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Maui Councilmember (Upcountry)

Duties: The County Council is the legislative and policy-making body of the Maui County government. Council is responsible for passing the laws that govern the county, as enacted by ordinance and written in the Maui County Code.How Elected: The County Council consists of nine members elected from geographical districts. Members are elected on a nonpartisan basis. A Councilmember must be a resident of the district from which the person is to be elected for at least one year before filing and a qualified voter of the County of Maui.If there are 1 or 2 candidates for a seat, they will appear only on the general election ballot. If there are 3 or more candidates for a seat, they will appear on the primary election ballot and the 2 candidates receiving the most votes will appear on the general election ballot. The candidate who receives the most votes at the general election is deemed elected (Maui County Charter, Article 3, Section 3-2).Term: Two years, limited to a maximum of four consecutive full terms.Base Salary (FY2024): Councilmember - $80,299; Council Chair - $86,336

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  • Candidate picture

    CRUZ, Jocelyn N.
    (N)

  • Candidate picture

    SUGIMURA, Yuki Lei Kashiwa
    (NS)

Biographical Information

Please provide a brief Candidate Statement, describing your qualifications and why you are running for this office.

What will you do to support a vibrant economy in Maui County?

What is your plan to address the affordable housing crisis? Please list specific actions you would take if you are elected.

What strategies or initiatives would you propose to address aging infrastructure, such as sewers and streets, ensuring safety, reliability, modernization, and growing population?

Campaign Email mauivotecruz@gmail.com
Campaign Phone (702)419-0700
Campaign Mailing Address 55 HOOPALUA DR.
MAKAWAO, HI 96768
Aloha, my name is Jocelyn Cruz, and as a devoted resident of our beautiful islands, I am passionate about our community's future and committed to preserving the unique qualities that make Maui County so special. I am running for County Council to promote local sustainable agriculture, protect our environment, provide affordable housing for our residents, and help our people achieve wellness in their lives. I also believe deeply in transparency and accountability from our officials. I will uphold the State & US constitution motto: government of the people by the people and for the people.
Following many of the guidelines that already exist in the Maui Island Plan (MIP) will play a big role in my actions and efforts in the seat I’d like to fill. Our natural resources and income from the travel industry must be used for the benefit of locals, not mainland corporations. 1. Shift to a more niche eco and agri-tourism based model. This is thoroughly laid out in the MIP and would shift much of our tourism to a more niche eco and agri-tourism based model. 2. Promote green construction and keep our builders working. 3. Agriculture expansion 4. Grow our film and production industry.
Maui County invested years and hundreds of thousands of dollars in creating the Maui County Comprehensive Affordable Housing Plan that was released in 2021. That plan clearly lays out a path for Maui County to invest in and provide affordable housing for its residents. In addition to implementing the steps in this plan I’m learning from people with experience and expertise in this area. The Pono Network has listed on their site some actionable steps that can take us through the next 10 years.
To reiterate, much of what is already established in the Maui Island Plan (MIP) will come into effect here. I would also like to focus on adopting Green Infrastructure Solutions. We should integrate green infrastructure solutions such as permeable pavements, green roofs, rain gardens, and bioswales into our infrastructure projects. 1. Adoption of a Directed Growth Plan. 2. Integration of Land Use and Infrastructure Planning. 3. Identification of Transit Corridors. 4. Protection of Maui’s Small Towns and Rural Character.
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