by Jim Bea Sampaga
As the General Election approaches, candidates are reaching out to voters with their platforms while echoing the importance of our right to vote.
Hawaii’s quality of life is the biggest issue candidates are looking to address. From prioritizing public safety to affordable housing and increasing access to opportunities, these Filipino American candidates running for office are committed to doing what it takes to serve Hawaii.
Both newcomers and experienced politicians, who advanced to the General Election, are aiming to represent their local districts in the State House and State Senate.
In this Hawaii Filipino Chronicle (HFC) article, we are featuring the Filipino American candidates who are going to be on the General Election ballot.
Putting the spotlight on the candidates’ platforms, it is important for voters to reflect on these values and vote for candidates that resonate with them and their vision of a better Hawaii.
These candidates were also featured in HFC’s July 2026 Primary Election supplement where their backgrounds are also highlighted. Visit thefilipinochronicle.com to view the past issue.
Alongside this feature article, HFC also shares important deadlines and tips in a step-by-step voting guide to assist voters in casting their ballot.
Editor’s Note: Other Filipino American candidates who were not included in this cover story did not respond as of press time. Candidate responses were edited for space and clarity.
Tess Abalos
RUNNING FOR: State House, District 29 (Kamehameha Heights and a portion of Kalihi)
PLATFORM: My priorities for District 29 are strengthening public safety, supporting local businesses, making Hawaii more affordable for working families, protecting our kupuna, and creating opportunities for our youth. I believe strong communities are built through personal responsibility, respect for one another, and responsible stewardship of public resources. I support practical solutions that encourage economic opportunity, strengthen our neighborhoods, and promote accountable government. My commitment is to serve District 29 with integrity, humility, and a collaborative spirit while standing on the principles of faith, family, and freedom.
Micah Pooklea Kim Aiu
RUNNING FOR: State House, District 32 (Fort Shafter Flats, Salt Lake, and Pearl Harbor)
PLATFORM: Hawaii’s rising costs continue to be the top issue the government needs to address. I’m committed to ensuring that Hawaii continues to invest in building housing that actually delivers affordable housing for local residents. I’m also committed to making sure there are pathways to good, high-paying jobs so that Hawaii’s keiki can stay here for post-high-school education or return back to Hawaii. That starts with investing in our schools and teachers.
Kauanoe Batangan
RUNNING FOR: Maui County Council
PLATFORM: I believe the cost of living is crushing our hardworking local families and that our government must do more to lower costs across our islands. I’m running to ensure Maui County remains the place we know and love, while becoming a place where our families can actually afford to stay. My platform includes four pillars: Preserving Our Unique Culture; Diversifying Our Economy; Investing in Our People; and Stewarding Our Lands. As a councilmember, I have a proven track record of supporting government accountability and fiscal responsibility. I will continue to work to foster public trust and serve all residents.
Addison Bulosan
RUNNING FOR: Kauai County Council
PLATFORM: My platform is focused on helping local families stay rooted on Kauaʻi. That means making housing more affordable, reducing the cost of living, strengthening core infrastructure, and building safer, more resilient communities. I believe we can keep the country, country, by making the town, town—revitalizing walkable communities, supporting local businesses, protecting ʻāina, and creating shared spaces where keiki, kūpuna, and working families can thrive. I’m committed to sustainable systems that support residents, strengthen local resilience, and help future generations live, work, play, and belong here.
Travis Bumanglag
RUNNING FOR: State House, District 10 (Portion of Waiehu, Paukukalo, Wailuku, Wailuku Heights, Waikapu)
PLATFORM: Give parents more control over the education of their children. Make the greatest economy in the world work for all. Make America energy independent. Provide safe and secure communities so all Americans can live their lives in peace.
Danny Degracia
RUNNING FOR: State House, District 39 (Royal Kunia, Village Park, Honoʻuliʻuli, Hoʻopili, portion of Waipahū)
PLATFORM: As a conservative Republican, I’m running for State Representative to lower the cost of living, make it easier to start a family for our young people, and inspire everyone to know that nothing is impossible when we work together. They want a representative who can take care of things for them and who will make them feel safe, confident, and happy again. Our voters are hard-working, honorable, and patriotic people who demand intelligent, experienced leadership that is tough and competent. I will make all of us proud!
NAME: Tyler Dos Santos-Tam
DISTRICT/OFFICE RUNNING FOR: Honolulu City Council, District 6
PLATFORM: I have s a vision for Honolulu to truly be a “city that works:” where we have enough housing for our local families, where hardworking residents have a fair shot at getting ahead, and where our people have access to quality public transportation and public spaces. In my next term, I will continue to lead the way on housing policy at the City, work to reduce costs for local families, and find ways to support small businesses and entrepreneurs to grow our economy so that everyone can succeed.
Diamond Garcia
RUNNING FOR: State House, District 42 (Portions of Varona Village, Ewa, Kapolei, Fernandez Village)
PLATFORM: My priorities are centered on the values shared by so many of Hawaiʻi’s families: faith, family, hard work, and opportunity. I will continue fighting to lower the cost of living, improve our roads and infrastructure, strengthen public safety, support our police officers, and expand opportunities for local families to achieve homeownership. I will continue defending parental rights, religious liberty, and the constitutional freedoms we cherish while advocating for quality education and responsible government. My goal is to ensure every family, especially the next generation, can afford to live, work, raise their children, and build a future right here in Hawaiʻi.
Greggor Ilagan
RUNNING FOR: State House, District 4 (Hawaiian Paradise Park, Hawaiian Beaches, Nānāwale Estates, Leilani Estates)
PLATFORM: My priority is delivering practical solutions that improve everyday life for Hawaiʻi’s families. I will continue working to improve transportation infrastructure, expand healthcare access, support affordable housing, strengthen our economy, and modernize government through technology. By reducing unnecessary bureaucracy, investing in our workforce, and listening to our communities, we can build a safer, more affordable, and more resilient Hawaiʻi while preserving the values and culture that make our islands home.
Darius K. Kila
RUNNING FOR: State House, District 44 (Māʻili, Nānākuli, Lualualei, Ko Olina and Honokai Hale)
PLATFORM: I will continue fighting for safer roads, stronger schools, affordable housing, expanded mental health services, environmental stewardship, and responsible investments that improve quality of life across the Leeward Coast. I will continue listening, communicating openly, and working with anyone willing to move our community forward. Together, we can build a safer, healthier, and more resilient future while ensuring every family has the opportunity to thrive and every voice is heard.
Rose Martinez
RUNNING FOR: State House, District 40 (Portions of Lower Village and ʻEwa Beach, Iroquois Point)
PLATFORM: Some of my legislative priorities include addressing affordability issues by finding ways to make food, drugs, and housing cheaper. We must increase the affordable housing inventory and find ways to provide true affordability in housing. I vow to fight for transparency/accountability for all citizens. Supporting sustainable energy and agriculture is important to me, as well as helping local farmers grow our own food and supporting sustainable energy projects that would help you save on your bill.
Julie Reyes Oda
DISTRICT/OFFICE RUNNING FOR: State House, District 40 (Portions of Lower Village and ʻEwa Beach, Iroquois Point)
PLATFORM: As your State Representative, my mission is straightforward: better schools and safer streets. I’m pushing for real solutions to make housing more affordable and help more of our residents get into homes of their own. My focus is on policies that build long-term economic stability because I want to make sure Hawaiʻi stays a place where our families can afford to live, thrive, and build a future for generations to come.
Joy A. San Buenaventura
OFFICE RUNNING FOR: State Senate, District 2 (Puna)
PLATFORM: With my re-election, I want to continue the programs that I started or advocated: A plan to reduce commuter traffic congestion with a Highway 11 contra-flow and work with the county for a stainback into Hilo Road. Reduce chronic homelessness statewide that focus on stabilizing the mentally ill, and provide training/job services to those who are able, so that they pay for the shelter provided. Continue the expansion of medical/dental/behavioral services to rural communities through telehealth & community health worker support.
Shirley Ann L. Templo
RUNNING FOR: State House, District 30 (Kalihi, Kalihi Kai, Keehi Lagoon, and Hickam Village)
PLATFORM: My priorities are increasing affordable housing, strengthening public safety, supporting quality education, expanding economic opportunities, and making government more responsive, transparent, and accountable. I will continue working alongside residents, community organizations, businesses, and government partners to develop practical solutions that improve everyday life. Together, we can build stronger neighborhoods, create greater opportunities for future generations, and preserve the values that make Hawaiʻi home. I’m committed to serving with integrity, transparency, and an unwavering dedication to the people of House District 30 and the State of Hawaiʻi.
Amanda Domingo Ybanez
RUNNING FOR: State House, District 30 (Kalihi, Kalihi Kai, Ke‘ehi Lagoon, Hickam Village)
PLATFORM: My platform is “Our Community First” with the following issues. Cost of Living/Affordable Housing: We need to look at the farmers, cattle ranchers, and infrastructure that supports them. For Affordable Housing, we need to pay attention to Transit-Oriented Development in and around the skyline. Public Safety: I support funds and programs that support public safety and community safety. Homelessness: I support community-based social services and rehabilitation programs and their funding. Community Disaster Response: I support the expansion of community-based emergency response programs such as CERENE and CERT.
About Author
+ There are no comments
Add yours