Aloha Puna!

            Several weeks ago, I announced my candidacy for the fourth district seat of the Hawaii State House of Representatives.  As a lifelong resident of Leilani Estates, I am especially excited about the possibility of representing my community members in lower Puna.

            This campaign began as a grassroots movement by lower Puna students and young adults to fight for the improvements that our district needs.  For us, growing up in Puna has been a rich and diverse experience that we treasure.  We hope to protect and develop this lifestyle through educational, economic, and infrastructural advancements.  

            Although my age (23 years) gives many people an initial shock, most community members have begun to respect and welcome my ideas.  Moreover, even though this began as a youth campaign, we are quickly gaining momentum amongst our district's kupuna and young-at-heart.  This is probably because unlike most politicians, I am not tainted by interest group money or past biases.  Also unlike most politicians, I do not think in terms of bureaucratic manipulation or pleasing of the powers-that-be.  I believe that there is a simple solution to every problem, and I am dedicated to achieving these solutions with my community. 

            As a Representative for lower Puna, I will dedicate myself to creating a medically, agriculturally, and economically self-reliant and sustainable district.  I will commit to improving our local public and charter school systems, funding the higher education of our students, supporting a 24-hour hospital in Pahoa, diversifying our economy, and providing a safe and efficient island-wide mass transport system. 

            I am currently working to ensure that my campaign will be an electrifying and revolutionary experience for lower Puna.  If nothing else, I hope that the scare of a formidable opponent and community unrest will motive our current representatives to fight for the changes they have promised our district.  This is our Puna, and we must unite to protect it.

            I invite you all to be a part of this movement for Puna.  Please kokua to progress and preserve our beautiful district.