With reference to the Oct. 24 editorial about creating jobs, here are some points that were not covered and need to be made:
The Mayor's Annual Small Business Awards, the "Got ChoiceThink Local" campaign to shop at Maui businesses and the Green Directory matching consumers with local eco-businesses are examples of fostering the growth of locally owned businesses which result in local hiring.
The current administration's unprecedented $517 million investment to improve infrastructure provides for more than 100 projects employing engineers, architects, electricians, plumbers, painters, roofers, construction companies, material suppliers, etc.
Office of Economic Development efforts attracted a professional baseball team to be based on Maui, raising Maui's profile in the sports arena, increasing visitor arrivals and providing direct hires for the team as well as indirect employment (concessions, food vendors, tour packages, etc). Home games bring teams of 25 players and coaches, their families, fans and media; staying an average of seven to eight days; there will be return visits.
OED has been very active and brought to Maui major feature TV and film productions which employ residents and hire local businesses. Production crews and their families add to visitor arrivals and boost local business income. These productions have brought more than $62 million into Maui's economy, according to the state film office.
Fred Pablo
Budget Director, County of Maui
Wailuku
