Maui Council’s
Kane quits over
beach-park lot issue

By Gary T. Kubota
Maui correspondent

WAILUKU -- The vice chairman of the Maui County Council has stepped down after disagreeing with other members about their decision to buy two lots at a proposed beach park.

Dain Kane, who wanted the council to buy three lots, said he was asked to resign by an organized majority including Council Chairman Patrick Kawano. Councilman Riki Hokama may be selected as vice chairman at the Friday council meeting.

Several council members were apparently upset at Kane's lone vote against the purchase of two lots at a Dec. 13 council meeting.

Many residents earlier criticized Maui Mayor James Apana for proposing to buy one parcel.

Apana said the county faced a tight budget and could not afford to buy more than a single parcel.

Kane was unable to persuade other members to support a resolution calling for the purchase of three parcels.

Hokama and Kawano said they were surprised at Kane's resolution.

Hokama also was surprised when Kane voted against the majority of council members in their compromise resolution for two lots.

"I thought what we were able to pass really took into account a lot of his points," Hokama said.

Dana Naone Hall, spokeswoman for Hui Alanui O Makena which supported the purchase of more lots at Palauea, said Kane's ouster was "extremely unfortunate."

Hall said Kane exhibited "admirable leadership" in taking a position that was critical of the Apana administration.

The Apana administration last week announced the plan to buy two half-acre beach parcels for $4.75 million.

Kawano confirmed that those in favor of replacing Kane included Hokama, John Enriques, Mike Davis and Dennis Nakamura.