Minding Our Money
Tough economic times require discipline and resourcefulness by the City
Balancing limited financial resources and heavy demands for public services will be daunting
Message
A mayor must possess the collaborative experience and leadership to guide the City in a difficult economy, including through the expanded use of public-private partnerships
Why Mufi?
>> As mayor, brought the City through the economic recession of 2008–2009 through sound fiscal management, including salary reductions, furloughs that were negotiated, and cuts in expenses; accomplished all this without reducing essential City services or raising property taxes
>> Helped form the Hawaii Council of Mayors as unified voice on county issues and identified areas for cooperation and exchange; pledge to restart the group if elected to be mayor again
>> Earmarked money to restart adding to City’s rainy day fund and was one of first local government jurisdictions to budget for long-term retiree health benefit obligations
>> Earned bond rating upgrades for City as a result of prudent financial management and policies
>> As mayor, formed public-private partnerships to preserve farmworker housing in Kunia … build public park at Ocean Pointe in Ewa Beach … acquire land in Kapolei for public purposes … exchange land for affordable rental housing
>> As mayor, secured lower property tax rate for agricultural land and endorsed higher homeowner tax exemption
>> As Hawai‘I Lodging & Tourism Association head, negotiated $1 million in public funds from Legislature, matched by hospitality industry, for homelessness service providers