Tuesday December 30, 2003 Mahalo, Mayors Business headline 12/28/03 “Island economy strong in 2003; prospects good for next year” I couldn’t agree more! In my opinion, there are two people who have been primarily responsible for Kaua’i leading the state
Tuesday December 30, 2003
Mahalo, Mayors
Business headline 12/28/03 “Island economy strong in 2003; prospects good for next year”
I couldn’t agree more! In my opinion, there are two people who have been primarily responsible for Kaua’i leading the state of Hawai’i for a number of years. Going back to Dec. ’94 when Maryanne Kusaka became mayor, our island had not recovered from ‘Iniki which had hit us 9/11/92—remember double digit unemployment, blue plastic roofs dotted the countryside and no beaches or pavilions were in good shape. Maryanne did what Maryanne does best—LEAD. And LEAD she did. She knew that travel agents were telling the world that Kaua’i was not ready for visitors. Following some hard work at home, Maryanne started traveling the world to re-educate people. One stop was in France at an American Society of Travel Agents Conference. She encouraged ASTA to hold their Western Regional Conference on Kaua’i to see for themselves. (Kaua’i had been a member of ASTA for years and HTA was non-existent at that time.) 600 agents came, saw and recommended Kaua’i! Visitors came and told their friends and they are still coming!
The mayor continued to travel and work. On each trip she was accompanied by other people who worked with her to spread the message of aloha. Some days they worked from dawn to 10 or 11 at night. Ask a participant if it was work or play. I say “thank you” to them for their help to Kaua’i.
Meanwhile, a wonderful program was started on Kaua’i. With Mayor Kusaka and Bryan Baptiste leading the way, Ho’olokahi was born. Volunteerism became alive under their tutelage. Each community became involved. In Kalaheo we spruced up the park. It was fun, and I recommend that everyone give volunteering a try.
Then our beautiful Gateway Project became a first of a kind in our country. Not one dime came from the County of Kaua’i — only volunteer labor. Mayor Kusaka convinced the powers that be to use the volunteer hours as matching funds for the 100% federally funded project. This pilot project has won acclaim in Washington D.C. People arriving and leaving love the beauty of the Gateway Project as they catch or depart a direct flight from or to the Mainland. Thank you again, Maryanne!
For former Mayor Kusaka and Mayor Bryan Baptiste, Kaua’i always has come first, and for that we should all be grateful. Both have given tirelessly of themselves for us. Mahalo, my friends, and may you have continued success in your working for the people of Kaua’i during the years ahead.
Betty Chandler
Kalaheo
