Commentary contributed by Manuel Ignacio · Kihei

We need complete transparency in government.

Hooray for Judge Cardoza and Lance Collins enforcing the law of process when it comes to the Wailea 670 project—I guess not everyone can be bought. The violation of the Sunshine Law by Land Use Committee Chairman Michael Molina is a complete embarrassment to the people he supposedly represents. And shame on Mayor Charmaine Tavares for her comment that expediting the process is more important than following the laws set up to let the public participate in the development that affects them. Big corporations have the money and the power. All we the people have is our voice, and we are being railroaded by a pro-development council and mayor! How is it that the law is only important when it comes down to closing small businesses? If the law is important to follow, it is important to follow everyday for everyone—from the meth addict who got shot, to the Land Use Committee, to the mayor and governor themselves.

Complete transparency in government is what we need, not back door discussions and stifling of public testimony.