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Letter: Lahaina fire impacted all, not just local retail outlets

Lahaina town has been the draw card and assembly place for every visitor to Maui over past years. Visitors were intrigued by the former whaling town and served by shops filled with local crafts sold in fun, colorful stores, any of which were made on Maui by small biz and families, making Lahaina the main retail location to sell to 2.4 million visitors yearly. Most operated away from the high-rent district and scattered in more affordable homes or low-rent commercial space in old town Wailuku with Lahaina town sales their bread and butter. The Lahaina fire impacted all on Maui, not ...

Letter: Council STR vote just attempt to restrict tourism

The recent decision by Maui County Council to approve Bill 9 is, at best, a hollow victory for those who believe it will magically create affordable housing and a return to the old kupuna ways, and at worst, an attempt to restrict tourism, which I believe, is the core issue. Having dedicated numerous hours to listening to testimonies and contributing my own, it is clear that Maui has devolved from a magical place into an island increasingly divided by conflicting beliefs and opinions regarding its future. The spirit of Aloha has unfortunately left the building. Ultimately, this ...

Letter: County reimbursing us for lost pick-ups?

Last week, the county solid waste department failed to pick up trash from thousands of homes. From Dec.12-15, there was no trash collection for many residents upcountry. For every that was not emptied, the county stole over $8, for not picking up the trash. So, for example, 1,000 cans means over $8,000. As you know, your solid waste bill is $436 annually. How does the county plan on reimbursing us for the lost pick-ups? Will they give us an extra pick-up? How will they even keep track of this theft? Most of their billing is out-sourced. Try being late on your bill and they ...

For all who served, mahalo for your great sacrifice

We all came home for Christmas, but for some, only in their dreams. Home is wherever there is peace and happiness and you can always find us there. Wishing you peace and happiness for the holidays and always. For all who served in all wars who couldn’t come home for Christmas, for many who never will, and for all their families, we bid you our sincerest mahalo for your great sacrifice. Gary LeePukalani

Letter: Agrees with council chair bill worst seen in 20 years

I agree with Maui County Council Chair Alice Lee when she said that Bill 9 is the worst bill she has ever seen in over 20 years. When the retired state attorney general says that taking property rights away without compensation is a no-no, I would listen to him. He said that Maui taxpayers will be fighting the 7,000 condo owners in court and it could or will cost Maui a billion or more in fines and payments. This is real life here. As a property owner paying taxes, this is a risk not worth taking. You are throwing away $70 million a year in property taxes on 7,000 units. Why? ...