Maui Prepares for the Polls

'Ohana Coalition event explores the issues each candidate will be expected to address during this election season.
"We must balance the needs of today with those of yesterday and tomorrow."

The Maui Weekly
July 10, 2008
by Sarah Ruppenthal

With election season right around the corner, 'Ohana Coalition Maui isn't wasting any time preparing for the polls. At an event on Saturday, June 28, at the Hawai'i Nature Center in 'Iao Valley, dozens of community members gathered to hear the crucial economic, environmental and social issues that will dominate this year's election. And with so many significant issues surfacing on Maui this year, there will certainly be no shortage of hard questions.

Since 2002, the nonpartisan, grassroots political action group has taken on the task of assisting Maui's voters in making informed decisions at the polls. The group strives to help the community choose ethical government representatives that "represent all the people, not just the big business interests." For three election cycles, 'Ohana Coalition volunteers have interviewed candidates for several county, state and national seats, thoroughly examining a set of criteria including political platforms, voting records and campaign funding strategies. Upon completion of this "vetting" process, the coalition publicly endorses its slate of candidates. And they don't stop there-if elected, coalition-endorsed candidates are monitored for compliance with campaign promises, and they base any future endorsements on each candidate's record while in office.

According to its Website, the 'Ohana Coalition Maui operates according to the core values of ihi (respect), malama (care and honor), aloha (love and compassion), ike (recognition and acknowledgement of one other), kokua (helping without obligations) and pono (to do what is right). While it is labeled as a political action group, the mission of the 'Ohana Coalition is not to influence, or even acquire, a particular vote; rather, the group's sole objective is to educate the community and present the information that is needed to make the best decision in the voting booth. According to coalition member Mike McCormick, "We endorse those who do the right thing? we strongly encourage the general public to get involved."

At Saturday's event, a lineup of guest speakers addressed the audience, presenting a range of topics that impact the past, present and future of Maui County and its residents. Amid a festive atmosphere of animated conversation, live music and an impressive spread of locally-grown foods, community leaders, curious residents and prospective candidates took in the lush scenery of 'Iao Valley as they listened to each speaker's presentation.

"These are topics of concern for everyone," said McCormick, "No matter what party you belong to." From the debate over transient vacation rentals to the preservation of Native Hawaiian culture, the afternoon event covered all of the relevant-and deeply personal-issues that each candidate will be expected to address during the election season.

The audience listened intently as guest speaker Nadine Newlight listed all of the environmental issues that will be raised during the election season, ranging from oil dependency and recycling to invasive species and GMO-free taro.

"You need to ask these candidates about these issues," she said, "For the sake of our generation and the next."

It is important for everyone to pay attention to these issues, agreed coalition member Rob Parsons, "because these are troubling times, with big issues-we can collectively make a difference."

Parsons noted the dismal voter turnout rates in Maui County during the last few election cycles, emphasizing the critical need to register new voters and encourage friends and neighbors to head to the polls and cast their votes. "Your voice does matter," he said.

Generating a burst of applause from the crowd, Save Honolua Coalition Representative Tamara Paltin gave an impassioned plea to vote for Maui's future-and take responsibility for individual choices and actions. "We need to look at personal responsibility? and how to go about cleaning up our own messes," she said. "Real, positive change depends on us, not government? voting is only the first step."

As he took the microphone, 'Ohana Coalition President Ed Lindsey cautioned, "Too many of our cultural and natural resources are being destroyed? it is incumbent on us to make sure that the spirit of our island is not trampled on or destroyed." He gently reminded the audience, "We need to work together regardless of our background or political party? we must balance the needs of today with those of yesterday and tomorrow."

The 'Ohana Coalition Maui welcomes new members; membership is open to all registered Maui County voters who support the group's values and mission statement. For more information, visit www.ohanacoalition.org or call 573-3676.