Generational Kuleana to people, not money

I’m a Yonsei son of Nuʻuanu, whose family has lived in the district for four generations. Today I continue to support my ohana in the same house my great-grandfather built through my work as an educator, mahi ʻai (organic farmer), and dedicated neighbor. I wake up each day to the lived realities of everyone in my multi-generational household, and I will fight for a better future for every ohana in Hawaiʻi as if they were my own.

I love this district. I love its people, who will never turn away a neighbor in need, and I love its ‘Āina, from the lush mauka of the Pali to the bustling city blocks gracing the makai shore. This deep Aloha is the force driving me to run. I will never abandon my home and will fight for the change that we have needed for far too long- healthcare, housing, food security, and ohana services, to name a few. 

I have worked in education and community service for over 19 years. During my time on the continent, I earned a B.A. in media studies and Master's degree while working across various divisions in the U.S.'s second largest education sector. As a technology teacher active in public, private, and charter schools, I gained experience in the full range of the education system with a focus on the impact of the changing frontier of technology on the next generation. I was active in grassroots initiatives to support those affected by the growing housing crisis and witnessed firsthand the policies that worked- and those that didn't. I will bring this experience to the legislature to keep local families home.

After I heard about the Red Hill fuel spills, I knew I had to come back to Hawaiʻi to protect our priceless Wai.  Immediately, I dove into community-led efforts to push legislation for environmental protection and water rights alongside other issues, including disaster prevention/recovery, paid family leave, support for agriculture, and housing stability. As a program director in Kupu's Environmental Education department, I focused on encouraging and equipping high schoolers and recent high school grads to study and pursue local conservation or agricultural sector jobs. Wanting to contribute more directly to the need for more agricultural workers, I became a farmer, growing organic food that is donated directly to the community. My role includes working with young people in programs at the Hawaiʻi Youth Correctional Facility's Kawailoa project. I'm a dues-paying member of the Honolulu Tenant's Union, Hui Aloha ʻĀina, and Hui Ku Like Kākou and I remain surrounded by a whole community of people dedicated to improving the lives of all of us in Hawaiʻi to keep me grounded and activated.

I decided to run for office because I'm tired of seeing working people struggle to protect our families and our ʻĀina while the extremely rich get richer, and things for us get worse. I know we can win this campaign, but I can't do it alone- and wouldn't if I could. I'm using this campaign and the position of state senator to build collective power and solidarity around our shared vision for a Hawaiʻi where we can enjoy a dignified life, and be proud to leave a strong foundation for our keiki. Let's do this- together.