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Wayne Steel New MRA Manager
WAILUKU–
Maui Redevelopment Agency (MRA) Chairperson Stephanie Ohigashi
has announced the hiring of Wayne Steel as the MRA manager effective
March 16.
A Wailuku resident and former Administrative Officer of the
County of Maui's Department of the Prosecuting Attorney, Steel
will be instrumental in developing and implementing the goals,
objectives, policies and priorities of MRA, as well as coordinate
the implementation of the Wailuku Redevelopment Plan.
"I am enthusiastic about this opportunity to work for the
County to contribute to the continued improvement of Wailuku
as a place to live, visit, and do business," said Steel.
"Wailuku town is fortunate to have such an experienced
administrator like Mr. Steel to manage the Redevelopment Agency.
The MRA is excited about the revitalization of Wailuku under
his leadership," said MRA Chair Ohigashi.
Until MRA secures an office in Wailuku, Steel can be reached
by e-mail at: wayne.steel@mauicounty.gov.
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COMMENTARY
How Could You?
Commentary
by Jim Cozzette, Middletown, N.Y.
When I was a puppy, I entertained you with my antics
and made you laugh. You called me your child, and despite
a number of chewed shoes and a couple of murdered throw
pillows, I became your best friend. Whenever I was "bad,"
you'd shake your finger at me and ask "How could you?"
But then you'd relent, and roll me over for a bellyrub.
My housebreaking took a little longer than expected, because
you were terribly busy, but we worked on that together.
I remember those nights of nuzzling you in bed and listening
to your confidences and secret dreams, and I believed that
life could not be any more perfect. We went for long walks
and runs in the park, car rides, stops for ice cream (I only
got the cone because "ice cream is bad for dogs," you
said),
and I took long naps in the sun waiting for you to come home
at the end of the day.
Gradually, you began spending more time at work and on
your career, and more time searching for a human mate.
I waited for you patiently, comforted you through heartbreaks
and disappointments, never chided you about bad decisions,
and romped with glee at your homecomings, and when you
fell in love. She, now your wife, is not a "dog person"
-- still
welcomed her into our home, tried to show her affection, and
obeyed her. I was happy because you were happy.
Then the human babies came along and I shared your
excitement. I was fascinated by their pinkness, how they
smelled, and I wanted to mother them, too. Only she and
you worried that I might hurt them, and I spent most of
my time banished to another room, or to a dog crate.
Oh, how I wanted to love them, but I became a "prisoner
of love."
As they began to grow, I became their friend. They clung to
my fur and pulled themselves up on wobbly legs, poked
fingers in my eyes, investigated my ears, and gave me
kisses on my nose. I loved everything about them and their
touch -- because your touch was now so infrequent -- and I
would have defended them with my life if need be. I would
sneak into their beds and listen to their worries and secret
dreams, and together we waited for the sound of your car in
the driveway.
There had been a time, when others asked you if you had a
dog, that you produced a photo of me from your wallet and
told them stories about me. These past few years, you just
answered "yes" and changed the subject. I had gone from
being "your dog" to "just a dog," and you
resented every
expenditure on my behalf.
Now, you have a new career opportunity in another city, and
you and they
will be moving to an apartment that does not allow pets.
You've made the right decision for your "family," but
there
was a time when I was your only family. I was excited
about the car ride until we arrived at the animal shelter.
It smelled of dogs and cats, of fear, of hopelessness.
You filled out the paperwork and said "I know you will find
a good home for her." They shrugged and gave you a
pained look. They understand the realities facing a
middle-aged dog, even one with "papers."
You had to pry your son's fingers loose from my collar as
he screamed "No, Daddy! Please don't let them take my dog!"
And I worried for him, and what lessons you had just taught
him about friendship and loyalty, about love and responsibility,
and about respect for all life. You gave me a good-bye
pat on the head, avoided my eyes, and politely refused to
take my collar and leash with you. You had a deadline to
meet and now I have one, too.
After you left, the two nice ladies said you probably knew
about your upcoming move months ago and made no
attempt to find me another good home. They shook their
heads and asked "How could you?"
They are as attentive to us here in the shelter as their
busy schedules allow. They feed us, of course, but I
lost my appetite days ago. At first, whenever anyone passed
my pen, I rushed to the
front, hoping it was you that you had changed your mind --
that this was all a bad dream ... or I hoped it would at least
be someone who cared, anyone who might save me. When I
realized I could not compete with the frolicking for attention
of happy puppies, oblivious to their own fate, I retreated to
a far
corner and waited.
I heard her footsteps as she came for me at the end
of the day, and I padded along the aisle after her to a
separate room. A blissfully quiet room.
She placed me on the table and rubbed my ears, and told
me not to worry. My heart pounded in anticipation of what
was to come, but there was also a sense of relief.
The prisoner of love had run out of days. As is my nature, I was
more concerned about her.
The burden which she bears weighs heavily on her, and I
know that, the same way I knew your every mood. She
gently placed a tourniquet around my foreleg as a tear ran
down her cheek. I licked her hand in the same way I used
to comfort you so many years ago. She expertly slid the
hypodermic needle into my vein. As I felt the sting and the
cool liquid coursing through my body,
I lay down sleepily, looked into her kind eyes and murmured
"How could you?"
Perhaps because she understood my dogspeak, she said
"I'm so sorry." She hugged me, and hurriedly explained
it
was her job to make sure I went to a better place, where
I wouldn't be ignored or abused or abandoned, or have to fend
for myself -- a place of love and light so very different from
this earthly place. And with my last bit of energy, I tried
to convey to her with a thump of my tail that my "How could
you?"
was not directed at her. It was you, My Beloved Master, I
was thinking of. I will think of you and wait for you forever.
May everyone in your life continue to show you so
much loyalty.
This excerpt is from "Pieces of My Heart – Writings
Inspired by Animals and Nature" by Jim Willis, 2001.
If "How Could You?" brought tears to your eyes as you
read it,
as it did to mine as I wrote it, it is because it is the composite
story of the millions of formerly owned pets who die each
year in American and Canadian animal shelters. Anyone is
welcome to distribute the essay for a noncommercial purpose,
as long as it is properly attributed with the copyright notice.
Please use it to help educate, on your websites, in
newsletters, on animal shelter and vet office bulletin boards.
Tell the public that the decision to add a pet to the family is
an important one for life, that animals deserve our love and
sensible care, that finding another appropriate home for
your animal is your responsibility and any local humane
society or animal welfare league can offer you good advice,
and that all life is precious. Please do your part to stop the
killing, and encourage all spay & neuter campaigns in order
to
prevent unwanted animals.
|
County Of Maui Academy To Open Soon
The County of
Maui Academy will soon be open to the public. The purpose of The
Academy is to familiarize citizens with county government, its services
and role in the community, to provide a better understanding of
issues facing the community, and to give an opportunity to interact
with the Mayor, Managing Director and the administrators of the
various county departments.
Developed and led by Managing Director Keith Regan, the County of
Maui Academy, modeled after community leadership programs and citizen
police academies found in many communities throughout the country.
Academy programs are free of charge and are designed to provide
citizens with a first-hand look at the work of Maui County government
and will provide an interactive learning experience in which instructors
and students can learn from each other through class discussions
and case studies.
"As confirmed in Focus Maui Nui, in order for our system of
government to function at its best, every resident should have input
on how it operates," said Mayor Alan Arakawa. "Our hope
is that the County of Maui Academy provides additional knowledge
that spurs participants to become engaged citizens."
Management staff representing the County's scope of responsibility
will instruct Academy sessions. Participants will have an opportunity
to learn from and interact with Department heads such as the Public
Works and Finance Directors, Police Chief, Fire Chief, the Managing
Director's Office and Mayor's Office.
Academy meetings will be held in the training classroom of the Maui
Police Department (ground floor) at 55 Mahalani Street in Wailuku.
Most Academy meetings will be held Tuesday evenings from 6 p.m.
to 8:30 p.m. Some hours and days will vary from this schedule. The
first class will begin on May 9, 2006 and run until June 27, 2006.
The County of Maui Academy is open to any County resident who has
an interest in County government and how it is managed. Participants
must be willing to devote one night per week for two months in an
interactive instructional setting.
An application form is available online at www.mauicounty.gov. The
application must be completed and submitted with a written statement
outlining the reasons why the nominee would find participation in
the County of Maui Academy a valuable experience.
Participation is limited and based on a first-come, first-served
basis.
Academy Curriculum:
Tuesday, May 9, 2006 — The Big Picture: Mission, History,
Leadership, distinction between the legislative and executive branches
of government.
Tuesday, May 16, 2006 — Assuring a Safe Community: Maui County
Police Department, Department of the Prosecuting Attorney, Maui
County Fire Department, Civil Defense
Tuesday, May 23, 2006 — Serving the Community legally and
through Accountability
Tuesday, June 6, 2006 — Developing and Maintaining the Community:
Planning for Maui County
Tuesday, June 13, 2006 — Addressing Human Needs including
Affordable Housing
Tuesday, June 20, 2006 — Strengthening our economy, preserving
lifestyles/cultures, infrastructure
Tuesday, June 27, 2006 — Focus on the Future: Innovative Technologies,
Communications, Opportunities for Involvement, Challenges, Graduation
For more information, please contact David Ching at 270-6287.
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