I am writing to urge our County leaders to include funding in this budget for affordable housing on Lānaʻi. It has been over thirty years since the County was given 115 acres of land to develop affordable housing for our community, and nothing has been done. In our island's history, there has never been a County led housing effort here on the island, and many people in our community feel forgotten by the County of Maui.
Many of the Lānaʻi people in my generation may never get the chance to own a home and set down roots here on the island because there are no affordable houses for sale. So many of us have grown up here and want the opportunity to own a home--a chance that previous Lānaʻi generations have fought for. Affordable housing should be at the top of the Lānaʻi priority list, and it is extremely disappointing to see not one budget line item for this purpose for our island in this year's budget.
Our Lānaʻi, a group of Lānaʻi people who believe that the County has a responsibility to provide affordable housing for our community, recently met with representatives from the County DHHC. We had a productive discussion, and they shared some of the challenges with affordable housing on Lānaʻi. They said the biggest challenge is the cost and availability of land. The County already has 115 acres of land to be used for affordable housing. While we understand there are challenges to developing affordable housing here, I believe this is no excuse not to pursue the necessary steps to ensure the County is honoring its commitment to the people of Lānaʻi to explore affordable housing options.
The County has a responsibility to the people of Lānaʻi to develop affordable housing. As our representatives, please honor your commitment to serve our community and not let Lānaʻi people be forgotten.
Lisa Grove
Grove Insight, Ltd.
PO Box 631718
Lānaʻi City, HI 96763
Dear County Leaders,
I am not writing on behalf of the worthy organizations on Lānaʻi that have been mentioned by others, but instead to call out two concerns. First off, I would love to understand the difference between taxes paid into the County from Lānaʻi relative to the money coming back to us. While I don't expect full equivalency, I worry there may be an imbalance that negatively impacts our island. Honestly, it is what my untrained eye sees when I look at the numbers.
Second, as a social science researcher who has spent decades understanding the opinions of the people of Hawai'i and the issues that affect them, I am very concerned that the most recent budget does not include enough resources for our kama'aina, from mental health to senior care to domestic violence, just to name a few. It feels like we are in need of wraparound services and other ways to deliver to our remote island.
Results released a few months ago, reveal that roughly three in 10 (30%) of people on Lānaʻi say either they or someone in their household is in need of mental health counseling. This is self-reported data, giving it even more credence -- people asking for help inside their own homes. Recent surveys among teens show they want coping skills to help with anger, bullying, depression, social pressure, and other problems.
While I don't like to go to dark places, I am concerned that, if left unchecked, we could be looking at tragic loss of life -- the kind that generates headlines like, "I never thought this would happen here." Our data seems to indicate that it could absolutely happen here unless we decide to focus more money and energy to this.
We've had at least two incidents at LHES recently that should be alarming, involving violence against teachers. The coconut wireless also suggests that drug use may also be on the rise, along with teen vaping and other risky behavior.
While I love the "add-on ideas" and the notion of being visionary, now is the time to focus on making our families, from keiki to kūpuna, healthy and whole coming out of the pandemic. In sum, my request is two-fold: 1) Please make sure we are being adequately served for the tax dollars we pay in; and 2) Please adopt a "family first" approach and prioritize the most pressing issues -- housing, mental health, and health care more broadly including off-island travel and access -- ahead of things that naturally fall lower on the list.
At last night's BFED Committee meeting in Pukalani, Councilmember Paltin asked me a question about the item labelled "Firebreak" on our priorities list. I'd like to give a more complete answer.
The land where the KCA would appreciate firebreaks is owned by A+B, Mahi Pono, Haleakala Ranch and Kaonoulu Ranch. KCA has only talked previously about fire hazards with Mahi Pono. KCA would envisage requesting easements from these landowners to establish firebreaks. At this time, we would like to see some funding allocated, perhaps $25,000, to determine where the line would be drawn. This could be put into Emergency Management or the Fire Department. Eventually, the County may want to create ordinances to protect communities. I would imagine Kihei would have similar concerns.
Thank you for allowing me to expand, and also your wonderful, encouraging manner to myself and all who testified.
-Bobbie Patnode, President
Kula Community Association
TESTIMONY IN STRONG SUPPORT OF HAWAIʻI FARMERS UNION UNITED BUDGET
As a FAM apprentice on the island of Lānaʻi, I implore you to support the Hawaii Farmers Union and its programs, the HFUU Network and the FAM Program. I am a supporter of HFUU because it is an organization that is a solution to Hawaiʻi’s food insecurity by directly impacting local food production by increasing the number of farmers in Hawaiʻi, especially Maui. This year the program was opened up to Lānaʻi residents. We have 5 Farmer Apprentices in the program! That is 0.2% of Lānaʻi population! 5 people dedicated to being a part of solving Lānaʻi’s food insecurity. We have nowhere else to get this training as a Lānaʻi resident. We all know being a farmer is extremely difficult. The FAM Program is extremely comprehensive teaching me what I need to know to be a successful farmer from taxes to compost. How else can I get that training through a single program on Lānaʻi? I was a former teacher of Natural Resources at Lānaʻi High & Elementary School. I was teaching about agriculture without being properly trained as many other new high school Natural Resources teachers. The FAM Program should be a program available not only to prospective farmers but to public school teachers who lack the agriculture background because it is really about teaching our keiki about Hawaiʻi’s inadequate agricultural system. By the way, I had 2 students out of 20 total students that wanted to be farmers! I would love one of them to take over my farm. In addition, FAM has given me clout, when I talk to restaurant owners, media, my community, Pūlama (from whom I will lease farmland), and legislature representatives. My voice means something as a farmer apprentice. Please continue to fund HFUU’s programs for the future of Lānaʻi’s food security. We get too much of our agricultural products from off-island. We need to stop depending on other islands to bail us out when the barge stops coming. We need to bring back the pride in the Lānaʻi grown brand. Maui needs to realize that although we have a wealthy landowner, he will not take care of Lanaians as the county should. I turn to the County, not landowners, to decide what is right for food security. Donʻt forget about Lānaʻi.
My heart becomes so heavy when I think of all the obstacles I face as a farmer on Lānaʻi. HFUU, a 501(c)(5) agricultural advocacy nonprofit representing a network of over 700 family farmers and their supporters organized as 14 Chapters in the four Hawai’i Counties, makes my load lighter, more manageable and promising. This is because we are taught by successful farm owners. I feel that I have a team to support me in becoming a successful farmer. You have been chosen to make decisions for all of Maui county, that includes Lānaʻi. Lānaʻi is often forgotten but HFUU did not forget about us. Please continue to support HFFU.
Increasing the number of farmers who grow food is a key component of the long-term solution to the Hawai’i local food production deficit. Growing new farmers is also a key facet of the HFUU statewide strategic plan. Our planning goals are simultaneously aligned with the shared vision of increased food security and agricultural self-sufficiency for all counties and the State of Hawai’i.
Sincerely,
Michele Weinhouse
Kapua’s Farm Lānaʻi, LLC
PO Box 631937
Lānaʻi City, HI 96763
Cell: (760) 390-5632, Email: michele64w@gmail.com
Kimberly Masse
President, Lana’i Kina’ole, Inc.
P.O. Box 630805
Lanai City, HI 96763
RE: Lana’i Budget meeting, 4/13/23
Dear Chair Sugimura,
I am writing to give my support to Lana’i Kina’ole, Inc.
Lana’i Kina’ole, Inc. is the only home based care organization on the island, providing care for medical needs as well as emotional support and so much more. Our small island is extremely lucky to have this organization as well as all the people who work there.
I have seen firsthand the quality and loving care that is given to our home bound patients and their families. They all work extremely hard with compassion and sacrifice to their own families and they never complain. They have been in operation for three years now, struggling to get by and I hope that you will give your support to this wonderful organization.
My day job is being a Police Lieutenant on our island, but I give my whole support to Lana’i Kina’ole, Inc. because I believe in the work that they do and am willing to do what I can to help out and that is why I accepted the responsibility as board president.
Thank you for your consideration regarding this request.
If you have any further questions, please call me at 808-559-0289.
My name is Kami Shimokawa and I am writing this to support the Lanai Academy of Performing Arts (LAPA).
I joined LAPA at a difficult time in my life, I was very shy and began to withdraw from close family and friends. I joined very hesitantly, I ended up staying and enjoying every minute; a few months later I got my younger sister to join. I quickly got really involved with all aspects of performing and theater that I could. I have been so blessed with all the opportunities that LAPA has given me, taking groups on trips interisland to see other theater groups performances, taking us to the mainland to visit a performing arts convention where we got to meet other kids like us who love musicals making life-long memories.
I have been a student, an intern, teacher for LAPA and each position has taught me something new. LAPA has taught me to speak up, be confident, express myself, voice my opinions, and has given me communication skills all that helped me in life. I remember working outside of LAPA during COVID and being asked by different parties “when is LAPA going to start putting on shows again?”, “what is LAPA doing right now?”, “I can’t wait to see one of the shows live again”. I think LAPA is a great place for kids to learn ways to express themselves and learn important life skills.
My name is Danyel Erickson and I am testifying in support of Maui Economic Development Boardʻs Economic Development Grant under the Maui County Office of Economic Development. The MEDB has helped me support students in Elementary and Middle school this year. I created a science club for the Elementary school and was able to use the STEMworks lending library to access many resources from iPads, drones to VR sets and beyond. The MEDB also organized for me to take 17 elementary and middle school students to the AMOS conference in Maui, where they we able to meet a real life astronaut, engage in hands on projects such as a flight simulator, and talk to experts in the astronomy and aerospace field. MEDB paid for me to participate in the CODE.org professional development course where I gained the knowledge and skills to implement computer science into my classroom of fifth grade students. Without their wonderful support, my journey to contact the International Space Station would not have been as successful. The MEDB has been an extremely helpful resource for LHES staff and students. Through their support, students at LHES have had opportunities to access STEM in ways that I could not afford to offer as a teacher.
I am writing this on behalf of Coach Coop and the Red Cabin Foundation. When Coach moved to Lana’i he didn’t just retire, or take it easy like many people in his shoes would do. Instead he embraced his new community and did something quite admirable. He wanted to build a facility for kids and gather the necessary support to do so.
Initially it was slated to be a batting cage, but after getting a pulse of the community it became clear that its needs were even greater. He then decided to help create a multipurpose facility that could accommodate more than just baseball.
Not long after, he reached out to our family to help provide the various sports equipment that could be used for this special place. Seeing his passion and care to do something special, we felt that this was an important project to help support.
Also the county joined in and helped build this unbelievable structure that will help the children of Lanai. Unfortunately during design, some decisions were made that need to be corrected for the structure to be able to stand the test of time.
One of the things that is important to us and other donors is that any equipment purchased would be well maintained and cared for. Coach Coop is the best person for this job, since he has consistently shown that he is all about doing what is right, is a man of great faith and ethics, and is so personally committed to this project.
I do not know how many years it has been since Coach Coop began his effort to make this project a reality, but it is disappointing that it has taken so long and been such an unbelievable effort by so many to create something that is clearly in Lanai’s best interest. I worry that many people that do not share Coop’s passion and dedication would have given up long ago. When our own processes inhibit doing good deeds, I believe the entire community suffers.
I know that you are all very busy, and also care deeply about the children of Lana’i. I hope that you can help Coach Coop and the community finish the project that they deserve.
Aloha,
Chad Goodfellow
Chief Executive Officer
O: 808-879-5205
E: chadg@goodfellowbros.com
W: www.goodfellowbros.com
1300 North Holopono Street Suite 201 Kihei HI 96753
Aloha,
I am writing to urge our County leaders to include funding in this budget for affordable housing on Lānaʻi. It has been over thirty years since the County was given 115 acres of land to develop affordable housing for our community, and nothing has been done. In our island's history, there has never been a County led housing effort here on the island, and many people in our community feel forgotten by the County of Maui.
Many of the Lānaʻi people in my generation may never get the chance to own a home and set down roots here on the island because there are no affordable houses for sale. So many of us have grown up here and want the opportunity to own a home--a chance that previous Lānaʻi generations have fought for. Affordable housing should be at the top of the Lānaʻi priority list, and it is extremely disappointing to see not one budget line item for this purpose for our island in this year's budget.
Our Lānaʻi, a group of Lānaʻi people who believe that the County has a responsibility to provide affordable housing for our community, recently met with representatives from the County DHHC. We had a productive discussion, and they shared some of the challenges with affordable housing on Lānaʻi. They said the biggest challenge is the cost and availability of land. The County already has 115 acres of land to be used for affordable housing. While we understand there are challenges to developing affordable housing here, I believe this is no excuse not to pursue the necessary steps to ensure the County is honoring its commitment to the people of Lānaʻi to explore affordable housing options.
The County has a responsibility to the people of Lānaʻi to develop affordable housing. As our representatives, please honor your commitment to serve our community and not let Lānaʻi people be forgotten.
Mahalo for your consideration,
Shelly Preza
Lisa Grove
Grove Insight, Ltd.
PO Box 631718
Lānaʻi City, HI 96763
Dear County Leaders,
I am not writing on behalf of the worthy organizations on Lānaʻi that have been mentioned by others, but instead to call out two concerns. First off, I would love to understand the difference between taxes paid into the County from Lānaʻi relative to the money coming back to us. While I don't expect full equivalency, I worry there may be an imbalance that negatively impacts our island. Honestly, it is what my untrained eye sees when I look at the numbers.
Second, as a social science researcher who has spent decades understanding the opinions of the people of Hawai'i and the issues that affect them, I am very concerned that the most recent budget does not include enough resources for our kama'aina, from mental health to senior care to domestic violence, just to name a few. It feels like we are in need of wraparound services and other ways to deliver to our remote island.
Results released a few months ago, reveal that roughly three in 10 (30%) of people on Lānaʻi say either they or someone in their household is in need of mental health counseling. This is self-reported data, giving it even more credence -- people asking for help inside their own homes. Recent surveys among teens show they want coping skills to help with anger, bullying, depression, social pressure, and other problems.
While I don't like to go to dark places, I am concerned that, if left unchecked, we could be looking at tragic loss of life -- the kind that generates headlines like, "I never thought this would happen here." Our data seems to indicate that it could absolutely happen here unless we decide to focus more money and energy to this.
We've had at least two incidents at LHES recently that should be alarming, involving violence against teachers. The coconut wireless also suggests that drug use may also be on the rise, along with teen vaping and other risky behavior.
While I love the "add-on ideas" and the notion of being visionary, now is the time to focus on making our families, from keiki to kūpuna, healthy and whole coming out of the pandemic. In sum, my request is two-fold: 1) Please make sure we are being adequately served for the tax dollars we pay in; and 2) Please adopt a "family first" approach and prioritize the most pressing issues -- housing, mental health, and health care more broadly including off-island travel and access -- ahead of things that naturally fall lower on the list.
Mahalo nui for your time and consideration.
With aloha,
Lisa Grove
Lānaʻi City, HI
Aloha Budget and Finance Committee,
At last night's BFED Committee meeting in Pukalani, Councilmember Paltin asked me a question about the item labelled "Firebreak" on our priorities list. I'd like to give a more complete answer.
The land where the KCA would appreciate firebreaks is owned by A+B, Mahi Pono, Haleakala Ranch and Kaonoulu Ranch. KCA has only talked previously about fire hazards with Mahi Pono. KCA would envisage requesting easements from these landowners to establish firebreaks. At this time, we would like to see some funding allocated, perhaps $25,000, to determine where the line would be drawn. This could be put into Emergency Management or the Fire Department. Eventually, the County may want to create ordinances to protect communities. I would imagine Kihei would have similar concerns.
Thank you for allowing me to expand, and also your wonderful, encouraging manner to myself and all who testified.
-Bobbie Patnode, President
Kula Community Association
TESTIMONY IN STRONG SUPPORT OF HAWAIʻI FARMERS UNION UNITED BUDGET
As a FAM apprentice on the island of Lānaʻi, I implore you to support the Hawaii Farmers Union and its programs, the HFUU Network and the FAM Program. I am a supporter of HFUU because it is an organization that is a solution to Hawaiʻi’s food insecurity by directly impacting local food production by increasing the number of farmers in Hawaiʻi, especially Maui. This year the program was opened up to Lānaʻi residents. We have 5 Farmer Apprentices in the program! That is 0.2% of Lānaʻi population! 5 people dedicated to being a part of solving Lānaʻi’s food insecurity. We have nowhere else to get this training as a Lānaʻi resident. We all know being a farmer is extremely difficult. The FAM Program is extremely comprehensive teaching me what I need to know to be a successful farmer from taxes to compost. How else can I get that training through a single program on Lānaʻi? I was a former teacher of Natural Resources at Lānaʻi High & Elementary School. I was teaching about agriculture without being properly trained as many other new high school Natural Resources teachers. The FAM Program should be a program available not only to prospective farmers but to public school teachers who lack the agriculture background because it is really about teaching our keiki about Hawaiʻi’s inadequate agricultural system. By the way, I had 2 students out of 20 total students that wanted to be farmers! I would love one of them to take over my farm. In addition, FAM has given me clout, when I talk to restaurant owners, media, my community, Pūlama (from whom I will lease farmland), and legislature representatives. My voice means something as a farmer apprentice. Please continue to fund HFUU’s programs for the future of Lānaʻi’s food security. We get too much of our agricultural products from off-island. We need to stop depending on other islands to bail us out when the barge stops coming. We need to bring back the pride in the Lānaʻi grown brand. Maui needs to realize that although we have a wealthy landowner, he will not take care of Lanaians as the county should. I turn to the County, not landowners, to decide what is right for food security. Donʻt forget about Lānaʻi.
My heart becomes so heavy when I think of all the obstacles I face as a farmer on Lānaʻi. HFUU, a 501(c)(5) agricultural advocacy nonprofit representing a network of over 700 family farmers and their supporters organized as 14 Chapters in the four Hawai’i Counties, makes my load lighter, more manageable and promising. This is because we are taught by successful farm owners. I feel that I have a team to support me in becoming a successful farmer. You have been chosen to make decisions for all of Maui county, that includes Lānaʻi. Lānaʻi is often forgotten but HFUU did not forget about us. Please continue to support HFFU.
Increasing the number of farmers who grow food is a key component of the long-term solution to the Hawai’i local food production deficit. Growing new farmers is also a key facet of the HFUU statewide strategic plan. Our planning goals are simultaneously aligned with the shared vision of increased food security and agricultural self-sufficiency for all counties and the State of Hawai’i.
Sincerely,
Michele Weinhouse
Kapua’s Farm Lānaʻi, LLC
PO Box 631937
Lānaʻi City, HI 96763
Cell: (760) 390-5632, Email: michele64w@gmail.com
April 13, 2023
Kimberly Masse
President, Lana’i Kina’ole, Inc.
P.O. Box 630805
Lanai City, HI 96763
RE: Lana’i Budget meeting, 4/13/23
Dear Chair Sugimura,
I am writing to give my support to Lana’i Kina’ole, Inc.
Lana’i Kina’ole, Inc. is the only home based care organization on the island, providing care for medical needs as well as emotional support and so much more. Our small island is extremely lucky to have this organization as well as all the people who work there.
I have seen firsthand the quality and loving care that is given to our home bound patients and their families. They all work extremely hard with compassion and sacrifice to their own families and they never complain. They have been in operation for three years now, struggling to get by and I hope that you will give your support to this wonderful organization.
My day job is being a Police Lieutenant on our island, but I give my whole support to Lana’i Kina’ole, Inc. because I believe in the work that they do and am willing to do what I can to help out and that is why I accepted the responsibility as board president.
Thank you for your consideration regarding this request.
If you have any further questions, please call me at 808-559-0289.
Respectfully,
Kimberly Masse
President, Lana’i Kina’ole, Inc.
Aloha,
My name is Kami Shimokawa and I am writing this to support the Lanai Academy of Performing Arts (LAPA).
I joined LAPA at a difficult time in my life, I was very shy and began to withdraw from close family and friends. I joined very hesitantly, I ended up staying and enjoying every minute; a few months later I got my younger sister to join. I quickly got really involved with all aspects of performing and theater that I could. I have been so blessed with all the opportunities that LAPA has given me, taking groups on trips interisland to see other theater groups performances, taking us to the mainland to visit a performing arts convention where we got to meet other kids like us who love musicals making life-long memories.
I have been a student, an intern, teacher for LAPA and each position has taught me something new. LAPA has taught me to speak up, be confident, express myself, voice my opinions, and has given me communication skills all that helped me in life. I remember working outside of LAPA during COVID and being asked by different parties “when is LAPA going to start putting on shows again?”, “what is LAPA doing right now?”, “I can’t wait to see one of the shows live again”. I think LAPA is a great place for kids to learn ways to express themselves and learn important life skills.
Mahalo,
Kami Shimokawa
My name is Danyel Erickson and I am testifying in support of Maui Economic Development Boardʻs Economic Development Grant under the Maui County Office of Economic Development. The MEDB has helped me support students in Elementary and Middle school this year. I created a science club for the Elementary school and was able to use the STEMworks lending library to access many resources from iPads, drones to VR sets and beyond. The MEDB also organized for me to take 17 elementary and middle school students to the AMOS conference in Maui, where they we able to meet a real life astronaut, engage in hands on projects such as a flight simulator, and talk to experts in the astronomy and aerospace field. MEDB paid for me to participate in the CODE.org professional development course where I gained the knowledge and skills to implement computer science into my classroom of fifth grade students. Without their wonderful support, my journey to contact the International Space Station would not have been as successful. The MEDB has been an extremely helpful resource for LHES staff and students. Through their support, students at LHES have had opportunities to access STEM in ways that I could not afford to offer as a teacher.
Aloha,
Danyel Erickson
Fifth Grade Teacher, LHES
danyel.erickson@k12.hi.us
I am writing this on behalf of Coach Coop and the Red Cabin Foundation. When Coach moved to Lana’i he didn’t just retire, or take it easy like many people in his shoes would do. Instead he embraced his new community and did something quite admirable. He wanted to build a facility for kids and gather the necessary support to do so.
Initially it was slated to be a batting cage, but after getting a pulse of the community it became clear that its needs were even greater. He then decided to help create a multipurpose facility that could accommodate more than just baseball.
Not long after, he reached out to our family to help provide the various sports equipment that could be used for this special place. Seeing his passion and care to do something special, we felt that this was an important project to help support.
Also the county joined in and helped build this unbelievable structure that will help the children of Lanai. Unfortunately during design, some decisions were made that need to be corrected for the structure to be able to stand the test of time.
One of the things that is important to us and other donors is that any equipment purchased would be well maintained and cared for. Coach Coop is the best person for this job, since he has consistently shown that he is all about doing what is right, is a man of great faith and ethics, and is so personally committed to this project.
I do not know how many years it has been since Coach Coop began his effort to make this project a reality, but it is disappointing that it has taken so long and been such an unbelievable effort by so many to create something that is clearly in Lanai’s best interest. I worry that many people that do not share Coop’s passion and dedication would have given up long ago. When our own processes inhibit doing good deeds, I believe the entire community suffers.
I know that you are all very busy, and also care deeply about the children of Lana’i. I hope that you can help Coach Coop and the community finish the project that they deserve.
Aloha,
Chad Goodfellow
Chief Executive Officer
O: 808-879-5205
E: chadg@goodfellowbros.com
W: www.goodfellowbros.com
1300 North Holopono Street Suite 201 Kihei HI 96753