Jobs ~ Diversification ~ Self-Sufficiency

      

Mahalo to all my supporters!

I'm happy to have had a chance to voice my concerns in our community.

Now that the Primary is over, I believe it's very important to elect a Democrat - Joe Bertram in the general election.

I hope you will take that same enthusiasm shown for me and throw all your support behind Joe Bertram.

This is not the end for me, this is merely the beginning! I plan to stay involved and continue working with improving the quality of life here in Maui.

I wish to express my deepest thanks for all the volunteers in dedicating your time, helping this campaign run as smoothly as it did.

 

 

  Hawaii is so dependent on outside forces. We must become more self-sufficient. We are the most oil-dependent state in the nation. We rely on imported petroleum for about 90 percent of our primary energy. Currently we are importing oil to run our economy, even jet fuel, which fuels the engines of our economy -- tourism.

          Hawaii residents pay among the highest prices for not only fuel but electricity as well. There are lots of opportunities to improve energy efficiency. We have a unique opportunity on Maui, with all our natural resources, to create Green Jobs. Through the the recent advances of technology, alternatives such as Wind, Solar, Geothermal, and Biofuels have become a reality and welcomed alternative to importing oil to generate electricity. Through bringing clean energy programs to Maui, we can provide more "green jobs" to residents as we become more self sustainable.

Becoming more self-sufficient with our food supply is also of equal importance. 85 percent of the food we consume on Maui is imported. We have to make better use of our Ag land. We need to create resolutions to restrict building permits in agricultural areas to structures that are directly supportive of agricultural enterprises or alternative energy; as well as urging fellow state legislators to prioritize support for small farmers who grow and sell food crops locally, whether on marginal or prime agricultural lands; to increase food self-sufficiency in Hawaii.