GREAT-1(9) Reso 23-43 APPOINTMENT AND REMOVAL OF ADMINISTRATIVE HEADS OF DEPARTMENTS (RESOLUTION 23-43, RELATING TO THE APPOINTMENT OF LORI TSUHAKO AS DIRECTOR OF HOUSING AND HUMAN CONCERNS) (GREAT-1(9))
I join you in the confirmation of Ms. Lori Tsuhako as our Department of Housing Director.
This department has the greatest impact on personal lives, the vibrancy of our community, the future of Maui.
The Director executes the legislative vision of the council to assure accountability.
Ms. Tsuhako has adeptly managed and fortified department duties during a pivotal era.
Yes, Covid. However, her leadership has tracked compliance for County Council approved workforce housing in greater numbers than Maui experienced in the previous 20 years.
This has led to hundreds of Maui county citizens owning their own homes. The housing department activities are largely invisible to the homeowner.
Ms. Tsuhako further demonstrated her velocity in implementing the Maui County first time homebuyer/down payment assistance program.
A new program approved by the county council.
This, too, has led to hundreds of new homeowners.
As monumental as these accomplishments are, the housing department is charged with much much more.
The relocation of Amala Place residents, pointed out how creative use of community resources to smooth the transition works well.
Ms. Tsuhako has shown a steady hand, a firm grasp of community preference, and reliable resource information.
As we enter change over to the bifurcation, wisdom and strong, managerial skills will become essential.
Ms. Tsuhako engenders goodwill without obsequious behavior.
She is the most qualified based on our future needs to move the department forward without reservations.
Aloha County Council Members,
My name is Melanie Padgett and I am testifying in strong support of the appointment of Lori Tsuhako as the Director of the Department of Housing and Human Concerns. I am an employee of Maui Family Support Services Inc., working at the Maui County Early Child Resource Center. I help families of young children access the childcare subsidies they are eligible for, including the subsidies provided by the county, so they are able to work and provide for their families and have the security their children are in safe and dependable care. I have known Lori Tsuhako since 2007 and have respected and appreciated the strong leadership skills and understanding of community needs, especially for families of young children, that she has demonstrated throughout her previous 8 years in this position under two mayors. The fact that a third mayor has asked her to continue serving as the county’s leader in providing resources to improve the quality of life for all community members, is testament to Ms. Tsuhako’s exemplary job performance and strong evidence that she has earned another appointment to the position.
I have had many opportunities to observe Ms. Tsuhako’s skills as an administrator. She has fostered a supportive relationship among staff and non-profit partners that also promotes responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars. For example, under her leadership the Grants Management Division, which oversees the grant which provides funds to my agency to operate the Maui County Early Childhood Resource Center, has revised the grant application, approval and reporting processes so that they are clearer, more efficient, and increase accountability for measurable results. This has helped us design a better program that reaches more families with the financial aid needed to pay the high, but very necessary, cost of licensed childcare, as well as the other services the Center provides to families and childcare providers. This year our program is on track to assist hundreds of families to apply for state or federal childcare assistance and other supports and provide County Child Care Subsidy to at least 120 families who fall into gap groups that don’t qualify for other programs. The aid the county provides these families means they can work and pay their rent and other bills. Lori Tsuhako understands the needs of Maui County families and I hope we’ll all benefit from her continued selfless public service to the community in the role of Director of DHHC.
Respectfully,
Melanie Padgett
Maui County Early Childhood Resource Center Project Specialist
2099 Wells St. Wailuku HI 96793
808-242-1608
mauiecrc@gmail.com
Honorable Council members -
I join you in the confirmation of Ms. Lori Tsuhako as our Department of Housing Director.
This department has the greatest impact on personal lives, the vibrancy of our community, the future of Maui.
The Director executes the legislative vision of the council to assure accountability.
Ms. Tsuhako has adeptly managed and fortified department duties during a pivotal era.
Yes, Covid. However, her leadership has tracked compliance for County Council approved workforce housing in greater numbers than Maui experienced in the previous 20 years.
This has led to hundreds of Maui county citizens owning their own homes. The housing department activities are largely invisible to the homeowner.
Ms. Tsuhako further demonstrated her velocity in implementing the Maui County first time homebuyer/down payment assistance program.
A new program approved by the county council.
This, too, has led to hundreds of new homeowners.
As monumental as these accomplishments are, the housing department is charged with much much more.
The relocation of Amala Place residents, pointed out how creative use of community resources to smooth the transition works well.
Ms. Tsuhako has shown a steady hand, a firm grasp of community preference, and reliable resource information.
As we enter change over to the bifurcation, wisdom and strong, managerial skills will become essential.
Ms. Tsuhako engenders goodwill without obsequious behavior.
She is the most qualified based on our future needs to move the department forward without reservations.
Thank you for your time and courtesy
Carolann Guy
NMLS 609790
Direct 808.871.8898
Aloha County Council Members,
My name is Melanie Padgett and I am testifying in strong support of the appointment of Lori Tsuhako as the Director of the Department of Housing and Human Concerns. I am an employee of Maui Family Support Services Inc., working at the Maui County Early Child Resource Center. I help families of young children access the childcare subsidies they are eligible for, including the subsidies provided by the county, so they are able to work and provide for their families and have the security their children are in safe and dependable care. I have known Lori Tsuhako since 2007 and have respected and appreciated the strong leadership skills and understanding of community needs, especially for families of young children, that she has demonstrated throughout her previous 8 years in this position under two mayors. The fact that a third mayor has asked her to continue serving as the county’s leader in providing resources to improve the quality of life for all community members, is testament to Ms. Tsuhako’s exemplary job performance and strong evidence that she has earned another appointment to the position.
I have had many opportunities to observe Ms. Tsuhako’s skills as an administrator. She has fostered a supportive relationship among staff and non-profit partners that also promotes responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars. For example, under her leadership the Grants Management Division, which oversees the grant which provides funds to my agency to operate the Maui County Early Childhood Resource Center, has revised the grant application, approval and reporting processes so that they are clearer, more efficient, and increase accountability for measurable results. This has helped us design a better program that reaches more families with the financial aid needed to pay the high, but very necessary, cost of licensed childcare, as well as the other services the Center provides to families and childcare providers. This year our program is on track to assist hundreds of families to apply for state or federal childcare assistance and other supports and provide County Child Care Subsidy to at least 120 families who fall into gap groups that don’t qualify for other programs. The aid the county provides these families means they can work and pay their rent and other bills. Lori Tsuhako understands the needs of Maui County families and I hope we’ll all benefit from her continued selfless public service to the community in the role of Director of DHHC.
Respectfully,
Melanie Padgett
Maui County Early Childhood Resource Center Project Specialist
2099 Wells St. Wailuku HI 96793
808-242-1608
mauiecrc@gmail.com