WAILUKU - With plenty of fuzzy goodwill, hearty hugs - and enough lei to obscure a few faces - the new Maui County Council was sworn in Friday.
However, the festive atmosphere was tempered by an undercurrent of uncertainty about the economy as 2nd Circuit Judge Shackley Raffetto swore in the nine council members for their two-year terms.
"Everybody looks so happy today," said the master of ceremonies, attorney Anthony Takitani. "I hope it lasts."
Former three-term Gov. George Ariyoshi offered some political advice to the incoming class, whose only new members, Wayne Nishiki and Sol Kaho'ohalahala, are former council members.
Ariyoshi, a state senator before being picked to be lieutenant governor by his predecessor, John A. Burns, said he understands the perspectives of both the legislative and executive branches. He stressed communication and cooperation to the incoming councilors, including with the labor unions and general public.
He also encouraged departments to be given more responsibility for developing their own efficiencies in these challenging times.
If faced with a deficit, Ariyoshi advised the council to consider cutting staff by attrition rather than layoffs because even the threat of losing a job demoralizes employees.
"For me, it's important for people to talk," Ariyoshi said. "We may not always agree, but at least it encourages one to become empathetic of the other side's situation."
Good communication breeds respect, participation and a willingness to make sacrifices, he said. And if there is anything that can be done right now, while revenues and reserves are secure, do it now, he said.
Finally, the former governor warned against borrowing too much for capital improvements projects, such as new roads and water storage, in order to keep people working. The interest on the bonds needed to pay for such projects can cripple future generations, Ariyoshi said. Use a critical eye to make certain these are necessary projects, he said.
"I know that each of you will rise to the occasion to make this community better," he said.
The Council Chambers were crammed with supporters, friends and family of the candidates as well as other elected officials, such as state Sens. Roz Baker and Shan Tsutsui as well as state Rep. Joe Bertram III.
Molokai singer Melveen Leed added her voice and hula skills to the morning festivities, a colorful precede to the afternoon organizational meeting at which Council Member Danny Mateo, who holds the Molokai residency seat, was elected council chairman for the 2009-10 term.
Mateo succeeds former Council Chairman Riki Hokama, who had to give up his Lanai residency seat after serving five consecutive terms on the council. His absence was noted at the inauguration.
"It's kind of weird not to have an Hokama on the council," Takitani said.
Riki Hokama and his late father, Goro Hokama, served a combined total of more than 50 years, elected to the Lanai residency seat.
Chris Hamilton can be reached at chamilton@mauinews.com.
