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<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nFilipinos make up the second-largest ethnic group in Hawaii with a population of 342,095 according to the 2010 Census. It\u2019s no doubt that throughout Hawaii\u2019s history, Filipino American politicians are in the state legislature where they represent not only Filipinos but also the residents of the state of Hawaii.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n With COVID-19 greatly affecting Hawaii, the state legislature is making sure our community is safe, employed and ready as we transition into our \u201cnew normal.\u201d<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n However, according to recent data from Hawaii\u2019s Department of Health, Filipinos experience the second-worst COVID-19 disparity in Hawaii with most Filipino frontliners risking their lives working in medical, retail, food, hotel and tourism. The pandemic also exposed issues within the Filipino community that resonates with the rest of Hawaii: high unemployment rates, high costs of healthcare and housing, the need to raise the minimum wage and diversify our economy.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n With the uncertainty of the future due to the pandemic, we need more Filipino American representation in City Council, State House and Senate. We need to be heard. Voting wisely is one way of empowering our community by electing the right public officials that will make long-term positive changes in our community<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cFilipinos like to say that they are the fastest growing and second largest ethnic minority in the state but it should not stop there,\u201d said Belinda Aquino, PhD, Professor Emeritus at the University of Hawaii at Manoa and Political Scientist.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cReal empowerment can only be achieved if all citizens who are registered to vote will actually vote in every election, which Filipinos often take for granted, or don\u2019t really assert and exercise this right.\u201d<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s high time that Filipinos assert and exercise this right and translate their numbers into real powers in the larger community. Exercising your right to vote by registering and learning more about the candidates are crucial in the upcoming Primary and General Elections. You have the power to change the course of our nation\u2019s history.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n As candidates gear up for the August 8 Primary Elections, Hawaii Filipino Chronicle reached out to Filipino Americans running for public office to share their experiences and platforms in improving Hawaii.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n (Editor\u2019s note: Other Fil-Am candidates who were not included in this cover story did not respond as of our press time.)<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n AARON JAMES KALEO AGSALDA\u00a0<\/strong> Why I\u2019m running: <\/strong>With three generations of my family rooted in Wahiawa, the safety, health, and future of this town are always in my heart. This is my first campaign for public office and I believe that a working-class perspective is critical in State Legislature. I feel called to represent my community so they can have a voice in the State House that\u2019s from Wahiawa and for Wahiawa.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n Background:<\/strong> As a licensed General Contractor and Real Estate Broker who was born and raised in Hawaii, I have a broad perspective on the unique relationships between industries that affect our local economy. I learned the value of hard work from my father Renie, a Civil Engineer and entrepreneur. My mother, sister and grandmother were all educators. Both my grandfathers worked in plantation fields when they immigrated to Hawaii from the Philippines. Grandpa Menor served as a 2nd Lt. in the Hawaii Rifles during WWII and Grandpa Agsalda was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal with the Filipino Veterans of WWII.<\/p>\n\n\n\n HENRY J.C. AQUINO\u00a0<\/strong> <\/strong>Why I\u2019m running:<\/strong> I\u2019m running for re-election to continue the work we started to improve the quality of life for our residents and address important issues affecting us today and in the future. Together, we worked hard to make meaningful changes in the community of Waipahu and fight for its fair share of funding for needed projects and services.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n Background:<\/strong> My parents arrived in Hawaii in 1970 from Ilocos Sur, Philippines to start a new life. Their experiences helped shape my appreciation for our community and desire to help others. I graduated from Waipahu High School and earned my degrees from Honolulu Community College, University of Hawaii-West Oahu and Hawaii Pacific University. I\u2019m currently representing District 38, serving as Chair of the House Committee on Transportation, Majority Whip, a member of the Housing and Consumer Protection & Commerce committees and Chair of the House Filipino Caucus. I work for the Waipahu Community Association. I devote time to various organizations including the Waipahu Community Foundation, Leeward Oahu Lions Club, Knights of Rizal-Aloha Chapter, AGAPE Ministry and the Hawaii Chinese Kenpo School of Self Defense.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Platform<\/strong>: Our district is confronted with pressing issues: troubled economy due to the COVID-19 pandemic, homelessness, traffic congestion and public safety concerns. To help address these concerns, we were able to fund needed infrastructure projects to help stabilize our economy, develop comprehensive plans to build affordable housing and address homelessness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n ADDISON BULOSAN\u00a0<\/strong> <\/strong>Why I\u2019m running: <\/strong>We are headed towards the most challenging times and I know I can help. My unique set of skills and a combination of knowledge will help us solve some of the economic and health crises. My community involvement allows me to work with a diverse group and able to represent the wholeness of our island community.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n Background: <\/strong>I\u2019m born and raised on Kauai, alumni to Wilcox Elementary, Kauai High School, The Art Institute of Seattle and got my Doctors of Chiropractic at Life Chiropractic College West in San Francisco. I\u2019ve spent the last six years in my private practices on Kauai and Maui and serving as the President of the Rice Street Business Association, Vice President of the Lihue Business Association, board member of the Kauai Chamber of Commerce and Hale Opio Kauai, and advisory board member of Hawaii Foodbank-Kauai. My parents and grandparents have been integral leaders within the Filipino community serving as past presidents of numerous Filipino organizations such as the Kauai Filipino Community Council and Kauai Fil-Am Jaycees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Platform<\/strong>: My highest priority is keeping businesses going and saving as many jobs as possible by focusing on government efficiency, innovation in technology, food sustainability, and town core center development. I\u2019m looking to develop, modify or remove policies that will enhance our community\u2019s ability to thrive by focusing on reducing the cost of living and enabling the workforce to develop different skills or jobs. By focusing on developing our town core centers, we increase the housing ability, reduce the need for traffic, save on infrastructure costs, and protect our environment by reducing transportation and building emissions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n ROMY CACHOLA\u00a0<\/strong> Why I\u2019m running: <\/strong>I like to solve difficult problems, which is why addressing physicians, teachers, and nurses\u2019 shortage is first on my list. I would also intend to look into addressing houselessness as one of my priorities. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n Background: <\/strong>I was born in the Philippines and received a Bachelor of Law (Juris Doctor) degree from M.L. Quezon University-Philippines. During my incumbency as Representative, I have dealt with many challenges and concerns that have affected our lives. I fought for them, I worked for their resolutions so that we can live in a district that is sensitive to the needs and aspirations of the residents. With a combination of skills, sensitivity, and experience on the importance of community interests, I have always advocated for fairness and solutions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Platform:<\/strong> I\u2019ll work to pass House Bill 1462 HD1, which unanimously passed in the House and is now pending in the Senate. It addresses Hawaii\u2019s over $12 billion health unfunded liability and could potentially save over $500 million per year without raising taxes and fees. If this measure passes this session, savings over $500 million a year can fund other state and county liabilities and services such as the Collective Bargaining agreements, public education programs that include teachers\u2019 shortage, affordable housing and homelessness. It will also address the state\u2019s physician shortage, climate change and state and county road repairs and improvement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n GIL S. COLOMA KEITH-AGARAN\u00a0<\/strong> <\/strong>Why I\u2019m running: <\/strong>I\u2019m committed to public service. Maui needs strong and experienced voices representing our communities. Steady leadership over the next four years will be crucial as Maui recovers. We need to be opportunistic in shifting more of our economy into areas that build resilience\u2014in healthcare, local food production, education and energy.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n Background:<\/strong> I grew up in Paia and Kahului and graduated from Maui High School. After college at Yale and law school at Cal-Berkeley, I returned home because Maui is where I wanted to live, play and raise a family. Gov. Ben Cayetano gave me the opportunity to serve at the Departments of Land and Natural Resources, Labor and Industrial Relations, and Commerce and Consumer Affairs. Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa appointed me as Director of Public Works and Environmental Management. In 2009, Gov. Linda Lingle appointed me to the State House and my community re-elected me twice. In 2012, Gov. Neil Abercrombie appointed me to the State Senate and my community has re-elected me twice. I continued to practice law in Wailuku when the legislature is not in session and continue to be active in my Central Maui community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n RADIANT CORDERO\u00a0<\/strong> Why I\u2019m running<\/strong>: I have experienced firsthand the struggles individuals and families are facing in our communities. I\u2019ll bring a strong voice representing the district to the Honolulu City Council, and advocate for all of our neighbors whose values must be made known in our government\u2019s decision-making processes. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n I want to use my breadth of life experiences to bring people together to create impactful, deeply rooted change, and ensure that our community has the necessary resources, programs, and services it needs to thrive. It is a critical time for our district, and I ask for your vote of confidence so that I can collaborate, organize, and expand opportunities for all those I hope to represent in 2021.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Background<\/strong>: I\u2019m a second-generation Filipina American who grew up in the Kalihi Kai and Moanalua communities. I currently serve as chief of staff to Honolulu City Councilmember Joey Manahan. I previously served as a legislative aide at the Office of the Vice Speaker of the Hawaii House of Representatives, assistant editor for the Fil-Am Courier, and held numerous roles in the nonprofit and tourism industries. I serve on the Epilepsy Foundation of Hawaii Board of Directors, secretary of the W. R. Farrington High School, School Community Council, and a member of numerous Kaihi and Salt Lake Neighborhood Security Watch\/Citizen Patrol groups. I also served as a radio host for The Pilipinx Collective and KNDI Radio 1270 AM, and secretary of the Filipino Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii. I volunteer with the KaBATAan: Filipino for Kids Hawaii, Hawaii Bicycling League, and have assisted with various COVID-19 testing and food drives. I earned my Bachelor\u2019s degree in political science and American studies and a Master\u2019s degree in public administration from the University of Hawaii-Manoa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Platform<\/strong>: My priorities are to ensure greater transparency and community collaboration with our economic recovery planning; create safer communities through public safety initiatives; push community-driven efforts that need to be adopted at all level of government; address climate change and promote resiliency through our public infrastructure in our neighborhoods; invest and prioritize our core city services; increase affordable and accessible housing for working families; and promote economic recovery and sustainability in our city\u2019s planning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n THORA-JEAN CUARESMA\u00a0<\/strong> Why I\u2019m running<\/strong>: I desire to give the residents in District 22 a choice and an opportunity to have a voice in their community. The atmosphere in the political community has been clouded and tainted by a lack of communication and transparency by the current leadership. I\u2019ll bring new energy, thoughts and leadership to Senate District 22.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n Background:<\/strong> I have lived in Wahiawa for over 30 years and have participated in many community-oriented projects from supporting the local athletic programs to local musicians. I have assisted in projects and programs that assist kupuna in many ways (seeking affordable housing, affordable health care, transportation, seeking food and other basic essential necessities). I have been a vehement supporter of projects that improve our communities so that we can live, work and play in our district.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Platform<\/strong>: My priorities are to seek educational resources for public schools as well as cultivate and foster partnerships in our communities, develop and promote apprenticeship programs with businesses to promote employment that provides a living wage in our communities which in turn may help lessen travel time between homes and places of employment. Lastly, to provide more transparency and less confusion between area legislators and community members. I want to ensure that legislators fund projects that will benefit the community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n TY J.K. CULLEN\u00a0<\/strong> Why I\u2019m running: <\/strong>I want to preserve this special place that is filled with great people and culture, so our families and future generations can thrive. I want to build upon what we have all worked hard to achieve and increase opportunities for all our residents. With my experience and good working relationships with individuals and businesses across all areas of our state, I know that I can continue to do a lot of good for our community.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n Background<\/strong>: I was born in Hawaii and raised in Waipahu, and the Aloha Spirit of our community has blessed me with the honor of serving as a state representative for 10 years. My ethnicities (Hawaiian, Irish, Filipino, and Japanese) have helped mold my respect for all our cultures. I have dual bachelor\u2019s degrees in Political Science and Sociology, and a Master of Public Administration from the University of Hawaii-Manoa. I have over five years of experience as a social worker at a local non-profit, serving families in our family court system. As a State Representative since 2010, I have been a member and vice-chair of various committees over the years. I\u2019m currently the Chair of the Committee on Legislative Management and the Vice-Chair of the Committee on Finance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Platform<\/strong>: As we deal with this pandemic, I want to ensure the health and safety of our residents while stabilizing and rebuilding our economy. I\u2019ll focus on prioritizing the state budget in these areas: supporting long-range infrastructure projects for education and transportation, re-investing in our safety net for the most vulnerable in our community, supporting advanced education programs from early education through early college, creating employment opportunities and increasing access to affordable homes for local families, and building resiliency for local food production and water security.<\/p>\n\n\n\n DONOVAN M. DELA CRUZ\u00a0<\/strong> Why I\u2019m running<\/strong>: I\u2019m running for re-election to serve the constituents of Senate District 22, to help solve our state\u2019s challenges, and to work to secure a decent quality of life for the residents of our islands. The COVID-19 pandemic presents our state with an uncertain future. I want to continue working with my colleagues so we can navigate through this crisis together. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n Background<\/strong>: I\u2019m a proud graduate of Leilehua High School and Oregon University. I majored in journalism & communications and started my career in public relations. This taught me how to get to the bottom of the issue by asking the five key questions: who, what, where, how, and why. My approach to all challenges, projects, and decisions are based on those questions. My prior experience as a Honolulu City Councilmember gave me hands-on experience with intricate county processes and procedures. This experience is invaluable to me in my role as a State Senator and has allowed me to be very effective in securing funding and improvement projects for my district.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Platform<\/strong>: <\/strong>My main priority is to overcome the COVID-19 pandemic and diversify our economy. We became too dependent on tourism and did not have a plan to develop other local jobs and industries. For years, residents have said that 10,000,000 visitors put too much burden on our infrastructure and resources. Now is the time to diversify the economy to create well-paying local jobs and industries to get our people back on their feet.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n WILL ESPERO\u00a0<\/strong> Why I\u2019m running:<\/strong> I\u2019m running for City Council because I have the experience, knowledge and know-how to effectively serve at City Hall. I served eight years with the Neighborhood Commission under Mayor Frank Fasi and 19 years in the Hawaii Legislature which includes three years as a state representative and 16 years as a state senator. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n I was able to introduce and get passed 99 bills in areas like gun control, coral reef protection, affordable housing, job creation, medical cannabis dispensaries, ethics training for government officials, historical preservation, police and criminal justice reform.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Background<\/strong>: My parents are from Ilocos Sur and La Union. I was raised in a military family since my father served 21 years in the U.S. Navy. I received my Business Management degree from Seattle University in 1982. I served as Hawaii Senate Vice-President, Senate Majority Floor Leader, and chairman of the Public Safety, Intergovernmental, and Military Affairs Committee. I chaired the Housing Committee and the Business and Economic Development Committee. Public service and community service are in my heart and soul having been involved in many community organizations and Boards for over three decades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Platform<\/strong>: My main priority is to make certain our tax dollars are spent wisely and efficiently with no waste. Reopening our economy, creating new jobs, ending homelessness, finding transportation solutions, and safe neighborhoods are key issues I\u2019ll work on. Finishing the rail without waste and corruption is paramount.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n SONNY M. GANADEN<\/strong>\u00a0 Why I\u2019m running<\/strong>: Hawaii\u2019s economy relies on the people who live and work in District 30. We must ensure residents, many who have worked their entire lives paying state taxes, are given everything the state and federal government can to ensure their health, housing, food, and education. \u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n We should do so in a way that is through a direct and open process, unblemished by corruption, fights between the legislature and the Governor, and by secretive meetings between developers, banks, and the legislature. District 30 residents have had the same politicians for decades–in that time, infrastructure has deteriorated, wages have stagnated, and workers have taken multiple jobs to make ends meet, which they can no longer do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Background<\/strong>: I\u2019m a lawyer, a manager of a youth mentorship program at Kokua Kalihi Valley, a non-profit in Kalihi, and a candidate for public office. I\u2019ve been an Instructor in the Ethnic Studies Department at the University of Hawaii-Manoa, a Staff Attorney at the Domestic Violence Action Center, and a journalist. I\u2019m a second-generation Filipino-American from a family of veterans, nurses, teachers, bakers, and business owners. During this time, I have been assisting neighbors to ensure that they remain housed by taking their calls as a pro bono attorney, assisting individuals in applications for unemployment benefits, and providing lunches to the youth.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Platform<\/strong>: My priorities include reopening the local economy in a way that puts public health and safety first, with specific measures for those who work in the hotel and service industry and creating an equitable housing plan because of the pandemic, return illegal vacation rentals to local residents, develop alternative forms of housing for our houseless neighbors, and engage in \u201cshovel-ready\u201d housing that will increase housing in our urban core, particularly Kalihi. We must also expand unemployment and healthcare options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n BECKY GARDNER\u00a0<\/strong> Why I\u2019m running:<\/strong> I want to create a better Hawaii because: \u201cWe all do better when we all do better.\u201d I feel a duty to bear my skills, experience, insights, and instincts in doing so. I feel a responsibility to make sure I have a seat at the decision-making table and offer the institutional knowledge and insights I have developed over the years as a lawyer and civil servant in state government. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n It is time, especially as we recover from the pandemic, for our leaders to lay a new foundation for a safe, equitable, just, and prosperous future not only for my children but for all the youth of our community; and I\u2019m answering a call to be one of them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Background<\/strong>: I\u2019m the child of Filipina and an English-German and grew up in Upstate New York. I earned my Social Work degree from Cornell University and my J.D. with a certificate in Pacific Asian Legal Studies from University of Hawaii\u2019s Richardson School of Law. I practice law in Hawaii and New York, which serves me well in my current role at the State of Hawaii\u2019s Office of Language Access. I worked as a law clerk with the Hawaii State Judiciary at the Intermediate Court of Appeals and the First Circuit Court of the City and County of Honolulu; and four consecutive legislative sessions as an attorney for the House of Representatives\u2019 Committee on Consumer Protection and Commerce. I\u2019m passionate about serving my community as I enter into my fourth year on the Kaimuki Neighborhood Board, and gear up to grapple with bigger state-level law and policy questions as a legislator.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Platform<\/strong>: My biggest goal is to drastically increase voter turn-out and civic engagement. The adage, \u201cthat which is measured improves,\u201d is one that can be aptly applied to governance. Our residents are quick to complain about our politicians, but too many don\u2019t know who their representatives are, and don\u2019t make the effort to learn. If the electorate is engaged and attentive and \u201cmeasures\u201d the performance of our elected officials, our laws and policies will improve and better reflect our communities\u2019 values.<\/p>\n\n\n\n DIAMOND GARCIA\u00a0<\/strong> Why I\u2019m running<\/strong>: It\u2019s time we start electing leaders who will actually do the right thing and truly represent the people. Hawaii\u2019s cost of living is outrageous and our current politicians keep voting on more tax increases! Is that really what the people want? <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n Thousands of local people are leaving Hawaii because they simply cannot make ends meet. I\u2019ll work to make Hawaii a better place to live for generations to come.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Background<\/strong>: I was born and raised on the leeward side of Oahu, in low-income housing, on food stamps and welfare. I know the struggle that so many of our families go through! With hard work, I was able to receive a good education. For the last several years, I have traveled the world preaching the gospel of Christ, inspiring, and empowering people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Platform<\/strong>: The main thing I\u2019ll focus on is the cost of living. I stand against raising your taxes. I support life from the womb to the grave. We should teach our children the principle of \u201chard work\u201d and not the mindset of \u201cfree handouts.\u201d It\u2019s time for a much-needed change! For those of you who live on the west-side, #VoteDiamondGARCIA\u2014Maraming Salamat!<\/p>\n\n\n\n ELROY C. JUAN <\/strong> Why I\u2019m running<\/strong>: Hawaii needs to be more sustainable in today\u2019s world and to produce its own food. We need to recycle a lot of things that will create jobs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Background<\/strong>: Born and raised in Hamakua, I worked in the plantations in Paauhau and Honokaa until it shut down.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n Platform<\/strong>: My platform is to keep and help agriculture, support the farming industry and have grants go directly to farmers and not to research and development. The Hamakua coast can grow enough food to supply the island and export it. I\u2019ll help the other islands\u2019 farm industry and help the indigenous people because they have rights too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n TRISH LA CHICA\u00a0<\/strong> Why I\u2019m running<\/strong>: We have a system that doesn\u2019t really take care of families. We are not prioritizing our people and resources. Many families in Hawaii cannot afford a future here. We have a responsibility to leave Hawaii a better place for our children and grandchildren. If elected, I would be the first immigrant, the first Filipina, and the youngest Democrat to be elected in our district\u2019s history.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n Background<\/strong>: As a journalist in the Philippines, I fought to expose the harsh economic inequality and political corruption in the nation. After migrating to the US, I continued to advocate for better access for vulnerable communities, speaking on television and in national conferences, including the White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders Summit. In 2015, I received a national award as an Emerging Leader and one of 100 Most Influential Filipina Women in the World. I worked under Gov. David Ige as a policy analyst, looking at solutions to lower the cost of care, increase and improve health care delivery, and address health disparities. Currently, I\u2019m the policy and advocacy director for the Hawai\u2018i Public Health Institute.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Platform<\/strong>: I want to fight for working families and to address cost of living expenses that take the most out of our paycheck. We deserve universal healthcare, childcare and paid family and sick leave. We need to prioritize local homeownership and to take care of our kupuna. We need strong public schools, clean energy, and sustainable local food production.<\/p>\n\n\n\n AUSTIN MAGLINTI\u00a0<\/strong> Why I\u2019m running<\/strong>: Our big government continues to go unchecked and unopposed. Our people deserve transparency and our current elected officials don\u2019t offer that. As elected officials and candidates we need to remind ourselves that we answer to the people. Issues around our state continue to carry on without real solutions.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n Background<\/strong>: If elected, I\u2019ll be the youngest member of the Hawaii State House of Representatives. I currently serve as the Officials Chair for the Hawaii Federation for USA Wrestling and serve as the director for Kupaa Youth Ministry. I served as a District Chair for the Hawaii State Republican Party.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Platform<\/strong>: My priorities are to address our economy, education and environment. As all of these issues cover many aspects of our lives that need our immediate attention. For years, we have watched as many of our \u2018ohana leave for a better life on the mainland because the cost of living is one of the highest in the nation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n RYAN MANDADO\u00a0<\/strong> Why I\u2019m running<\/strong>: I\u2019m running for office because we need equity-minded leaders who will advocate for people furthest from opportunity. All children deserve to grow up, live, and thrive in safe communities that will support their well-being. It is time we elect people who truly understand the issues negatively impacting working families. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n Background<\/strong>: I was born and raised to a low-income immigrant family and went through the Kalihi public education system where I learned resiliency, strong work ethics and being a servant leader. I was a Presidential Scholar and Honors graduate at the University of Hawaii-Manoa majoring in Chinese Language and American Studies with a Master\u2019s degree in Education from Johns Hopkins University. Currently a doctoral student in Education also at UH-Manoa, I\u2019m also the Chief Academic Officer of DreamHouse \u2018Ewa Beach Public Charter School. As a former Special Education teacher, I worked with families to ensure their children with disabilities have access to excellent educational opportunities in school and for their future. I hope to bring an educator lens to the City Council to advocate for those furthest from opportunity and truly create equitable policies to benefit our most vulnerable populations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Platform<\/strong>: I\u2019m focused on building safer communities and ensuring that people have safer livelihoods. We should not criminalize poverty; instead, we must develop policies to support the following: high-quality afterschool programs available for all students, high-quality workplace readiness programs that will provide stable income and working situations for people, and strengthen support for community health programs to ensure the mental and physical well-being of our children and adults are taken care of.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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RUNNING FOR: State House, District 46 (Wahiawa, Whitmore, Launani Valley)<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Platform: <\/strong>As the representative, I\u2019ll fight for safer streets in Wahiawa, quality care for our kupuna, support for veterans, world-class education for our keiki that will prepare them for local jobs for the 21st century.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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RUNNING FOR: State House, District 38 (Waipahu)<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
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RUNNING FOR: Kauai County Councilmember<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
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RUNNING FOR: State House, District 30 (Kalihi Kai, Sand Island, Hickam, Pearl Harbor, Ford Island, Halawa Valley Estate)<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
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RUNNING FOR: State Senate, District 5 (Wailuku, Waihe\u02bbe, Kahului)<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Platform: The pandemic disclosed what we knew: too many working families live paycheck-to-paycheck. More people are likely moving into this bracket. The legislature began this session with a consensus on chipping away at the costs\u2014 housing, childcare, wages and taxes\u2014that make life challenging even in good times. Hawaii needs to directly subsidize for sale homes to bring prices down for local working families. We need to seriously look at single-payer health care, paid family and medical leave like other industrialized nations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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RUNNING FOR: Honolulu City Councilmember District 7 (Kalihi, lwilei, Kalihi Kai, Mapunapuna, Salt Lake, Aliamanu, Hickam, Foster Village, Ford Island, and Sand Island)<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
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RUNNING FOR: State Senate, District 22 (Mililani Mauka, Waipi\u02bbo Acres, Wheeler, Wahiaw\u0101, Whitmore Village, Poamoho)<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
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RUNNING FOR: State House, District 39 (Royal Kunia, Village Park, Waipahu, Makakilo, West Loch)<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
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RUNNING FOR: State Senate, District 22 (Mililani Mauka, Waipi\u02bbo Acres, Wheeler, Wahiaw\u0101, Whitmore Village, Poamoho)<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
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RUNNING FOR: Honolulu City Councilmember, District 9 (Waikele, Village Park, Royal Kunia, Mililani Town, West Loch, Iroquois Point, and portions of Ewa Villages and Ewa Beach)<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
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RUNNING FOR: State House, District 30 (Kalihi Kai, Sand Island, Hickam, Pearl Harbor, Ford Island, Halawa Valley Estate)<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
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RUNNING FOR: State House, District 20 (St. Louis Heights, Palolo, Maunalani Heights, Wilhelmina Rise, Kaimuki)\u00a0<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
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RUNNING FOR: State House, District 43 (Ewa Villages, Kalaeloa, Honokai Hale, Nanakai Gardens, Ko Olina, Kahe Point, Nanakuli, Lualualei, Maili)<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
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<\/strong>RUNNING FOR: Hawaii City Councilmember, District 1 (Portion of South Hilo, North Hilo, H\u0101m\u0101kua, and Portion of Waimea)<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
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RUNNING FOR: State House, District 36 (Mililani Mauka, Mililani)<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
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RUNNING FOR: State House, District 39 (Royal Kunia, Village Park, Waipahu, Makakilo, West Loch)<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
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RUNNING FOR: Honolulu City Councilmember, District 7 (Kalihi, lwilei, Kalihi Kai, Mapunapuna, Salt Lake, Aliamanu, Hickam, Foster Village, Ford Island, and Sand Island)<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
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