Affordability
Lower Costs for Local Families
Realistically, no one magic bill will make Hawaiʻi more affordable. But, we can take pressure off families from multiple directions in a thoughtful, coordinated, and intentional way. The government should not manage more of our daily lives. It should focus on removing unnecessary barriers, protecting our rights, spending responsibly, all to make it possible for local families to stay and thrive here in Hawaiʻi.
It is difficult to see small shops closing, not because they lacked heart or work ethic, but because the cost of doing business became too high. If we want affordable and strong communities, we need an economy where local businesses can survive, grow, hire, and continue serving the neighborhoods that depend on them.
- Support targeted GET relief on necessities.
- Reduce wasteful spending and make government justify new costs.
- Cut unnecessary red tape that makes it harder to start and grow a small business.
Accountability
Bring Accountability to Government
Before government asks families for more money, it needs to prove it is spending the money it already has wisely. I support fiscal notes, stronger oversight, serious audits, and consequences when agencies do not produce measurable results.
If lawmakers do not know what a bill costs, they should not vote yes.
- Require public fiscal notes for major legislation.
- Strengthen legislative oversight.
- Require measurable results for major state programs.
Housing
More Homes Local Families Can Actually Afford
After years of promises, housing is still out of reach. We need results, not another study.
- Speed up permitting without sacrificing safety.
- Prioritize infrastructure-first planning.
- Support more fee-simple ownership opportunities, not primarily leaseholds.
- Support alternative housing pathways for ALICE families by expanding access to affordable, stable housing options that help working families reduce financial strain, build savings, and move toward the goal of purchasing a fee-simple home.
Education
Put Students, Teachers, and Parents First
Parents should not be treated like obstacles. They should be treated as the primary decision-makers in their children’s lives. Schools and government should work with families, not around them. Teachers should not have to use their own money for classroom and student supplies.
- Prepare students for life, work, and citizenship by strengthening core academics.
- Support teachers.
- Protect parental rights.
- Make civics and financial literacy a meaningful part of every child’s education.
- Increase transparency for parents.
- Address school maintenance and classroom needs.
Public safety
Compassion and Accountability Can Work Together
Public safety is the foundation of a productive society. Families cannot thrive, businesses cannot succeed, schools cannot function well, and public spaces cannot truly belong to the public if people feel unsafe.
- Address repeat offenders more seriously.
- Support law enforcement and first responders.
- Keep public spaces safe and usable for families.
- Protect law-abiding residents.
- Address serious challenges with homelessness, addiction, and mental health with a balance of compassion for those who are hurting and not allowing public spaces to become unsafe.
Energy
Reliable, Affordable, Realistic Energy Policy
Families should not be forced into expensive mandates before the grid and household budgets are ready.
- Prioritize grid reliability.
- Protect families from unaffordable mandates.
- Make energy decisions based on cost, reliability, and feasibility.