TOTALLY COMMITTED:

Hello, I'm Sam Masilamoney and it would be an honor for me to serve you, the people of the Big Island of Hawai'i, as your next Mayor. I believe in and have the utmost respect for the peoples of Hawaii. As residents, I know that you want to see our island flourish and prosper, while preserving our heritage, and so do I.

As your next Mayor, my focus and vision will be to secure the quality of life in our community for generations to come.

It is my sincere belief that County Government should be proactive in responding to the needs of the people and businesses in our community. As Mayor, I will continue to work with each department of our County to ensure an effective and efficient County and Big Island Government. You, the citizens of our beautiful and unique Island, want and deserve responsible spending when it comes to your tax dollars.

My desire is to serve the people of the Big Island by utilizing my many years of experience and leadership capabilities. I would be extremely proud to serve the people of the Big Island as your next Mayor.

A lifetime of public service and 100 percent self-funded

By Hadley Catalano

Wednesday, September 3, 2008 2:36 PM HST
While lack of media exposure might make this the first time you've heard of his campaign, don't let that stop you from taking an interest in what mayoral candidate Sam Masilamoney has to say.

"For people like myself who are running for public office for the first time I was shocked on how democracy is based on special interest. We have to start thinking outside the box. Money is the issue. Us middlemen feel like we don't have a voice," Masilamoney explained.

By 'middlemen' he means himself and fellow unknowns Jasper Moore, Randy Riley and Joseph Barrozo. "People are excited because it's time for a change. I'm not one of the good old boys. I don't speak the language. I'm not a politician."

Masilamoney continued saying that because he hasn't raised funds on a par with the four front runners in his race (Angel Pilago, Billy Kenoi, Lorraine Inouye and Stacy Higa), he has felt the negative repercussions of being left out of forums and neglected in the press.

"I don't think government should be decided by special interest groups," explained Masilamoney of his individually financed campaign. "The county government should not be for sale."

However, Masilamoney does believe that the government should work more communicatively with the people of Hawai` and politicians should be proactive in responding to needs and wants of their constituents. Masilamoney, who has lived in Waikoloa for 32 years, noted he is committed to building a relationship with each county department to ensure an efficient and effective government.

"The people of this island deserve responsible spending and accountability in the government," said Masilamoney, whose number one priority if elected mayor would be the island's economic situation.

"We can't keep taxing people to generate revenue and we need to hold people in government accountable for projects that aren't happening."

With that said, Masilamoney explained that he is in favor of the proposed East and West side planning commissions, saying that due to the number of applicants it would ease the burden of the current commission and be more efficient for the people.

This mayoral contender explained his platform priorities by identifying the issues he believes require immediate attention. Improved healthcare, job creation, the attraction of more businesses, affordable housing through responsible development, increased job training for the young and underprivileged, the use of utilize more natural energy resources and the promotion of farms to feed the people are tops on his to do list.

Detailing his ideas, Masilamoney said, "My biggest concern is the family. They are getting the brunt of what's happening, concerning small businesses and the cost of living."

In past forums, the candidate has addressed the cost of living here, noting that it doesn't make sense for people to drive from Hilo to Kona for work. Masilamoney feels that every district on the island has land that is affordable and it should be set aside and made available for affordable housing. While acknowledging that the building costs pose the biggest problem, he offered that service organizations such as Habitat For Humanity are willing to come and build homes.

"I'm talking about ownership of home, no renting, not transferable," he said.

As a board member for the Natural Energy Lab Hawai`i Authority (NELHA) and someone who is fearful about the island's dependency on foreign fuel and food, Masilamoney is focused on creating sustainability while encouraging business.

"We offer the most ideal conditions to attract natural energy businesses, with our solar, wind and geothermal," said Masilamoney. "We not only have the opportunity for creating energy here, but for our neighboring islands."

Promoting island farming, Masilamoney hopes to rejuvenate Hawai`i's agricultural sustainability.

"If Matson or Young Brothers goes on strike, we only have a 10-day food supply. We need to set aside a special Ag land zone to grow our own food," said the candidate, explaining that 50 years ago in Hawai`i people grew their own food. "Why aren't we doing this now? Sometimes we forget we're on an island."

Hawai`i Island youth are a major concern for Masilamoney. He notes that many at-risk children in the public education system are being shuffled from one grade to the next without their needs being met. The candidate supports a county-sponsored trade school that would create an outlet for vocational training, enabling students to develop a specialty that could lead to employment within their communities.

"I've been getting a lot of positive feedback," he said about a recent forum in Kohala. "I speak the truth and when you do you don't have to worry about details."

It is the lack of truth in politics that Masilamoney feels is a deterrent keeping island youth from becoming involved. He continued noting that many adolescents and young adults feel disconnected and uninspired by politics because local politicians won't take the time to talk or answer questions and have not acted as positive role models.

"Young people are more impressed when you lead by example. Walk the talk, be transparent, break down the barriers by going to them and get them motivated and involved in their communities."

Masilamoney's focus on youth advocacy stems from his community service background and experience. As a minister, educator and counselor, Masilamoney began what would be a lifetime of community outreach as a volunteer in 1968 with Mother Teresa's Missionaries of Charity in Calcutta, India. Inspired by his experience as a young volunteer, Masilamoney strove to educate himself in human advocacy. He went on to receive six degrees, including three doctorates -- in Theology, Science and Philosophy. He has been both nationally and internationally recognized for his community service and received the prestigious Crown of Peace Award in 2004.

Among his many services, Masilamoney has worked as an educator/counselor/clinical supervisor/case manager with Personal Parenting and Assessment Services. He has also served as a Chaplain at the North Hawai`i Community Hospital and president of the American Cancer Society- West Hawai`i. He was the founder and president of Operation India International and director of Association for Compassion, Communication, Educational and Social Services (ACCESS) International. He currently serves as a counselor and educator for The Salvation Army - Family Intervention Services, director of the Waikoloa Family Foundation, minister of the Waikoloa Family Church.

You can meet Masilomoney Sept. 10 at the Papa`ikou Community Forum at Kalanianiole School; Sept. 12 at the Pepeekeo Community Forum; or Sept14 at the Roundtable Forum in Hilo.

For more information, call 883-6210.