November 2020
Aloha!
Thanksgiving is normally a time for family and friends to gather, but this year is anything but normal. Covid-19 has made it unsafe for us to host gatherings with people outside our own household "bubble," and to keep our kupuna and others safe this year we may need to sacrifice tradition for health. But this inconvenience is likely temporary, and the news that a vaccine is expected soon offers hope that the restrictions of 2020 may be lifted in coming months.
Truly, it is our faith that we look to during times like these to remain grounded, and reassured by our belief in a higher power. As for me and my house, we rely upon our faith in the Word of God to carry us through these challenging times.
As always, please feel free to contact my office at 270-5501 or via email at [email protected] with any specific concerns we may be able to help you with, or point you in the right direction for assistance. And remember: "If you have to ask, wear a mask!"
Me ke aloha pumehana,
Tasha
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Priorities for the 2021-2022 Term |
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The COVID-19 pandemic will make the upcoming years challenging. As a newly re-elected member of County Council, I will ask Council to focus on the most critical priorities, as I see them:
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1. The Unsheltered
Unsheltered members of our community are becoming more visible if not increasing in numbers. Many more members of our community will face the loss of housing if/when the eviction moratorium expires. We must find better ways to assist the unsheltered toward a path to permanent housing. What we are doing now is working to some degree, but we must do more and a faster rate. It will take a dedicated public-private partnership to keep our community safe while helping the unsheltered. One of the most effective ways we can do this will be the establishment of a Community Outreach Court for Maui County, to promote a cooperative approach to violations by unsheltered individuals by bringing the court to the community. The goal of the community court is not punishment, but getting help for the unsheltered so they can be sheltered. The court replaces fines with community service and can address a long history of violations in a single discussion with the “participant.” They are not violators or defendants; they are participants in the process of addressing their past behavior.
2. Public Safety and Health
Public Health is not solely the responsibility of the State Department of Health: core County services help maintain the health of our community. Residential trash pickup reduces littering and avoids waste piles attracting disease-ridden vermin. County wastewater treatment plants process our human waste and produce treated water for agricultural and landscaping purposes. The County provides its water customers clean drinking water that meets Federal standards. These are primary contributions to maintaining public health, and while the pandemic has reduced the County’s revenue, we must maintain core services to protect the health of our community.
3. Economic Diversification
The pandemic has exposed our over-reliance on tourism as our primary economic engine. The handwriting on the wall is clear: We must further diversify our County’s economy. Diversifying does not mean switching to a new single industry; we need to support and encourage all of the new “cylinders” for our economic engine. What options do we have? Food security is important, but not all young residents see or want their future in agriculture. Our Internet carrying capacity is critically important, and while the County can help encourage expansion of it, government must also get out of the way to allow the development of other projects including infrastructure and affordable housing. We must find a way to shorten the typical 10 years from concept to construction for new homes and businesses. And while public participation in government is important, multiple hearings and unreasonable restrictions on proposed projects are some of the reasons developers are hesitant to build affordable units. We must address these and other factors that hamper our ability to provide housing for residents at a reasonable cost.
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Photo: Courtesy the Honolulu Star Advertiser |
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Face Mask Guidelines Under the New Statewide Mask Mandate |
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Under Gov. Ige's new statewide mask mandate, all individuals shall wear face coverings over their noses and mouths when in public settings. The exceptions are as follows:
A. Individuals with medical conditions or disabilities where the wearing of a face covering may pose a health or safety risk to the individual;
B. Children under the age of 5;
C. While working at a desk or work station and not actively engaged with other employees, customers, or visitors, provided that the individual's desk or workstation is not located in a common or shared area and physical distancing of at least six (6) feet is maintained;
D. While eating, drinking, smoking, as permitted by applicable law;
E. Inside private automobiles, provided the only occupants are members of the same household/living unit/residence;
F. While receiving services allowed under a State or county order, rule, or proclamation that require access to that individual's nose or mouth;
G. Where federal or state safety or health regulations, or a financial institution's policy (based on security concerns), prohibit the wearing of facial coverings;
H. Individuals who are communicating with the hearing impaired while actively communicating (e.g., signing or lip reading);
I. First responders (police, fire fighters, lifeguards, etc.) to the extent that wearing face coverings may impair or impede the safety of the first responder in the performance of his/her duty;
J. While outdoors when physical distance of six (6) feet from other individuals (who are not members of the same household/living unit/residence) can be maintained at al I times; and
K. As specifically allowed by a provision of a State or county COVID- I 9 related order, rule, or proclamation.
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To download/print this poster,
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NOTE:
- An owner or operator of any business or operation shall refuse admission or service to any individual who fails to wear a face covering, unless an exception applies under this section.
- Businesses or operations may adopt stricter protocols or requirements related to face coverings and face shields.
- Businesses or operations not enforcing this rule may be subject to enforcement, including fines and mandatory closure.
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Under the Junk Vehicle Disposal Assistance Program (JVDAP), residents on Maui may dispose of two vehicles per year at no charge.
Vehicles must meet eligibility criteria and owners will be required to present proper documents to participate in the program.
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To download the junk vehicle disposal intake form and FAQs, click here.
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Around Town: Dorm Update, Shop Local, Maui Sunday Market |
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Work continues on the rehabilitation of the old MCC Dorms, which will soon be used to provide transitional housing and wrap-around services for families in 12 two-bedroom units. Contractor Arisumi Brothers, Inc. has been working diligently on the project, which started earlier this year with funding secured through a County-State partnership. |
Please join Councilmember Kama at the Maui Sunday Market at the old Kahului Shopping Center on Sunday, Dec. 13th. The Maui Sunday Market features island vendors (crafters, artisans, food purveyors); food trucks; and live entertainment – all amidst a fun, community atmosphere.
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Don't forget to shop local
this holiday season! Although
the live event is over, you can still shop the hundreds of products and 75+ Made in Maui County vendors
year-round. To shop this year's festival online, click here.
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Intern Spotlight: Stella & Makamae |
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These two recent graduates have been assisting our office with research and administrative support as they chart out their educational and career pathways. If you happen to see their smiling faces in the hallways of the County building, please say Hello! |
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Stellamae Sickels is a graduate of Baldwin High School, Class of 2020. She enjoys the outdoors and forest restoration projects. Her career goal involves restoring the forests of Hawaiʻi with its native plants.
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Chaslyn Kala is a graduate of Baldwin High School, Class of 2020. She enjoys spending time with family and friends and dancing hula. She has a beloved American bulldog named Naha, and her career goal is to become a licensed massage therapist.
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From the Kama Kitchen: Turkey Jook (Rice Soup) |
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A local comfort-food favorite and a flavorful way to "recycle" your Thanksgiving turkey!
Ingredients:
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1 Cup uncooked rice, rinsed (can sub. 3 Cups cooked rice)
- 1 Tablespoon salt and/or shoyu to taste
- Fresh ginger root, 1 thumb-sized piece, crushed
- Chinese parsley, 1 bunch (or to taste), chopped
- Chopped green onions, approx. 1/3 Cup
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Directions:
-- Boil the turkey carcass in a large pot with enough water to cover. Bring to a boil, then simmer approximately 3 hours until the meat easily falls off the bone. Remove all remaining meat from carcass.
-- Strain broth; remove small bones. Add more water to make 3 quarts of broth. Combine broth, turkey meat, rice and crushed ginger in the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
-- Add salt to taste. Serve with parsley and green onions. Makes approx. 8 servings.
-- Optional add-ins: sliced round onion, carrots, sliced (dried) shiitake mushrooms, dried scallops, Chung Choi (preserved salted turnip), raw peanuts, chopped bok choy cabbage.
-- Optional seasonings: shoyu, sesame oil, sriracha hot sauce, rice wine vinegar, sugar.
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