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Maui County
Better Know A Candidate
Bill Medeiros
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July 06, 2006
RUNNING FOR: East Maui Councilmember
CURRENT OCCUPATION: County of Maui Public Works Adviser, West Maui District
MAUI TIME WEEKLY: Why should people vote for you?
BILL MEDEIROS: First of all, I have the experience. I've been appointed to and involved in many community and government organizations, including the Hana Community Association, the Citizens Advisory Council, Hana Community Center Task Force, Boy Scouts, and youth sports in Hana and Central Maui. I have worked extensively with government officials and in public relations. Also, I know the East Maui district very well. Both of my parents are from the Hana and Keanae areas, and I was born in Hana and raised there for most of my life.
What is the biggest problem facing your district?
The infrastructure on Maui is a big problem—especially the roads and affordable housing. The bypass projects in Paia and in Lahaina are good examples. We need to fix these problems, but it's not just up to the county because both of those come off of state highways. The county should be encouraging the state legislative team to provide money and projects for traffic on the Westside and in Paia.
One option that we can explore is a mass transit rail system. We can look at projects in other states and counties. Right now, people are concerned that a rail system or other form of mass transit will take away from the pristine look of Maui. With proper landscaping, however, rail systems can almost be hidden and the land underneath is still utilized.
Tell me the first thing that comes to your mind when I say the word "Superferry."
It presents a good alternative of travel, but how will we accommodate it without the infrastructure in place?
How about "George W. Bush?"
We need to get back as a nation into concentrating resources on our own economy and people that live in this nation.
Development?
I am pro-business because if we are successful in businesses—mainly small businesses—and they produce jobs for people, we have done the right thing.
Pakalolo?
I am against the use of illegal substances.
What's the most difficult thing that has ever happened to you?
The most difficult thing has to have been when my grandfather and my father, both police officers in Hana, were shot in the same incident. My grandfather died and my father was wounded but survived.
What is your favorite thing about Maui?
After traveling around the world, especially Europe, in the U.S. Air Force for over three years, I am still convinced that Maui is the most beautiful place in the world. I think we have three of the top 10 beaches in the world—Flemmings, Hamoa and one other one. But besides the beaches, there still exists that warm aloha spirit that is part of the culture of Maui and Hawai'i. That makes us different—other places in the world have beaches but not the aloha spirit. MTW
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