Full Name: Hana Soules Steel

Name on Ballot: Hana S. Steel

Age: 70

District: Wailuku District

Email Address: VOTE4HANASTEEL@GMAIL.COM

Current Job: Recycling coordinator

Place of birth: Elgin, N.D.

Campaign website: VOTE4HANASTEEL.ORG

Job history past 10 years:

Recycling coordinator, Maui County

Ever run for public office? If so, when? Outcome?

No

Other civic experience or community service?

Chaplain emeritis, Unity Church of Maui

Member, Halau Ke‘alaokamaile, Papa Lei Hinahina, Wailuku

Participant monthly in fundraisers for Na Kupuna O Maui and Lahaina Town Action Committee.

Anything else you’d like voters to know about you?

I’ve been focusing on garbage solutions for decades and I’d like to broaden my scope. I am a seasoned independent thinker who’s nobody’s “yes man.” Maui’s future needs are my current goals and I will serve with honor and return all calls within 48 hours.

What makes you qualified to be a Council member?

I am a civil servant, 26 years, who is a tenacious team player and leader who moves agendas forward and is dedicated to Maui County’s sustainable future. I have decades of experience teaming-up with others to draft good waste management policy for Hawaii and Maui.

What are your top five priorities for the county?

Solve the affordable housing, homeless housing dilemma

Plan for the SILVER TSUNAMI- 40,000 people over 65 in 2025 – increase housing options for seniors and care facilities elders.

Increase government efficiency- upgrade to a county manager system and a biannual budget. Secure a light-rail corridor. Increase food production.

What is your one big idea?

Maui must learn from Oahu’s mess. Before any use of the cane fields is set in stone, Maui County must immediately begin negotiations for a light rail corridor through the cane fields connecting our communities. Until it’s built, let the farmers farm the corridor.

What do you think about the proposal to go from a mayor/council form of government to a manager/council form?

Best grassroots idea of the decade! I applaud the community organization,”For the Good of Maui,” and all those who have pushed this brilliant idea into the public for-front. I strongly support this and will work to make it a reality.

What can the Council do to deal with the economic impact from the end of sugar on Maui?

Keep an open mind, keep a tighter budget, stay in communication with all affected sectors and do what is needed to keep Maui moving forward, in spite of the change. Support job training and give assistance to laid-off workers until they get established.

Affordable housing is in short supply on Maui. How would you suggest increasing the inventory of affordable housing?

Build more (2 projects under development) or put more people in existing structures via zoning changes, tax credits, use industrial buildings for housing, decrease the lot size -7,500 to 5,000 for ohanas. I fully support Planning Director Will Spence’s plan on how to tackle this issue.