LIHU‘E — Kaua‘i County Council Chair Jay Furfaro’s first order of business in his inaugural address was to honor and recognize former Councilman Kaipo Asing. Asing failed to get re-elected after serving 28 years on the council. Furfaro’s acknowledgment drew
LIHU‘E — Kaua‘i County Council Chair Jay Furfaro’s first order of business in his inaugural address was to honor and recognize former Councilman Kaipo Asing.
Asing failed to get re-elected after serving 28 years on the council. Furfaro’s acknowledgment drew a strong ovation from the audience Wednesday at the Kaua‘i War Memorial Convention Hall in Lihu‘e.
Furfaro referred to Asing as a “champion of the small guy,” and said the former councilman was involved in many “landmark environmental cases that shaped our community for the better in immeasurable ways.”
Furfaro also acknowledged exiting Councilmembers Daryl Kaneshiro and Lani Kawahara, who opted not to seek re-election this year.
Furfaro took the podium shortly before Mayor Bernard P. Carvalho Jr.
The seasoned politician steps in for the first time as the council chair. Councilwoman JoAnn Yukimura is vice chair.
“We live on an island community,” Furfaro said. “It’s important for all of us to treat each other with mutual respect.”
Furfaro said he is hopeful the council will look to a set of values for guidance, such as ethics, harmony, patience, diversity, stewardship and responsibility.
“These values are especially important as we deal with the budget during these tough economic times we are facing,” said Furfaro, adding that the county must be efficient with the resources it has.
On Dec. 15 the council will start looking at a budget proviso that deals with revising the furlough policy, Furfaro said. County employees currently endure non-paid furloughs two days a month.
Furfaro said the council must work closely with the administration, continuing to push for energy sufficiency and transportation alternatives.
Continuing partnerships with state and federal governments to seek opportunities for new industries will broaden the economic base, Furfaro said.
The new chair noted that the preservation of important agricultural lands, which are currently under review, is critical for future generations.
“We must provide recreational outlets for our youth,” said Furfaro, adding that investment in youth activities will save money that would otherwise be spent fighting to keep children away from drugs and alcohol.
Furfaro also said the council will be contending with updating the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance, and will be monitoring an update to the county’s General Plan.
