Maui Council Gains Power to Override Mayor
A new 6-3 majority on the nine-member body creates a supermajority capable of blocking executive vetoes, a change analysts say will alter local development and tourism policy.
By James Foster ·
Six. That is the number that changed the math on the Maui County Council. The newly elected body now holds a 6-3 progressive split, a configuration that grants the majority the power to override mayoral vetoes.
Prior to the recent elections, the nine-member council operated with a 5-4 majority favoring development. Political analyst Dick Mayer confirmed the shift in the chamber's balance of power. "Six is a very important number because it’s a supermajority. They can override vetoes of the mayor, so I think we will probably see many actions taken," Mayer said.
The new configuration includes two newcomers and one returning member. Kalo farmer Bobby Pahia and former airport manager Marvin Moniz joined the council. Kelly King, a former council member, reclaimed her South Maui seat by defeating incumbent Tom Cook.
Mayer noted that the contest between King and Cook was tight. "I think people knew it would be very close because the last time they ran against each other, Kelly King lost by fewer than 100 votes," he said. Mayer believes the mood on the island has shifted over the last several years toward being anti-development and anti-overdevelopment. He argues that this shift will allow Maui to build a stronger economic foundation by reducing its reliance on the tourism industry.
The new council members are expected to take office on Jan. 2. Industry leaders have already reacted to the change. Naomi Cooper of the Maui Hotel and Lodging Association stated that tourism remains essential to the island’s recovery. "I don’t think we’re too reliant. I think we have done what is necessary to keep our economy alive and thriving," Cooper said.
Cooper acknowledged that the association has concerns about the new leadership but expressed a willingness to collaborate. She cited existing efforts to balance the visitor sector, such as agritourism initiatives. "I do, yes, have concerns. The association has concerns. However, we’re very open-minded, and we think that leaders are going to be just as receptive as we are to them," Cooper said.
Mayer predicts the new majority will push to curb new development and cap tourism. He believes the council will act to prevent the island from becoming too dependent on a single industry.
