Remove ImagesMaui County
Better Know A Candidate
Pat Borge
June 29, 2006
Running for: Councilmember, Makawao-Haiku-Paia District
Occupation: Owns and operates Makena Stables with his wife, Helaine
MAUI TIME WEEKLY: Why should people vote for you?
PAT BORGE: Because I care. I
was born and raised on Maui, and I think it is time for a change. It's
time for local citizens to have a voice, and I want to be the people's
voice.
What's the biggest problem facing your district?
The infrastructure. It's everything from the roads to affordable housing.
If you're elected, what are you going to do about the infrastructure?
Developers should pay a little bit more. Right now we're facing
growing pains, and we need to do something about it. The people always
come first, and right now the growth is not benefiting the people.
What are your feelings on Hawaiian sovereignty?
I have a lot of friends who are Hawaiians, and they have their
rights. As the host culture, they should be treated with respect, and
they should have a say in the direction Maui is going, too. As for
sovereignty, I support it. But the only way Hawaiians are going to be
sovereign is to be one. Against the United States of America, they
cannot be divided.
All right, now we'll try some word association. I say a word and you say the first thing that comes to mind. Superferrry..
Public hearings. I'm a firm believer in public hearings.
Okay, next word: George W. Bush.
[Laughing] Who?
Land development.
Need controlled growth.
Tourism.
Well, I'm in the tourist business. We need quality not quantity.
Pakalolo.
I would approve it for medical purposes.
What's the most difficult thing that's ever happened to you?
Probably the hardest thing was to get my house. I had to work very
hard to try to get a down payment. Thank God I had friends. You know,
locals always say, "No can, but can," and that's what I say. Never give
up. A lot of people think they won't be able to make it on this island,
but with the right people in government we can do it.
What's the most embarrassing thing that's ever happened to you?
Well, I got bucked off in an arena at a rodeo in front of hundreds of people. That was pretty embarrassing.
What's the last book you read?
Actually, it was a book about that surfer, Eddie Aikau. It's called Eddie Would Go.
What is your favorite thing about Maui?
The people. No question about it.
Who is the person you most admire?
Let's see, I better say my wife, huh?
If elected, what is one thing you would not do?
My door will never be closed to nobody. MTW