Council meets for second time in June, pays tribute to longtime Maui resident
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The Maui County Council convened for their second meeting in the month of June in Wailuku with seven members present. Council members Keani Rawlins-Fernandez, and Nohelani U'u Hodgins were absent from the meeting.
Lanai councilmember Gabe Johnson started off the meeting with the opening remarks.
"Since August 8, I have been deeply impressed with the strength of our community," Johnson said in his opening remarks. "Even on Lanai, I have witnessed people overcome great challenges since the fire."
Johnson said that in order to serve the community, the council members must be good listeners.
"I hear what people are saying," Johnson said. "I hear stories of loss, or heartache ... I hear the voices of Lahaina Strong and how hard they fight to house their people. It's not easy to navigate these political waters and get results. Let alone while carrying the trauma of infinite loss."
Johnson added that the strength it takes for survivors to advocate for themselves is amazing.
"Everyone has a story," Johnson said. "We hear you, we see you. We see all the actions of our community in this time of crisis and I am so proud you. I know some that have lost everything and still they continue to give."
After Johnson's opening remarks to start the meeting, the council moved into adopting a resolution from Mayor Richard Bissen to appoint Lori Ann Tsuhako as the Director of Human Concerns effective July 1.
"The mayor highlighted Miss Tsuhako's experience and noted her as a balanced, dedicated, and passion-driven leader, with who he shares the same vision for the department," Councilwoman Tamara Paltin said of the resolution to appoint Tsuhako. "Addressing and resolving houselessness, continuing wildfire recovery efforts, and enhancing collaboration with and empowering nonprofit community partners to ensure programmatic partnerships."
The council adopted the resolution with seven members voting yes, and Johnson voting no before moving on to other resolutions and bills.
Early in the meeting, the council paid tribute to the late Victor "Vittorio" Pelligrino who passed away on January 9, at the age of 87. The council adopted a resolution to pay tribute to the longtime Maui resident.