Kaimana K.: I know the state is facing some major budget hurdles. How bad is the deficit for Maui in particular, and what are you doing to close the gap?

Charmaine Tavares: For this fiscal year, Maui County is OK. Our budget is balanced and though we've reduced in many areas, we're all working together to make our county functional.

Next year will be a more difficult time for us as we expect our revenues to be reduced even further — those revenues are from real property taxes and from the transient accommodations tax.

Debra: What is your biggest area of concern in terms of the budget impact, and why? Can Maui workers expect more layoffs?

Tavares: My biggest concern right now is what will be the outcome of the collective bargaining contracts and their impact to our county workers, those who belong to the UPW and HGEA bargaining units. We don't know how long this process will take and what the counties' options will be following the adoption of the new contracts.

Of course, we are concerned about businesses in the private sector. If our economy doesn't start picking up, I think, companies will have to do more cost-cutting and reduce work hours, lay off employees, etc. This is a difficult time for all of us but we in Maui County rise to these types of challenges and we see that folks are helping each other as much as they can. Evidence of this is the fact that nonprofit fundraising events have netted more than expected. We all need to help nonprofits who provide services to those vulnerable folks who need assistance.

Koko Crater: What has been the fallout on Maui regarding the private sector? I heard about job losses at Maui Land & Pine, did that have a long-lasting impact and how are other industries doing?

Tavares: We've had numerous businesses lay off or close completely — Aloha Airlines, ATA, Molokai Ranch and other small businesses. Maui Land & Pine has struggled with this economy and has had to lay off workers. The county provides services to help these employees through job fairs and services from nonprofits set up to help with utility bills, transportation, etc. Our Office of Economic Development is on a mission to provide needed services to help businesses stay in business, help new ones get started, support our agricultural communities and still promote and assist our film industry office.

Our construction industry, in particular, is suffering with this downturn. Our county is focused on getting our construction projects going so that these folks can get back to work. We're also processing permits expeditiously while keeping in mind we cannot compromise for short-term gains that have long-term impacts.

Eric: It looks like Moloka'i is going through some rough times with the drought and unemployment. What are you doing to address the needs of the people on Moloka'i?

Tavares: I am thrilled to report that the county well is up and running and has been since last week Saturday. It could have been a disaster for the folks on Moloka'i but with the cooperation of Hawaiian Homes and the Moloka'i community's conservation efforts, we avoided the crisis.

The Molokai Ranch closing had a huge impact on this fragile community. We have meetings on the island to address specific issues as well as the annually scheduled budget meetings. I work very closely with the Council Chair Danny Mateo, who is from Moloka'i. Our business center, Kuha'o Center, has been providing numerous training classes to help folks who are in business and those who want to start businesses. It is a great success story for Moloka'i.

Paul: What is being done to keep the doctors and urgent care on Maui?

Tavares: While this is a state jurisdictional issue, I formed a Mayor's Council on Health so that the community and I could be involved in those health issues that impact us. We supported and continue to support the West Maui Medical Center that is going through the land entitlement process right now. We were instrumental in getting the Hana Dialysis Center opened and operating so that the patients in Hana no longer have to make a lengthy and tiring two-hour drive one way to receive treatment in Central Maui.

Kimo: I know this is a state problem, but is there anything the county can do to help keep the schools and libraries open and running?

Tavares: The county is not in a position to help with this; however, the community can do some things like volunteer at the schools and libraries. Perhaps businesses can "adopt" a school or library. The libraries may have to cut back hours or days in order to make their budget targets. Of course, folks can donate money to help these two very important functions in all of our communities.

Rick: Due to the economic climate, what public services are going to be cut, police, firefighters? And also, is Maui County going to get any of the stimulus money like Honolulu? If so, what are you going to do with it?

Tavares: This fiscal year, my administration has worked hard to see that our core services like police and fire are not impacted. We are not cutting, furloughing or laying off any county employees. Stimulus money that we qualify for is being utilized for as many programs as possible.