Tuesday, October 28, 2014

Musings: Who is Arthur Brun?

People have been asking me about Council candidate Arthur Brun – who he is and what he's all about, beyond his campaign signs, which one friend described as “tasteful.”

Until recently, my only encounter with Arthur was at the July 21, 2010, Council hearing on the bill to allow vacation rentals on ag land. Though nearly everyone in attendance was a well-heeled North Shore resident trying to justify their illegal use of farm land, Arthur was a voice from the westside, and one of the few (along with Mel Rapozo) who spoke in opposition, testifying:

This bill is wrong. What about the local families that had farm land for generations and followed the law? You’re making our families that followed the law suffer. I don’t think you should be punishing the people who followed the law.

But that's exactly what the Council did when it passed Tim Bynum's bill and rewarded the scofflaws by opening up the permitting process only to those who had been operating illegally. In the process, they screwed everyone who had never started a TVR because they were against the law, forever denying them that source of lucrative revenue.

I later learned Arthur had been speaking strictly on principle, since he comes from the branch of the Brun family that owns no land, and that impressed me.

Then I got an anonymous comment from someone who said Arthur had been convicted of theft in 2002 and family abuse in 2004. Public court records confirmed the report, so I contacted Arthur to ask what it was all about.

I got nothing to hide,” he said. “I did what I did. I made some bad choices in life, but I shaped up and moved on.”

Arthur, like so many young men on this island, had a serious run-in with crystal meth — the epidemic that is destroying countless human beings on this island, and which I consider a far more serious, real and far-reaching threat than pesticide applications.

I went down to ground zero,” he said. And then he pulled himself back up.

Arthur spent 10 days in jail, paid full restitution of $14,000 and healed the relationship with his girlfriend, who is now his wife. “I've been clean for like 10 years now,” he said.

I recently wrote a little about my own encounters with family abuse, which I experienced first in my childhood home, where my father was an alcoholic, and later with a husband, and then a boyfriend. Both of them were local boys who got deep into ice. I saw first hand how it ravaged lives, the toll it was taking on generations of mostly local men, many of whom lost their jobs, their families, their homes, their freedom and sometimes, their minds and lives.

Ice is the most insidious, addictive, destructive drug I've ever seen. Only a very few of the users I knew ever got out of the spin, the downward spiral. Sadly, my two exes never did.

So I have to hand it to Arthur for having the strength and courage to get off the shit, pull his life together, accept responsibility for choices, make amends to those he'd wronged, get a job and take care of his family.

But it didn't just stop there. Arthur has gone into the schools to give anti-drug talks, and when Anahola had a spate of youth suicides a few years back, he and Mel went out and talked to the kids. He also coaches youth sports.

I'm not proud of what I did, but if I can help other people, that's what I want to do,” he said.

Arthur is a strong advocate for opening adult drug and alcohol rehab centers on island. In fact, that's the number one platform of his campaign. “We have to deal with the adults,” he said, “because they're the ones who are bringing the dope onto the island.”

In his job as third-party coordinator for Syngenta, where he hires and manages the seasonal field workers, Arthur also has employed KCCC inmates in the work-release program, helping them get ready for life when they're released from jail.

So to me, Arthur's past is not a strike against him. He took responsibility for his misdeeds, instead of making excuses, and he's trying to help others. If he can be a positive role model for local guys, and help this island get a handle on the ice epidemic, well, that would be one helluva contribution.

But what about his job with Syngenta? I asked Arthur whether he was in a position to influence its activities, in terms of buffer zones and pesticide use. He's not. I then asked if his employer would be in a position to influence him, if he's elected to Council.

No,” he said. “I don't think they could influence me. I just gotta do what is right for the people of Kauai. If we do things that are illegal, I want to know, because I want to live here for the rest of my life. I'm not blinded by them.”

In fact, his children were attending Waimea Canyon School a few years back when the reports came in of students getting sick. Though some continue to blame pesticides, the state fingered stink weed, and Arthur agrees.

We didn't spray,” Arthur said. “I'd had my crew out there pulling stink weed, and we laid it on the ground and the smell came out a couple of days later.”

His children still attend school near the seed fields in Kekaha.

35 comments:

Anonymous said...

At the Filipino Chamber of Commerce candidate forum when all the candidates were asked if serving on the Council would be their primary responsibility, other candidates responded yes but Arthur Brun replied no. If elected his first allegiance will be with his employer Syngenta.
At the Kapa`a Chamber of Commerce forum Arthur Brun went off topic to complain that some of his campaign signs were defaced. The same thing happened with Dylan Hooser, whose signs were removed, the difference here being that Dylan Hooser didn't whine in public about it.
It takes real courage to get off and stay off ice. I support his effort for a drug rehab center on Kaua`i.
Too bad you can't let bygones be bygones with Barca same as you do with Brun.

Joan Conrow said...

The big difference, Anonymous, is that Arthur took responsibility for what he did, while Dustin made a lot of excuses. And please, Baby Hoos did plenty of public whining! Not to mention Tim Bynum.

Anonymous said...

Interesting! I love this blog it is was right on target! Arthur was not crying at the kapaa Forum about ONLY his signs he simply stated that his and Arryl's signs were defaced because if the divison of the island due to this RED/BLUE crap.

Kip Goodwin said...

And what about Arthur Brun being a Council part timer?
Find me a published account of Dylan Hooser complaining in public about signs.
And since you brought up Tim Bynum, what do you make of this anonymous postcard, mailed from Oakland, accusing Tim Bynum and "his Council cronies" of "stuffing his pockets" with $1/4Million from Kaua`i taxpayers? Is this the first ever organized negative advertising on Kaua`i?

Joan Conrow said...

The Council isn't supposed to be a full-time job. We've had other members who continue to work while serving on Council. And some of those who are treating it like a full job still don't bother to read their packets or prepare before hand. Aren't you worried Gary might be stretched a bit thin running HAPA, which he hopes to turn into a statewide organization with 10,000 members?

There's no published account of Arthur complaining about signs, either. Just an anonymous comment. But we do have all those crybaby letters to the editor from Dylan.

I have not seen those postcards, but no, it's not the first ever organized negative campaigning on Kauai. Remember the boaters and their "anybody but Yukimura" campaign? Tim's settlement was $290,000, so that part is true, however, it was paid by the insurance company, not taxpayers.

Not Tim Bynum said...

I haven't seen this so-called attack letter either. If it actually exists, someone should put it up or shut.up.

Anonymous said...

I'm voting for Arthur Brun on 11/4. I'd much rather see him take one of the seats occupied by the renegade, throw-the-people- under-the-bus band of 5!

Kip Goodwin said...

How many of those Council members were working for a company that was actively suing the County at the time of their candidacy? Despite whatever attributes, Brun on the Council is very problematical.
I was there at the Kaua`i Chamber of Commerce forum and heard Brun's comments about his signs.
It's a postcard mailer that arrived at my home in Wailua this morning.

wesai Mike said...

As far as I know council is a part time job look at how our current council members support the people of kauai only 2 let me repeat myself only 2 care n vote for the people of kauai that is Mel n ross who have another job so if that is the model set yes I would support arthur working another job the other 5 say this is there full time job n they suck at it n anonymous at 10:41 as far as I heard arthur did not say his first alligence would be with Syngenta wow how you guys lie to get your point across and that's what I love about arthur, mel, ross all straight shooters not typical lying politicians so yes they have my vote

Anonymous said...

Kip, get a grip, Bynum said when he filed his lawsuit how much he wanted to go to court to prove the prosecutor and planning inspectors were politically attacking him. Then he asked for millions in settlement and finally hit a smaller jackpot of $290,000 that his alliance of Hooser, Chock, Yukimura, and Furfaro agreed to. What a crock of shit. The voters are not stupid, at least two of them will fall on Tuesday. Mark my words.

Anonymous said...

Brun was a great advocate for Shaylene! Very interesting post---guess we can all make a person worthy--it's whether we want to or not. TRICK OR TREAT!

Joan Conrow said...

Each voter must decide for him/herself who is worthy.

Kip, I did confirm the existence of the anti-Bynum postcard, which the prosecutor says appears to be illegal because it is advocating against a candidate, but does not reveal who sent it.

Anonymous said...

mel's many friends sent it; he can't stand bynum and they want him gone!

Anonymous said...

Brun never said that his allegiance would be to Syngenta. Why do you have to lie to get your point across. How much has Bynum fiven back to the community? Hooser? Yukimura? And I'm not talking about showing up at events as a councilmember. Check their community activities in non-election years. Absolutely nothing. Arthur has been giving back to our community well before he became interested in politics. That says a lot.

Anonymous said...

Thanks 1:24. I wasn’t aware (but I’m not surprised) that Brun “was a great advocate” for Shaylene but Mel certainly was as anyone reading Joan’s blog during the last election cycle will recall. Which makes the dynamics of this election very “interesting”. Granted, Gary lured Tim into taking a bite of the apple offered by Shiva and led us all down the Garden Path as Joan repeatedly reminds us. But two years ago Joan was dealing with quite another snake—Shaylene Iseri-Carvalho¬–Mel’s favorite prosecutor. Corrupt, dishonest and emotionally unstable, Shaylene dug her own political grave then jumped in. In the months leading up to the last election, Joan shoveled in the dirt while Mel defended his friend (and employer) on the council floor with KipuKai cheering him on. Have we all forgotten what was at stake during the last Prosecutor’s election, who were Shaylene’s cronies and what that gang was doing to our community? Shaylene, Mel and Daryl Perry have a vendetta going against Mayor Cravalho. Shay guys are Mel guys and the last election made that very clear. So now let’s not forget and throw the baby out with the bath water. There’s a middle path between our two political extremes--Mel guys and the fistees. We need thoughtful candidates that aren’t in bed with either side. I think our safest bet would be to vote for Jay, Nelson, JoAnn and then give Arryl a chance and see if he can stand independently. Neither Jay nor JoAnn has been “endorsed” by either side, which for me is an endorsement in itself. If we can elect a slate that prevents either extreme from gaining a majority, the next two years will be a lot less “interesting. You know what the Chinese say about interesting times. I’m tired of being so interested…
PS. Got the post cards attacking Bynum. Ridiculous, embarrassing, crude and childish. Almost made me want to vote for Tim!

Anonymous said...

If I have Arthur Brun properly placed, he is the father who gave compelling testimony on an insulin one of his children is reliant on to manage blood sugar levels that is manufactured from genetically engineered e coli. His courage in the face of the truly aberrant behavior of part of the crowd in that disgraceful Goat Rodeo on Kapule last year makes me think that the Council needs more people like him to dampen the unacceptable behavior exhibited in the early hours morning of the "Pass The Bill" mockery of parliamentary procedure and good government in the Council Chambers. Unfortunately, the Council Chair got that one wrong: It turns out that on its worst day. Kauai is no better than the nearest unhinged mob at hand. And I guess that we don't need a reminder that a loss on appeal in the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals could trigger some truly staggering legal costs- not "modest amounts" as advertised. The appeal only kicks that potential reckoning down the road past the election. So, were the County lose again, I would rather have a Council that votes to end the matter at the 9th Circuit and not one that votes more money on another dicey appeal to justify itself against the odds at our further expense

Anonymous said...

Brun, Mel, Kipukai, Kagawa and Perry got my vote! Need to clean up the BS on the county Council! Sick of Joann, Hooser and Bynum and Furfaros manipulation. Costing taxpayers thousands on GMO bill and property taxes. Bynum is the biggest fraud and rule bender! Hooser is all about political gains! Joann is all about North Shore and Furfaro just follows their lead! Bye Felicias!

Anonymous said...

Hooser Bynum and Joann gotta go.

Anonymous said...

Where do these candidates stand on development? If they think we need more housing, where do they propose that it be built? If they think we need more roads, where do they propose the roads should be built? Are they in favor of building a hotel at Mahaulepu? What do they intend to do about the fragmentation of ag land? I understand the concerns with pesticides and GMOs but there are other issues that need to be addressed.

Anonymous said...

Joan thank you for your portrayal of Arthur Brun.
This election has stirred up a lot of anger.
People can mealy-mouth about the turmoil all they want, but this election is broken down to Local Vs. Haole.
Essentially, two guys with tainted agendas have dominated Council.
The quandary is how did these two obvious Anti-Ag and anti-Local jowly fellers, get Jay and JoAnn to go along? Mason is understandable, his appointment in the midnight mob miasma guaranteed his allegiance to da Hoos and Bynum. He owes his Council position to these guys. I guess Mason is to be respected for his allegiance to Gary and Tim, but for him to forsake the working people is contemptible.
Why did JoAnn and Jay go down the "divide the island" road? JoAnn, from her early days has been an Anti- anything big, but she does have an independent streak and for her to follow two vicious fellow Council members is curious.
Jay, is another story. Something must be wrong in his noggin. He was a strong man, with solid honest morals and convictions. He used to feel for the regular folks. Somehow his noggin got off kilter and he has followed the Hooser/Bynum antics. From giving Tim his $290,000 gift, putting Mason (with his expected kow-tow to Gary)on the Council and letting a slurry of targeting anti-Tax vendetta bills come to the table, he continuously proves to be a real disappointment. Gee whiz Jay, what happened?

This Council's bad policies, bad laws and disregard for the people is why Arthur Brun should get one of your votes.
He is honest, faces his mistakes and atones for them. He knows the island, cares for all of the people and is a basic true person.
There will be no Baloney from Brun.
We need a change from the five cohorts who have bushwhacked the island.
Let's bring the island back to where people can speak to each other civilly and not get attacked by a Fistee, if there is disagreement.

Anonymous said...

I'm not a Doctor, but I play one on TV.
What is with Jay's shaking, pale countenance and forced calm mannerisms?
And-
What is with Bynum's losing train of thought mid-sentence, emotional outbursts and other bizarre behaviors?
Inquiring minds, want to know.
T'ain't normal.

Anonymous said...

Lol just let the votes speak for itself. And let whoever is elected do whatever they set out to do as long as it is for the benefit of Kaua'i and the people of Kaua'i. Everyone has their own opinions and all anyone can do is respect it accept it and move on. Good luck to the candidate that gets elected!

Anonymous said...

Yes, da Hoose and his buddy Tim must go. Take Mason with them, please. But it's sad that Jay and Joanne caved to their screeching. We need people on the council who understand the state and federal laws that control many activities and funding. Understand proper procedure under sunshine laws and Robert's rules.

This election will be very interesting, but I hope we retain some people on council who know the law rather than just posture and screech like Cowden and Barca.

Anonymous said...

Are they in favor of building a hotel at Mahaulepu? Is this one of the reasons for the bright line exemption being proposed by council?

Anonymous said...

Yes, Kip! Let's re-elect the sitting Council members who are: 1) Hooser the admitted TAX CHEAT who didn't pay all he owed in penalties and interest and thinks because he eventually did pay the taxes he stole that it was OK; 2) Bynum who sued the County (that's us) when he was the liar, cheat and perjurer for operating an illegal vacation rental; and 3) Joanne Yukimuura who authored the Big Box Bill to protect her family member's (Peter Yukimura) food brokerage business that was threatened by the cheaper food Walmart was going to bring in thereby making it cheaper for the island's poor to exist on their home island. Yes, let's be dolts and re-elect these criminals so they can continue to ignore ethics in there positions of trust for the people of Kauai. Good thinking, Kip Goodwin!!! I's surprised you aren't running! Peas in a pod.

Anonymous said...

Anon 7:03 Jay has a diagnosed medical condition that no one wishes they had.

Anonymous said...

1154- Don't you think the voter should know that if the person steering the ship has a problem that can sink the boat?/
Sorry for Jay's condition, but thousands of Kauaians got bad shit.
If you can't do the job, or an impairment is visible, it is not fair to the people.
This would get you fired or medical leave at any of the Hotels,that Jay ran.

Anonymous said...

It's not Jay. It's someone close to him. Some people are fucking assholes.

Anonymous said...

Kudos to Arthur Brun for his honesty. He will make a fine Council member.

Anonymous said...

Why is he running if he's ill? Especially after saying last election would be his last. We need new minds not career council members. Term limits for council like Mayor. If that were the case we'd have Mason and maybe Ross eligible and the rest gone. We also don't need another former cop promoting hysteria over legalized pot. Why is Kauai so ass backwards when it comes to national trends and the war on drugs? Maybe if they eased up on weed they could focus resources on ice. We also don't need to give Grove Farm MORE political clout by voting in Darryl's son and GF (Tressler's) boy. Time for real change and not more of the good old boys.

Anonymous said...

We have term limits for council members. As Joan pointed out legalization of weed would be a state issue and Hawaii, like the rest of the country, legalized medical marijuana. You're right about Grove Farm. It will have more influence if Mel, Aryl, Ross, Daryl and Arthur are elected. Hotel at Mahaulepu, anyone?

Joan Conrow said...

Yes, once the anti-dairy and anti-GMO folks destroy ag at Mahaulepu, development is sure to follow.

But don't blame the politicians. Blame the activists who keep saying they're not anti-ag, even though everything they do is anti-ag.

Anonymous said...

If the activists were the ones who would rezone the land that would be one thing. But it's the elected officials that make the decisions.

Anonymous said...

If we have term limits what are they? JoAnn and Jay have been there FOREVER. Mayor is 2 four year terms. How many consecutive terms can one have on the Council?

As far as Mahaulepu goes, why doesn't Grove Farm lease to more kalo farmers or other small farmers?

Anonymous said...

4 consecutive terms of 2 years for a total of 8 years. And if the opponents of the dairy are right good luck to anybody building a hotel with flies and smells.