The LC is a powerful posse. It decides the fate of businesses, and sometimes of whole neighborhoods. With a pass of the pen it can sign the execution order on a bar by rescinding its liquor license. Or its powers can be wielded at the beginning of an establishment’s life, determining whether it will exist at all. Take the Mynah Bird Pub in Wailuku on the corner of Vineyard … [Read more...] about Central Maui Pub Flap
Why the Maui Public Defender’s Office is Hurting and Why It’s Bad For Us All
Now might not be the best time to get in trouble. If you do, even if you’re not to blame, it could take a while to unravel your case. The courts, along with the schools, are on Furlough Fridays. Adding to the delay, the Maui Office of the Public Defender is operating with ten instead of 13 attorneys due to state hiring freezes. For those in jail, and those of us paying to keep … [Read more...] about Why the Maui Public Defender’s Office is Hurting and Why It’s Bad For Us All
Is Marijuana Medicine?
It’s 3am and Terry Murphy can’t sleep. Her muscles spasm, her joints hurt and she has a pounding migraine. This was her life every few hours, from age 33 until three and a half years ago. She’s now 54. In a neat and clean home in Kihei, Terry lives with her 84-year-old widowed mother and a cat. She suffers from hereditary hemochromatosis, which happens to be the most common … [Read more...] about Is Marijuana Medicine?
Talkin’ with Gomes
Talkin’ with Gomes Remember when Commissioner James T. Viela resigned after five months on the LC Commission, on the same day MTW reported his 2005 DUI? His vacant seat may be filled by Jimmy Gomes, who previously served on the Commission from 2002-05. We chatted with him July 8; here’s an excerpt: MTW: You’re probably familiar with the LC rules on dancing. Do you agree with … [Read more...] about Talkin’ with Gomes
Buy Drink?
In Wailuku there are 12 or 13 class 5 category D’s (only one in Kahului.) I’m talking about hostess bars. You know, girls host guests, people buy drinks, and tips are given. Everyone has a good time, kind of like Vegas in Maui. If only gambling were allowed, the places would probably be total gold mines! Imagine the scenario with me: The setting? Saigon Palace. The date … [Read more...] about Buy Drink?