For immediate release: Jan. 2, 2015
Press release by:
Council Chair Mike White
Maui County Council
White to chair county council; seeks fiscal responsibility and a focus on the positives
WAILUKU, Hawaii – The council at its organizational meeting today voted to appoint Councilmember Mike White as chair for the 2015-2017 term, his office announced today.
“I look forward to working with a great team in crafting quality legislation for the next two years,” said White. “I will work hard to guide council operations and facilitate a healthy working relationship among members and with the administration.”
Councilmember Don S. Guzman of Kahului was appointed as council vice-chair and Councilmember Michael P. Victorino of the Wailuku-Waihee-Waiehu residency area as presiding officer pro tempore.
The council also adopted Resolution 15-5, establishing the following committees:
- Budget and Finance Committee, chaired by Councilmember Riki Hokama of Lanai.
- Committee of the Whole and Economic Development, Energy, Agriculture and Recreation Committee, both chaired by Guzman.
- Housing, Human Services and Transportation Committee, chaired by Councilmember Stacy Crivello of Molokai.
- Infrastructure and Environmental Management Committee, chaired by Councilmember Elle Cochran of West Maui.
- Land Use Committee, chaired by Councilmember Robert Carroll of East Maui.
- Planning Committee, chaired by Councilmember Don Couch of South Maui.
- Policy and Intergovernmental Affairs Committee, chaired by Victorino.
- Water Resources Committee, chaired by Councilmember Gladys C. Baisa of Upcountry Maui.
“We are ready to work and deliver results,” White said.
White said committee chairs are anxious to get work done, especially with unresolved issues carried over the past term.
The council reappointed Danny Mateo as county clerk and Josiah Nishita as deputy county clerk.
White shared four guiding leadership principles he has practiced for more than 40 years in the private sector:
- Focus on the positive, remember to count blessings.
- Always do the right thing, do what is pono.
- Be responsible with money, be frugal and use only what you need.
- Have an open and honest communication.
White placed two pahu niu (coconut drums) in the Chamber to symbolize the calling together of members of the community.
“I pledge to you that we will be straight with you, we will communicate openly with you, we will be positive and helpful, and we will be responsible with your money,” White said. “Most important, we will do what is pono!”
White holds the seat for the Makawao-Paia-Haiku residency area. This is his third term on the Maui County Council, after he previously served in the state House of Representatives.
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