Celebrating diversity in Maui County
By Nohelani Uʻu-Hodgins
During May, the United States observes Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.
For more than 30 years, this annual observance has provided a platform to amplify the voices of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders throughout the nation while highlighting their achievements and raising awareness about issues affecting the diverse AANHPI communities.
Patsy Takemoto Mink, a proud Pāʻia resident and Maui High School graduate, was a relentless advocate for women’s and marginalized communities’ civil rights, gender equality and education reform. She co-authored the Title IX legislation, which opened the doors to equal opportunities in education.
She was the first woman of color elected to the U.S. House of Representatives and the first Asian American woman to serve in Congress. Her leadership paved the way for future generations of AANHPI individuals to pursue careers in politics and activism, inspiring countless others to follow in her footsteps.
The celebration of AANHPI Heritage Month serves as an opportunity to honor the contributions of trailblazers like Congresswoman Mink. AANHPI Heritage Month also offers a chance for reflection and education, fostering greater understanding and appreciation for the experiences and struggles of AANHPI individuals throughout U.S. and Hawai‘i history.
Women of diverse backgrounds helped shape the culture of our society and deserve to be celebrated. On a personal note, I want to also recognize my grandmothers and their impact in shaping me into who I am today.
I am proud to be Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander and honored to be supported and surrounded by people from similar backgrounds. I draw inspiration from women and the AANHPI community when considering my work on the council.
As my colleagues and I on the council carry out our legislative duties, we must consider our diverse communities and their unique needs. Recognizing the everyday challenges that residents face throughout Maui County is essential.
Over the last several weeks, the Maui County Council had the heavy task of reviewing the mayor’s proposed budget and allocating resources for essential services, infrastructure, public safety and capital-improvement projects for the fiscal year beginning July 1. With every proposal and decision, my colleagues and I have given special consideration to the needs of residents affected by the August 8 wildfires.
I am grateful that community members from all walks of life came together in a time of disaster to support each other.
During the Makawao-Haʻikū-Pāʻia residency-area meeting on April 2, many residents spoke up in support of appropriations to protect our community. I advocated for adding safety measures on Holomua Road, increasing funding for the Pāʻia Clean and Safe program and conditioning use of the Open Space Fund for the purchase of property in Paʻuwela along Maui’s North Shore.
I believe the council’s budget priorities, as reflected in Bill 60, CD1 (2024), reveal a commitment to promoting prosperity, equity and well-being throughout. But I hope to hear the views of more residents when the budget bill and related legislation are up for first reading at the council meeting on Tuesday at 9 a.m.
For the meeting agenda, testimony instructions and more information on the budget, visit https://www.mauicounty.us/2025-budget/.
At the meeting, the council will also honor Maui Waena Intermediate School students for their recent successes at the Student Television Network Convention Contest and the VEX Robotics World Championship, via a congratulatory resolution offered by Councilmember Tasha Kama. Maui Waena’s aspiring journalists and scientists are living examples of this year’s AANHPI Heritage Month theme, “Advancing Leaders Through Innovation.”
Those of us in public office have a responsibility to shape perspectives and inspire others. Through our work, we can challenge stereotypes, break barriers and pave the way for future generations, just as Patsy Mink did for us after she was elected to Congress 60 years ago.
*Nohelani Uʻu-Hodgins is the chair of the Government Relations, Ethics and Transparency Committee. She holds the County Council seat for the Makawao-Haʻikū-Pāʻia residency area. “Council’s 3 Minutes” is a column to explain the latest news on county legislative and community matters. Go to mauicounty.us for more information.*
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