top of page
All Posts


Make the Ultra Rich Pay More for Their Luxury Vacation Homes: Double Property Tax for Luxury Homes Owned by Non-Residents Valued at $3,000,000 or More.
Attorney Forrest's Locals 1st Plan DOES NOT INCREASE PROPERTY TAXES FOR RESIDENTS. This is a proposed tax on ultra wealthy non-residents that have luxury vacation homes in Maui County. While other Candidates talk about vague ideas with no specifics, Attorney Forrest has actual plans and has Bills ready to file. If your Councilmember won't do their job, Attorney Forrest will do it for them. Send the Bill to your Councilmember and tell them to start putting Locals 1st and F

James Forrest
Jun 113 min read


Attorney Forrest's Locals 1st Bill 9 Plan Promotes Local Ownership of STRs and Keeps Tourism Profits in Local Residents' Hands.
Maui faces a housing crisis that demands more than just Bill 9. While Bill 9 aims to regulate short-term rentals (STRs), it falls short of protecting local residents, workers, and the island’s economy. The real challenge is not tourism itself but the way absentee ownership and luxury properties drain resources and profits from the community. Attorney Forrest’s Locals 1st Bill 9 Plan offers a smarter approach that keeps housing affordable, supports local workers, and ensures t

James Forrest
Jun 113 min read


Proudly Signing the "Our Hawaii Pledge" and What It Means for Our Community
Taking a stand for the future of Hawaii is more than just words. Signing the Our Hawaii Pledge is a commitment to protect the islands’ unique culture, environment, and well-being. This pledge represents a promise to support sustainable growth, respect native traditions, and ensure a healthy future for all residents and visitors. Signing the Our Hawaii Pledge to protect Hawaii’s natural beauty and community What the Our Hawaii Pledge Means The Our Hawaii Pledge is a public com

James Forrest
Jun 32 min read


Supporting Local Agriculture: James Forrest's Vision for Maui's Food Security
Maui faces a critical challenge: relying too heavily on imported food puts our community at risk. Disruptions in supply chains, rising costs, and environmental concerns make it clear that Maui must grow more of its own healthy, organic food. James Forrest, a candidate deeply committed to local farmers and agriculture, offers a clear plan to strengthen Maui food security by supporting our farms and building essential infrastructure. Strengthening Maui Farms for a Healthier Fut

James Forrest
May 122 min read


The Vital Role of Maui County Council in Safeguarding Our Environment and Islands
Our islands are more than just a place to live—they are a delicate ecosystem that supports unique wildlife, native plants, and a way of life that depends on clean air, water, and land. Protecting Maui County’s environment is essential for preserving this natural heritage for future generations. The Maui County Council plays a unique and critical role in this effort, shaping policies that directly impact our islands’ health and sustainability. How Maui County Council Influence

James Forrest
May 122 min read


Fighting for Maui's Union Workers: My Commitment to Pro-Union Legislation
My Plan to Support Union Workers from Day One If elected, I will file pro-union legislation on my first day in office. This legislation will focus on: Protecting workers’ rights to fair wages and safe working conditions Encouraging local hiring through county contracting and permitting policies Supporting affordable housing initiatives for union workers and their families Strengthening retirement benefits to help workers plan for their futures Bill 1 — Maui County Local Hire

James Forrest
May 103 min read


Forrest refuses to take $$$ from Luxury Hotels and Foreign Corporations!
I believe the people of Maui County deserve leaders who answer only to the community—not to big-money interests that have too often shaped county decisions. That’s why I refuse to take donations from luxury hotel corporations and luxury home developers whose profits are built on Maui’s limited resources while local families struggle to stay. This isn’t just campaign rhetoric—it’s a pledge I have signed as part of the Our Hawaiʻi Pledge , committing to put community well-bei

James Forrest
Feb 31 min read


Support Forrest: Spread the Good Word
Maui, known for its stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage, faces a pivotal moment in its history. As the island grapples with the challenges of climate change, tourism pressures, and community needs, the vision for its future becomes increasingly important. The Path Forward: Taking Action Forrest's vision for Maui is ambitious, but it is achievable with the collective effort of the community. Here are some actionable steps residents can take to support this vision: 1

James Forrest
Feb 32 min read


Vote for Forrest: Understanding the Importance of Local Elections
In Maui County, local elections have a huge impact on your daily life. The Maui County Council is responsible for decisions that directly shape the island’s physical environment and cost of living. It has authority over zoning, land use, development approvals, water rates, property tax classifications, and many infrastructure projects. These are policies that determine where housing can be built, how agricultural land is preserved, how much residents pay in property taxes, a

James Forrest
Feb 33 min read
bottom of page