Leadership Corner: Lynn A.S. Araki-Regan
Interviewed by Catherine E. Toth
Advertiser Staff Writer
Name: Lynn A.S. Araki-Regan
Age: 34
Title: Economic development coordinator/attorney in private practice
Organization: County of Maui
High school: Baldwin High School, Wailuku, Maui
College: Bachelor of science in accounting, Santa Clara University; juris doctor, William S. Richardson School of Law, University of Hawai'i-Manoa
Breakthrough job: It was more a breakthrough meeting. Araki-Regan met Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa when he was a county councilman in the '90s. When he was elected mayor in 2002, Arakawa offered her a job to serve as economic development coordinator for the county. "The position has given me the opportunity to work closely with business and nonprofit sectors in helping to strengthen and diversify our economy," Araki-Regan said.
Little-known fact: Araki-Regan has studied Japanese dance for 27 years. And she's five months pregnant — with a boy.
Major challenge: "The thought of raising a baby in a few months while juggling two jobs, a husband and community activities," Araki-Regan said.
Book recently read: Since becoming pregnant, Araki-Regan has been only reading books and magazines on pregnancy and parenting.
Hobbies: Japanese dancing and singing Japanese karaoke with her husband, Keith, who serves as Maui county's managing director.
Mentor: Araki-Regan considers her mother, Ann Araki, as her mentor for her "ability to juggle a full-time job, care for her elderly mother and mother-in-law, and be a loving, devoted wife and mother, who cooks for me as I don't cook," she said.
Q. What are the most pressing issues facing Maui businesses?
A. Lack of an available, skilled workforce, laws unfriendly to business, the high cost of living in Hawai'i (which) prevents our former Maui County kama'aina from coming home to work.
Q. Tourism in the state has flourished this past year, with record numbers of visitors coming to the Islands. What have been some changes to the industry in Maui in recent months?
A. Fortunately, Maui is having another good year with tourism this year, although visitor numbers aren't necessarily the goal, especially in a location (where) per-day spending, hotel occupancies and length of stay are all up. Significant changes to the industry (on Maui) are the recent turnover in hotel ownership, increase in timeshares and growth of the cruise ship industry.
Q. Is there any concern from Maui residents about the environmental impact of tourism on the island's natural resources? Or are they more concerned about the county's skyrocketing home values?
A. There is concern expressed by residents as a result of higher home prices in the face of rising local and off-shore demand. Although one way to get relief from rising prices is to build more housing, that brings negative effects of growth. Environmental impact of tourism on the island's natural resources is an issue. How much is too much?
Q. Do you think the business climate in Hawai'i has improved?
A. I think the business climate is changing for the better, but not fast enough. There are many issues that still need to be addressed such as employee healthcare insurance and workers' compensation.
Q. In terms of economic development, how has Maui changed in the last decade?
A. Maui has become a scientific and technical meeting destination and an ideal location for expansion or start-up by certain technology-related industries.
Q. How does Maui County lure and support tech-related ventures?
A. Maui County offers 100 percent high-tech investment credit; infrastructure remodeling income tax credit; increased research tax credit; stock option; and an income tax exclusion on royalties, patents and copyrights. Although many other states offer tax incentives as a means of encouraging high-tech firms to expand or to spur the growth of new industries, Hawai'i's investment tax credit is unprecedented. It is structured as a 100 percent return on cash investment in qualified high-tech businesses on a front-loaded basis over five years.
Q. How did you get involved in this field? Was this something you had always wanted to do?
A. Having a law practice since 1996, I never intended on working in the government sector and concentrating on economic development. When I was given this opportunity to experience something other than law, it was an opportunity I could not refuse. I enjoy working for the county, have had the opportunity to meet and work with many people, and have a greater appreciation for county employees. Believe me, county employees work very hard!
Q. What is the most rewarding part of your job?
A. Helping in the building of a better community through efforts related to economic development.
Q. You're actively involved in various organizations, including the Japanese Cultural Society of Maui and the Maui Young Business Roundtable. How do you find the time to balance that with work and family?
A. It's my No. 1 challenge to balance work, family and community service, especially knowing that I'll soon become a mother in a few months. Fortunately, having a loving, supportive husband, who also works at the county, helps. He is equally busy, if not busier than I, at work, and involved in the same community groups as I am, so he understands the challenges I continue to face. Achieving balance is so very important. You need balance or you'll go insane.
