Tasha on the Issues

• Kahului Harbor: Harbor use and development is a issue that is emblematic of how residents are feeling about Maui’s changes in general:
  
  “What are we giving up for what we’re getting?”
  
  
  • Our population has grown substantially and our harbor needs must be addressed.
  • As important as our need to facilitate the movement of goods is our need for recreation and the pursuit of cultural activities.
  • The fact that hundreds of people of all ages regularly use the harbor for such activities must be taken into consideration.
  • It may be time to look for an alternate harbor, or it may be time to assess the benefits of passenger cruise ships utilizing the harbor versus Maui residents using the same area.
    
    
• Superferry: I was initially open to the idea of a ferry, WITH a completed environmental assessment and enforcement strategies in place. I was NOT in favor of the special legislative session or the subsequent change in our state law.
  
  
• Education: Our children and adults of all ages must be prepared for a changing world. Everyone must have access to education and vocational training that is relevant to today’s workplace.
  
  
• Veterans: As a pastor and a parent I have seen the results of people coming back from war. I am committed to doing my best for our veterans, now and in the future.
  
  
• Honest and ethical government we deserve: As your representative I will fight to ensure that government is transparent and that Maui’s people come first.
  
  
• Stream flow: Water is a critical issue and providing clean water to all is of utmost importance. I am in favor of restoring stream flows and am supportive of giving kuleana farmers their water rights, and allowing the natural flow restore the streams and reefs
  
  
• Clean energy and diversified agriculture: The development of clean, renewable energy, as well as diversified crops, helps to ensure Hawaii’s self-sufficiency and economic strength.
  
  
• Our ecology is our economy. Our policies must be sustainable; they must not harm our environment and they must benefit our people and our quality of life.