Maui Pono Network, Dedicated to
Pono Government thru Community Action.
Tom Cook Ethics Trial – June 4
$260,000 Received from the Construction Industry While in Office
Gathering at 10:00 AM | Trial Begins at 11:00 AM
Citation Number: .2CCV-25-0003793
Leslie K Iczkovitz vs. Maui County Board of Ethics
Second Circuit Court Civil Filed Case ID :A2393
Courtroom No. 1, WAILUKU DIVISION Judge Kristin Hamman . Her
courtroom is located at Hoapili Hale, 2145 Main Street, Wailuku, We will meet at 10 am in the back courtyard.
Join concerned citizens who have had enough of billionaires and powerful special interests pouring massive amounts of money into our elections to influence policy and legislation that serves their greed instead of the people. Thank you for signing the petition, the process continues.
On June 4 at 10:00 AM, residents will gather in support of ethics, accountability, and government that represents the community — not developers and corporate interests. Following the gathering, we will proceed to the courtroom where oral arguments will be presented.
Put simply, Tom Cook violated the public’s trust while voting for and promoting policies that removed infrastructure requirements, shifted costs onto residents, and accelerated profitable luxury housing development — all while receiving $260,000 from the very industry he was supposed to regulate.
Description of Case Filed Against Tom Cook
This is about more than one official. It is about restoring integrity to Maui County government and electing representatives who will stand for residents, local communities, and the environment.
We need change on the County Council:
• Kelly King – South Maui
• James Forrest – Kahului
• Bobbie Pahia - Upcountry
Join us June 4 and stand for accountability, transparency, and a government that works for the people.
Bill To Prohibit Corporate Money In Hawaiʻi Elections
The bill passed and will go into effect in 2027.Refer to Chad Blair, Kevin Dayton / May 6, 2026 Civil Beat. for details on Senate Bill 2471, the so-called Citizens United bill.
Kelly King for Maui County Council Representing Kihei
Kelly King has officially announced her candidacy for County Council, launching a campaign focused on transparency, responsible governance, and putting local residents at the center of decision-making.
With a long-standing record of public service and community engagement, King enters the race at a time when residents are calling for accountability, clear leadership, and real solutions to the issues impacting daily life.
During her previous tenure on the County Council, King delivered tangible results: helping create affordable housing projects for local residents; passing legislation to protect native seabirds and sea turtles from harmful lighting and chemical sunscreens; and securing funding for wetland restoration to address the root causes of flooding damage. She has been a consistent advocate for infrastructure investment and local control at a time when the current Council majority has approved unbridled luxury housing and even attempted to transfer Kula water rights to mainland venture capital interests.
“Our community deserves a government that listens, responds, and acts in the best interest of its people,” said King. “This campaign is about restoring trust and ensuring that decisions are made for the people—not driven by outside interests or short-term gain.”
King’s campaign will prioritize:
Transparency and Accountability
Expanding public access to government processes, strengthening oversight, and ensuring responsible use of taxpayer resources.
Community-First Policy
Advancing housing solutions for residents, protecting land and water resources, supporting local agriculture, and preserving cultural integrity.
Strong Local Governance
Reinforcing the role of county government as a direct voice of the people, with increased civic engagement and policies that build resilience and self-sufficiency.
This campaign is about restoring the connection between the people and their government, instead of between developers and government. Kelly has a proven record of delivering real results and standing up for residents.
The campaign will engage directly with residents through community meetings, listening sessions, and grassroots outreach efforts across the county.
For more information, to volunteer, or to support the campaign, visit:
KellyKingForMaui.org
Hawaii Election Integrity
The U.S. Justice Department is suing four more states as part of its effort to collect detailed voting data and other election information across the country.
The department filed federal lawsuits against Colorado, Hawaii, Massachusetts and Nevada on Thursday for “failing to produce statewide voter registration lists upon request.” So far, 18 states have been sued, along with Fulton County in Georgia, which was sued for records related to the 2020 election.
Hawaii Election Integrity
There are major discrepancies in the 2024 elections with the Hawaiʻi State Elections Commission Investigation demanding an audit and a new election commissioner Read More Here
The County Council Split and the Impact on our Maui Community
Here is a clip showing how contentious our Legislative Body is.
Behind the tension: Four Council Members represent the people and the Aina (the Ohana Candidates) and five represent big money interest and gentrification of Maui. We will be producing several videos on the impact of loosing the legislative majority to big money interests. Tom Cook is the swing vote, for big money interest and his ethics violation complaint is in process for his payment of approximately $260,000 while on the council.
Maui Ethics Complaint of Tom Cook, County Council Member
Before Tom Cook was elected to the Maui County Council, he was collecting unemployment and was not a licensed contractor. After the election, Cook began receiving $8,000 monthly working for LC Hauling, a construction company. Cook is still not a licensed contractor.
Cook has voted in favor of every development project that has come before the Maui Council. Cook’s financial interest in LC Hauling creates an overwhelming sense of impropriety and is a violation of Maui’s Code of Ethics. A government employee is not allowed to serve two conflicting masters.
Help stop the approval and construction of thousands of new investment properties in South Maui for billionaires, and require the building of more affordable housing as a priority.
SUMMARY OF ETHICS COMPLAINT #1 FILED AGAINST
TOM COOK WITH THE MAUI BOARD OF ETHICS BY ATTORNEY LESLIE ICZKOVITZ.
August 6 Supplement to the Ethics complaint
4 Page Summary of Complaint
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The County Council Representing the People/Environments or Luxury Homes/Profits?
International developers are pushing for changes that will strip away key community benefits from the Wailea 670 (Honuaʻula) project—reducing affordable housing, delaying infrastructure improvements, and neglecting environmental protections. Without strong community opposition, South Maui will continue to be overdeveloped at the expense of local residents.
Why This Matters
Developers are seeking permission to build over 8,000 new residences for billionaire who will spend one week per year on Maui. Signing the Petition can help stop this from happening. Developers are attempting to remove commitments that were conditions of their project approval, including:
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Reducing affordable housing from 700 promised units to only 288, while increasing luxury homes.
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Eliminating guarantees that 450 affordable units be built within the project.
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Delaying the widening of Piʻilani Highway, shifting responsibility to the Department of Transportation, which has no plans to undertake the work.
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Withdrawing the $5 million commitment for public parks and replacing it with vague plans for a cultural/educational center with no clear oversight.
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Ignoring protections for over 200 documented historical and cultural sites in the area.
Wailea 670 Project, its importance and needs explained by Kelly King & Aja Eyre
🚨 Without action, South Maui’s future will be decided by developers—not the community. Let’s stand together and demand a plan that protects our homes, our families, and our environment.
The South Maui Community Plan, developed with over a year of community input, prioritizes:
✅ Workforce housing so local families aren’t forced out
✅ Traffic relief & emergency escape routes to prevent gridlock in disasters
✅ Flood & fire protection to keep our neighborhoods safe
✅ Ocean & wetlands preservation for clean water and healthy ecosystems
But these protections are being gutted at the recommendation of the Planning Department and the majority of the county council.
❌ Workforce housing requirements slashed—developers get a free pass
❌ Traffic & disaster escape routes removed—residents left in danger
❌ Infrastructure requirements erased—more luxury homes before roads & water
❌ Wetland & gulch protections weakened—flood risks increase
Maui County residents' support and testimony is needed for the South Maui Community Plan Draft, which was developed by the Community Plan Advisory Committee (CPAC). This plan reflects the hard work of South Maui residents and county departments, incorporating extensive community input and sound data.
County Council Member, Gabe Johnson, Bill 111
Assuring that the residents' voices and needs are addressed instead of being buried by the majority of the Maui County Council who support international corporations like 670 owners and luxury developments.
All proposed bills will be heard within three months of submission.
Wailea 670 Bills 171 and 172. Our Communities responses from December meeting
https://mauicounty.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=AO&ID=153290&GUID=af968ac5-d01a-476f-81c7-5b3795106114&N=V3JpdHRlbiBUZXN0aW1vbnk%3dT
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Maui County needs your Voice, Stop the Takeover by Offshore Corporations and Planned Gentrification
Maui Residents Speak Out to the County Council Majority Control by Big Money Interest Exploiting our Community at the Cost of the Residents. Reducing Affordable Housing while Increasing Luxory Developments and Putting infrastructure Costs onto Residents is at Stake
Developers Broken Promises, Supported by a County Council Majority, Sponsored by the Construction Industry and Investors
Tamara Paltine Shows the Reality of Big Money Interests Controlling our County Council.
Because of suspicious election activity and over
$400,000 donations by Super PACs and other big money interests, Tom Cook who was the swing vote won by 97 votes over Kelly King? Election integrity is questioned as it has gone to Hawaii Superior Court. Just as in Kaui, voter manipulation may have occurred.
We must stop this pillage, the community can hold this rogue
Election Results Maui County Council Races 2024
Councilmember (East Maui)
SINENCI, Shane 40,627 64.2%
Blank Votes: 22,630 35.8%
Over Votes: 0 0.0%
Councilmember (West Maui)
PALTIN, Tamara Akiko Maile 34,236 54.1%
ACQUINTAS, Lorien (Lolo) 14,616 23.1%
Blank Votes: 14,376 22.7%
Over Votes: 29 0.0%
Councilmember (Wailuku-Waihee-Waikapu)
LEE, Alice L. 28,125 44.5%
FORREST, James (Nahele) 22,235 35.2%
Blank Votes: 12,859 20.3%
Over Votes: 38 0.1%
Councilmember (Kahului)
KAMA, Tasha 27,379 43.3%
KAMEKONA, Carol Lee 22,037 34.8%
Blank Votes: 13,782 21.8%
Over Votes: 59 0.1%
Councilmember (South Maui)
COOK, Tom 26,315 41.6%
KING, Kelly Takaya 26,198 41.4%
Blank Votes: 10,688 16.9%
Over Votes: 56 0.1%
Councilmember (Makawao-Haiku-Paia)
UU-HODGINS, Nohe 27,616 43.7%
BOONE, Nara 21,664 34.2%
Blank Votes: 13,930 22.0%
Over Votes: 47 0.1%
Councilmember (Upcountry)
SUGIMURA, Yuki Lei Kashiwa 31,638 50.0%
CRUZ, Jocelyn N. 18,298 28.9%
Blank Votes: 13,281 21.0%
Over Votes: 40 0.1%
Councilmember (Lanai)
JOHNSON, Gabe 38,913 61.5%
Blank Votes: 24,344 38.5%
Over Votes: 0 0.0%
Councilmember (Molokai)
RAWLINS-FERNANDEZ, Keani 27,066 42.8%
PELE, John 20,906 33.0%
Blank Votes: 15,245 24.1%
Over Votes: 40 0.1%
Races the will determine if our governance is for affordable housing and sustainable development or for more luxury homes, and more pressure on an over-stressed water and road system
Vote for Kelly King an advocate for affordable housing, infrastructure needs, responsible water management and civic engagement
The future of Maui needs your vote! Choose People Over Profits
Maui County Voting Guide
Video Content
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The two oppositional groups on the Maui County Council who they represent and what it means for Maui's future
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Funding of candidates by off-island investors to influence your vote
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Memes to share in your social network
Copy Local Political Memes to Share with Your Social NetworK
Maui County Council Report Card on Votes and Funding, get the facts in 6 minutes
Be an informed voter. Learn what the candidates support through their vote and who their funding sources are. There is a clear distinction between the council members who support the people and the 'aina and members who support big money, developers and off island investors. Vote according to facts instead of high profile marketing campaigns that big money purchases
Information on the key bills listed in the report card Click Here
Maui County Council 2024 Report Card on Votes and Funding
Information on the key bills listed in the report card Click Here
Ballots are in and final election is on November 5th.
Here are our recommendations after spending over 1,000 hours investigating candidates.
Check if you are registered to receive November election ballot https://elections.hawaii.gov/2024-ballot-proofs/
Proposed Charter Amendments Explained
https://www.mauicounty.gov/2395/Proposed-Charter-Amendments-2024
Kelly King for Maui County Council for vision, transparency, collaboration, and experience.
Candidate Forums
Know the real candidates under the promotion by big money interests.
Honolulu Civil Beat Pop Up Forum
Maui County Council Candidate provide their platforms at the last candidate meeting before the Nov 5 final election
Lahaina Strong Candidate Forum
Listen to Kelly King, Carol Lee Kamekona, James Forrest, Nara Boone, Keani Rawlins-Fernandez, Tamara Paltin and their opponents. Also Shane Sinenci and Gabe Johnson who are running unopposed answers questions.
Maui Taxpayers Association
Listen to Keani Rawlins Fernandez, john Pele, Jocelyn Cruz, Yuki Lei Sugimura, Nara Boon, Kelly King, Tom Cook, Alice Lee, James Forest, Carol Lee Kamekona, Kelly Armstrong, Elle Cochran, Sheila Walker, Angus McKelvy
Kula Community Association 2024 Candidate Forum
Listen to Kelly King, Carol Lee Kamekona, James Forrest, Nara Boone, Keani Rawlins-Fernandez and their opponents.
Kihei Community Association Candidate Debate for County Council
Candidate Forum for West Maui, Kahului, Wailuku and Moloka‘i
James Forest vs Alice Lee
Keani Rawlins vs John Pele
Carol Lee Kamekona vs Tasha Kama
Tamara Paltin
Central Maui Water System Demand At or Over Capacity
"The estimated three-year forecast for water demand on the Central Maui system currently exceeds 99% of maximum reliable capacity."
Signed by JOHN STUFFLEBEAN, P.E. Director Department of Water Supply County of Maui dated 10/2/2024
The Central Maui system includes the Iao Aquifer. There are other signs of stress on the aquifer such as the DNLR Commission on Water Resources Management data. This shows from May 2006 through August 2024, the TTZ (top of transition zone Iao Aquifer) rose 201.72 feet to an elevation of 428.56 feet. This means salty water is rising and the fresh water lens is thinning.
Now is a really good time to vote for Maui Pono Network Ohana candidates who are dedicated to protecting and saving our water resources for 100% affordable housing. The non Ohana candidates are heavily funded by developers. They are intent on cutting affordable housing requirements and going forward with more water intensive tourist development. For example, the Maui County Council will decide the future of Honua'ula aka Wailea 670, Ledcor projects and Makena Resort among others.
Candidates Supporting the People and 'Aina
The 'Ohana Candidates Dedicated to Serving the People and the 'Aina
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Commitment to Environmental Stewardship: They advocate for sustainable practices that protect Maui County’s unique natural resources for current and future generations.
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Focus on Affordable Housing: By promoting responsible development, they aim to ensure that everyone in Maui County has access to safe, affordable housing.
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Economic Justice: Their dedication to economic fairness ensures that all residents have the opportunity to thrive, with policies that support local businesses and fair wages.
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Community-Centric Policies: Their approach prioritizes the needs and voices of the community, ensuring that decision-making is inclusive and reflective of our diverse population.
For the General Election on November 5th, we are proud to endorse these 'Ohana Candidates for Maui County Council: Vote for all 9 County Council Seats
The Maui Pono Network has spent hundreds of hours selecting candidates who support the people and the 'aina, instead of big money interests.
Interviews with Maui County Council Candidates
Be an informed voter. Learn about candidate's experience, stance on issues, knowledge of our county's needs, and how they plan to serve our community. Be an informed voter.
Carol Lee Kamekona Candidate for County Council Kahalui
Carol Lee Kamekona shows how to address rent stabilization as apposed to her opponent Tasha Kama who blocked even a discussion on this crucial topic. Our community needs Carol Lee's representaton
Maui State Senate and House Candidate Interviews
Why a Majority of Progressive Council Members is crucial for Maui's Future
Learn about Maui's Progressive History and county representatives who opposed big money interests and why a Progressive majority is essential for a healthy and prosperous community and environmental.
Vote for new majority in Maui County Council
Are you fed up with overdevelopment of beautiful places on Maui with luxury homes and condos that stress infrastructure and increase costs for locals?
Are you concerned about water?
Are you challenged parking for food, surfing, beach and so on?
If so, we need a new Maui County Council majority.
Three council seats are neck and neck. Kelly King, James Forrest and Carol Lee Kamekona could bring positive change or we can have big money business as usual.
The current majority enables Honua’ula Wailea 670 to change conditions required when they rezoned for over 1,000 units. One of the conditions was widening Piilani Highway. Reversing that sets up Maui for an evacuation disaster, with loss of life and expensive lawsuits.
Another condition was providing 700 affordable housing units. Now, this is whittled down to 288. The precedent risks the 1,800-acre Makena Resort conditions.
The current county council majority is funded by developers.
For example, Tom Cook receives $8,000 a month in “consulting fees” from construction interests through LC Hauling LLC. This exceeds his county council salary. An ethics complaint is filed.
Hawaii Carpenters Union is putting $8 million into Hawaii this election for development no matter what candidates. Mass development when Lahaina needs to be rebuilt? Really?
Bringing in more and more workers from off island to compete with local workers and rentals. Really?
We need Pono leadership.
Chandrika McLaughlin
The Maui Pono Network represents local values and needs, which is care and concern for the people and the environment. MPN stands for more local control and transparency, more civic involvement, and better representation of our local community. MPN works for a more efficient and ethical government. MPN is trusted because it is staffed by local people, supported by grassroots donations, and garners support from hundreds of local volunteers. MPN works diligently to identify and support candidates who support these local needs and values.
Maui Pono Network operates through local volunteers and grassroots funding. Find out how to get more involved, from sharing media, to helping with events and campaigns. Your monetary and volunteer donations stretch far and powerfully to effect positive change.
Get involved, donate, and help inform voters.
SOCIAL MEDIA
