in love and began their life’s the additional steps one needed to take to become journey together. Today, after much effort and a qualified NHOM homebuyer. They followed planning they are the owners of a Na Hale O Maui the program, were qualified for a loan and were community land trust 4-bedroom, 2.5 bathroom eventually selected to purchase a home. home that will remain affordable in perpetuity. “Patience was definitely a virtue but it sure paid off. What does it feel like to have your own home? “It Our home is in a very family friendly neighborhood means the world to us,” said Jonathan Kusunoki. and our children didn’t need to switch schools. It’s According to Jonathan, all the kids love their new everything we ever wanted in our first home and home. “Our oldest son can’t wait until we allow then some. Price, size, location, everything is so him to walk to and from school while our one and perfect for our family. Thank you so much Na Hale only daughter is in love with having her very own O Maui!” said Joanna in her new home. bedroom”. The mission of NHOM is to secure and preserve The Kusunoki’s were met by skepticism from a permanent supply of affordable housing friends who said that being able to get an alternatives for low and moderate income affordable NHOM home at a significantly reduced households in Maui County. NHOM is Hawaii’s first price that was well below the market price community land trust, a nonprofit organization sounded too good to be true. Now their friends are helping to create affordable housing and interested in seeing how they can become part of “Changing Lives, One Home at a Time.” For more the NHOM community of homeowners. information, including the steps to qualify for a NHOM home, visit www.nahaleomaui.org. To become eligible for a NHOM home the Kusunoki’s went through the NHOM 4-Step page 13 The High Street Journal An Official Publication of the County of Maui Public Works Baseyard Safety
BY: MARK MIDDLETON Safety Specialist, Department of the Corporation Counsel
The Public Works base- checks and signs, safety yards have put excellent equipment, chemical efforts into continu- safety, machine guarding ously improving their and much much more. safety program and work place conditions The rest of the county for their employees. base yards in Hana, Lana’i Lahaina, Makawao and and Molokai are set to do Wailuku base yards con- their inspections over the ducted in-depth safety coming few months. Great compliance inspections job by the Public Works to identify strengths department in proactively and areas for improve- addressing the safety and ment then quickly health of their employees began work on and compliance their correc- of their facilities. tive actions Thank you to all on deficien- those employees, cies. Common supervisors and improvements managers that include safety have worked showers and together to make eye washes, all of the im- flammable provements. storage, fire extinguisher
Parks Central Permit Office to change on
Wednesdays
The County of Maui, Department of Parks and mauicounty.gov/parks. Recreation (DPR) will be modifying the central permit office hours on Wednesdays of each week The Department of Parks & Recreation operates effective March 7, 2018. The central office, located and maintains the County’s numerous parks, at the War Memorial Gymnasium Complex in recreation areas, and recreational service programs Wailuku, will be open every Wednesday from 10:00 for the residents of Maui County. A primary a.m. until 4:00 p.m. to allow for ongoing training objective of the Department is to provide high- and development. Hours will remain the same for quality recreational programs and opportunities Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday with the for youth, persons with disabilities, senior citizens office hours running from 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. and adults. The DPR Permit Office can be reached at (808) 270-7389 or via email at DPRPermits@mauicounty. gov. For general Parks information, visit www. page 14 The High Street Journal An Official Publication of the County of Maui Foodland expands family of Blue Zones Project approved stores
BY: ASHLEY LEAHEY
Foodland to individual continues its supermarkets, commitment to Foodland brings providing healthy Blue Zones to choices for the life for its ohana, people of Hawaii employees and by expanding the communities number of Blue across the state. Zones Project We welcome Approved™ the newest grocery stores Foodland stores across the state to our Blue Zones from six to 11 communities and locations. In look forward to partnership working together with the Hawai‘i to make healthy Medical Service choices easy for Association Hawaii families.” (HMSA), Foodland is one step closer to achieving Blue Zones Project approval for all 33 locations Foodland opened its first location in Honolulu in statewide. 1948. Nearly 70 years later, there are 33 Foodland and Sack N Save locations statewide with more Foodland, Hawaii’s largest locally owned and than 2,600 employees committed to providing an operated grocery store chain, celebrated these outstanding grocery shopping experience. These five Blue Zones Project-approved stores in Central grocery stores have achieved Blue Zones Project Maui and Hawaii Island this week during Blue Approved status by successfully completing the Zones Project approval ceremonies. The locations Blue Zones Project grocery store pledge that included Foodland Farms – Mauna Lani and Sack includes the following: N Save–Kona on Hawaii Island and Foodland– Kehalani, Foodland –Kahului, and Sack N Save– - Each store created a Blue Zones Project Wailuku in Central Maui. checkout lane, which required an overhaul of one existing checkout lane. The converted lane “We’re pleased that since we implemented Blue replaced candy and soda with fresh fruits, granola Zones Project in these stores, our produce sales bars, water, and other healthy options. have risen 8 percent and our sales of natural items are up by 18 percent.” said Jenai Wall, chairman and - The store layout is designed to display chief executive officer of Foodland Super Market, healthy options and fresh produce near the front Ltd. “Not only are we encouraging our customers entrance. to choose healthy options, but our bottom line has - Signs throughout the stores identify Blue increased, which was an added bonus for us!” Zones Project foods and healthy choices. HMSA brought the Blue Zones Project initiative to - The stores offer recipes from their in-house Hawaii to create a healthier, happier Hawaii. The chef to help customers plan and prepare healthy initiative works within communities nationwide meals. to make the healthy choice the easy choice in the places we live, work, and play. Foodland, for - Cross-merchandising of grab-and-go fruits example, began labeling its healthy merchandise and veggies next to sandwiches promote healthy and promoting fresh, local produce. Since then, combinations over unhealthy ones. stores have already received an increase in sales and positive feedback from customers. To learn more about Blue Zones Project – Hawaii or to get involved, email bluezonesprojecthawaii@ “Foodland has been a tremendous partner from sharecare.com, visit Hawaii.bluezonesproject. the very early days of our Blue Zones Project work,” com, or follow us on Facebook and Instagram at @ said Elisa Yadao, senior vice president and chief bzphawaii. communications and community engagement page officer at HMSA. “From its corporate offices 15 The High Street Journal An Official Publication of the County of Maui Kūlia i ka nu‘u Strive to reach the summit Please help congratulate these dedicated individuals as they continue to serve the community and in doing so, “strive to reach the summit.”
it is essential for the plant to thrive. Holly said that we all need to work together to get things done and that we are all intricately connected in serving our consumers with the best service possible. Each month the recipient of the award will select a deserving fellow employee to pass the award to. The first presentation was awarded to Sharon Yamamoto, Customer Service Representative II, who was nominated by Lori Perreira, Accountant I. Lori stated that “like the cool water that the award represents, Sharon has been the “cool water” for the department by always going above and beyond. Sharon is always generous with her time and always willing to share her knowledge. She has helped the Customer Service section to grow together to the benefit of the entire department. Sharon has set the bar high in this regard with her years of experience.”
At the Board of Water Supply’s meeting Congratulations to Sharon Yamamoto! on March 15, 2018, Board of Water Supply DWS would Chairperson Anders Lyons and Deputy Director like to Gladys Baisa thanked outgoing Board Members welcome Thomas Watanabe and Cyrus Kodani for their new time and dedication serving a five-year term on employees the Board. Their term expires March 31, 2018. to our Engineering The Department of Water Supply’s Fiscal Division Division, has implemented an informal recognition Ashley program and came up with the Wai’Olu Award. Laroya, Civil This award is a way of recognizing and thanking Engineer I an employee each month who has given a little and Cody bit of extra effort working in the Fiscal Division. Kekoa Walton, Civil page Fiscal Officer Holly Ho shared that the name Engineer III - 16 Wai’Olu translates to “cool water”. For instance, both started on 02/20/18. you need cool water to make taro grow and The High Street Journal An Official Publication of the County of Maui
The Planning Department held its all employees Wailuku and has a son, Bryan, who graduated monthly departmental meeting on Friday, in 2013 with a Master’s Degree in Urban and February 9th. At each monthly meeting, Regional Planning from Eastern Washington employees are able to recognize each other University. We think she’s pretty impressive! for their contributions which are ABOVE AND BEYOND the regular call of duty.
Simone Bosco awarded her ABOVE AND BEYOND honor to Candace Thackerson - Planner IV, Current Planning Division via Paul Fasi since Simone was in California celebrating her mother’s 90th birthday (WOW). Suzie Esmeralda & Carolyn Takayama-Corden from the Department of Planning. Simone said that Candace was an inspiration because she is “supersonically clever, In February, Carolyn Takayama-Corden gave discriminating, thoughtful, generous, insightful the award to Suzie Esmeralda, Secretary to and ridiculously hilarious.” In addition, Simone Boards and Commissions II, Current Planning said, “I give her this award in acknowledgement Division. Carolyn said that Suzie goes above for the positive energy she brings to her division and beyond in working with the boards she and her continuing commitment and dedication is assigned to with two of her boards being to this department.” Molokai and Hana. There are times when Suzie Candace joined the Planning Department in has to be in Hana in the afternoon for a meeting August of 2009. She has a Bachelor of Arts and the next morning she flies off to Molokai for degree in Sociology from the University of another one. She does all of this with amazing California, Irvine and a Master’s Degree in grace and kindness. At times meetings can be Urban and Regional Planning with an emphasis very controversial and as emotions flare, some on Environmental Policy and Analysis from loud words can be spouted. Suzie keeps her cool California Polytechnic University, Pomona. She and keeps it together. previously worked as a Planning Aide for the Carolyn emphasized that Suzie is not only a City of Rancho Cucamonga, California. After co-worker, she’s a friend; “she’s there when we visiting Maui on a Master’s Degree graduation need the extra help whether it be filling in for gift vacation, she fell in love with the island and meeting, getting agendas out or just lending an moved here shortly afterwards. As of December ear for venting.” Sometimes listening can be the 2014, she was appointed to the Maui Island best thing a friend can offer! Council for the Hawaiian Islands Land Trust. She is a resident of Wailuku and enjoys playing the Suzie has been in the department since March piano, reading, traveling and spending time at 16, 1992. She has an AS in Accounting from the beach diving for shells. In addition, she has a MCC and she served in the US Army for 3.5 three-pound dog named “Penny” who will have page years based in Texas and Germany. She lives in her first birthday party this weekend! 17 The High Street Journal An Official Publication of the County of Maui
Congratulations Recreation from 2003 to 2007. to John Buck on being appointed John fills a position vacated by Deputy by Director Director Marc Takamori, who left the deputy Don Medeiros transportation director position to fill a civil to serve as the service position within the Department of new Deputy Transportation. Transportation John is a graduate of California Polytechnic Director! State University in San Luis Obispo and had For the last this first job with Maui County in 1985 with the seven years, Department of Parks & Recreation. John has served “I am grateful for the opportunity to serve as the as an executive Deputy Director of Transportation and work with assistant to a great team. Like some other departments, we the mayor add quality to the life of our residents here on and served as Maui, especially those who have to overcome the Deputy mobility challenges,” said Buck. Director of the Department of Parks &
Kaunoa’s RSVP volunteers who faithfully serve at the County Information Desk on the 2nd floor of Kalana O Maui were honored recently by Mayor Alan Arakawa, his wife Ann, Managing Director Keith Regan, Mayor’s Chief of Staff Lynn Araki-Regan, and Kaunoa Senior Services Administrator Ruth Griffith, at a special luncheon. In 2017, these enthusiastic, go-getting, personable volunteers handled nearly 3,100 inquiries from the public and visitors, providing over $38,000 in service.
page 18 The High Street Journal An Official Publication of the County of Maui Praha 1, Prague Friendship City Day
Photo: Ryan Piros
Mayor Alan Arakawa proclaimed Friday, February Sister Cities Foundation Chair Tiffany Iida and her 16, 2018 to be “Praha 1, Prague Friendship City daughter Victoria, as well as University of Hawai’i Day” throughout Maui County, in honor of the Community Colleges International Education official Prague delegation’s recent visit to Maui Director Deborah Nakagawa and her husband to meet with Arakawa and other Maui County Dean. dignitaries. The Prague delegation included Honorable Oldřich Lomecký, Mayor of Praha 1, “As UH Maui College has a great partnership with Prague, Czech Republic, Mrs. Veronika Blazkova, Anglo-American University in Prague, Chancellor Dr. Alan Krautstengl, President Emeritus of Anglo- Lui Hokoana encouraged Maui County to further American University, and his daughter, Stefanie cultivate cultural and educational relations as Krautstenglova. well as economic opportunity development, said Iida. Maui County is grateful to Mayor Back in September 2016, Krautstengl visited Maui Lomecký and Dr. Krautstengl for their interest in to discuss a Memorandum of Understanding with Maui County and for helping to raise awareness the University of Hawaii to cooperate on education of global issues, build and strength bridges of and cultural exchange programs. Subsequently, mutual understanding and respect, and promote on October 24, 2017, while in Prague, Arakawa and economic development, said Arakawa. Lomecký executed a Friendship City Agreement. Witnessing this historic occasion were Maui County
page 19 The High Street Journal An Official Publication of the County of Maui Award-winning film “Kuleana” opens in theaters statewide March 30th
The award-winning film KULEANA begins its Cast and Crew at the Maui Mall on Saturday, March statewide theatrical release March 30th at Regal 31 on center stage in front of the Regal Maui Mall and Consolidated Theaters throughout Hawaii Megaplex 12 (where the movie is playing) for a free and Guam. Produced entirely in Hawaii and Family-Friendly event from 3-6pm! starring an all-Hawaii cast, KULEANA received the 2017 Audience Choice Awards in the Santa Cruz There will be live music from Hana’s Halemanu Film Festival, the Maui Film Festival, and the San Villiarimo (who is also celebrates the release of Antonio Film Festival, as well as “Best Feature” a new CD), free Movie Posters and Autograph at the Tribal Film Festival in Oklahoma and “Best sessions with the stars, a Red-Carpet Step and of Fest” in the Guam International Film Festival. Repeat banner for Photographs, and Drawings all KULEANA is the first locally-produced motion afternoon for islanders to win free commemorative picture in almost a decade to merit a statewide KULEANA/Maui County Film Office T-Shirts and Theatrical release; more information on the movie a plethora of other awesome prizes to be given can be found at the official website: http://www. out all afternoon. Maui’s Kathy Collins, also an HawaiiCinema.com. Associate Producer of the movie, will emcee. KULEANA opens in the Regal Maui Mall in Kahului KULEANA is the Hawaiian word for Spiritual and Wharf Cinema Center in Lahaina, on Oahu in Responsibility. The provocative new mystery/ Consolidated Theaters Pearlridge, Kapolei, and drama was written and directed by Brian Kohne, Kahala Mall, on Hawaii Island at Regal Keauhou produced by Stefan Schaefer, and stars Moronai Stadium in Kona and Prince Kuhio in Hilo, and in Kanekoa, Sonya Balmores (Marvel’s INHUMANS), Lihue, Kauai at the Kukui Grove Cinema. KULEANA Kristina Anapau (TRUE BLOOD), Augie T, Marlene also opens in Tamuning, in Guam. Mainland Sai, Branscombe Richmond (CHICAGO MED), and residents can sign up to host/attend a screening in Mel Cabang. Willie K provides an original score; their city at www.hawaiicinema.com via Gathr. the soundtrack boasts hit songs by Joni Mitchell, Procol Harum, and Tony Orlando and Dawn, with To commemorate the production’s milestone Hawaiian classics of the era by Genoa Keawe, Lena achievement, Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa and Machado, Sunday Manoa, Sons of Hawaii, Marlene County Film Commissioner Tracy Bennett joins Sai, and more. Writer/Director Brian Kohne (a Baldwin grad), producer Stefan Schaefer, and star Moronai Kenekoa (Maui High grad) plus members of the
page 20 The High Street Journal An Official Publication of the County of Maui Workshop fuels understanding of the patent process
BY: LINN NISHIKAWA
Inventing more about or coming patents to up with discover an idea whether for a new it was and useful appropriate innovation for his is one startup. thing. “We’re Knowing exploring how to ways to protect protect your ourselves intellectual from the property so you can reap the benefits of your hard won efforts is another. This reality check competition.” was just one of the messages that attendees took away from Maui Economic Development Board’s When Brewster was asked what the most (MEDB) February 8th workshop, “Patents: Adding important advice she could give those pursuing a Fuel to the Fire of Genius.” patent, she responded, “I highly recommend that those seeking a patent hire an attorney.” Thirty-five participants gathered at the MEDB Malcolm Center in Kihei to learn the ins and outs Brewster further advised attendees to “Interview of securing a patent. For a few, it was a refresher attorneys before selecting one and make sure the course since they had already applied for and won person you select understands your product area one or more patents; however, the vast majority and is able to appreciate the limitations of your were there to learn and ask questions about this business, meaning your budget.” very complex procedure. According to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, Helping them navigate the formidable terrain of over 400 Utility Patent awards were granted to the patent application process and patent law was resident Maui County inventors between the years Dr. Victoria Brewster, a partner at FisherBroyles, of 2000 and 2015. LLP in Palo Alto, Calif. Since 1996, Brewster’s “Clearly there’s an interest in patents and the need legal practice has focused on worldwide patent to understand patentability as a way of protecting preparation and prosecution; strategic counseling; the fruits of one’s inventiveness and hard work,” licensing assistance; and due diligence portfolio said Frank De Rego Jr., Director of Business reviews to life sciences and pharmaceutical Development Projects at MEDB. “We’re delighted companies, academic institutions, and venture to have offered this workshop to assist Maui’s capital groups. inventors and entrepreneurs. We look forward to Those who attended MEDB’s Patent Workshop presenting other events focused on helping small expressed value in participating: businesses succeed.” Edward Codelin and Renee Kaiama from Kula The February 8th workshop was presented by the shared, “We’ve had different ideas but never really Maui Economic Development Board Inc. Event knew how the patent process worked. We’ve sponsor was the County of Maui Mayor’s Office of researched it, looked it up on the internet – it’s Economic Development. complicated. This workshop was very helpful. Dr. The patent workshop was part of MEDB’s Brewster broke this complex topic down into more Innovation Series that aims to lead and inspire simplified steps so you felt less overwhelmed.” innovation in our business community as a means page Laurent Zahnd from Makawao wanted to learn of building a vibrant, prosperous, and diversified 21 economy for the citizens of Maui County. The High Street Journal An Official Publication of the County of Maui Planning Department announces additional fees for repeat building permit review
Beginning this month, the Planning Department the burden on us to make sure that our first review will begin to charge fees when they have to is complete and thorough, and that we inform repeatedly review building permit applications. applicants clearly of what we need to give our approval. This will benefit all applicants overall, Building permits are typically routed to a variety of and will improve the Department’s efficiency in departments for them to check compliance with processing.” their individual codes and rules. Most building permits are routed to the Planning Department Based on the number of permits that the for review for compliance with land use laws. The Department reviews, and that only ten percent Department estimates that only ten percent of are approved on the first pass, the Department the building permits it receives are approved on estimates that the new fee structure could their first review. Twenty percent require a second generate more than $700,000 annually if it does review, and the rest – 70 percent – require three or not have a deterrent effect. “We are not looking more reviews. for a revenue source; we are hoping that this will improve the quality of the plans that we receive A new fee structure approved by the Maui County so that we can approve many more permits on Council and enacted into law in January allows the our first review, which means that we can get to Department to charge for these additional reviews. all of our reviews more quickly,” McLean added. The first review is free; the second will cost $250, “We have tried other ways to accomplish this, and the third will cost an additional $500, and any hopefully this one will work.” additional reviews will be an additional $1,000 each. In return, the Department must be diligent The Department did not begin charging the fees in providing the applicant with the additional immediately after the bill was passed (Ordinance information needed for it to approve a permit in No. 4794, which took effect on January 9, 2018) order to minimize the additional reviews needed. because they wanted to have a clear process in If the Department does not catch a needed item place and make sure that the public was informed. on one of its reviews and does not inform the “When we tell an applicant that more information applicant, then no charge will be assessed for the is needed, we will be thorough in describing additional review of that item. everything that we need, and will also inform them of the fee structure for additional reviews,” said “The repeated reviews of building permits is one of McLean. “That should limit the third and fourth the main reasons that we do not get through our reviews – we should be able to approve most permit reviews as quickly as the public would like,” permits on the second review if applicants provide said Deputy Planning Director Michele McLean. everything that we tell them we need.” “We hope that this fee structure will be a deterrent to incomplete or inadequate plans. It also puts
Several Department of Water Supply employees recently attended a CPR class held on March 16th at the Kahului baseyard conference room. The instructor was Leo Domingo training our Field Operations gang: Char Sakamoto, Allen Purdy, Rodney Kama, Freddy Keahi, Stacey Quinones, Waiohuli Dancil, Wes Purdy, Lopaka Medeiros, Myron Purdy, Gerald Ponce, Jason Wakamatsu and two from Plant Operations, Leonore Amano page and Cari Sumabat. 22 The High Street Journal An Official Publication of the County of Maui Winners of 2018 Mayor’s Small Business Awards announced
The Mayor’s Office of Economic Development and Kimo Clark - Truth Excavation (Young Business the Maui Chamber of Commerce honored the Person of the Year) nominees and winners of the 2018 Mayor’s Small Business Awards on Friday, March 9th at the King Kimo founded Truth Excavation in 2011 with just a Kamehameha Golf Club. single backhoe and a single axle dump truck. He’s continued to invest in his company over the years The awards dinner was held in partnership with and now has over ten pieces of heavy equipment, the Maui Chamber of Commerce, and sponsored while never compromising quality and insisting by Gold Sponsor ALTRES; Silver Sponsor HawaiiUSA on hiring and supporting the local community. Federal Credit Union; and Bronze Sponsors He believes his employees are his most valuable American Savings Bank, Bank of Hawaii, Employers asset and offers a healthy work atmosphere, Options, First Hawaiian Bank, Matson and Maui competitive wages, benefits and paid training. Electric Company. Applications were scored by Kimo’s entire team has a passion for what they do judges David Daly, Paul Felix, Debbie Finkiewicz, which manifests in their pride and the quality of Susie Thieman and Wayne Wong. work they provide, assuring customer satisfaction. Because of the high caliber of customer service, The awards were presented in five categories by Kimo will sometimes refer customers to a Mayor Arakawa and Pamela Tumpap, President of competitor if Truth Excavation is unable to meet the Maui Chamber of Commerce. the job requirement or satisfy their customer. The 2018 winners were: Their motto of “Honesty, Quality and Passion” is extended through their community outreach. Kimo has provided financial donations, as well as page costly services free of charge, to a multitude of 23 projects benefiting Maui County, including many The High Street Journal An Official Publication of the County of Maui
West Side schools, church organizations and Mid-Pacific Pest Control, Inc. - Mark Redeker community areas. (Exceptional Small Business, 11-35 employees) Nisei Veterans Memorial Center - Deidre Mark founded Mid-Pacific Pest Control, Inc. in 1999 Tegarden, Executive Director (Outstanding and has kept it a family run business ever since. Nonprofit Business) With 27 full time employees and 2 generations of family all working together, Mark has grown their The Nisei Veterans Memorial Center (NVMC) was company to service all of Maui County and Oahu. founded by the soldiers of the 100th Infantry Mark invests in new and innovative ways to control Battalion/442nd Regimental Combat Team as pests effectively in an environmentally friendly they returned home from World War II as the most and safe manner. This includes purchasing fuel highly decorated unit for their size and length of efficient service trucks, airborne drones and a state service. To ensure that they gave back to their of the art crane which has allowed the company to community, they saved money each month to take on larger jobs with higher levels of efficiency, build a center to be a community resource in Maui shorter turn around, greater safety and customer County. Their mission encompasses all people, satisfaction. Mark’s dedication to providing an regardless of race, ethnicity, veteran status, gender environmentally safe solution includes the move or national origin. NVMC houses over 200 special to zero emission electric motors, minimizing collections of Maui’s Nisei (some Sansei) Veterans the handling of potentially explosive fuels and and an education center. The archives act as a lowering the production of toxic fumes from job bridge between past, present and future and offer sites. Each of Mark’s technicians are fully trained closure to family members who’ve lost a loved one and licensed as a fumigator before they begin many years ago. NVMC is also home to Kansha work on a job and their vehicles are equipped Preschool and Maui Adult Day Care’s Program, with real time tracking to ensure productivity and providing intergenerational programs where combat fraud and waste. children have daily interaction with elders. This provides opportunities for both to learn new skills, Erlinda Rosario - McDonald’s of Maui, Hawaii have a sense of purpose and share stories. Long- (Lifetime Achievement Award) term results include more tolerant, understanding and compassionate young adults, as well as a Like many successful business people, Erlinda better quality of life for the seniors. came from humble beginnings as her family immigrated to Hawaii from the Philippines in Positive Apparel, LLC - John Edellstein the 60s. In 1970, Erlinda first started working at (Exceptional Small Business, 10 and fewer McDonald’s in Kalihi while also being employed employees) at the Dole Pineapple Cannery. Over the next 20 years, Erlinda learned all the aspects of the By reinvesting in technology, John of Positive McDonald’s franchise. However, as an immigrant Apparel has diligently worked to change the and a woman, she was afraid her dream to own her landscape of t-shirt printing on Maui by offering own McDonald’s would never be realized. Despite printing capabilities that cater to both large and the negative feedback she received, Erlinda was small businesses. In addition to assisting smaller determined to own her own business. In April, companies save money, he also offers eco-friendly, 1990, her dream came true as she was given the sustainable t-shirts that are made from organically opportunity to purchase the Pukalani location farmed Beech trees and plastic water bottles. In of McDonald’s. 28 years, 6 Mcdonald’s franchises addition, he uses eco-friendly chemicals and non- and 300 employees later, Erlinda still believes in toxic inks in production. John leads by example, a hands-on approach. She personally trains her making ethical choices and is currently working staff and gets to know each one as she helps with HTDC to conduct a feasibility study to bring them realize their own dreams. Erlinda also offers farming and t-shirt manufacturing to Maui. He financial support, as well as her time, to numerous is able to offer his staff more income than the Maui causes including Maui Adult Day Care Center, industry standard by taking less pay himself. The Hospice Maui, and the Pacific Cancer Foundation. company’s slogan “Positive Apparel, fueled by Aloha” is demonstrated by the significant discounts For more information on awards, grants and and donations offered to many local nonprofits, programs managed by the Mayor’s Office of including Maui United Way, and various cancer Economic Development, visit www.mauicounty. walks, to name a few. John’s partnerships helped to gov/OED. generate 5 million dollars in retail revenue in 2017.
page 24 The High Street Journal An Official Publication of the County of Maui Kupaianaha
BY: TIFFANY IIDA Department of Management
2018. This was an Island wide annual race held at the Maui Raceway Park. We would like to congratulate Asafo and Valerie Alatasi, Cashier II, Real Property Tax, Department of Finance on the arrival of their first grandchild, Manu Haihakalelei Alatasi-Sagario. Manu was born on January 27, 2018 at 12:12 p.m. He was 6 pounds 8 ounces and 20 inches long.
Finance/Accounts Department celebrated Congratulations to Todd Richter of the Depart- Laurence Fabrao’s ment of Parks and Recreation’s South District and birthday on March 6th. his partner Kiyo Ota of Honolulu who competed He didn’t blow out the in the 4th Annual Hawaii State Senior Pickleball candles on his cake; he Tournament that was held at the Diamond Head fanned them out. Tennis Center on Oahu March 2-4. They brought home the gold medal in the 60+ age/4.5 skill level division. For more information on where to play pickleball, one of the fastest growing sports in America on Maui, call Todd at 891-4955.
Congratulations to Riley Regan, son of Lynn Ara- Congratulations to Jeremiah Mullen, 10 year old ki-Regan and Managing Director Keith Regan, son of Marita Mullen, Victim Witness Counselor II, whose science project entitled, “Do Plants Grow Department of the Prosecuting Attorney. Jeremi- Better with Tea Grounds?” was selected to move page ah got second place in the 85cc class division at on to the Hawaii State Science and Engineering 25 the Maui Motocross State Races on February 17, Fair on Oahu. The High Street Journal An Official Publication of the County of Maui “Q & A” with our RSVP Volunteers 1) What do you like most about volunteering at the County Information Desk? 2) Why do you volunteer? Photos: Ryan Piros
Jaymie Cave 1) The support given by County of Maui 1) I enjoy engaging personnel is amazing. with the community and being able to assist them in 2) Volunteering providing the services they benefits others as well as need. myself. 2) I volunteer to give back to the community that my parents have lived Sheila Kelley for so long and now is my 1) I enjoy helping new home. people and I especially enjoy the County employees very much. Robin Canto 2) I have a strong 1) I enjoy seeing and sense of community. talking to interesting and Having worked in the different people from Maui County environment, different places and help I’ve become familiar them find where they want with many aspects of to go. It is “some good fun” government, such as the and I also meet and know budget. I enjoy serving some county workers and as the Chair for the Maui RSVP staff. County Committee on the Status of Women. 2) I volunteer because it gets me out of the house so I can meet people from all walks of life. I also like helping people. Carole Chai Carolyn Johnson 1) I like meeting, helping, and talking to people 1) Because we and also fellowship with answer questions about my co-volunteers at the the County, State, and County Information Desk. Federal government, I am constantly learning. 2) Being retired, I like to keep active and trying to 2) Not only am I help others always. able to provide a service to the county, but I am able to meet people from all over Maui and beyond.
page Clare Kihara 26 The High Street Journal An Official Publication of the County of Maui
Violet Espania 2) I volunteer to keep out of mischief and have always enjoyed volunteering and being able 1) I like helping to give back. people and feel good about directing them to where they need to go. It also helps me to socialize with people Audrey Guerrero here. Sometime there’s new people who come 1) For the most part, it’s the people – I get here to find places enjoyment out of helping people. They ask me and then we get to all kinds of stuff, and sometimes they are new talk story with them. to the islands and want info because they’re It gives me something building a house and need the planning or water different to do one department or whatever, and they will stay 20 – 30 time a week for a minutes after I helped them just talking and I enjoy couple of hours. listening to them. 2) It makes me feel good to help people. 2) Mostly because I want to be useful. You get to a certain age, your house is clean, your kids are Grace De Porter grown, sometimes you don’t need to cook, and so 1) I enjoy meeting what are you going to do at home? God put me all the different here to do something for others. I love the people kinds of people from of Kaunoa and that’s how I got to hear about the different places and opportunities to volunteer and help. enjoy the county workers as well. Being there, at the county building, is like being with my ohana. It fulfills me and makes me feel like I am surrounded by family.
Mayor Arakawa signs BILL NO. 6 (2018) - this ordinance is to protect and promote public health by prohibiting smoking in vehicles when minors under eighteen years of age are present, thus reducing minors exposure to second-hand smoke. Students who testified in Council to support the bill came to witness the official bill signing by the Mayor. (2.15.2018) Photo: Ryan Piros page 27 The High Street Journal An Official Publication of the County of Maui Explore life at 55!
BY: CECILIA SUZUKI Department of Housing & Human Concerns
Exploring life at 55! Kaunoa available each month and serves seniors in many promoted via the program’s ways, from the active and monthly newsletter, The able-bodied to the frail, Best Years. Classes are held isolated homebound. at Kaunoa Senior Center Organized group activities in Spreckelsville, Kaunoa’s and classes, as well as West Maui Senior Center in volunteer options, keep Lahaina, Lana’i Senior Center, seniors active, engaged Mitchell Pauole Center and and focused on staying Hale Mahaolu on Molokai, healthy and connected to and at various locations the community. throughout the island of Maui. Leisure/Wellenss In Fiscal Year 2017, the Kaunoa’s Leisure/Wellness Leisure/Wellness Program Program provides seniors served 4,797 seniors and 55 and better with a offered a total of 6,135 diverse and innovative class sessions and events. healthy aging program, Total attendance counts designed to help them live were nearly 60,000. Ninety longer, healthier, fulfilled eight percent of the seniors lives. The program strives surveyed say that Kaunoa’s to creatively expand the classes and events has concept of Wellness by allowed them to learn new continuously providing skills and ideas which help diverse opportunities for them remain engaged and seniors to acquire new productive, and 99% said ideas, master new skills they would recommend and develop new habits Kaunoa to a friend or family. which promote mental sharpness, physical The Best Years begin at 55! fitness, creativity, and continuous learning. The County of Maui offers The Leisure/Wellness a wide variety of Wellness program concentrates on activities for adults ages 55 offering seniors a wide and better. For a complete range of classes, lectures listing of all of Kaunoa’s and seminars, including activities, call 270-7308 cultural, educational, or 270-4310 to receive visual arts, a monthly performing arts, newsletter. crafts, exercise and wellness activities and events. Over 75 regularly scheduled classes are offered weekly, in addition to 45+ special, short-term classes, lectures, page activities, and 28 events that are The High Street Journal An Official Publication of the County of Maui Photo Gallery A photo-essay of activities in the County
Deputy Director Gladys Baisa and Field Operations Supervisors recently attended a Talk Story Session with Hawaii Rural Water Association and the Department of Health’s Safe Drinking Water Branch. Topics of discussion were Significant Modifications, Sanitary Surveys, Regulatory Compliance and Operator Certification. In attendance from left to right front were: Gladys Baisa, Allen Purdy, and Roland Torres. 2nd row left to right: Keala Waiau, Helaman Aiwohi, Warren Sardinha, Cullen Falces, and Robert DeRobles.
Legendary musician Henry Kapono was accompanied by fellow musicians Alx Kawakami and Johnny Valentine for an impromptu concert at the Elua Nutrition Center, much to the delight of the senior participants. Organized by Congregate Nutrition Program staff Leinani Hong, the music brought back special memories and the entire experience was described as magical for everyone, page audience and performers alike. Before departing, Kapono graciously paused for photos with 29 Rowena Hong and Mahina Kealakai. The High Street Journal An Official Publication of the County of Maui
The Lanai district of the Parks & Recreation Department recently completed their midget and menehune basketball seasons. There were 4 teams in the Midget division and 4 teams in the Menehune division. A total of 75 players, age ranging from 10 – 14 years old participated in the league. Everyone had a lot of fun. All teams played 9 games each and showed great sportsmanship. Can’t wait for the next league to start.
All DWS employees will have an opportunity to attend an “Organizational Health Training”. This training is time spent with co-workers to nurture relationships, have fun with team building activities, and to learn more about the people we work with, and to take time to reflect on our role as a team player. Organizational Health Training is just another way of calling it a “Team Retreat”. Those page employees who have already attended the training found the experience to be positive, motivating, 30 refreshing and fun. The High Street Journal An Official Publication of the County of Maui
Kaunoa Senior Services made an impact at Maui Adult Day Care Center’s Family Caregiver Walk! Kaunoa’s Kahului Union Nutrition Center participants formed a team of jubilant walkers, winning 1st place for most walkers and for most monies raised - over $1,200. Mayor Alan Arakawa joined Joan Higashi of Team KUC on a lap around Queen Kaahumanu Center. Congregate Nutrition Program Director Gracie DeSilva expounds on the details of Kaunoa’s programs and services for a curious caregiver.
page 31 The High Street Journal An Official Publication of the County of Maui
A&B Groundbreaking & Blessing of Ho’okele Shopping Center in the Maui Business Park on March 13, 2018. Photo: Ryan Piros
93rd Annual Kiwanis Track Meet at the War Memorial Stadium on March 10, 2018 Photo: Ryan Piros page 32 The High Street Journal An Official Publication of the County of Maui Mayor’s 2018 State of the County Address
Photos: Ryan Piros
page 33 DON’T WAIT ‘TIL IT’S TOO LATE. SAVESAVE YOURYOUR IMPORTANTIMPORTANT EMAILS.EMAILS.
StartingStarting JuneJune 1,1, 2018:2018: ALL EMAILS older than 3 YEARS from their received dates will be AUTOMATICALLY DELETED. Groupwise Personal Archive will NO LONGER BE ACCESSIBLE.
To learn how you can retain your important emails: Log on to the County Intranet and visit IT Services: Email Retention & Retain Email Archive Email: [email protected] Contact the County Help Desk at (808) 270-7842 or [email protected] Workday is coming!
Manage your personal and work information all in one place at anytime, anywhere.
For more information, visit the County Intranet Page at https://hi-mauicountyintranet.civicplus.com or email [email protected] Moving every 30 to 40 minutes may help you live longer SUBMITTED BY: SEARAY BELTRAN Safety Specialist III, Department of Corporation Counsel
Getting up and out of your seat at work every 30 to 40 minutes could help to reduce the harms of sedentary behavior, according to a new study.
Researchers found that adults in the United States spend more than 12 hours per day sitting down, and the more time spent sitting, the greater their risk of premature death from all causes will be. But it's not all bad news. The team also found that getting up and moving around every half an hour or forty minutes could help to reduce the harms of prolonged sitting. Use a timers to remind you to get off your chair both at home and at work.
Keith Diaz, Ph.D., of Columbia University Medical Center in New York City, NY, and colleagues recently published their findings in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
Studies are increasingly documenting the potential health risks of prolonged sitting. For example, research published last year claimed that the behavior is associated with more than 430,000 deaths across 54 countries, while a more recent study linked prolonged sitting to a greater risk of walking disability in seniors.
For this latest investigation, Dr. Diaz and team sought to learn more about the link between sedentary behavior and the risk of premature death.
More specifically, the researchers wanted to determine how bouts of sedentary behavior might influence the risk of all‐cause mortality ‐ something that they believe previous research has overlooked.
Lowest mortality risk for regular movers
The researchers analyzed the data of 7,985 black and white people, aged 45 years and above, and followed them for a median of 4 years.
The activity of each adult was assessed using a hip‐mounted accelerometer, and the team used this information to calculate the how long participants spent sedentary in individual bouts, as well as the total time spent sedentary each day.
Out of a 16‐hour waking day, participants spent a total of 12.3 hours sitting down, the team reports. Each single period of sedentary behavior lasted a mean of 11.4 minutes. During the follow‐ up period, a total of 340 participants passed away.
Dr. Diaz and team say that their findings indicate that getting up and moving every 30 minutes could help to offset the health risks associated with prolonged sitting.
Based on their results, they suggest that current physical activity guidelines should be adjusted to include recommendations that target and reduce long periods of sedentary behavior.
At the moment, U.S. exercise guidelines recommend that adults engage in 75 minutes of vigorous‐intensity aerobic activity or 150 minutes of moderate‐intensity aerobic activity every week, as well as muscle‐strengthening activities on 2 or more days per week.
Added Bonus Key Guidelines for Adults
All adults should avoid inactivity. Some physical activity is better than none, and adults who participate in any amount of physical activity gain some health benefits. For substantial health benefits, adults should do at least 150 minutes (2 hours and 30 minutes) a week of moderate‐intensity, or 75 minutes (1 hour and 15 minutes) a week of vigorous‐intensity aerobic activity, or an equivalence combination of moderate‐ and vigorous‐intensity aerobic activity. Aerobic activity should be performed in episodes of at least 10 minutes, and preferably, it should be spread throughout the week. For additional and more extensive health benefits, adults should increase their aerobic physical activity to 300 minutes (5 hours) a week of moderate‐intensity, or 150 minutes a week of vigorous‐intensity aerobic physical activity, or an equivalence combination of moderate‐ and vigorous‐intensity activity. Additional health benefits are gained by engaging in physical activity beyond this amount. Adults also should do muscle‐strengthening activities that are moderate‐ or high‐intensity and involve all major muscle groups on 2 or more days a week, as these activities provide additional health benefits.
Key Guidelines for Children and Adolescents
Children and adolescents should do 60 minutes (1 hour) or more of physical activity daily. Aerobic: Most of the 60 or more minutes a day should be either moderate‐ or vigorous‐ intensity aerobic physical activity, and should include vigorous‐intensity physical activity at least 3 days a week. Muscle‐strengthening: As part of their 60 or more minutes of daily physical activity, children and adolescents should include muscle‐strengthening physical activity on at least 3 days of the week. Bone‐strengthening: As part of their 60 or more minutes of daily physical activity, children and adolescents should include bone‐strengthening physical activity on at least 3 days of the week. It is important to encourage young people to participate in physical activities that are appropriate for their age, that are enjoyable, and that offer variety.
Maui Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) 2019-2022
PUBLIC WORKSHOPS Wednesday, April 4 Tuesday, April 10 5:00-7:00pm 6:00-8:00pm Helene Hall West Maui Senior Center 150 Keawa Place, Hana 788 Pau‘oa Street, Lahaina Monday, April 9 6:00-8:00pm Wednesday, April 11 Pa‘ia Community Center 6:00-8:00pm 252 Hana Highway, Pa‘ia Santos Community Center 395 Waena Place, Wailuku Join Maui Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) to learn about highway, transit, bicycle and pedestrian improvements proposed for federal funding on Maui for 2019- 2022. www.mauimpo.org
INDIVIDUALS WHO INTEND TO ATTEND THE MEETING AND WHO REQUIRE SPECIAL ASSISTANCE should call the Maui MPO at (808) 270-8216 at least five (5) working days in advance of the meeting. ., 14 ounces & spent 1 month in the NICU. SIGN UP AND FUNDRAISE TODAY AT www.marchforbabies. org/event/maui
March with the Araki-Regan family at the Maui March for Babies
For more information, please call Saturday, April 28, 2018 Maui’s March for Babies Keopuolani Park Coordinator Terri Erwin at 7:00 am – Opening Ceremony (808) 495-7232 or email her at & Warm-Ups [email protected] 7:30 am – Walk Starts
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