RAM GAD POD

Aloha Listener,

This episode is actually a couple years in the making. Back in December 2020, the Maui County Council passed Ordinance 5160, which resulted in as many as 1,400 properties getting automatically re-classified as short term rentals for property tax purposes, regardless of their actual use. The legislation was pushed through pretty quickly, but RAM opposed it at the time and encouraged people to appeal after it was passed. Thankfully, a few impacted property owners reached out to Honolulu-based law firm Chun Kerr LLP, and their case was recently resolved with the help of attorney Winston Wong. In this episode, Winston is kind enough to tell us about the case, explain why the law is unconstitutional, and he describes how to determine if you were unfairly impacted by this law. 

If you own or sell condos that can be used as short term rentals, you should definitely listen to this episode. However, this is a pretty interesting episode overall, so I think most people should enjoy it. 

Mahalo,

Jason

Aloha Listener,

In this episode, I attempt to explain the 13 proposed charter amendments that will be on the Maui County ballot this year, and I talk about RAM's election recommendations. Though I try to be well informed and present accurate information, I must admit that I am not an expert on these charter proposals, and I highly recommend additional research beyond listening to this episode. Moreover, it should be understood that this episode largely consists of my own personal opinions (which are not endorsed by RAM), and we are all still allowed to have our own opinions. I am not perfect, and some of what I say might not be entirely accurate. Sorry about that. 

If you like hearing me share mildly unpopular opinions and rant about local government, this is the episode for you. If you are a RAM member that isn't interested in all that, but you want RAM's recommendations, read Thursday Things and keep an eye on your inbox for my upcoming letter to members. Or, just email me. 

Mahalo,

Jason

Aloha Listener,

This episode is a departure from the candidate interviews we have been focusing on lately, and instead focuses on housing policy in Maui County. In this interview I am joined by Mayor Michael Victorino, and Lori Tsuhako, Director of the Maui County Department of Housing and Human Concerns. Our conversation focuses on the history of housing in Maui County, and the factors that impact the creation and affordability of housing for our residents. We get into some of the actions taken by the Victorino administration over the past few years, as well as future goals.  Unfortunately, there were a couple of technical issues with Mayor Victorino's microphone during the interview, so I apologize for the audio difficulty and for the fact that he had to keep his camera off once the issue was resolved. Nevertheless, I think you will enjoy the overall discussion.

Aloha Listener,

This episode is a departure from the candidate interviews we have been focusing on lately, and instead focuses on housing policy in Maui County. In this interview I am joined by Mayor Michael Victorino, and Lori Tsuhako, Director of the Maui County Department of Housing and Human Concerns. Our conversation focuses on the history of housing in Maui County, and the factors that impact the creation and affordability of housing for our residents. We get into some of the actions taken by the Victorino administration over the past few years, as well as future goals.  Unfortunately, there were a couple of technical issues with Mayor Victorino's microphone during the interview, so I apologize for the audio difficulty and for the fact that he had to keep his camera off once the issue was resolved. Nevertheless, I think you will enjoy the overall discussion. 

Aloha Listener,

In this episode we chat with Nohe Uu-Hodgins, who is running for the Makawao-Haiku-Paia seat on the Maui County Council. Nohe is a lifelong resident of Paia, with deep roots in the Maui community. In our conversation we learn a bit more about Nohe, her motivations for running, and some practical ideas she has to improve conditions for our residents and provide more housing. Though it doesn't come up in the episode, I want to share a quote from Nohe's campaign page that seems to sum up a lot of my discussion with her: "We can be pro-housing, without being anti-environment, and we can work together to create solutions that serve our community today with respect for our culture and our place." If you want to learn more about Nohe, visit votenohe.com.

Mahalo,

Jason

Aloha Listener,

In this episode we hear from Yuki Lei Sugimura, incumbent for the Upcountry seat on the Maui County Council, who is currently seeking reelection. In this episode we discuss housing policy, economic diversification, and learn a bit more about Yuki Lei Sugimura as a person. If you enjoy this conversation, you might also like the longer interview I conducted with Councilmember Sugimura back in February 2020. Alternatively, to learn more about Yuki Lei Sugimura and here campaign, I encourage you to check out her website: http://www.yukileisugimura.com/. 

Mahalo,

Jason

Aloha Listener,

In this episode we hear from Councilmember Tamara Paltin, who is running for reelection to represent West Maui on the Maui County Council. In our conversation she discusses her experience on the council, her thoughts on housing policy, and her views on tourism and economic diversification. If you want to learn more about Councilmember Tamara Paltin and her campaign, go to www.tamarapaltin.com or look her up on Facebook. 

If you enjoyed this interview and want to hear more, subscribe to the podcast. 

Mahalo,

Jason

Aloha Listener,

In this episode we hear from Richard Bissen, retired 2nd Circuit Court Judge, about his campaign for Maui County Mayor. At this point you've all probably seen his signs and heard his ads, but in this interview we ask him about housing policy, economic diversification, and his thoughts on the budget process. If you want to learn more about Judge Bissen and his campaign I encourage you to check out his website: https://bissenmovement.com/.

Mahalo,

Jason

Aloha Listener,

In this episode I chat with Councilmember Kelly Takaya King to discuss her run for Maui County Mayor, and learn her thoughts on housing policy, economic diversification, and the budget. If you want to learn more about Kelly King and her campaign please visit her website: https://www.kellykingformaui.com/. Similarly, you can also listen to the interview we did together way back in February 2020. 

Mahalo,

Jason

Aloha Listener,

In this episode I sit down with Maui County Mayor Michael Victorino and discuss his run for reelection. I've had the pleasure of interviewing Mayor Victorino in the past (November 2019), but this interview is more focused on current events and the issues facing Maui County today. If you want to learn more about the Mayor and his current campaign, check out his website at https://victorinoformayor.com/. If you enjoy this episode and want to hear more candidate interviews, please subscribe to the podcast and share with friends. 

Mahalo,

Jason