I gotta hand it to Maui County Councilmember Mike White: he’ll do what he needs to do to maintain power. Undoubtedly a student of Machiavelli, he’s spent the last two years as Maui County Council chairperson clearly more willing to be feared than loved. After all, he seized control of the council back in January 2015 through what then-Council Chairperson Gladys Baisa called a … [Read more...] about CORRECTED: All Hail Maui County Council Chair Mike White!
Riki Hokama
MauiTime 2016 Year In Review
Even without the election of Republican Donald Trump to be President of the United States, this was a monstrous year. We’ve had to deal with job losses, outrageous giveaways to big business and just a general slide away from democratic protections and open government assurances. We like to think of Hawaii (and Maui especially) as existing outside the world’s troubles, but it’s … [Read more...] about MauiTime 2016 Year In Review
Maui County Council Chair Mike White declares war on the Office of Council Services
Maui County Council Chairperson Mike White has begun making aggressive moves against the Office of Council Services (OCS), asserting his authority as chair to place various staffers on paid leave, as well as replace Director David Raatz, MauiTime has learned. White’s moves, made just a week before Christmas, has left those still at the office uncertain whether they’ll have jobs … [Read more...] about Maui County Council Chair Mike White declares war on the Office of Council Services
Maui County Councilmember Riki Hokama loves patronage!
Way back in 1883, the federal government enacted the Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act, in response to the Gilded Age corruption that plagued the public sector at the time. The act mandated that merit, tested through the use of civil service exams, decide who got a job with the federal government, instead of political affiliation. The act didn't cover all employees, but it was … [Read more...] about Maui County Councilmember Riki Hokama loves patronage!
An investment group wants to lease Old Maui High for $1/year. Northshore residents aren’t so sure
On a clear, calm evening in early November, a group of about 70 mostly North Shore residents gathered in front of the Old Maui High School in Hamakuapoko to hear how a group of investors planned to transform the abandoned, eerily beautiful 23.5-acre property, the island of Maui, and the world. The for-profit organization TEACH … [Read more...] about An investment group wants to lease Old Maui High for $1/year. Northshore residents aren’t so sure