Letter to the Editor
I’m an Arizona County Supervisor, a role similar to serving as a county councilmember in Hawaiʻi. Like Councilmember Shane Sinenci, I am an elected county official who works with residents, community leaders, businesses and other levels of government to address the issues that matter most to our communities.
I’m writing to express my support for Shane and the leadership he provides to Maui County.
Over the past several years, I’ve had the opportunity to work with Shane, including presenting with him last year in Hāna. During that visit, I saw firsthand how naturally he connects with people. He brings warmth, enthusiasm and genuine respect to every gathering. More importantly, he understands that effective leadership is rooted in valuing people, community, culture and relationships.
Shane’s approach to leadership is grounded in listening, respecting local knowledge, welcoming different perspectives and finding common ground. Those qualities are especially valuable as Maui County addresses challenges involving water security, housing, agriculture, infrastructure, emergency services, youth mental health, wildfire recovery, economic development, and disaster preparedness. He recognizes that supporting young people’s mental health is essential to building healthy, resilient communities for the next generation.
He also understands that strong partnerships promote fiscal responsibility. Counties have limited resources, and taxpayers expect their elected officials to make every dollar count. By working with other counties, agencies, community organizations, schools, health professionals, businesses, and residents, Maui can share resources, avoid duplicating efforts, learn from successful programs, and find solutions that deliver greater value.
Through his work with the National Association of Counties (NACo) and the Western Interstate Region, Shane has built relationships beyond Hawaiʻi. He brings Maui’s priorities to conversations with county leaders and policymakers across the country while learning from other communities and developing partnerships that can help Maui address its needs more effectively.
That collaborative approach is also important to Maui’s recovery and resilience efforts. The challenges created by the wildfires will take years to address. Meaningful recovery will require patience, cooperation, careful planning, and responsible use of public resources, along with a commitment to keep working together long after the headlines fade. Shane understands that lasting progress depends on bringing the right people and organizations to the table.
From my experience, Maui County is fortunate to have a leader who listens, builds trust, brings people together, and understands that strong partnerships lead to better results and greater accountability for taxpayers.
I strongly support Shane Sinenci’s continued leadership. His ability to collaborate, build lasting partnerships, use resources responsibly, and give Maui a voice beyond Hawaiʻi is an important asset to East Maui and the entire county.
With respect and aloha,
Lena Fowler
Coconino County District 5 Supervisor
Flagstaff, Arizona
Welcome to Our Campaign Page
My experience on the Council has supported Food Security and the Management of important water resources. I have also passed legislation in support of public health by limiting use of synthetic fertilizers in county parks and in nearshore public spaces.
National Association of County Councils
I currently sit on the Water Sub-committee for the Energy and Environment Committee at NACO.
Western Interstate Regional Committee
I am the Maui County representative for WIR, including 14 western states; for the past 8 years.
Maui County Boards and Commissions
As Councilmember, I currently sit on the Council on Aging Committee and the Conservation Committee. I also chair the Water Authority, Social Services and Parks Committee (WASSP).
Contact Us
Kokua, Ke 'Olu'olu
We are a small grassroots campaign that relies on donations from family and friends. Please send your monetary Kokua to:
Friends of Shane Sinenci
PO Box 343
Hana, HI 96713
votesinenci.com
Mahalo nui loa!
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