He called several business leaders to his offices Friday to try to stop rumors and get out a reliable message about the county's socioeconomic future. He said the message coming in to him has changed. Now, Apana says, citizens are calling and asking how to fill empty rooms.
People are really worried.
The county will try to speed up some capital improvement projects, perhaps moving some from next fiscal year to this. That could also mean deferring projects of less immediate benefit. The county may ask the state to streamline the government procurement process for public works. Lynne Woods, president of the Maui Chamber of Commerce, said she was worried about rumor mongering and panicky tales. She suggested that if people hear alarming stories, they should report them to the chamber, which knows how to check them out and will.