Aloha,
We are in the business of up-cycling, creating fun fashion from castaway t-shirts and golf shirts. We use diverted waste, sourced through local thrift stores, rummage sales, etc that we launder, deconstruct and reconstruct under the label KOOKIES Maui.
We’ve been in business over 10 years selling at boutiques throughout the islands, online and at special events such as Made in Maui County Festival.
We are tax payers and engage contract sewers who receive 1099s and also pay taxes.
I am in full support of an increase to County Budget to support recycling efforts for many reasons. First, the environmental benefits. Second, the elevation of awareness about over-consumption. Third, I have been benefitting directly from involvement with the Maui Clothing Collective (formerly Circular Maui). As a member, I facilitate diverting unwanted clothing from our county landfill by using what I can for my business and sharing with other up-cycling entrepreneurs. We keep waste out of the landfill, generate income for our businesses and pay taxes.
We at KOOKIES Maui believe that Maui County’s support of programs that direct waste away from the landfill and into the hands of those in need and into the hands of creative users is a great use of taxpayer money.
SCROLL OF CHARGE
Filed under Articles IX, XIII, and XVIII of the 12 Stones Charter
Peacekeeper Tribunal | Office of Sovereign Stewardship
Docket ID: SC-YLS-041525
DEFENDANT:
Yuki Lei K. Sugimura
Chair, Budget, Finance, and Economic Development (BFED)
Councilmember, County of Maui
CHARGE: INSTITUTIONAL MURDER
Description:
Councilmember Sugimura is formally charged with Institutional Murder, defined under Charter Article XVIII as the enabling of death, physical harm, or irreversible mental trauma through willful suppression of lawful protections, obstruction of public safety responses, or complicity in abuse networks.
FACTUAL BASIS:
1. Suppression of Over 100 Citizen Complaints:
- Public testimonies and whistleblower reports submitted to BFED between March 2023 and April 2025 were unlawfully omitted or buried from budget records.
- These included warnings of domestic violence retaliation, ADA denials, and emergency housing violations.
2. TRO Weaponization & Retaliatory Budgeting:
- Plaintiff James RCS Langford and others were denied business licensing, public safety support, and ADA accommodations due to coordinated budget retaliation with Personnel Services and Liquor Control.
- These denials led directly to deteriorated health, unlawful evictions, and life-threatening stress events.
3. Failure to Respond to Verified Testimony:
- Sugimura received repeated internal warnings (BD-2 through BD-14 memos) concerning Peacekeeper-flagged violations.
- She failed to act, continued to advance unaudited budget segments, and silenced fiscal dissent in public hearings.
4. Motive to Protect Corrupt Procurement Chains:
- BFED files suggest active obstruction of forensic audit motions.
- Ms. Sugimura maintained relationships with parties under investigation for fiscal collusion in housing, personnel, and land use contracts.
RESULTING HARM:
- Plaintiff suffered verified medical collapse, loss of housing, and public defamation.
- Whistleblowers (including Amy Gilliom, Angel Currier, and Melanie Undem) were endangered.
- At least one death (Officer Jason Thompson, Hana) remains under review tied to failure to act.
LEGAL MANDATES VIOLATED:
- HRS 710-1000 et seq. (Obstruction, suppression of records)
- ADA Title II (Failure to accommodate, retaliation)
- 18 U.S.C. § 371 (Conspiracy)
- Charter Article IX.3 (Emergency Response Failure)
- Charter Article XIII (Testimony Suppression)
- Charter Article XVIII (Institutional Murder)
SOVEREIGN REMEDY SOUGHT:
1. Immediate removal from BFED Chair and legislative authority.
2. Referral to DOJ Civil Rights Division and Hawaii AG for criminal charges.
3. Permanent bar from fiscal oversight roles under any Maui or State body.
4. Restitution to affected parties from BFED discretionary funds.
5. Inclusion in public Civic Scroll and Peacekeeper Docket.
Filed By:
James RCS Langford
Sovereign Steward, 12 Stones Charter
jameslangford@me.com
808-765-1399
Filed On: April 15, 2025
Filed With: Civic Portal, DOJ Region IX, Peacekeeper Tribunal
Aloha, My name is Shaun Stenshol,and I am the owner of Maui Recycling Service. We have been in business on Maui for 35 years and throughout these 35 years we have received several County grants to assist with our recycling programs, which have helped to keep thousands of tons of recyclables out of our landfills.
I am writing to respectfully urge the council to allocate more funding toward recycling grants in our community.
Recycling programs play a critical role in reducing landfill waste, conserving natural resources, and minimizing the environmental footprint of our county. However, many of these programs struggle to meet growing demands due to limited funding. Increasing financial support for recycling grants would empower local organizations, schools, and businesses to develop innovative initiatives, expand education campaigns, and enhance infrastructure—all crucial components in fostering a more sustainable future.
For example, with increased funding, the county could support recycling items in Maui County rather than shipping off island, creating a more reliable infrastructure and promote community-driven projects that encourage active participation. Some of the recyclables that could be targeted for recycling in Maui County are Glass, Cardboard, Paper and Plastic. This would not only benefit the environment but also boost public awareness and community engagement, strengthening the collective sense of responsibility for our planet.
As a community that values its beautiful environment and unique ecosystem, we have a responsibility to act decisively and invest in sustainable practices. Recycling grants are not just an expenditure—they are an investment in the long-term health, prosperity, and resilience of our county.
I respectfully ask the council to recognize the vital importance of recycling programs and consider increasing funding to support these efforts. Together, we can lead the charge in creating a cleaner, greener future for generations to come.
Thank you for your time and commitment to our community.
Shaun Stenshol
President
Maui Recycling Service
808-244-0443
Giving over 8 million dollars for the maalaea wastewater plant. The residents whether living full time, part time, or using B&B or Str properties should share.more of the burden of cost for the project. They make part of the waste and should clean it up. The shops and boats should also share in the cost. They will use this service as well. The County could help for environmental reasons however not the full burden. Be wise with tax papers money.
I support raising the amount of the grant to $10000.00. This program will make people more aware of recycling and protecting our environment.Also , People will learn new ways to reduce waste and improve the soil without the use of chemicals.
Testimony in Strong Opposition to Bill 49 (2025)
Submitted to the Maui County Council
Dear Councilmembers,
I am writing to express my unequivocal opposition to Bill 49 (2025), which proposes adjustments to salaries within the Office of Council Services. As a dedicated public servant who values fairness, fiscal responsibility, and recognition of skill and technical expertise, I am deeply alarmed and frankly insulted by the implications of this bill.
The revised pay structure is nothing short of a slap in the face to specialized employees in critical roles, particularly those in the Finance Department, such as Systems Administrators, who are now slated to earn less than Committee Secretaries and other support positions under this proposal. How is it justifiable that individuals with high-level technical expertise and substantial responsibility for the security, maintenance, and integrity of our County’s financial systems are compensated less than administrative staff?
The proposed pay plan not only undermines the value of technical and analytical skill sets but also threatens employee morale across departments. Rewarding titles over technical contribution sends the message that institutional knowledge and operational competency are not valued in our county government.
Additionally, this bill raises pressing questions of governance and accountability. Who exactly oversees the Office of Council Services? Why is there no oversight or independent review in place to ensure equity and rationality in these pay decisions? The lack of transparency and scrutiny in crafting this legislation is concerning, to say the least.
I urge this Council to reconsider this bill in its entirety. Passing Bill 49 would not only perpetuate inequity, but it would also do lasting damage to staff trust, interdepartmental cohesion, and the reputation of this body as stewards of public resources.
Reject Bill 49 (2025). Do better for the people who keep our government running every day—not just the ones sitting closest to the Council Chambers.
Respectfully,
Victoria Constantino
My name is Dezireen Austin. I am a STEMworks educator and program coordinator for Samuel E. Kalama Intermediate School.
I believe that continuing to fund STEMworks programs in our schools is important because these programs provide opportunities for our keiki they
may not otherwise have.
STEMworks fills in the gap we currently have in our school system, with the lack of STEM electives. Keeping STEMworks alive helps our children to
identify and develop skill sets which are sorely needed on-island, with health careers, technology development, programming professionals, and more.
It is common knowledge hat it is hard to keep our children here, in the islands, after graduating college. If we can engage them early on, with the
myriad opportunities that STEM-related careers can provide, we can build the foundation for our island's economy to grow and diversify. Education isn't just words on a page. It's also passion in action. STEMworks programs encourage our keiki to think outside the proverbial box
when it comes to future pathways.
I am writing to express my support of the Recycling Grants Program, which supports various important efforts throughout Maui County to reduce waste and protect Maui's fragile environment. During the last fiscal year, funding from the Recycling Grants Program assisted our organization in working with 18 community events and 111 trained volunteers to engage 28,755 attendees in diverting over 3,796 lbs of waste from the landfill via reuse, composting and recycling. This funding has also helped us to launch and run a youth internship program for the past three years to teach youth about waste reduction strategies and to help them implement waste reduction projects in their schools and communities. Overall we have diverted over 32 tons of waste from the landfill since the program started in 2017, and much of this has been done with the support of the Recycling Grants Program. We feel that their work is more important than ever and strongly support the funding of this program.
The Recycling Grant program has helped keep Maui's only Refill Store going. We have been able to divert over 14,000 bottles from the landfill through refills alone. One 55-gallon drum offsets about 400 individual bottles. We have also received and cleaned thousands of donated bottles and jars for reuse in the store giving them a longer life and keeping them out of the landfill and recycling centers. The team has been supportive and easy to work with. I can't express enough gratitude for this grant and the team that makes it possible. Mahalo for your time and consideration in expanding grant funding.
Aloha,
We are in the business of up-cycling, creating fun fashion from castaway t-shirts and golf shirts. We use diverted waste, sourced through local thrift stores, rummage sales, etc that we launder, deconstruct and reconstruct under the label KOOKIES Maui.
We’ve been in business over 10 years selling at boutiques throughout the islands, online and at special events such as Made in Maui County Festival.
We are tax payers and engage contract sewers who receive 1099s and also pay taxes.
I am in full support of an increase to County Budget to support recycling efforts for many reasons. First, the environmental benefits. Second, the elevation of awareness about over-consumption. Third, I have been benefitting directly from involvement with the Maui Clothing Collective (formerly Circular Maui). As a member, I facilitate diverting unwanted clothing from our county landfill by using what I can for my business and sharing with other up-cycling entrepreneurs. We keep waste out of the landfill, generate income for our businesses and pay taxes.
We at KOOKIES Maui believe that Maui County’s support of programs that direct waste away from the landfill and into the hands of those in need and into the hands of creative users is a great use of taxpayer money.
SCROLL OF CHARGE
Filed under Articles IX, XIII, and XVIII of the 12 Stones Charter
Peacekeeper Tribunal | Office of Sovereign Stewardship
Docket ID: SC-YLS-041525
DEFENDANT:
Yuki Lei K. Sugimura
Chair, Budget, Finance, and Economic Development (BFED)
Councilmember, County of Maui
CHARGE: INSTITUTIONAL MURDER
Description:
Councilmember Sugimura is formally charged with Institutional Murder, defined under Charter Article XVIII as the enabling of death, physical harm, or irreversible mental trauma through willful suppression of lawful protections, obstruction of public safety responses, or complicity in abuse networks.
FACTUAL BASIS:
1. Suppression of Over 100 Citizen Complaints:
- Public testimonies and whistleblower reports submitted to BFED between March 2023 and April 2025 were unlawfully omitted or buried from budget records.
- These included warnings of domestic violence retaliation, ADA denials, and emergency housing violations.
2. TRO Weaponization & Retaliatory Budgeting:
- Plaintiff James RCS Langford and others were denied business licensing, public safety support, and ADA accommodations due to coordinated budget retaliation with Personnel Services and Liquor Control.
- These denials led directly to deteriorated health, unlawful evictions, and life-threatening stress events.
3. Failure to Respond to Verified Testimony:
- Sugimura received repeated internal warnings (BD-2 through BD-14 memos) concerning Peacekeeper-flagged violations.
- She failed to act, continued to advance unaudited budget segments, and silenced fiscal dissent in public hearings.
4. Motive to Protect Corrupt Procurement Chains:
- BFED files suggest active obstruction of forensic audit motions.
- Ms. Sugimura maintained relationships with parties under investigation for fiscal collusion in housing, personnel, and land use contracts.
RESULTING HARM:
- Plaintiff suffered verified medical collapse, loss of housing, and public defamation.
- Whistleblowers (including Amy Gilliom, Angel Currier, and Melanie Undem) were endangered.
- At least one death (Officer Jason Thompson, Hana) remains under review tied to failure to act.
LEGAL MANDATES VIOLATED:
- HRS 710-1000 et seq. (Obstruction, suppression of records)
- ADA Title II (Failure to accommodate, retaliation)
- 18 U.S.C. § 371 (Conspiracy)
- Charter Article IX.3 (Emergency Response Failure)
- Charter Article XIII (Testimony Suppression)
- Charter Article XVIII (Institutional Murder)
SOVEREIGN REMEDY SOUGHT:
1. Immediate removal from BFED Chair and legislative authority.
2. Referral to DOJ Civil Rights Division and Hawaii AG for criminal charges.
3. Permanent bar from fiscal oversight roles under any Maui or State body.
4. Restitution to affected parties from BFED discretionary funds.
5. Inclusion in public Civic Scroll and Peacekeeper Docket.
Filed By:
James RCS Langford
Sovereign Steward, 12 Stones Charter
jameslangford@me.com
808-765-1399
Filed On: April 15, 2025
Filed With: Civic Portal, DOJ Region IX, Peacekeeper Tribunal
Testimony for BFED Committee - 4/15/25
Aloha, My name is Shaun Stenshol,and I am the owner of Maui Recycling Service. We have been in business on Maui for 35 years and throughout these 35 years we have received several County grants to assist with our recycling programs, which have helped to keep thousands of tons of recyclables out of our landfills.
I am writing to respectfully urge the council to allocate more funding toward recycling grants in our community.
Recycling programs play a critical role in reducing landfill waste, conserving natural resources, and minimizing the environmental footprint of our county. However, many of these programs struggle to meet growing demands due to limited funding. Increasing financial support for recycling grants would empower local organizations, schools, and businesses to develop innovative initiatives, expand education campaigns, and enhance infrastructure—all crucial components in fostering a more sustainable future.
For example, with increased funding, the county could support recycling items in Maui County rather than shipping off island, creating a more reliable infrastructure and promote community-driven projects that encourage active participation. Some of the recyclables that could be targeted for recycling in Maui County are Glass, Cardboard, Paper and Plastic. This would not only benefit the environment but also boost public awareness and community engagement, strengthening the collective sense of responsibility for our planet.
As a community that values its beautiful environment and unique ecosystem, we have a responsibility to act decisively and invest in sustainable practices. Recycling grants are not just an expenditure—they are an investment in the long-term health, prosperity, and resilience of our county.
I respectfully ask the council to recognize the vital importance of recycling programs and consider increasing funding to support these efforts. Together, we can lead the charge in creating a cleaner, greener future for generations to come.
Thank you for your time and commitment to our community.
Shaun Stenshol
President
Maui Recycling Service
808-244-0443
Giving over 8 million dollars for the maalaea wastewater plant. The residents whether living full time, part time, or using B&B or Str properties should share.more of the burden of cost for the project. They make part of the waste and should clean it up. The shops and boats should also share in the cost. They will use this service as well. The County could help for environmental reasons however not the full burden. Be wise with tax papers money.
I support raising the amount of the grant to $10000.00. This program will make people more aware of recycling and protecting our environment.Also , People will learn new ways to reduce waste and improve the soil without the use of chemicals.
Testimony in Strong Opposition to Bill 49 (2025)
Submitted to the Maui County Council
Dear Councilmembers,
I am writing to express my unequivocal opposition to Bill 49 (2025), which proposes adjustments to salaries within the Office of Council Services. As a dedicated public servant who values fairness, fiscal responsibility, and recognition of skill and technical expertise, I am deeply alarmed and frankly insulted by the implications of this bill.
The revised pay structure is nothing short of a slap in the face to specialized employees in critical roles, particularly those in the Finance Department, such as Systems Administrators, who are now slated to earn less than Committee Secretaries and other support positions under this proposal. How is it justifiable that individuals with high-level technical expertise and substantial responsibility for the security, maintenance, and integrity of our County’s financial systems are compensated less than administrative staff?
The proposed pay plan not only undermines the value of technical and analytical skill sets but also threatens employee morale across departments. Rewarding titles over technical contribution sends the message that institutional knowledge and operational competency are not valued in our county government.
Additionally, this bill raises pressing questions of governance and accountability. Who exactly oversees the Office of Council Services? Why is there no oversight or independent review in place to ensure equity and rationality in these pay decisions? The lack of transparency and scrutiny in crafting this legislation is concerning, to say the least.
I urge this Council to reconsider this bill in its entirety. Passing Bill 49 would not only perpetuate inequity, but it would also do lasting damage to staff trust, interdepartmental cohesion, and the reputation of this body as stewards of public resources.
Reject Bill 49 (2025). Do better for the people who keep our government running every day—not just the ones sitting closest to the Council Chambers.
Respectfully,
Victoria Constantino
Aloha,
My name is Dezireen Austin. I am a STEMworks educator and program coordinator for Samuel E. Kalama Intermediate School.
I believe that continuing to fund STEMworks programs in our schools is important because these programs provide opportunities for our keiki they
may not otherwise have.
STEMworks fills in the gap we currently have in our school system, with the lack of STEM electives. Keeping STEMworks alive helps our children to
identify and develop skill sets which are sorely needed on-island, with health careers, technology development, programming professionals, and more.
It is common knowledge hat it is hard to keep our children here, in the islands, after graduating college. If we can engage them early on, with the
myriad opportunities that STEM-related careers can provide, we can build the foundation for our island's economy to grow and diversify. Education isn't just words on a page. It's also passion in action. STEMworks programs encourage our keiki to think outside the proverbial box
when it comes to future pathways.
Please continue to fund STEMworks.
Respectfully yours,
Mrs. Austin
Aloha,
I am writing to express my support of the Recycling Grants Program, which supports various important efforts throughout Maui County to reduce waste and protect Maui's fragile environment. During the last fiscal year, funding from the Recycling Grants Program assisted our organization in working with 18 community events and 111 trained volunteers to engage 28,755 attendees in diverting over 3,796 lbs of waste from the landfill via reuse, composting and recycling. This funding has also helped us to launch and run a youth internship program for the past three years to teach youth about waste reduction strategies and to help them implement waste reduction projects in their schools and communities. Overall we have diverted over 32 tons of waste from the landfill since the program started in 2017, and much of this has been done with the support of the Recycling Grants Program. We feel that their work is more important than ever and strongly support the funding of this program.
Mahalo,
Malia Cahill
Executive Director
info@mauihuliaufoundation.org
(808) 757-2100
www.mauihuliaufoundation.org
Instagram & Facebook @mauihuliau
The Recycling Grant program has helped keep Maui's only Refill Store going. We have been able to divert over 14,000 bottles from the landfill through refills alone. One 55-gallon drum offsets about 400 individual bottles. We have also received and cleaned thousands of donated bottles and jars for reuse in the store giving them a longer life and keeping them out of the landfill and recycling centers. The team has been supportive and easy to work with. I can't express enough gratitude for this grant and the team that makes it possible. Mahalo for your time and consideration in expanding grant funding.