for State House District 23
Working for Change
Over the many years I spent working on the front lines with HawaiÊ»i’s homeless community, I developed a deep understanding of the issue. Having worked with thousands of cases, I’ve seen firsthand why people fall into homelessness, the barriers that keep them there, and the gaps in our system that too often fail them. That experience also gave me a clear view of how our judicial and social service systems intersect—and where they are not working.
Today, as a State Representative, I am committed to turning that real-world experience into meaningful action. I am focused on advancing policies that bring real change—not just rhetoric—when it comes to homelessness, public safety, affordable housing, and education.
I believe everyone deserves to feel safe in their community. That means addressing rising crime with accountability, strengthening our education system and supporting our teachers, and creating truly affordable housing opportunities—both for renters and for local families trying to put down roots.
These issues are deeply personal to me, and I will continue to fight for practical, impactful solutions that improve the quality of life for the people of Hawaiʻi.
Supporting our Schools
Every parent desires the best for their children, and providing them with a quality education is crucial for their long-term success. Our Department of Education (DOE) teachers and schools require our unwavering support. Investing in our educators and educational institutions directly benefits our children and secures our future. Drawing from my extensive experience within the DOE, I am committed to ensuring that our teachers have fair compensation and the necessary resources to empower our keiki.
Let’s prioritize our teachers, adequately fund our schools, and champion early childhood education programs.
Real Strategies to Address
Homelessness
Homelessness is an ongoing challenge in Hawaii, and its impact is felt across our community. Witnessing so many individuals suffering on the streets is deeply saddening. The path to homelessness is multifaceted, and the solutions to lift people out of it must be equally dynamic. Drawing from my decade of experience working directly with our houseless neighbors, I am committed to taking an informed approach to tackle this growing issue.
Here are my proposed strategies:
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Enhanced Support and Collaboration:
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Strengthen partnerships with agencies and non-profit organizations at the forefront of homelessness. By working together, we can provide more effective assistance to those in need.
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Affordable Housing Reevaluation:
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Evaluate affordable housing options at the state, county, and third-party levels. Our goal is to maximize opportunities for local residents to remain in Hawaii, ensuring stable housing for all.
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Mental Health and Substance Abuse Focus:
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Address the prevalent mental health and substance abuse challenges within our homeless communities. Providing targeted support and resources can make a significant difference.
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Let’s work together to create a more compassionate and effective approach to homelessness in our community!
Building Safer Communities
There’s no denying that crime has worsened over the past decade. What’s particularly alarming is the sharp rise in violent offenses, especially those targeting our Kupuna. Daily, we hear of crimes committed by individuals with extensive criminal histories—20, 30, or even 40 previous convictions—and yet they continue to harm our community. It’s time to take decisive action by strengthening our laws.
Here are some steps we can take:
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Tougher Punishments:
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Introduce and pass legislation to increase penalties for specific crimes. Holding offenders accountable is essential for community safety.
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Support for Law Enforcement:
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Allocate more funding and resources to Hawaii’s Law Enforcement Officers. We need more officers on the streets to protect our neighborhoods effectively.
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Prison System Reevaluation:
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Reassess Hawaii’s prison system, focusing on better methods for detainment and rehabilitation. Practical approaches can lead to positive outcomes.
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Let’s prioritize safety and work together to create a stronger, more secure community!
Make Housing More Affordable
Increasing affordable housing in Hawaii is crucial to address housing disparities and ensure stability for local residents. Here are some strategies that can help:
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Multi-Unit Housing: Focus on constructing and maintaining multi-unit affordable housing that remains at 30% of residents’ annual monthly income.
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Legislation and Zoning: Encourage legislation that permits reconfiguration of business district buildings for residential use. Review zoning regulations to facilitate easier home construction.
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Financial Support: Explore state bonds to fund housing infrastructure. We should also consider providing additional stipends per month for housing to assist struggling families.
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Collaboration: Partner with housing finance agencies to provide low-cost capital for affordable housing development. Allocate funding to Community Development Finance Institutions and nonprofit housing groups.
By implementing these strategies, Hawaii can make progress toward increasing affordable housing options for its residents.
