It is unusual for us to express support for a group of incumbents. Yet, as a whole, the Maui County Council has had a good term.
Working with the Arakawa administration, the council members came up with a solution to the hot-button issue of the last term - transient vacation rentals. They also dealt with a host of other issues without the controversy and rancor that marked the previous term.
One could only wish Congress had the ability to address issues head-on and find compromises to reach solutions our County Council has demonstrated.
Two council members - Danny Mateo of Molokai and Joe Pontanilla, representing Kahului - are term-limited out of office and will not be on the ballot this year.
The remaining council members - Riki Hokama of Lanai; Gladys Baisa, representing Pukalani, Kula and Ulupalakua; Robert Carroll of East Maui; Donald Couch of South Maui; Mike Victorino, representing Wailuku, Waihee and Waikapu; Mike White, council member for Makawao, Haiku and Paia; and Elle Cochran of West Maui - all did a good job and deserve re-election.
To those who would say it is always good to have new blood and fresh ideas on the council, we'd counter that the winners in the Kahului and Molokai races will bring that element. Don Guzman and Al Fukuyama are vying for the Kahului seat and Stacy Crivello is taking on Wilson Manuwai Peters to represent Molokai.
Just as important as new blood is finding a council that will work together and with the administration to solve problems. This core group has proved they can, and will, do that.
We recommend voters reward these sitting council members with another term.
* Editorials reflect the opinion of the publisher.
