RAM GAD POD Jason Economou

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