Council chair White decides not to seek re-election
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Maui County Council Chairman Mike White announced Thursday that he will not seek re-election to his Makawao-Haiku-Paia residency seat in the fall, despite being able to run one more time before facing term limits.
White, 68, who also is the general manager of the Ka'anapali Beach Hotel, said that he will need to spend more time at the hotel next year.
"During my tenure on the council, I was able to focus much of my time on county business as the hotel ran with many experienced team members," said White, who has been general manager at the resort since 1985. "In early 2019, my responsibilities to the owners of the hotel will significantly increase, making it difficult to dedicate the necessary time to both roles."
White has been chairman of the council since 2015 and has drawn the ire of some members of the community over his leadership from time to time.
A complaint was filed with the county Ethics Board in late 2016 because he announced his chairmanship of the council prior to officially taking office. White said he had followed the practice of the previous chairperson, Gladys Baisa, and the complaint was dismissed. The council was organized on Jan. 2, 2017, after a marathon session.
He took some heat for proposing late last year to allow a majority of council members to remove another councilor's staff members. It stemmed from the behavior of a staffer of a council member, who refused to discipline the staffer despite complaints from another council member and Office of Council Services officials.
White was accused by members of the public of being undemocratic and engaging in a power grab. The measure did not progress very far.
White said Thursday in an email that the negative and combative discourse comes with the territory of being an elected official.
"Allowing negativity to get under your skin does not help any situation," he said. "Instead, I have always kept my focus on the end goal of any piece of legislation or action. I always voted my conscience and do not have any regrets.
"People will not always agree with every decision, but that is politics."
Some critics took aim at White's position at the hotel and his role in the industry, accusing him of favoring tourism interests.
"There has been a lot of commentary and critics about my role at the county and hotel," White said. "It hasn't bothered me, but I believe the public must step back and really think about the kind of politicians they want in office."
He said he believes that his effectiveness as a council member stems from his business background and "understanding the impact county regulations have on residents and businesses." He noted that running the county with its $700 million budget is complex.
"Many individuals who bring this experience, however, are deterred from running because of the negativity in politics, and this to me is a concern," White said. "We need experienced leaders running the county."
White was first elected to his seat in 2011 and served as chairman of the council Economic Development, Parks and Recreation Committee from 2011-13 and council Budget Committee chairman from 2013-15.
Council members are limited to five consecutive terms, and White was eligible to run for a final two-year term this year.
White's departure marks a changing of the guard in the council. The retirements of White and Robert Carroll and the departures of Don Guzman and Elle Cochran, who are running for mayor, mean there will be four open seats to be filled in the November election.
Former Council member Mike Molina, currently an executive assistant to Mayor Alan Arakawa, has pulled election papers to replace White. Molina ran against White in 2014 and defeated him in the primary election but lost in the general election.
"I am encouraged that Mr. Molina has the willingness to step up and return to the council," White said in his announcement. "Although we have had tough races against each other in the past, he has always been a reasonable voice. He also has been supportive of the visitor industry, which supports a vast majority of working families in Maui County."
When asked if this was a formal endorsement, White replied: "I believe Mike Molina is a strong candidate who has a track record of being a balanced council member for working families and businesses. If there are others who believe they can do the job, I believe we owe it to them to consider their candidacy."
White cited the creation of the Office of the County Auditor, securing funding to repair the Kalakupua Playground at the 4th Marine Division Park in Haiku, preserving 267 acres on Maui's north shore at Hamakualoa near Peahi in open space, banning alcohol at county parks where youth centers are located and working to create additional affordable housing as major accomplishments during his nearly eight years in office.
"I have truly enjoyed serving the residents of Maui County and working to better this special place we call home," he said.
In his last 8-1/2 months, White said his priorities will be to pass "a fiscally responsible 2019 budget," wrap up the Molokai Community Plan, select the West Maui Community Plan Advisory Committee, consider charter amendments for the general election, and complete legislative initiatives, such as creating higher fines for those who do not comply with short-term rental laws.
"Serving on the council has been a great experience, and I am proud of the accomplishments that we have achieved together," White said. "There is much more to be done, and I am confident the new council will continue to work through the many of the difficult issues facing the county."
The Olinda resident's resume includes serving as the West Maui, Molokai, Lanai and Kahoolawe state House member from 1993 to 1998. He earned a bachelor of science degree from the University of Hawaii at Manoa School of Travel Industry Management.
He is married with five adult children.
* Lee Imada can be reached at leeimada@mauinews.com.