Dear HLUC Members,
I am submitting this testimony to express concerns regarding the failure of our government to adhere to the principles embodied in both the State of Hawaii’s motto, “Ua Mau ke Ea o ka ʻĀina i ka Pono” ("The life of the land is perpetuated in righteousness"), and the County of Maui’s motto, *“Hana Kupono, Ku I Ka Pono” ("Strive for Excellence, Stand for Justice"). Both of these mottos emphasize righteousness, sustainability, and justice. However, it has become evident that there are significant gaps between these guiding principles and the government’s current actions.
Environmental and Land Management Failures:
The government has a duty to protect and manage our natural resources responsibly, as reflected in the focus on “righteousness” and the life of the land in both mottos. However, overdevelopment, land mismanagement, and environmental degradation suggest otherwise. The ongoing water rights conflicts in East Maui, along with decisions favoring corporate interests, such as those involving Mahi Pono and Alexander & Baldwin, indicate a departure from sustainable land stewardship. These actions undermine the public’s trust and the call for righteousness that our mottos demand.
Housing and Cost of Living:
The principles of justice and righteousness should guide housing policies to ensure that basic needs are met. However, the housing crisis on Maui, made worse by recent wildfires, highlights the government’s inability to address affordable housing effectively. Skyrocketing land and housing prices, particularly for Native Hawaiians and local residents, demonstrate a failure to align with the idea of preserving the life of the land in righteousness and ensuring justice for all.
Indigenous Rights and Cultural Preservation:
The government's handling of issues such as the Mauna Kea protests and land leases to corporations has been widely criticized as a violation of the core values expressed in both mottos. Native Hawaiian communities have long fought to preserve sacred lands and resources, yet government resistance to their concerns shows a disconnect between cultural values and policy decisions. This further diminishes public confidence in the government’s commitment to “pono” or righteousness.
Corruption and Mismanagement:
At both the state and county levels, instances of mismanagement, slow bureaucratic processes, and allegations of corruption are widespread. The lack of transparency and accountability conflicts directly with the principle of "standing for justice" enshrined in the County of Maui’s motto. The government must regain the public’s trust by improving its operations and adhering to the standards of excellence and righteousness called for in our mottos.
### Tourism vs. Local Interests:
While tourism is essential to Hawaii’s economy, it does not necessarily benefit Hawaiians, Hawaiian culture, or, as we learned following the events of August 8, 2023, the residents of Maui County. Many policies prioritize tourists over local communities, leading to conflicts over water use, zoning, and infrastructure. The prioritization of tourist interests over residents contradicts the values of justice and sustainability reflected in our mottos. We must refocus on the needs of the community and ensure that economic development does not come at the expense of our environment or people.
In conclusion, the government must better align its actions with the principles expressed in the State of Hawaii and County of Maui mottos. This requires a shift in priorities—one that places sustainability, justice, and the welfare of residents above corporate interests and mismanagement. I urge the Council to review current policies and make meaningful changes to ensure that our government truly reflects the values of “pono” and justice in all its actions.
Thank you for considering these principles in your deliberations.
Edward Codelia
Dear HLUC Members,
I am submitting this testimony to express concerns regarding the failure of our government to adhere to the principles embodied in both the State of Hawaii’s motto, “Ua Mau ke Ea o ka ʻĀina i ka Pono” ("The life of the land is perpetuated in righteousness"), and the County of Maui’s motto, *“Hana Kupono, Ku I Ka Pono” ("Strive for Excellence, Stand for Justice"). Both of these mottos emphasize righteousness, sustainability, and justice. However, it has become evident that there are significant gaps between these guiding principles and the government’s current actions.
Environmental and Land Management Failures:
The government has a duty to protect and manage our natural resources responsibly, as reflected in the focus on “righteousness” and the life of the land in both mottos. However, overdevelopment, land mismanagement, and environmental degradation suggest otherwise. The ongoing water rights conflicts in East Maui, along with decisions favoring corporate interests, such as those involving Mahi Pono and Alexander & Baldwin, indicate a departure from sustainable land stewardship. These actions undermine the public’s trust and the call for righteousness that our mottos demand.
Housing and Cost of Living:
The principles of justice and righteousness should guide housing policies to ensure that basic needs are met. However, the housing crisis on Maui, made worse by recent wildfires, highlights the government’s inability to address affordable housing effectively. Skyrocketing land and housing prices, particularly for Native Hawaiians and local residents, demonstrate a failure to align with the idea of preserving the life of the land in righteousness and ensuring justice for all.
Indigenous Rights and Cultural Preservation:
The government's handling of issues such as the Mauna Kea protests and land leases to corporations has been widely criticized as a violation of the core values expressed in both mottos. Native Hawaiian communities have long fought to preserve sacred lands and resources, yet government resistance to their concerns shows a disconnect between cultural values and policy decisions. This further diminishes public confidence in the government’s commitment to “pono” or righteousness.
Corruption and Mismanagement:
At both the state and county levels, instances of mismanagement, slow bureaucratic processes, and allegations of corruption are widespread. The lack of transparency and accountability conflicts directly with the principle of "standing for justice" enshrined in the County of Maui’s motto. The government must regain the public’s trust by improving its operations and adhering to the standards of excellence and righteousness called for in our mottos.
### Tourism vs. Local Interests:
While tourism is essential to Hawaii’s economy, it does not necessarily benefit Hawaiians, Hawaiian culture, or, as we learned following the events of August 8, 2023, the residents of Maui County. Many policies prioritize tourists over local communities, leading to conflicts over water use, zoning, and infrastructure. The prioritization of tourist interests over residents contradicts the values of justice and sustainability reflected in our mottos. We must refocus on the needs of the community and ensure that economic development does not come at the expense of our environment or people.
In conclusion, the government must better align its actions with the principles expressed in the State of Hawaii and County of Maui mottos. This requires a shift in priorities—one that places sustainability, justice, and the welfare of residents above corporate interests and mismanagement. I urge the Council to review current policies and make meaningful changes to ensure that our government truly reflects the values of “pono” and justice in all its actions.
Thank you for considering these principles in your deliberations.
Edward Codelia