Focusing on what really matters. Family, Freedom, and Government Transparency
Government Transparency and Accountability
In 1998, I swore an oath of office as a Federal Civilian that I continue to live by today.
Likewise, I will continue to support and defend the Constitution of the United States and the Hawaii State Constitution.
I believe that all political power of this State is inherent in the people and the responsibility for the exercise thereof rests with the people. Our rights are slowly being taken away by mandates, lockdowns, medical tyranny, and parental rights. Corruption must not be tolerated.
Energy and Food Security
As a Hawaii House representative, I would introduce legislation pertaining to the Jones Act Reformation at the state level similar to a resolution submitted by Maui County Councilmember, Mike Molina.
Noting that Hawaii's significant supply of oil from Russia had been cut off because of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the resolution states, "for both strategic and economic reasons, the best replacement for Russian oil imports is domestic supply."
The resolution goes on to state, "temporarily exempting Hawaii from Jones Act requirements could help stabilize costs for fuel, building materials, affordable housing, delivery of costs for small business, household items like batteries, canned food and toiletries, and other goods and services."
In a separate statement, Keli'i Akina, president and CEO of Grassroot Institute of Hawaii, "Especially now, with Hawaii losing access to as much as a third of its oil imports from Russia, Hawaii residents need speedy and inexpensive access to U.S. oil sources, which the Jones Act has made uneconomical because of its rules against shipping competition."
By adding state-level support to Jones Act resolutions being endorsed at the county level, there will be greater pressure on our federal delegates to seek positive change for the people of Hawaii.
Tax Reformation and Economy
I am committed to taking action to grow and diversify our economy while upholding fiscal accountability and responsibility.
I will introduce tax reform as recommended in the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii's policy brief, "Road map to prosperity: How Hawaii can recover and even excel after the coronavirus lockdown" issued on May 22, 2020, and mobilize my fellow legislators to support it.
According to the brief, policymakers need to embrace the principles of economic freedom so as to encourage entrepreneurship, labor mobility, opportunity, and prosperity. That would include removing taxes, regulations and other public policies that stand in the way.
Homelessness and Rehabilitation
There are several reasons as to why someone ends up homeless, including sudden job loss or family breakdown, severe substance abuse or mental health problems. Most homelessness policies work on the premise that the homeless person must sort those problems out first before they can obtain housing.
I will introduce a bill to address the homeless problem in Hawaii based on a proven model from Central Arizona that understands that shelter is where support begins. The Arizona program provides more than just a place to sleep. This model is effective because it provides wrap-around case management and supportive services to stabilize clients, help them find employment and help them move into permanent housing.
The key strategy will include collaborating and coordinating with multiple agencies to provide comprehensive services without duplicating resources.
Fighting Crime and Neighborhood Security
In collaboration with the Honolulu Police Department, I will work to raise awareness about crime and neighborhood safety. Toward that goal, I will introduce a bill to increase awareness and engage with the community to promote Neighborhood Watch Programs.
In April 2021, KHON 2 News reported that residents in a Kaneohe neighborhood have been relying on such a program to look out for each other for the past 30 years. The Kaneohe Neighborhood Watch says its efforts to deter crime have especially been good for the area's many children and kupuna.
I will work with my fellow Legislators to promote this program statewide. The Honolulu Police Department says these community groups can make all the difference.
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