For eight years I served as the chairwoman of Gov. Linda Lingle's Maui Advisory Committee. We were asked to be the eyes and ears for the governor on Maui. During those years we heard about many issues that concerned the citizens of Maui.
True to her commitment, the governor acted on many of those issues. Maui's long-neglected small-boat harbors were repaired and renovated. Real restrooms were constructed on the road to Hana. Health services were vastly improved for the many segments of our needy community.
Lahainaluna High School got funding for its first real school cafeteria. The long-awaited Lahaina bypass was started. The list is long and distinguished.
The first of its kind in the U.S., the Hana dialysis home wouldn't have happened without Lingle's letter of support to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Although we asked for help from Congresswoman Mazie Hirono's office, she never responded to our letter and follow-up phone calls.
Lingle kept her commitment to her eyes and ears on Maui. She did it in a forthright manner. She kept her promise. Maui was enriched by her attention. She will serve the people when she is elected to the Senate. Maui has eight years of proof.
Madge Schaefer
Kihei
