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Let’s clarify term limits with a charter amendment

I filed a complaint regarding one sitting council member and two former council members who want to use the Maui County Council as their long-term place of employment.

Riki Hokama’s father, Goro Hokama, resided in the Lanai seat for 40 years. Now his son has been in this seat for 10 years with a two-year break, then onwards for another eight. Alice Lee has done 10 years, as has Mike Molina. I campaigned for Molina and Alan Arakawa’s first terms, so this isn’t personal.

Now, they and Mayor Arakawa want to come back to the council. Four of our council seats in just this election cycle may be taken by career politicians who want yet another run for office. According to some, a 1992 charter amendment allows this to happen. I’m not sure. That’s 26 years ago — in a county with very different needs today.

Question is: Is this the type of government you want for Maui County in 2018? Arakawa for Mayor 2022? Candidate Lee stated if I wanted change to ask for a charter amendment. I agree with her. Let’s clarify it. Allow the voting citizens to inform the politicians if you want a revolving door on the Council Chambers and the Mayor’s Office, or for it to be 10 years for council and eight years for mayor.

Regardless of self-imposed internal timelines, the council still has time to put it on the ballot as a charter amendment for the 2018 election cycle.

Sean Lester

Haiku

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