Mayor Alan Arakawa's State of the County speech Friday was an upbeat assessment of a still challenging, but improving, economy and a report that all levels of local and state government are working together for a better Maui.
Arakawa told the gathering that state Senate President Shan Tsutsui is helping the county acquire 70 acres in the Waikapu area for parkland. Following Arakawa's address, Tsutsui said $9 million has been approved for the purchase of land from Alexander & Baldwin near Kuihelani Highway and Pomaika'i Elementary School.
Tsutsui also said after the speech that he and other local legislators were also trying to help Arakawa with another of his priorities - establishment of a "new industry" for filmmakers on Maui.
According to The Maui News story on the speech, County Council Member Danny Mateo said the mayor and the council are "on the same page" on moving projects ahead that will get people back to work.
In short, the mayor's address and the comments by Tsutsui and Mateo seemed to reflect governmental structures that are trying to work together to regenerate and expand our economy, as well as service the needs of our people.
It was a refreshing change from what we see at the federal level. Imagine, legislators and administrators working together to further the public good.
* Editorials reflect the opinion of the publisher.
