Read the Responses for candidates from MAUI COUNCILMEMBER (South Maui)

Tom Cook

key quotes from Tom Cook’s questionnaire:

Livability and local government

“I’m running for reelection because I believe our local government obligation to the community should be to enable and support both people and businesses to prosper.”

“Rules & regulations “know as red tape” are necessary. They need to be guardrails, giving guidance and assistance to build homes, open and expand businesses, Construct community CIP projects.”

“But currently they are hurtles to delay and limit our community’s growth.”

“Our community has the Talent and resources to meet our community needs, but the bureaucracy needs to enable and not stop efforts.”

Affordable Maui County

“A livable and affordable Maui County is one where a sense of belonging to a diverse community on 3 small islands in the middle of the Pacific ocean has the vibe of acceptance and Aloha.”

“Where we are all of one tribe willing to lend a hand to lighted the load of our family, friends, neighbors work.”

Housing supply and bureaucracy

“Our citizens generally do not understand the roles of: Mayor, council members, department heads, civil service employees, boards and commissions.”

“The bureaucratic maze of community plans, cultural and environmental laws and rules are a maze of obstacles intending to maintain our island lifestyle, cultural Heritage and environmental quality and sustainability, but often delay and often prevent approval for the community’s desire for the homes to be built that are obtainable.”

“The community asked for this and past councils approved of the plans and rules that now safeguard but also prevent building the homes we need to keep our community intact.”

Transparency and county systems

“Currently there is little transparency in the day-to-day processes in the Departments.”

“CIP money is not spent because projects funded and approved are not implemented.”

“The MAPPS system only created less transparency in reviews and approvals. Opposite of what the intent was.”

Infrastructure and housing delivery

“Our local government needs to FOCUS and not get distracted in seeing needed infrastructure get built in a timely and cost effective manner.”

“Public private development engagements are a tool to get work done and ready to build.”

“A menu of home and business building solutions are available when Government gets the infrastructure build, permits approved and community supported.”

201H and 2.97 housing process

“County of Maui have a fund to cover the development requirements and enable the project to go forward with support of departments doing the reviews”

“Yes the way they were originally intended. But authority to waive requirements to accelerate project delivery gets bogged down due to Adminstration not working with council to cover the offset cost.”

Zoning and fast track housing

“Opposition to updating Zoning to conform with adopted community plans needs to be publicly explained by any opponent.”

“Do you support the community plan process? If yes why not up zone?”

“Maui needs housing for our residence. qualified fast track affordable housing has been delayed by Council. A super majority is appropriate to vote against.”