In response to the July 11 letter titled “Big Beach parking lot opened by Upcountry hero,” which inquired about my efforts: 

On March 17 and 24, I wrote to Gov. Ige and all county mayors asking to open and stock all public restrooms in accordance with CDC guidelines. I asked my colleagues to join me in a unified plea. On March 27, Sen. Roz Baker informed me that she was told they were going to open the restrooms.

From March 30-April 4, I looked for a contractor to service the restrooms. I connected county officials with a company to service all South Maui restrooms, and an NGO to fill in the gaps.

On May 27, I contacted the Hawaii State Parks Superintendent to ask why the restrooms were still closed after the governor had ordered beaches to reopen. He reported lack of funding. On June 2, I again wrote to the governor explaining that if he is mandating the beach park reopen, the DLNR needs emergency funding to safely comply.

I appreciate the good Samaritan who took matters into his own hands and got port-a-potties covered for July 4th weekend. It reflects poorly on government that he was forced to create a GoFundMe for public services, precisely what our taxes should cover.

I inquired about using my Legislative Allowance for dumpsters at Keawakapu, soap for port-a-potty wash stations, and food distribution. I was told I could not, so I funded those things through my campaign instead. I am doing everything in my power to help, but frequently run into bureaucratic dead ends.

Rep. Tina Wildberger, 11th District

Kihei