Formidable challenge awaits incumbent Arakawa

WAILUKU » Maui County Mayor Alan Arakawa faces stiff competition from five-time Councilwoman Charmaine Tavares, who gathered more votes than he did in the runoff nonpartisan primary election.

In a field of nine candidates, Tavares led with 8,701 votes, or 30.6 percent, followed by Arakawa's 7,689, or 27 percent.

Both are Republicans, and Arakawa has acknowledged that he and Tavares gain their strength from similar groups of people.

But he said he believes voters will cast their ballots for him once they understand his track record as mayor and the need to complete his unfinished agenda.

Arakawa, 55, a former Council member and farmer, formed a coalition in his first term with some environmentalists, especially supporters of unsuccessful mayoral candidate Rob Parsons.

Arakawa has drawn some criticism about the county's inability to deal quickly with the disposal of abandoned junk cars. Arakawa said the problem with the abandoned vehicles stemmed from the closure of a private junk yard.

Although a number of voters say they're worried about the lack of affordable homes, Arakawa has noted there are some 3,000 affordable housing units planned for the island.

But Tavares, 63, the Maui County Council's planning chairwoman, said the county needs to work with the private sector to get the houses built quickly.

"The best ideas will never be implemented if there is not strong leadership as well as participation from community members and the business sector. So many issues have languished for far too long," she said.

"Given the opportunity -- I know we can do better."

Although Republican Gov. Linda Lingle has endorsed Arakawa, Tavares said she draws her support from independent voters like her late father, GOP Maui Mayor Hannibal Tavares.