Where were these politicians when Bissen created this problem?
REALITY: Meet the Meth Gang Behind ‘Lahaina Strong’
May, 2025: Bissen names Meth Dealer’s Son to Maui County Board of Water Supply
REALITY: Missing Meth Money a Conflict of Interest for Bissen Appointee? -- While campaigning for a position on the Board of Water Supply, Kiakona claimed that he was qualified for the position based on the fact that his family owns a property in Honokohau Valley that diverts water to grow taro.
REALITY: PGA Tour Cancelled? Bissen orders Water Dumped Down Streambeds instead of watering golf course -- “MLP has said it is navigating a historic West Maui drought by adhering to the guidance from the Commission on Water Resources Management to prioritize stream flow and traditional and customary uses, followed by delivery to the County of Maui to provide drinking water for Lahaina….”
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RETAINING $50 MILLION FOR THE STATE: SENATORS URGE PGA OFFICIALS TO FIND HOME FOR THE SENTRY IN HAWAIʻI
News Release from Senate Majority Caucus, Sept 19, 2025
KAHULUI, HAWAIʻI – Tourism remains a cornerstone of Hawai‘i’s economy, with sports tourism playing an increasingly vital role to attract high-spending visitors and promote regenerative tourism. High-profile events like The Sentry bring up to 3,000 visitors into West Maui who fuel regional economic development by using hotels and vendors. The cancellation is projected to cost Maui roughly $50 million in lost annual economic impact if not replaced with another course in Maui.
“This is a real setback for Maui. Our small businesses, workers, and nonprofits depend on the spending and charitable support tied to this tournament,” said Senator Troy N. Hashimoto (D – 5, Wailuku, Kahului, Waihe‘e, Waikapu Mauka, Wai‘ehu), Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Housing. “Maui is still recovering from the devastating effects of the 2023 wildfires and losing The Sentry prolongs recovery for Maui residents and local small businesses.”
Today, Senators Donovan M. Dela Cruz and Troy N. Hashimoto sent a letter urging PGA Tour and Sentry officials to identify an alternative venue for the tournament either on Maui or elsewhere in Hawaii and are working to meet with officials to discuss future options. These events also support regenerative tourism by spreading benefits to local communities while protecting Hawai‘i’s natural and cultural resources.
“With visitor arrivals declining, hotel occupancy down, and our film industry stagnating, we cannot afford to let sports tourism trend in the same direction,” said Senator Donovan M. Dela Cruz (D – 17, Portion of Mililani, Mililani Mauka, portion of Waipi‘o Acres, Launani Valley, Wahiawā, Whitmore Village), Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “High-spending visitors drawn to major sports events like The Sentry bring in revenue far beyond the event itself—hotels fill up, restaurants are busy, local vendors thrive.”
PDF: Read Official Letter to PGA Tour and Sentry Insurance Here
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Politicos Pretend to try to do Something About Lost Golf Tourney
HNN: … James Tokioka, director of the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, says he’s not going to stop trying to get the tournament played on Maui….
He points out that the PGA announcement didn’t say the tournament was canceled, just that the venue was ruled out.
The statement said “the 2026 playing of The Sentry will not be contested at The Plantation Course at Kapalua due to ongoing drought conditions.”
Asked if PGA gave any indication that they’re open to another venue, Tokioka said, “I haven’t been in that discussion, but if you look at the press release, it doesn’t close the door for anything in Hawaii, so that’s a good thing.”
Tokioka says he suggested the private King Kamehameha Golf Club south of Wailuku to the PGA based on recommendations from the Maui Junior Golf Association. It has stunning views and a world-class club house, but its unclear if it is challenging enough for the worlds best golfers.
And club leadership didn’t even know Tokioka has made the suggestion.
(TRANSLATION: This is 100% fake for public consumption.)
Big Q: What do you think of the PGA Tour canceling its season opener on Maui due to drought? | Honolulu Star-Advertiser
read … State hopes change in course will salvage Sentry golf tournament on Maui
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Meth Dealer’s Son Pleased as Maui County confirms it is open to purchasing Maui Land & Pineapple
HNN: … (the son of) West Maui water advocate (meth dealer, Moses Kiakona,) Paele Kiakona, said he believes that could be a step in the right direction.
“Our county, especially in Maui Komohana (West Maui), only controls 23% of our wai, of our water,” said and Kiakona. “The Honokohau ditch system supplies a substantial amount of water to the west side of Maui. That is a huge tipping of the scale that can potentially bring things back to a place of balance.”
The Commission on Water Resource Management posted “Current Drought Conditions, Instream Flow Standards in Honokohau, and Water Use in West Maui” on Tuesday’s agenda….
read … Maui County confirms it is open to purchasing Maui Land & Pineapple
REALITY: Meet the Meth Gang Behind ‘Lahaina Strong’
REALITY: Missing Meth Money a Conflict of Interest for Bissen Appointee?