Balance of power may be at stake in open East Maui council race
Claire Kamalu Carroll
Shane Sinenci
Claire Kamalu Carroll
Shane Sinenci
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EDITOR'S NOTE: This story examining the race for the County Council's East Maui residency seat is part of The Maui News' coverage of key Maui County races in Tuesday's general election. The stories will run periodically through Sunday. The Maui News election guide was published in last Sunday's newspaper.
The East Maui County Council seat is up for grabs in a race that could determine the majority between 'Ohana Coalition candidates and so-called "establishment" members of the council.
Candidates Shane Sinenci and Claire Kamalu Carroll are vying for the seat to be vacated by Carroll's father, Council Vice Chairman Bob Carroll. The longtime council member announced his retirement in February after serving seven two-year terms from 2001 to 2006 and 2011 to present.
Neither candidate has served in elected office yet, though, the 'Ohana-backed Sinenci ran unsuccessfully against Bob Carroll in 2016. Carroll won with 25,273 votes, or 47.7 percent, to Sinenci's 19,119 votes, or 36.1 percent.
Sinenci pointed out that he received more than 70 percent of the East Maui vote in his first bid, signifying that residents want change. He touted his experience and years of service in the community in comparison to Carroll's daughter.
"I think I've been afforded more experiences and education," he said. "I don't want people to vote just because of her endorsements. We'll be making some critical decisions, and I think you should be qualified. One of the reasons why a lot of progressive candidates are running is because a lot of people being appointed were not qualified or were appointed for who they knew."
Claire Kamalu Carroll rejected the notion that being her father's daughter is the only reason people should vote for her, and noted her work in the community starting a Neighborhood Watch to prevent crime and serving as chairwoman of the Hana Advisory Committee. While she acknowledges this is her first crack at politics, she said she believes her time learning from her father and other council members gives her an advantage in stepping into the job immediately.
"I built my own identity," she said. "I have a passion for my community, and I'm making this my journey. I, for sure, will be asking a lot of questions, but it's about proving the work rather than just talking about it."
TOURISM
Both candidates believe tourism needs to be managed, but they differ in their overall outlook of the industry.
Sinenci questioned whether residents want tourism to remain the county's primary economic driver and suggested a transition back to agriculture. Carroll said she believes tourism provides much-needed jobs for residents, and the county needs to educate visitors more to maintain resources.
"I've always said we're at a critical moment in Maui's history," Sinenci said. "Now that sugar is over, it's left a lot of things open. We have a land base geared for agriculture, so do we want to continue our legacy in agriculture and be sustainable and grow our own food for the next generations? Or do we continue to push tourism?"
Tourism rivals nearly half of Maui's resident population, with 65,000 to 80,000 visitors on island any given day, Sinenci said. The Maui Island Plan advises that the tourist population not exceed roughly 33 percent of the resident population.
"There are times where our lifestyle is going to be affected by tourists because of the sheer numbers that they bring," he said. "My belief is that we should be good hosts to our visitors and if we don't have the means to host you, then we're not being good hosts. We should have clean bathrooms. We've seen lines at the state parks because there's only two bathrooms and two toilets in the girls bathroom. Sometimes they have to go into the boys bathroom because the women are lined up outside."
Sinenci said public facilities and utilities need to be upgraded to sustain the industry, but he would like the county to explore agriculture as a possible replacement. He proposed building economic centers in various districts countywide outfitted with community kitchens, historical museums and food production centers.
"East Maui is one of the few areas that still has pasturelands," he said. "In the unlikely event our shipping decreases or imports stop, I think we should have a backup plan. We should have food and be able to sustain ourselves."
Carroll, who works at Hana Ranch Restaurant, acknowledged that the island, including East Maui, is getting overcrowded by tourists. She pointed out, however, that many local businesses in Hana survive on visitors, and were "hit really hard" when Tropical Storm Olivia struck the island in September and prevented tourists from traveling to the small, remote town.
"When I look at tourists, I actually see dollar signs to provide for the families that live in Hana," she said. "I work with a staff, except for two people, who were born and raised in Hana. I'm very pro-educating tourists about trespassing and going to unsafe zones, but the thing is they still provide for our community."
Carroll said an education program for visitors is "deeply needed" to direct tourists to state and county parks, which are built to accommodate high traffic volume. She said her restaurant refuses to give directions to unsafe areas such as Red Sand Beach, where visitors have been injured and even died.
"It's about keeping our visitors safe and letting them enjoy the island," she said. "Hopefully, I can work with the state on larger parking areas so cars can fit at designated state parks."
HOUSING
While the two Hana residents differed slightly on tourism, both supported more affordable housing in East Maui and countywide.
Late last year, the council approved a 100 percent affordable housing project in Hana, despite a complaint from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs and concerns over cultural sites. Plans call for 25 single-family lots at 4356 Hana Highway between Ulumalu Road and Hohani Place.
Carroll recalled the housing project and how a couple of council members she declined to name flew into the town for a hearing on the project to drum up opposition. She said residents supported the project and a few of her workers are now working to buy one of the homes that may cost around $350,000.
"The biggest mistake was it was in our backyard," she said. "We knew everything, and there was nothing cultural about it. That area is right down the road by my home."
Sinenci agreed that Hana residents welcomed the housing project, and he is looking for more. He said homes in the area are selling for nearly a million dollars and many are being converted into vacation rentals.
Sinenci said he plans to partner with the state Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, which has 600 acres in East Maui and access to water wells, for future housing projects.
"I'm not anti-development; I'm pro-development for the public good," he said. "I understand the need to upgrade infrastructure, and I support public utility upgrades because it benefits everyone."
Both candidates vowed to continue the county's efforts to crack down on illegal vacation rentals, which are ultimately occupying possible residential housing. They also planned to invest in long-term rentals for those not looking to buy a home immediately.
"Local residents work two or three jobs to pay a mortgage," Sinenci said. "We're looking out for families that don't make that kind of money. If a lot of housing caters to high-end luxury homes, we've got a serious problem in housing."
THE SWING VOTE
Bob Carroll's seat is one of four on the council without incumbents this election cycle, opening the door for the 'Ohana Coalition to secure a 5-4 majority.
Both East Maui candidates have heard their race characterized as the "swing seat," though they declined to view their race as such and focused on their issues.
Carroll said she does not appreciate being viewed as part of the the so-called "establishment" and plans to "vote for what's good for the community." She also expressed her displeasure of her opponent, who she said has perpetuated the division during debates leading up to the election.
"I'm disturbed that this candidate is training people to believe there are sides," she said. "We are working for the community and things that will benefit Maui County. That's my side. I really don't appreciate the side thing, and people know I'm a pretty straight shooter, but I'm also a very good listener too."
Sinenci defended himself, saying he has not focused on sides or dividing voters, but on "people's needs." He said he believes he can work with any sitting council member and candidate, and would not vote simply based on his endorsements.
"My decisions will always benefit the greater good of the public," he said. "I will make sure everyone is included."
* Chris Sugidono can be reached at csugidono@mauinews.com.
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Claire Kamalu Carroll
Age: 49
Birthplace: Hana
Residence: Hana
Occupation: Employee of Gammie Home Care and Travaasa Hana (Hana Ranch Restaurant)
Education: Hana High School
Community service: Neighborhood Crime Watch; Maui County parks enrichment program, Kupuna awareness; Hana Community Association vice chairwoman; Hana Advisory Committee chairwoman; Fill the boot, Fireman's fundraiser (Muscular Dystrophy Association)
Family: Three children and five grandchildren
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Shane Sinenci
Age: 51
Birthplace: Hana
Residence: Hana
Occupation: Public school teacher, special education
Political experience: Ran for County Council seat in 2016
Education: Lahainaluna High School, 1985; University of Oregon, Bachelor of Architecture, 1992; Chaminade University of Honolulu, teacher certification
Community service: Hana Community Association, 2014-18; 'Aha Moku Councils, Hana, 2013-18; Maui County Planning Committee, advisory, 2009-11; sports coach (soccer, volleyball, tennis, Makahiki games), 2006-present
Family: Single