In its first forecast following the deadly Aug. 8 Lahaina fire, the University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization on Thursday proposed the creation of a new entity to oversee what comes next for Lahaina over the years to come to be created by the state Legislature.
“Housing affordability and availability is one of the most serious challenges we face in Hawaiʻi,” noted
Denise Konan, dean of the College of Social Sciences and professor of economics. “It’s critical that we advance solutions best supported by evidence, so we’re pleased to be hosting this event to help sort through the best ideas for Hawaiʻi.”
The livestream event is open to the public. (Submit questions and register.)
The Better Tomorrow Speaker Series is a joint venture of
UH Mānoa, Hawaiʻi Community Foundation and Kamehameha Schools. Event sponsors include the
UH Mānoa College of Social Sciences, Scholars Strategy Network, UHERO,
Aloha, Mayor Caldwell
Kirk Caldwell is the only mayor who previously held the job of City Managing Director. That experience gives him a perspective of the workings of city hall, but that hasn’t meant success in getting buy-in with the majority of the city council members on his vision for our Honolulu. His experience as a state lawmaker hasn’t always made smooth sailing at the state legislature either.
Caldwell does have three weeks to wind up his business with the city. Here’s what he had to say as he comes to grips to saying aloha to a job he has said he absolutely loves.