Hi, Communications Director Rod Antone here. I'm just trying to catch up and update you regarding Mayor Arakawa's busy schedule. It's not an easy thing to do sometimes because he is everywhere. In any case let's get started because we have a lot to talk about.

Let's start with some weekend events. This Saturday (June 18th) the mayor showed up bright and early to speak at the Dunes at Maui Lani for the 1st Annual Wahuli Homestead Golf Tournament. The event is a fundraiser for educational scholarships for children. 





 
Next he had the Na Kamehameha Pau Parade through Lahaina town. The parade ended with an awards ceremony and arts festival at Banyan Tree Park.



The mayor even lent a hand when the weather blew some tents down as you can see here. Below is a picture of the mayor and his wife leading the way through Lahaina town.


Later that night was the Royal Order of Kamehameha I Heiau 'O Kahekili Helu Eha event at the Grand Wailea. The event featured music, hula, dinner and a silent auction. Members of the Order are dedicated to provide support to grieving famililies; give aid to widows and orphans; provide resources to keiki to further their educational opportunities; perpetuate the Hawaiian culture and other worthy endeavors.



On Monday it was back to work and more events. The mayor headed out to Lahaina again, this time for the groundbreaking of the West Maui Skate Park, located next to the Lahaina Aquatic Center. The skate park is a $1.3 million dollar project expected to be completed in November.



On Tuesday (June 21) the mayor had back to back to back meetings, starting with a delegation from Palau.



Palau fishermen, politicians and officials from The Nature Conservancy met with Mayor Arakawa and Deputy Planning Director Michele Chouteau McLean. While the people of Palau have managed their marine resources well they are looking for some input and ideas about how to manage their landbased resources. Maui County is one of the places they've come to gather some information about laws and ordinances which would apply on their island.

At the same time an old friend of the mayor stopped by to say hello.



Former Kauai Mayor JoAnne Yukimura is now a Kauai County Councilmember and Vice Chair of the Council. We're glad she could stop by to visit Mayor Arakawa between meetings. As staff members we are always happy to see the mayor be able to take a small break before returning to his hectic schedule.

Within minutes of saying goodbye to Vice Chair Yukimura the mayor was back in another meeting. This one regarding the Halloween event in Lahaina. Mayor Arakawa and his Office of Economic Development is committed toward making the event family-friendly, safe and fun for everyone. On hand were officials from the Maui Fire and Police departments, Public Works, Planning and Parks and Recreation.



He had more meetings today but we're out of film for the camera. Just kidding. I guarantee there will be more to come.  

Thanks for stopping by,

Rod