WAILUKU -- Water, affordable housing, emergency management and renewable energy were the critical issues of 2007, Mayor Charmaine Tavares said Tuesday in her second annual State of the County speech, The Maui News reported.

Vast wildfires in Polipoli, Olowalu and Lahaina, and severe storms in December were some of the events the county faced, she said. Tavares credited relationship-building with other branches of government and the private sector for the county's successful response.

"Last year was a true test of our preparedness as government -- and an outstanding example of how our communities support each other in times of crisis and great need," she said.

Tavares addressed a standing-room-only crowd in the eighth-floor Council Chambers of the Kalana O Maui Building.

Other 2007 accomplishments cited by Tavares included inking the county's first workforce housing agreements, moving toward completion of the Kupaa Well in Waihee, and holding an Energy Expo to discuss renewable energy.

Looking toward 2008, Tavares said she would continue to develop new water sources, support affordable housing, look at the important agricultural lands survey, develop recommendations for Integrated Solid Waste Management Plan, complete design for a new South Maui police station and complete work on a Maui Island Plan for the General Plan review process.

She said the county could see more economic slowdown in 2008.

"While our economy continues to be strong, we can expect a slower growth in the visitor industry and other business developments," she said.

For more on Tavares' State of the County speech, see Wednesday's Maui News.

For more Maui news, visit http://www.mauinews.com/default.aspx">The Maui News.