Ed. Note: This is the 10th in a series of articles profiling the candidates for Kaua‘i County Council. One will run each day until all candidates have been profiled. Candidate Fang was not available for an interview. by Amanda C.
Ed. Note: This is the 10th in a series of articles profiling the candidates for Kaua‘i County Council. One will run each day until all candidates have been profiled. Candidate Fang was not available for an interview.
by Amanda C. Gregg – THE GARDEN ISLAND
For Ming Fang, when it comes to addressing the needs of Kauaians, there is no time like the present.
First up on that list is addressing what Fang considers a top priority: Adopting the Ohana Kauai tax relief measure. Ming is the sponsor of that amendment.
The county is in a lawsuit against its residents over the Ohana Kauai tax relief measure, which was approved by voters in the November 2004 election. County Council candidate Ron Kouchi introduced the bill in 2002, calling for the stabilization of property assessments in three residential classes.
After voters approved the measure, the county sued its residents based on claims that the measure was too vague and that it violated the Hawai‘i constitution and the county charter. The case is under consideration in the Hawai‘i Supreme Court.
Up next is pushing for open government and accountability, he said during an Oct. 19 forum. That includes running government like a business, with efficiency, responsibility and answering to the public.
Fang has said he hopes to fix a county that is in “great turmoil,” citing the council’s actions as compromising the quality of life for Kauaians.
The Kilauea resident is of Chinese ancestry, but was born in Yokohama, Japan in l945, two months before the atomic bombs were dropped.
He studied political science, public administration and international relations and has a doctorate degree in chiropractic. He also studied Chinese medicine.
Since his arrival on Kaua‘i in 1987, Fang has been a volunteer for the YMCA, the Retired Senior Volunteer Group and the Rotary Club of Hanalei Bay.
To learn more, go to www.electfang.com.