UPDATE:
I am please to share that as of 5:43AM Hawaii time 10/5/2023 , EMA has made a commendable decision to allocate the full amount of $44,000 to the physician and APRN who tragically lost their homes in the Maui fires. I applaud this decision, which aligns with the call from one of their providers to direct the funds toward those directly affected. However, I wrote this petition as that provider was told that at that time "If group members choose to donate portions of their checks that is encouraged." Which was upsetting and prompted this petition. However this new development is commendable and much needed in order to safeguard the trust donors place so their continued long-term support can keep coming in rebuilding and healing our Maui Community.

It's important to note that this positive outcome was achieved after the persistent efforts, including this petition, brought attention to the matter. This situation highlights the need for ethical guidance within our administrative leadership in all organizations in Maui, especially from those who are closely connected to the community. I understand that speaking up in such an environment can be daunting. 

EMA has enjoyed significant support from the board of directors at the hospital, which has sometimes shielded them from critical scrutiny. It's worth noting that even a prominent physician board member who spoke out in support of physicians against EMA last year was quietly "rotated out" of their board seat, as a new rule was silently introduced mandating rotation of the physician seat in the board- the only seat in the MHS board that has this rotation rule now. This raises broader concerns about the composition and practices of nonprofit and business boards across Maui.

I propose that nonprofits and businesses in Maui consider implementing term limits of 5 years or less for board members. This would encourage diversity and fresh perspectives while preventing the concentration of power among a few individuals or their family members. I believe that shining a light on board composition on Maui organizations, the presence of Maui residents, term limits and restrictions on legacy family board membership through a community scorecard system done by a newly created Maui Community Watchdog (a group which works off a set of community expectations and ensure that these community desired aims, goals and objectives are met) could be a transformative step for the betterment of Maui. 

Let's work together to foster positive change and ensure that our community thrives with representation from both our young leaders and respected KUPUNAs, who, despite lacking social capital, may contribute immensely to our community's well-being. 

Thank you for your attention to these critical matters.