The Maui Independent: ‘Onipa’a 2022 Candidates Unite Against Pro-Development Millions Flooding Council Election

By Jon Woodhouse

As Maui’s electorate prepares to vote for County Council candidates a clear choice has emerged. Eight progressive candidates have united as ‘Onipa’a 2022 on a platform of protecting our island’s fragile resources are facing off against a group of corporation-friendly candidates seeking to turn back the clock to the days when developers and agrochemical companies controlled our county government.

Standing up to over-development and over-tourism are incumbents Gabe Johnson, Tamara Paltin, Keani Rawlins-Fernandez, and Shane Sinenci, along with newcomers Noelani Ahia, Nara Boone, Jordan Hocker, and Robin Knox.

“‘Onipa’a is to be steadfast in the pursuit of justice, regardless of the gale force winds that try to uproot us,” Keani Rawlins-Fernandez explained in a press release. Meaning “steadfast, firm, resolute,” ‘Onipa’a was part of Queen Liliʻuokalani’s moto – “E ‘onipa‘a…i ka ‘imi na‘auao” (Be steadfast in the seeking of knowledge). Read More…