Running for: County Council representative for West Maui

Occupation: County Council representative for West Maui

MAUI TIME WEEKLY: Why should people vote for you?







JO ANNE JOHNSON: I really

believe I’ve done the best possible job I could have for the people. I

raised issues for council members, even though they’ve been buried in

committee. With other, new individuals on the council, we’ll have the

opportunity to hear those measures and we may have a chance to complete

what we began.





What’s the biggest problem facing your district?







The County Council hasn’t seemed to have a goal and objective that’s

based on reason. The biggest problem is lack of political will.





Can you be more specific?







All of the problems are systematic of a deteriorating quality of life.

What will be your role in fixing these problems?

Asking the tough questions. Such as, might we really need a

moratorium on resort development? Many advantages have been given to

resorts instead of the local population. Many projects that could

provide housing are having to go to find water for resorts. It’s

important to set priorities to serve the local population. Otherwise,

resentment will continue to grow.

   



What are your feelings on Hawaiian Sovereignty?







I feel really sad for the people of the host culture. Their issues

are being marginilized by the day-to-day issues we’re facing. We need

to address issues regarding land titles and water rights or there’ll be

continued conflict. Too many have already been forced to leave the

island.  





What do you think of the proposed Superferry?







Problems. Big problems.







How about George W. Bush?







How long do we have ‘till he’s out of office?







Land Development?







To build or not to build, that is the question! We need better planning.







Pakalolo?







I’ve always believed that hemp has been a crop we could use for

sustainable purposes. People that could benefit from medicinal

marijuana should be given that alternative.





What’s the most difficult thing that ever happened to you?







Living with the frustration that I continue to be a minority on the

council and cannot move forward with a public agenda. Too many bills

are sitting in the planning committee without even a hearing. Traffic

impact fees, agricultural subdivision ordinances, and two moratorium

bills have been sitting in Charmaine Tavares’ planning committee. One

would have saved us from the North Beach development. It’s ironic that

some of the individuals trying to find solutions have had items sitting

in their committee, buried.

 



What’s the last book you read?







The Bible. Sometimes prayer is all I have to turn to in times of frustration!







What’s your favorite thing about Maui?







The people. I’ve been so welcomed into the community. People treat

me as if I was born and raised here. If you show respect and attempt to

learn the culture, you’re embraced with open arms.  MTW