MAHALO NUI!

WOW!
What a great turnout. We received 41.2% of the vote, and I have YOU to thank for that.
It is 1:00am, so I am going to keep this blog short:) I have attached some photos from tonight.
THANK YOU AGAIN EVERYONE FOR YOUR SUPPORT AND ALOHA!

My hand after the third printout

friends, family, and supporters!









MAHALO NUI LOA!
THIS IS A CAMPAIGN ABOUT THE PEOPLE, AND ABOUT A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE, AND TONIGHT WE PROVED THAT REAL CHANGE IS ON THE HORIZON.

We've been busy!

DON'T FORGET TO VOTE TOMORROW, SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 20th!






Hello Everyone!

Here are some photos from our latest signwavings!

Quick Post

Well, the Primary Elections are tomorrow!

I am just writing a quick post before heading out to do one of our last big signwavings before the Saturday Primary.

I humbly ask for your support this Saturday.

Mahalo Nui!

Salamat Po!: Filipino Candidate Forum

This past week has been busy, and we are only getting busier!
The highlight of the week was attending the Filipino Candidate Forum. Here are some photos from the evening:









Shown in photos: Elizabeth Ayson, Councilman Pontanilla, Mrs. Agaran, Rep. McKelvey, Sen. English, Lucienne DeNaie, Kai Nishiki.

I thank everyone who helped bring this event together. It's a lot of hard work and dedication, and it is well worth it. We need to assure that our voters are informed and prepared for electing their leaders.

Salamat Po!

Sierra Club Canoe Race and Picnic

What Fun! Thank you so much to everyone who made this event possible it was great to be able to campaign and paddle canoe all at the same time. Starr team placed second in our division, a few meters behind Kai Nishiki's crew. Here are some photos:

The Team:


Lucienne's Crew www.electluci.com

Kai's Crew www.kainishiki.com

Tasha's Crew www.tashakama.com

Walk the Talk

Saturday morning I was up early helping the Kula Community Association with cleaning up their portion of adopted highway. I came bearing coffee and snacks - after years of community service, I know that a little extra energy goes a long way.
Thanks to everyone who volunteered!

another day, another smile

We were out again and again, despite the cane smoke. The Starr team are such troopers! Thanks for all of your smiles, waves, shakas, and honks early in the morning.

How auspicious:

We are a happy bunch!

MEO Senior Fair

What Fun! Here are some photos from the Senior Fair this past weekend at War Memorial Stadium.

Mary Medeiros and her daughter- I would walk to her house every day after Makawao School. She is an amazing woman.

It is such a pleasure to meet so many kupuna from all over Maui

This wahine works for Moku'ula in Lahaina, a wonderful restoration project.

Listening.

Thank you to MEO, and everyone who make this fair possible year after year.
A hui hou,
Summer Starr*

p.s. HAVE A GREAT LABOR DAY!

...and more signwaving...

Good morning!

Signwaving!

What a wonderful morning! Family and friends got together for coffee, Komoda creampuffs, and some good ol' local style signwaving, Here are some pics:

Endorsed by the Sierra Club!

It is an honor to be endorsed by such an integral and influential group. I look forward to creating progressive and comprehensive legislation with the Sierra Club in the near future. Here are some photos of their press conference at the Capitol on Oahu today:

Some of the other endorsed candidates

Hard Working Sierra Club Staff

Candidate from O'ahu (East Side), Jessica Wooley: www.jessicawooley.com

Candidate from O'ahu (Ewa), Kurt Fevella

Hawaii Director of Sierra Club, Jeff Mikulina

MEO Candidate Forum

I participated in the MEO candidate forum last week. It was an opportunity for the non-profit sector to see who supported them whole heartedly. The video will be showing on Akaku soon.

p.s.: for more media on Summer Starr check out electsummer.com for video, audio, and written media coverage.

Bon Dance Paia Rinzai Mission

What a beautiful night for a Bon Dance. Here are some photos from the bon dance at the Rinzai Mission. You can see how lovely the full moon was:

Kula Forum

Aloha,

Click on this link to watch the video from the Kula Forum/Debate:

House District 12 - Upcountry Maui
www.maui2000.com/video/House District 12 Upcountry Maui.htm

Photos from the Fundraiser!

Aloha!

Our fundraiser was an absolute success! We were blessed with afternoon showers, the food was regionally based, grown Upcountry and so tasty. The guests had wonderful time, and of course MAKANA put on a riveting performance. It was very encouraging to see how much support I have from within my community.
Here are some photos from the event, and there are more to come.

Here with part of our family, everyone worked so hard to help bring this whole event together.

With mother and father: Hugh and Erin Starr

MAKANA

I want to thank all those who donate their time, their services, and their products to this event.
MAHALO!

Maui News Article

Maui News:
Summer Starr's response on The Issues:

http://mauinews.com/page/content.detail/id/506781.html

Visit and Tour of Kula Hospital

August 3rd, 2008
Aloha Kakou,
Having been born and raised Upcountry I have always admired Kula Hospital for its ability to stick through all the changes happening Upcountry, and for maintaining its majestic presence. I had an opportunity to meet the staff and administration, and go on a tour of the grounds this week. What I saw was both sad and beautiful. Kula Hospital will be having its 100 year anniversary in 2010. I have spoken with those who work at the hospital and they too feel as though it is a bittersweet place. To me it looked like a gold-mine waiting to be discovered. These are just a couple of the amazing views available to the patients and residents there at Kula Hospital. They do have a 24 hour 7 day a week Emergency Room available to our community now! I have learned that operating a rural hospital is a difficult task, and I hope to find a way to allow Kula Hospital to succeed. It is an asset to our community and has great historical significance, and offers quality health care. Thank you so much to those who shared the mana'o.

Fundraiser for Mele Carroll

July 30th, 2008
Aloha Kakou,
I attended the fundraiser for Mele Carroll held at the Haiku Community Center. Ono grinds, wonderful entertainment, great company, just an overall good time -- I would expect no less from Representative Carroll. She will be running unopposed, which is excellent for the people of East Maui, Moloka`i, Lana`i, Kaho`olawe, and for the fish at Molokini.


With the woman of the evening, Mele, and Kai Nishiki who is running for County Council.

Here with the outstanding Randy Awo of the DOCARE division of DLNR. This man has a true passion to protect his `aina that is beautiful and should be emulated by all resource enforcement. Honestly, with more men and women like him, our Maui will be a beautiful place.

The one, the only, the wonderful, Richard Ho`opi`i

At the MACC

July 29th, 2008
Aloha Everyone,
We were fortunate enough to have a table at the MACC for the weekly Maui Film Festival film. It was a great time to catch up with old friends, and make some new ones!!

My lovely parents: Erin and Hugh Starr. They have been so supportive, truly amazing individuals:

Getting some ono grinds:

Fundraiser with MAKANA! August 10th.

Aloha Kakou!
The Summer Starr for State House campaign has been blessed to have MAKANA perform at an upcoming fundraiser: August 10th, 5pm-9pm. Upcountry style dinner, drinks, and entertainment will all be provided with the purchase of an $100 ticket. Please come out and support Summer Starr in her candidacy. To purchase tickets contact us at: info@electsummer.com or 808.572.IMUA(4682). Better be quick, as tickets are selling fast!

Mahalo Nui, and see you there!

Kupuna Aloha Luncheon

This past weekend I was delighted to attend the Kupuna Aloha Luncheon sponsored by Maui Economic Opportunity (MEO).

It was wonderful to meet our islands' seniors and have an opportunity to talk story with them. The MEO staff and the Grand Wailea Resort Hotel put on a lovely event.


I had an opportunity to speak in front of the crowd of 800 seniors. What follows is an excerpt from my speech:

...I was born and raised Upcountry, in Olinda. I attended Makawao School and then Seabury, though I left Seabury and started college at the age of 16. Growing up in Makawao, I saw my lovely little town growing so rapidly and our local families getting displaced. I was watching as our small-business were shutting down. I was watching as my own family struggled. And then I saw our last local dairy close its doors. I was watching as my lovely Upcountry came under pressure. This deeply saddened me, but more importantly, it motivated me – and that is what has brought me here today. Considering this is a luncheon to honor our seniors, I find it appropriate to honor my own kupuna. My father, Hugh started out as a Paniolo for Ulupalakua and Moloka’i ranch and to him attribute my deep reverence and knowledge of the land. My mother, Erin was an English teacher Upcountry, and to her I attribute my intellectual development. My grandfather, Russell Starr was a Representative in the Territorial Government of Hawaii, to him I attribute my passion for representing the people. My great-grandmother, Betty danced hula in Kaimuki and took surf lessons from the Kahanamoku’s and to her I attribute my special connection to and deep respect for the Hawaiian culture. And my other grandfather, Patrick, was an Navy Ace fighter pilot in WWII and to him I attribute my profound responsibility to fight and protect all that makes our Nation great. Because of all those who came before me, and because of all of those who will come after me – I have decided to run for office and protect our little piece of paradise. We are living in an historic moment. This year, our elections will make history on Maui, in Hawaii, in the Nation, and in the World.

I have Officially Filed my Nomination Papers!

Our official Press Release:

Summer Starr Files Papers To Run for Upcountry Seat

Contact: Dave Atias (808) 264-3695, mauigreen34@yahoo.com

(Makawao) Summer Starr filed papers today with the County of Maui to run in the Democratic primary election for a seat in the Hawaii State Legislature. Her campaign slogan is “From Upcountry, For Upcountry.”

Starr, who was born and raised in Makawao, is running to represent District 12, which includes Olinda, Pi`iholo, Makawao, Hali`imaile, Pukalani, Kula, Keokea, Kahikinui, Pulehu and parts of Ulupalakua. She is running on a platform that focuses on agriculture, renewable energy, resource management and supporting our communities and small businesses. Both her mother and father come from families with deep roots in Hawaii.

“I am blessed to have grown up amidst such beauty and community here in Upcountry, but without fundamental change, that lifestyle is threatened,” Starr said. “It is clear that what is in place right now is not working. I want to make sure that those who follow us can grow and flourish in an environment that is healthy and pono.”

“I’m walking door-to-door all over Upcountry listening to what people want and expect from their government, “ Starr added. “I’m so excited to make my candidacy official and I am ready to serve my community.”

Starr, a graduate of the University of Hawaii at Manoa, has worked for the Legislative Reference Bureau and has a record of leadership in community, environmental and cultural organizations.

Starr’s vision for Upcountry can be seen at www.ElectSummer.com. She also blogs about her campaign at http://electsummer.blogspot.com.

Makawao Parade!

Wow, the Makawao Parade was wonderful! I grew up watching this parade every single year. And this year, I got to be IN the parade! We had family, friends, supporters, skateboarders, classic cars, and lots of cheering!

Thank you so much to everyone who made this event happen, without your support early on a Saturday morning, there is no way we could have pulled off such a great event.

Dad navigating the pink Starchief, mom and little cousins cruising in the back

Me with my lovely sister Amber with her amazing son, Josiah, and our cousin Jason.

My beautiful aunties.

Thank you to EVERYONE, all the entries, who were in the parade. It is a very important part of Makawao, and I appreciate the efforts of the community to keep this tradition alive and well!

A hui hou,
Summer Starr

Remember: BIG DOOR 2 DOOR PUKALANI: SATURDAY, JULY 12.
Meet 9:30am at Pukalani Community Center.

Big Door 2 Door

Thank you everyone who came out and helped us canvass Makawao!

It was a hot day, and there sure were a lot of dogs, but we had a great time getting to know our neighbors and spreading the word that someone who is From Upcountry and For Upcountry is now running to represent us Upcountry!

We will be having another big Door to Door event for Pukalani this Saturday, July 12th. Please meet at Pukalani Community Center at 9:30am. Volunteers will receive:

-Door to Door tutorial
-all the supplies you need for going door to door
-a Summer Starr bumper sticker
-Komoda donuts!
-Please just bring sunscreen for yourself, comfortable shoes, and a probably a hat.

See you then!!

Upcountry Ag Fair Weekend!

Aloha Everyone!
This weekend has been magnificent so far with the Upcountry Ag Fair held at Oskie Rice Arena. I feel right at home (which I am) at the Rodeo Arena. I am having great memories of horse-back riding as a little girl, watching the rodeo, hearing goats and cows and pigs....this is the essence of Upcountry!

The family in the Starr Tent.
With my amazing niece, Lily.

Our friendly neighbors in Olinda

Radio

I was on Radio Pio (88.5) recently. I had a great hour with Lava, the radio host. We talked about community building, renewable energy, how to make Hawaii self sufficient, and how to do all this without losing our culture. The radio show can be heard through our website: www.electsummer.com.

A hui hou,
Summer.

State Democratic Convention

I recently attended the Democratic State Democratic Convention. It was such a wonderful experience to see our Democracy in action. We voted on, debated, and proposed comprehensive resolutions to our Democratic Platform.



With U.S. Representative Neil Abercrombie, who addressed the Convention with a passionate and motivating speech.

We all cast our vote and elected former Representative Brian Schatz to lead us as our new Party Chair.


Wonderful Democrats from my home, District 12. Fellow delegates to the State Convention.



With our fearless District 12 leader, District Chair -- Todd Craine


What a fun time. Hard work, but very rewarding. We here at the campaign have been very busy working and pushing forward. It is an exciting time, and we are glad to be in the heart of this movement.

A hui hou,
Summer Starr

A Lovely, Upcountry Weekend

Wow, what a jam-packed amazing weekend out in the community!

From the Po'okela Church Bazaar to the Seabury Hall Crafts Fair to the Holy Ghost Feast to Sign Waving for Peace!
Still I found time to plants potatoes, take care of the chickens and trade some eggs for sugar-snap peas with the neighbors! I love Upcountry living.

Seabury Hall Crafts Fair:
With both my beautiful aunties and my cousin Jesse-James:

With the one and only Aunty Gordeen Bailey, the hula master. She made the beautiful native haku I am wearing: Lehua, a'ali'i. As a young girl I took hula lessons from Robin Knuebel at Gordeen's halau in Kula. Both women are still as beautiful and graceful as ever:

Here with lifelong neighbor Tom Fahsholtz and Monroe:

Mother's Day signwaving for PEACE:

Yummy crack-seed (my favorite is Rock Salt Plum):

I hope everyone had a lovely Mother's Day!
Until next time...

Happy Mother's Day!

What better way to get out and show our support for all the Mother's of Maui, then give them a friendly wave on their way to work (plus it was a good reminder for those who forgot to go out and get last minute gifts!)

We (Summer Starr, Erin Starr, Hugh Starr, Aaron Holmes, Kai Nishiki, and Jake, Micah, and Taylor Kealoha) got out to five trees at 6am. It was windy and rainy, but that didn't stop us!

I personally would like to wish all mothers an amazing Mother's Day. May you take time for yourself, and truly honor all the hard work that you do as a mother, and as a woman.

Thanks mom.

Kai is a very hard working mom, she definitely deserves a bouquet!

County Democratic Convention

This past Saturday, many our Island's Democratics gathered for the County Democratic Convention.
The theme for this year's Convention was: "Going Green", People/Economy/Awareness/Country/Environment (P.E.A.C.E).
We voted and determined the Democratic County Platform, amended rules, and proposed new resolutions. It was an active and lively group.
I was honored to escort, with former Mayor Kimo Apana, U.S. Congresswoman Mazie Hirono on to stage for her speech.We were visited by many of our Democratic political leaders. Yet perhaps what was more exciting and invigorating to see, was the presence of so many interested District and Precinct community leaders. Being a member of the Democratic Party, I believe that one of the founding principles of the party is inclusiveness, and of course.....Democracy. To witness our community members come out in full force to express their opinions on the politics of Hawaii was refreshing indeed.

with Representative Angus McKelvey (West Maui)















with Precinct leader Jim Crowe (Upcountry)
The beautiful sweeping view of Upcountry, my home .

Women Helping Women

Aloha Everyone!

Last weekend I was fortunate enough to attend the Annual Fundraiser tea for the organization Women Helping Women: http://www.whwmaui.net.
This organization does outstanding work to protect the women and children of our Island from domestic violence. They have an emergency shelter and various programs to empower, assist, and rehabilitate victims of domestic violence.
In Hawaii, the first two murders of 2008 were victims of domestic violence. Two women, slain at the hand of their partners. This sort of precedent is absolutely unacceptable. It is for reasons such as this that organization like Women Helping Women are so vital to maintaining a healthy community. Women Helping Women assures that:

• All calls to our hotline are confidential.
• You are not alone.
• Help is available.
• You are not responsible for another person's violence.
• You and your children have a right to be safe in your home.
• Violence is never an appropriate response to anger or stress.

The Fundraiser event was an absolute joy to be a part of. It took place Upcountry at the beautiful Ulupalakua Ranch. Bev Gannon from Hali'iamile catered the event with her amazing culinary concoctions. The event MC, Dean Wong - Board of Director, was an absolute blast and kept all the ladies on their toes. The music was divine. The women were in high spirits, dressed in pink, adorned with elaborate hats most appropriate for a tea party. The auction items were absolutely stunning. The Mac makeup crew was there to assure that the women felt like queens. It was a pristinely perfect Sunday Upcountry. Truly a blessing to see all those women, and men, come together to help stop the cycle of abuse that plagues so many of our Islands' citizens.

Thank you to the event organizers:
Brooke Simonds - Event Chair
Stacey Moniz - Executive Director of WHW
and of course those who donated the luxurious auction items, the volunteers, and all the attendees for all your hard work and dedication to the cause. We are so lucky to have you.If you feel as though you have been a victim of domestic violence please contact the 24-Hour Domestic Violence Hotline (808) 579-9581.
Together, we can stop the cycle of abuse.

A hui hou!
Summer Starr

Food and Fuel Security Imperative for Healthy Future

Letter to the Editor written May 1st, 2008:

With headlines that read: “Buzz of shortage triggers panic…” (Maui News), “Fuel costs blamed…”(Maui News), “…major food crisis…”(CNN), it is apparent that the time is now to establish and secure our island’s food and energy resources.

We live on an island graced by relentless sun, wind, wave and tidal action. With these abundant resources we are able to, with the proper technology, provide sufficient energy for our Island that comes from local, renewable sources.

Here on Maui we are blessed with a wealth of arable land. Our alluvial plains are nutrient rich, and largely undeveloped. We have experienced agriculturalists that are able to produce food for our people. Most importantly, we have a market and a demand for food that is grown here.

The Hawaiian Islands make up the most isolated island group on the globe. This isolation has created our beautiful and unique ecosystems, but has also left us extremely vulnerable to the mercy of global markets. With the dwindling supply, and rising cost of food and oil worldwide, it is imperative that we on Maui begin to establish our own sources of food and fuel. The possibilities are endless.

So why are we at a standstill? Lack of political will. There are expert individuals and organizations that work tirelessly to implement projects that could create a safer, more secure, sustainable, and independent Maui. The knowledge is here, the time is now. It’s an election year. Hold your Government Officials accountable for the decisions they have made. Know who are truly advocates for the environment and therefore, advocates for the secure future of Maui. Know who has voted to disregard our precious island resources, and will continue to do so at the price of our own health and safety.

We live in the most beautiful place on Earth. Let’s utilize the amazing resources available to us and create a food and energy independent Maui.

IMUA.

Summer Starr
Olinda

Earth Day: Maui Nui Botanicals

Aloha E, and Happy Earth Day Weekend to You All!

What a wonderful time, when everyone in the community comes together to celebrate the importance and significance of the environment that surrounds us.
This year I again attended the Earth Day celebration at the Maui Nui Botanical Gardens in Kahului. Last year I was working at the booth for the Hawaii PV Coalition (a non-profit dedicated to renewable energy). This year, I was able to walk around, talk story, and hear everyone's mana'o about their project.

I was fortunate enough to be joined by some local high school students:






We learned how to beat kapa cloth, string beautiful lei, and make haku without using any string!

Between all the activites, the wonderful and informational booths, the AMAZING entertainment and all the ono grinds -- every year the Earth Day event at Maui Nui Botanical Gardens is a hit!




Thank you so much to everyone who put their time and effort into making the event what it is each year. I know how hard it is to find time in our busy schedules for non-profit and volunteer work. It is truly rewarding to know that you are giving back to your community, and regardless of the fact that you may have to wake up at 6:00am on a Saturday to get ready...it is more than worth it.


I would especially like to thank Lisa Raymond for all her hard work and dedication to the Gardens. She works so diligently, yet with such grace to make this event as successful as it is. Thank you to Ki'ope for being such a well-spoken and entertaining MC.

Most importantly, thank you to everyone who came out and enjoyed the celebration.

(with Randy Awo, Momi, and Ki'ope)














It's busy Earth Day weekend. What a lovely sign of the times.

Happy Earth Day!

Don't forget, tomorrow -- April 20th -- there will be an Earth Day celebration at Baldwin Beach from 10am to sunset. Come and get your picture taken by a helicopter at 3pm voicing your demand to Congress to cut back our carbon emissions!

for more information on Maui Nui Botanical Gardens check out their website at: www.mnbg.org

For more information on Earth Day, check out:
http://ww2.earthday.net

Waihe'e Dunes Hike: Maui Coastal Land Trust

Aloha Everyone!

First and foremost I would like to thank the staff at the Maui Coastal Land Trust http://www.mauicoastallandtrust.org
for all of their hard work and dedication to preserving Maui's open spaces, and coastal culture.

Every month the Maui Coastal Land Trust offers a FREE GUIDED TOUR of the Waihe'e dunes. The tourguide, Scott Fisher, is a wealth of knowledge. The Maui Coastal Land Trust (MCLT) has, through hard work, acquired the land, which will now be protected in perpetuity. The tour is accommodating for all ages from keiki to kupuna.


This past Saturday I went on the hike with some MCLT staff and a full group of interested hikers. We started off with an informative briefing at the MCLT office (which is a darling , old style plantation home nestled up in Wailuku Town). First, we drove to a site where we were given a beautiful view from on top of the dunes. Being from Upcountry, I am accustomed to looking across to the Kahala Wai (West Maui Mountains). This view is just the opposite, it is the majestic panoramic view from Waihe'e across and up Haleakala. It is absolutely breathtaking.

We were then given a tour of the coastal portion of the land. The stories, the history, the legends, the geology, the archeology, the botany, there is a bounty of information there in that small marsh.
We continued on our educational journey. We hiked down, around, over, and across, and eventually came to a bluff that looked across the coastline. It was absolutely stunning. A gentle squall rolled in from on the ocean and gave us a light rain shower. It was a beautiful blessing to end the journey (and a relief from the heat).

We took a different route back and continued to learn about whatever we questions we could conjure up. Dale Bonar, Executive Director and Scott Fisher, Project Manager are both so personable and willing to share their mana'o about the Waihe'e sand dunes and marsh. They also truly enjoy listening to what others have to share about this lovely place.

I thank the Maui Coastal Land Trust for offering such a great educational service to the community. Moreover, I would like to thank the entire staff for working so hard to protect and preserve our 'aina. Preserving our 'aina is the first step in preserving our culture and our communities.

MAHALO NUI LOA!

Summer Starr

p.s. The event is open to the public, but call (808) 244-5263 for reservations.

E Komo Mai!

Aloha Everyone and E Komo Mai,

Thank you for joining me on 'Summer's Blog'. We here at Na Hoa O Summer Starr (Friends of Summer Starr) headquarters believe that a transparent government is a truthful government, so we have decided to do our part to run a transparent campaign.
We will be updating the blog with news from the campaign trail so you can tune in, receive up to date reports and remain informed.

As this is a grassroots campaign, we would also like to utilize this blog space as a venue to announce upcoming community events. To announce your upcoming event please send an email to info@electsummer.com. We will just need to know:

Where the event is located,
When the event is taking place,
What the event will comprise of,
How much does it cost, if anything,
Who is the contact individual,
In what way do you feel this event will benefit the Island of Maui?


I have been, remain to be, and will always be a person that fights to protect our communities. It's people like YOU who make our communities what they are. Thank you for being an essential part to what makes Maui, Maui and what makes Upcountry, Country!

A hui hou,

Summer Starr