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Thursday, November 21, 2024 77° Today's Paper


Election

Napua Greig-Nakasone

Full Name: Jaye Napua Greig-Nakasone

Name on Ballot: Napua Greig-Nakasone

Age: 42

District: Upcountry

Email Address: info@votenapua.com

Current Job: educator; kumu hula; business owner

Place of birth: Maui

Campaign website: www.votenapua.com

Job history past 10 years:

Kamehameha Schools, 2005-2010, teacher/cultural specialist

Seabury Hall, 2009-2016, teacher/cultural specialist

Pihana Productions LLC, president

Halau Na Lei Kaumaka o Uka, nonprofit, president

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

No, this is my first time running for public office

Other civic experience or community service?

Halau Na Lei Kaumaka o Uka, nonprofit, president. Founded in 1996-present

Waiohuli Hawaiian Homesteaders Association, board member 2009-present

State Land Use Commission, commissioner at large, 2010-2013

Maui Nui Botanical Gardens, board member

Maui Okinawan Kenjin Kai, member

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

Above all else, I am a mother. I have four children ranging in age from 26 to 3. They are my blessing and my motivation to ensure we make decisions with our childrenʻs future in mind.

What makes you qualified to be a Council member?

My background in education and business enable me to effectively communicate with diverse communities in order to bring them to a similar understanding. My time on the state Land Use Commission has given me experience in making difficult decisions and a greater understanding of the development process.

What are your top five priorities for the county?

Affordable housing/affordable rentals

Water infrastructure

Diversify economy

Attracting and supporting sustainable agriculture while protecting and preserving our environment

Government that is transparent, inclusive and accessible

What is your one big idea?

At a time where we are seeing the negative impacts of our role in a global economy, we must use what is unique to Hawaii to truly diversify our local economy. We need to work toward greater food security and cost efficient energy to maximize on our unique location.

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

There are positive and negative merits in both forms of government. Ultimately it should be left up to the citizens of Maui County to decide which form of government will be most beneficial for all of Maui County. This item should have been on the ballot this election.

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

Because the end of sugar will have great impacts to our economy, it is imperative the Council work together with our mayor and his administration to work with the entire community to offer opportunities to the 700 displaced workers and associated businesses who are part of the sugar process.

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

We must redefine what is truly affordable for our working families. Then we must make the development approval process thorough and efficient to assist in keeping costs down, costs that eventually get handed to the homebuyer. It will take all the different contributors giving a little to implement needed housing.

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