Most of us are disgusted and have lost all trust in our government.
I, for one, am sick and tired of reading yet another story about yet another corrupt Hawaii politician caught taking bribes and/or giving their friends lucrative non-bid government contracts that we’re paying for.
The days of sweetheart deals made in Vegas hotel rooms must end. Dancing to the tune of big-money Super PACs must end. The power plays, bullying, and backroom deals of WAM and Finance must end.
On August 8, we can do something about it, but we’ve got to show up.
First and foremost, we must elect Della Au Belatti to be Hawaii’s next Lieutenant Governor. Representative Belatti has the experience and has demonstrated, without question, her willingness to shine a light on and expose corruption and backroom deals.
We have 13 emerging leaders running for election to the Hawaii State House of Representatives. Each has a proven track record in the community. They share our values and our commitment to pulling back the curtain, shining a light, and making positive change happen.
These 13 can win and create the tidal wave of positive change we so desperately need, but we must step up and help them. There are 51 members in the House.
With 17 votes, the Hawaii Constitution allows House members to “pull bills to the floor,” eliminating the corrupting power now held by committee chairs to unilaterally control legislative outcomes.
Elect these 13 newcomers plus the seven or more “good guys” already there and—Boom Shakalaka!
In the big square building, they call it leverage. With leverage, you can move bills, fund worthy projects, and root out the bad actors.
So here are the 13 — please help them if you can.
Holt, Cristina (Tina)
District #2 – Hilo
Tina is a dynamo. She has the uncanny ability to condense the facts and present them in a way that cannot be ignored. She’s fearless, does her homework, and, when elected, will be a genuine changemaker.
Keawekane, Kuulei (Kiana)
District #3 – Portions of Hilo, Kurtistown, Keaʻau, Orchidlands, and Fern Acres
Everywhere I turn, people are talking about Kuulei, her Aloha ʻĀina values, unrelenting commitment, cultural knowledge, and tireless energy.
Kahoʻohanohano, Kiʻi
District #10 – Portions of Waiehu, Paukūkalo, Wailuku, and Waikapū
I’ll never forget sitting across from Kiʻi, talking story about life and family. It was before she decided to run for office, but that conversation has stayed with me. I’d vote for her in a heartbeat.
Kuoha, Keoni
District #12 – Makawao, Hāliʻimaile, Pukalani, Kula, Pūlehu, and Ulupalakua
Keoni is someone I don’t believe I’ve ever met in person, but virtually all of my Maui friends and extended ʻohana tell me he’s solid.
Kiakona, Paʻele
District #14 – Lāhainā, Waiheʻe, Maʻalaea, Olowalu, Lahainaluna, and Kaʻanapali
Paʻele has a history and track record of making change happen. We desperately need braveheart leaders like Paʻele, willing to stand up, be counted, and do the heavy lifting needed to get the job done.
Pacarro, Kahi
District #19 – Waiʻalae-Kāhala, ʻĀina Haina, Niu Valley, and Kuliʻouʻou
Kahi has demonstrated through his life’s work that he’s running for the right reasons and will do the right things when elected. He has the skills, the experience, and the values. Kahi is, without question, a leader we need.
Morrow, Jake Takaya
District #21 – Pālolo Valley, St. Louis Heights, Kaimukī, and Wilhelmina Rise
Jake is the real deal, running a hard race against big-money, established political forces. When Jake wins, we all win. Let’s help him.
Fukinaka, Janel S.
District #26 – Makiki, Tantalus, Punchbowl, and Papakōlea
Quiet but effective is how I’d describe Janel. I met with her a few months ago over coffee and came away impressed by the depth of her commitment to making our community a better place.
Alves, Nadia
District #28 – Sand Island, Iwilei, and Chinatown
Nadia has the heart, knowledge, lived experience, and legislative track record. I’ve known and worked directly with Nadia Alves for the past 10 years and trust her completely.
Kealoha, Kekoa O Pololu
District #30 – Kalihi, Kalihi Kai, Keʻehi Lagoon, and Hickam Village
Kekoa is relentless. He will not stop until he and our community win. He has a voice, and he’s willing to use it, speaking truth to power. Let’s help him take it to the next level.
Rosenlee, Corey
District #39 – Royal Kunia, Village Park, Honouliuli, Hoʻopili, and portions of Waipahu
Corey is a proven leader. One thing you can count on: when elected, he will not sit down, back down, or be quiet until Hawaii’s public schools are the best they can be.
Paris, Anthony Makana
District #42 – Portions of Varona Village, ʻEwa, Kapolei, and Fernandez Village
Makana Paris is, without question, the best choice in this race. When Makana wins, regardless of where you live, we all win. Trust me.
Kaopua, Kalehua
District #45 – Waiʻanae and Mākaha
Kalehua, her roots, her upbringing, and the lessons she has learned and now wants to share—her story has moved me. Friends I trust tell me this “Salty Wahine” is a leader who deserves our help and support.
Gary Hooser is a former Hawaiʻi State Senator and Majority Leader.
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