Our list reflects candidates committed to building a better future for our keiki
Posted: June 15, 2026
Updated: July 2, 2026
The Hawaiʻi State Teachers Association recommends candidates who are strong supporters of public education, educators, and labor, and are committed to creating a better future for our keiki.
Voting these candidates into office ensures we have allies who will champion public education, working families, and our freedom to teach and learn. Protect the rights of our students, our fellow educators, and our families by casting your vote in this year’s primary and general elections.
Here’s everything you need to know.
Get ready to vote!
The primary election takes place on Saturday, Aug. 8, and the general election on Tuesday, Nov. 3. In Hawaiʻi, elections are conducted by mail. All registered voters automatically receive their ballot in the mail approximately 18 days prior to the election. Return your voted ballot by mail (be mindful of USPS delivery times) or in person at a ballot drop box within your county. Voted ballots must be received by your County Elections Division by 7 p.m. on Election Day to be counted. Limited voting service centers will be open 10 days prior to and on Election Day for same-day registration and in-person voting.
Learn more from the Office of Elections:
If you’re not registered to vote, sign up now! It’ll take two minutes. If you’re not sure or it’s been a while, make sure your registration is up to date with your current name and mailing address. You’ll need your Hawaiʻi driver’s license or Hawaiʻi state ID and your Social Security number.
2026 Primary Election key dates
- July 21: Look for your Primary Election ballot packet to be delivered in the mail.
- July 27: Voter Service Centers are open through Election Day for voter registration and accessible in-person voting. Locations and hours will be announced closer to the election.
- July 29: Final day for first-time voters to submit a paper Voter Registration Application for the Primary Election.
- August 8: Primary Election. Voted ballots must be received by 7 p.m.
Use interactive maps to find your:
Watch: HSTA’s recommendation process explained
HSTA Recommended Candidates
Governor
My top priority is making Hawaii more affordable for every family.
In my first term in office, we delivered the biggest tax cut for the middle class in Hawaii state history, we doubled the earned income tax credit and the food tax credit, and increased the child and dependent care credit.
We are building new housing at a scale we haven’t seen in decades, including 46,000 units of affordable housing — which will help bring housing costs down for everyone.
We have also made the largest investment in reducing homelessness in our state’s history — we are building 30 kauhale villages statewide, communities of tiny homes that are getting people off the street permanently and helping them turn their lives around.
There is still more work to do on these challenges — that’s why I am running for a second term as governor, and what I will continue to work on if elected.
Lt. Governor
Derek Kawakami is a lifelong resident of Hawaiʻi and the current Mayor of Kauaʻi County, running for Lieutenant Governor. Born in Hilo and raised on Kauaʻi, he has served his community at every level of government, including the Kauaʻi County Council, the Hawaiʻi State House of Representatives, and the Kauaʻi Island Utility Cooperative Board. As Mayor, he has focused on repairing infrastructure, expanding affordable housing, strengthening public safety, and leading the county through the COVID-19 pandemic. He and his wife, Monica, have two children and share their home in Līhuʻe with their dog Persephone.
The HSTA and NEA also jointly recommend candidates looking to represent Hawaiʻi at the national level. Learn more here.
Congress
I’m Jarrett Keohokalole and I’m running for Congress because this moment demands urgency and leadership, and Hawaiʻi is not getting it! Instead, we’re getting a representative who votes with Trump on voter suppression, stays silent during ICE raids, stays silent on the Iran War, and takes AIPAC and defense contractor money. I’ve delivered real results: Red Hill accountability, property insurance relief, and the first Citizens United reform to pass any state legislature. In Congress, I’ll fight for affordability, healthcare, and Hawaiʻi’s future. I humbly ask for your vote!
Serving in Congress is personal for me. As a mother, I bring urgency to this work because the consequences of inaction fall hardest on our children. Too many local families are struggling with the rising cost of living, and too many young people do not see a future for themselves in Hawaiʻi. That’s why I have focused on lowering costs, strengthening public education, expanding access to healthcare, and creating more opportunities for local families. I am running for re-election because every child deserves the opportunity to build a future here at home, and I will never stop fighting to make that possible. Mahalo to Hawaiʻi’s educators for the work you do every day to inspire, support, and shape the next generation.
For the following races, HSTA invited recommended candidates to submit a brief statement describing their accomplishments and/or reasons for running for office. Expand on a candidate to view their submission.
Hawaiʻi Senate
Like I have improved Highway 130 traffic flow when I was representing only Puna Makai as a representative, I am working with HDoT and our county councilman to improve Puna Mauka traffic flow since I have been a senator by first improving Stainback highway and its merge into Highway 11 at Mamaki. A Hwy 11 contra-flow study for morning and afternoon rush hour has been budgetted and so have alternate road studies for both Puna Mauka and Puna Makai. As Senate Health and Human Services chair, Health services have increased for both upper and lower Puna including dental at Hawaii Community Med ctr and the upcoming Hilo Benioff Med Center’s expansion into Keaau- which will include behavioral care. I have also been in the forefront of reproductive medical services by protecting a woman’s right to choose including choice of using a certified midwife. To increase educational services, I have advocated for a Pahoa Elementary cafeteria and admin office which finally resulted in a master plan; and statewide, and I have always voted in favor of teachers, including HB1890 which provides for annual salary step increases. I hope I have earned your vote.
No statement submitted yet.
My parents came to Hawaii with nothing as immigrants from China. They were both educators; my father spent 40 years as a professor at UH, and my mother briefly taught part time at Kalani High School. They were able to buy a home, put my brother and me through school and university, and retire comfortably. Today, it would cost over 30 years of my entire salary to buy the same house they bought in 1983. It is no longer possible for young people to buy a home, raise a family, and live a good life on one salary, and I believe this is the biggest problem facing our state. Whatever your background, your generation, or whether you work in the public or private sector, I believe one job should be enough for you to support a family and enjoy a happy life in Hawaii.
For the past six years, I served in the Hawaii State House bringing communities together and championing bills like paid family leave, growing local apprenticeship and internship programs, and investing in traffic safety infrastructure. The challenges we face today cannot be solved with the same old approach. If given the honor to serve in the State Senate, I promise to continue securing resources for schools, engaging constituents on community issues, and working together to solve Hawaii’s generational challenges. Together, let’s build a Hawaii where local family can thrive and continue to call home!
This year’s storms showed us how unpredictable Hawaii’s economic future has become. My parents were public educators/administrators whose investments in a family home and educational opportunities made it possible for me to pursue public service. It’s shocking that such experiences are no longer the norm.
At the same time, I believe that anything’s possible when we organize around a common goal – like restoring our school campuses, pitching in to raise monies for new programs and scholarships, or volunteering time/energy to make up funding shortfalls. I’m committed to pursuing Hawaii’s vision of “what public school could be.”
I am running for State Senate because I believe government should work for the people it serves, especially our public schools, students, and educators. I have lived and worked in Senate District 13 for more than 30 years–it’s where I grew up, built my career, and am now raising my own family. Education is deeply personal to me: my mother was a public school teacher in Hawaiʻi for more than 35 years, and two of my sisters-in-law have each served as public school teachers for nearly 20 years, with one now serving as a district resource teacher. As a working mother of two, I know the vital role teachers and educators play in supporting families, shaping lives and building Hawaiʻi’s future. I believe we must respect and listen to our educators, and ensure they have the pay, resources, staffing support, and safe learning environments they need to help every student succeed.
As a proud graduate of Farrington High School and a product of Hawaiʻi’s public education system, I am running for re-election to continue advocating for our students, teachers, and schools. Throughout my years in the Legislature, I have worked to increase funding for public education, strengthen early literacy programs, improve school facilities, and support initiatives that help students succeed. As Chair of the Senate Education Committee, I have focused on DOE accountability, student achievement, and ensuring resources reach our classrooms. I have also championed efforts to improve teacher safety, passed automatic step increases legislation, and preserve critical investments in public schools. Our students deserve a strong educational foundation, and our educators deserve the support and respect necessary to help them succeed. I am committed to continuing this work and building a brighter future for Hawaiʻi’s children.
No statement provided yet.
No statement submitted yet.
As a proud product of our local public schools and a lifelong member of this community, I am committed to serving the people who shaped me. From my work on the Waipahu Neighborhood Board and with the Hawaii Foodbank to serving in the State Legislature, my focus has always been on giving back and making a difference.
I understand the challenges our families face because I have lived them alongside you. That is why I remain dedicated to finding practical solutions, strengthening our community, and ensuring that every voice is heard.
It has been an honor to serve you, and I humbly ask for your continued trust and support as we work together to build a stronger future for our community.
“From the Classroom to the Capitol,” I am proud to be a fierce, working-class advocate for our public school Teachers. As a former HIDOE campus custodian and an alumnus of James Campbell High School, I know firsthand that educators are the backbone of our community. That is why I proudly voted to permanently fund your automatic annual step increases and fix salary compression to deliver the competitive compensation you deserve. I will continue to fight aggressive political overreach, protect our teachers from outside harassment, and deliver critical funding to modernize our local Ewa Beach campuses. Labor solidarity transcends political parties, and I would be deeply honored to earn your vote so we can keep building a school system where educators can afford to live, work, and thrive.
Mahalo Again, Senator Fevella
I’ve served in the Hawaiʻi State Senate since 2006 and have built strong working relationships with our governor and colleagues in both the House and Senate chambers.
My experience as both a Committee Chair and Vice Chair has given me a deep understanding of the legislative process and how to advance important legislation.
Over the years, many of the bills I’ve introduced have become law and have made a positive difference for Hawaiʻi’s communities.
I want to continue serving because I enjoy helping my constituents and working to improve the quality of life for the people of Hawaiʻi.
No statement submitted yet.
Hawaiʻi House
No statement submitted yet.
For the last eight years, I have worked hand in hand with Hawaiʻi Island residents as a Member of the Hawaiʻi County Council. Before joining the Council, I accumulated 25 years of experience in land use development, environmental permits, and long-range community planning.
Nestled in a culturally rich community, Hilo is the economic and educational center for East Hawaii. It is an ideal place for working families raising the next generation and caring for our kupuna.
I look forward to representing everyone on issues like the economy, education, and healthy environments that serve all, especially our local families. I humbly ask that you Vote for Lee Loy, House District 2.
Either the HSTA Board of Directors took no position on this race or candidates did not ask for recommendations from the HSTA.
A proud public school graduate, I was born and raised in South Kona.
I am proud to represent the community that shaped me. Education is one of my top priorities because it is the greatest equalizer in society. Every child deserves access to a high-quality public education, regardless of where they live. I have fought to protect public school funding, expand access to free school meals, strengthen transportation options, secure critical investments in school facilities, and support teacher well-being through better pay and housing support.
Our educators are the backbone of our communities and deserve the respect, support, and resources to help every student succeed.
I also know that student success is inseparable from family well-being. That’s why I’ve championed paid family leave, universal childcare, and tax fairness, because when families are stable, our keiki can thrive.
I remain committed to fully funding public education, supporting our educators, and ensuring every child has the tools to reach their full potential.
I am running for re-election as State Representative for House District 8, North and South Kohala. I’ve lived and worked in the district for 40 years with a successful career as an environmental planner and as a six-term State Representative. I am currently Chair of the House Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs Committee. I will continue to be a steadfast supporter of public education in the State House. I really appreciate the support of HSTA. Mahalo.
Aloha, my name is Tyson Miyake, and I am honored to serve as the State Representative for District 10 on Maui. As a lifelong Maui resident and proud graduate of Maui High School, I understand how important strong public schools and dedicated teachers are to the success of our students and community. In the Legislature, I have focused on addressing the cost of living, expanding housing opportunities, and strengthening education and workforce development programs that help keep local families here at home. I am running for re-election to continue delivering results for our community, to build a stronger future for the next generation, and to create more opportunities for local families and our community to thrive here in Hawaii. Mahalo for the opportunity to continue serving our community.
Affordability is my top priority!
I work for you: You deserve a Representative who is #WorkingForThePeople, not big corporations! I refuse their contributions. I’m #NotForSale.
We have completed 465 affordable housing units in Kihei, set aside $250 million for housing infrastructure, reduced your taxes and increased tax breaks for working families!
I fought for bills to increase teacher pay, protect small businesses, disabled and kūpuna, funded healthcare and rent supplements, reduced energy costs and stopped a new state gas tax.
I protected your environment and way of life at every opportunity.
I support kūpuna, #Unionworkers, Dedicated teacher housing, #LocalFarmers, reducing student debt, expanded healthcare, #LowerTaxes #Education. #LegalizeIt!
I’m #ProChoice: Democracy, Freedom and #ReproductiveRights are on the ballot: I won’t stand by while our constitution and way of life are attacked by (R)adical opponents. I will stand up for YOU!
Representing you is my privilege and honor.
Thank you for voting(D) #TAmato
Aloha mai, I am Keoni Kuoha, a candidate for the Hawaiʻi State House of Representatives, District 12, Upcountry Maui, and I am grateful for the HSTA’s recommendation. I have spent nearly thirty years in service to community as an educator, nonprofit leader, natural resource manager, and cultural practitioner — and through it all, I have seen how profoundly the quality of our schools shapes the quality of our lives. I have taught at every level, from preschool through university, and I believe we deserve a school system that is grounded in Hawaiʻi, educates toward the future, and instills in every learner a deep sense of kuleana to our shared betterment. To get there, teachers need to be paid well, schools need to streamline decision-making and be better resourced, and we need to invest in a new generation of educators who are equipped to meet this moment. I am running to bring that vision — and your voice — to the State House.
Improving the quality of life for our families and the health of the environment have always been the driving reasons I run for office. As a generational Native Hawaiian from Molokai running for re-election to the State House of Representatives D13, these issues are at the forefront of my advocacy. I am grounded in culture, dedicated to mālama ‘āina, and a strong community advocate. Enhancing public education is one of my top priorities. I have enthusiastically introduced and co-sponsored legislation to improve conditions for teachers, students, and staff. This legislation includes pesticide buffer zones, civics education and engagement, farm to school programs, universal free school lunches, teacher recruitment and retention incentives, and support for middle-class and working families. I look forward to continuing to advocate for our kumu, keiki, and ohana.
As a teacher and community advocate, I have been working to build a stronger future for Maui since 1993. Strong public schools, good-paying jobs beyond tourism, and affordable housing are the foundation of a sustainable future.
I will fight for greater investment in education, support for working families, and to ensure our state government puts the needs of the people who live here first.
My priorities are simple: practical solutions, accountable government, and a better future for local families. That’s the leadership I will bring.
I’m a product of Hawaii’s public education system and my two children attended public schools. I served as Chair of the Kapa’a Elementary School Community Council, member of the Kapa’a Middle School SCC, and was an active member of the Kapa’a Elementary School PTSA, where I initiated the after-school Dolphin Program. I’m running for re-election to continue working for a better Hawai‘i. By building more affordable housing, caring for our lands and waters, expanding access to universal preschool education, diversifying our economy, and helping families most in need, we can improve the quality of life of Hawaii’s residents.
I was born and raised in Wailua and currently live in Līhuʻe with my wife Sokchea and our two young children. I previously taught high school civics, American government, and Hawaiian history for two years while serving on the Kauaʻi County Council, and I now chair the Committee on Housing in the Hawaiʻi State House. My focus is on reducing the cost of housing so local families can stay in the communities they grew up in. As a former teacher, I understand how foundational fair compensation and respect for educators are to a healthy public education system, and I’m running for re-election to continue the work of bringing down the cost of housing so teachers and other working families can afford to remain in Hawaiʻi.
I have served as District 17’s State Representative for 16 years. For all those years I have maintained a perfect attendance record every legislative session, and I thank my public education values for instilling that behavior in me. It is critical to assure that our children and education staff have schools that are safe, maintained and improved to meet our changing environment and population. Supporting educators, and being able to develop and support education policies/initiatives is very important and I am committed to continue doing that as long as I am elected.
I’m running for the Hawaii State House District 18. I believe leadership should be practical, transparent and rooted in listening to the people who live here.
People in our district are feeling the pressure of rising costs, safety concerns, and a government that often moves too slowly. I’m running to bring steady leadership and clear priorities to the State Capitol, with a focus on follow-through and accountability.
For me, service is a way of life deeply rooted in the community I am proud to call home. I have been a resident of Hawai‘i Kai since the age of eight, and my love for this island and its people drives everything I do.
I bring decades of experience serving on government boards, non-profits, and labor organizations to the State House.
Either the HSTA Board of Directors took no position on this race or candidates did not ask for recommendations from the HSTA.
21: Derek Turbin (D) | St. Louis Heights, Pālolo Valley, Maunalani Heights, Wilhelmina Rise, Kaimukī
I am committed to making life in Hawai’i more affordable and ensuring that teachers receive the resources they need to succeed. I served as Chair of the Democratic Party from 2024 to 2026. I’m the Founding Partner for the law firm Gilson Daub Hawai’i, specializing in workers’ comp and insurance law. Lastly, I served on the Palolo Neighborhood Board from 2021 to 2024. Through my experience in law, politics, and community service I understand what it takes to pass effective legislation to build a more affordable and sustainable community.
Over the past four years, it has been the honor of my life to serve District 22 in the Hawaiʻi House of Representatives and to advocate for students, educators, and working families. As Chair of the House Higher Education Committee, I have worked to expand access to college and career training, strengthen workforce pathways, and invest in opportunities that help local residents build successful futures here at home. I have also supported efforts to recruit and retain educators, improve school facilities, and ensure our public education system receives the resources it needs to serve every student. I am seeking reelection to continue building a stronger, more affordable Hawaiʻi where every child has access to a high-quality education and every family has the opportunity to thrive.
As a State Representative, I have worked to deliver meaningful results for Hawaiʻi’s families, students, teachers and kūpuna. I proudly voted for HB 1890, which provides annual step pay increases for public and charter school teachers and helps improve teacher retention. I also supported funding for critical school improvements in District 23, including electrical upgrades, roof repairs, air conditioning projects and restroom renovations. As a member of the Education Committee, I helped advance policies that support students and strengthen public education. As Vice Chair of the Human Services and Homelessness Committee, I worked to support vulnerable families, students experiencing homelessness and kūpuna through programs like the State Rent Supplement Program. Throughout my time in office, I have remained committed to improving education, supporting working families and delivering results for our community.
No statement submitted yet.
No statement submitted yet.
My name is Michael Covenant (“Cov”) Ratcliffe, and I’m honored to serve as the appointed Representative for House District 28. I’m a graduate of Kauai High School, Cal State East Bay, and the University of Hawaii. Before joining the legislature, I worked as a labor law attorney representing public sector unions and their members, which gave me a close-up view of the pressures working people face every day. I’m committed to working alongside HSTA to advocate for public education and support the teachers and staff who hold our schools together. I’m running because too many families in District 28 are struggling with the cost of living and public safety.
No statement submitted yet.
I’m Kekoa Kealoha, candidate for Hawaiʻi State House District 30, representing Kalihi, Kalihi Kai, Keʻehi Lagoon, and Hickam Village. As a longtime public servant with over 11 years of experience in public health, healthcare administration, and community advocacy—and more than a decade working in hospitality and retail—I understand both the systems that shape our lives and the everyday challenges working families face. My campaign is focused on affordable housing, accessible healthcare, educational investment, neighborhood safety, and economic opportunity. I believe government should be transparent, accountable, and responsive, while protecting the character and diversity that make Kalihi strong. I am committed to ensuring that local families, Native Hawaiians, immigrants, kūpuna, workers, and small businesses have a voice in shaping Hawaiʻi’s future. Together, we can sustain what’s good, stimulate new community-centered growth, and keep Kalihi Kalihi.
I was honored to serve as State Representative for District 32 from 2022 to 2024, and I’m running again because our community deserves active, accountable leadership. During my first term, I kept my promises—supporting our families, standing up for our teachers, and working to strengthen our public schools.
District 32 deserves leadership and a representative that is present, informed, and engaged. I will restore effective representation, support our educators, and ensure your voice is heard at the Capitol. I will show up, do the work, and earn your trust every day—just as I did before.
To prepare our future generations for success starts with supporting those that have a huge influence on our keiki. Those teachers that have shaped my own life, continue to shape those that are to follow. My prayers are with them!
Gregg Takayama serves Pearl City by working for a safer, healthier community for working families that values education and cares for elders.
Gregg is a product of public schools, a former award-winning journalist who worked at KHON-TV; served as press secretary to late U.S. Senator Dan Inouye; and communications director at the University of Hawaii.
Highlights:
• 2025 State Legislator of the Year, Healthcare Association of Hawaii;
• Top State Champion Award in 2019, AARP;
• Since his 2012 election, obtained more than $55 million for Pearl City school improvements, plus $30 million for modernization of the Pearl City Public Library.
Aloha! My name is Cory Chun, and I am running to continue representing District 35 in the House of Representatives. Before being elected to my first term in 2022, I served as a Senior Advisor with the Honolulu City Council and as a Director with the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network. I also served on the Waipahū Neighborhood Board from 2007 to 2022 and held the roles of Vice Chair and Chair. I serve as the Chair of the House Committee on Agriculture and Food Systems, a member of the Energy and Environmental Protection Committee, and the Consumer Protection and Commerce Committee, as well as co-convener of the Legislative Kūpuna Caucus. If re-elected, I want to continue making meaningful changes to benefit our communities and state, including addressing food security issues, supporting our agricultural industry, restoring and expanding our aging infrastructure, helping our kūpuna, and addressing the high cost of living.
I believe everyone deserves the opportunity for a better life. I am running for office because our district needs a strong, vocal advocate—a leader who will prioritize smart policy and ensure every decision is made responsibly with the best interests of Hawai`i and its people at heart.
While lowering the cost of living is a top priority, I am equally committed to tackling the challenges of healthcare, housing, and homelessness, as well as championing the stewardship of our land and the modernization of our infrastructure and resposible development. I believe these issues are fundamental to our collective safety and well-being.
There are many factors that impact our quality of life, and as your representative, I promise to be responsive, transparent, and guided by the spirit of aloha. I look forward to working collaboratively with all stakeholders to take timely action and make Hawai`i the paradise home we all dream of.
Aloha, I’ve made education one of my top priorities because every child deserves the opportunity to succeed. Over the past four years, I’ve worked to expand free school meals, restore and strengthen school bus service while holding the Department of Education accountable, improve Safe Routes to School, secure affordable workforce housing for educators at Mililani High School, expand public pre-kindergarten classrooms, and pass new protections that keep students safer, including safeguards for minors using artificial intelligence. I will continue working alongside educators, parents, and students to strengthen our public schools and public charter schools, support our teachers, and ensure every child has the opportunity to thrive.
Corey Rosenlee is a dedicated public servant who cares deeply about the well-being of our children. As a lifelong teacher and former President of HSTA, Corey is devoted to delivering the schools our keiki deserve and championing our state’s hardworking teachers. He also strongly supports efforts to make Hawai’i more affordable for working families, reduce homelessness, and combat climate change. A tireless advocate for the labor community, Corey is committed to producing real solutions to the problems faced by Hawai’i’s residents.
Either the HSTA Board of Directors took no position on this race or candidates did not ask for recommendations from the HSTA.
Either the HSTA Board of Directors took no position on this race or candidates did not ask for recommendations from the HSTA.
Makana Paris grew up farming and fishing in West Oʻahu, was educated in local schools, and understands firsthand the strain of high housing costs, heavy traffic, under-resourced schools, and distant government. He’s spent his life showing up for the community—working with churches, unions, Hawaiian civic clubs, neighborhood leaders, and organizations to bring people together and solve problems. Now running for State House, Makana will push government to work harder for ʻEwa and Kapolei families. His practical priorities are lowering the cost of living, building affordable homes and rentals, improving roads and infrastructure, strengthening schools, supporting safer neighborhoods, and creating good local jobs. West Oʻahu needs a representative who listens, collaborates, moves government, and delivers results. Makana is running to help local families stay, ensure keiki thrive, let kūpuna age with dignity, and win the respect and investment West Oʻahu deserves.
Aloha! I am Kanani Souza, the current State Representative for House District 43, serving the residents of Makakilo and Kapolei. Since being elected in 2022, I have been a strong voice in the Hawai‘i State Legislature for my community and government reform. I am a 2003 graduate of The Kamehameha Schools and an attorney licensed to practice law in Hawai‘i and Washington, D.C. I earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science, with a minor in cinema/television, from the University of Southern California, a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Hawaiʻi, William S. Richardson School of Law, a Master of Laws (LL.M.) in environmental law from Lewis & Clark Law School, a Master of Laws (LL.M.) in air and space law from the University of Mississippi School of Law, and a Master of Education degree in curriculum and instruction from Chaminade University. Prior to being elected, I was a lecturer at the University of Hawaiʻi–West Oʻahu, reflecting my steadfast commitment to education and my tremendous respect for our teachers and their dedication to our students. I appreciate your continued support in the 2026 primary election.
Mahalo to the Hawaiʻi State Teachers Association for their recommendation and continued support since 2022. It has been a privilege to represent the teachers, students, and families of HD44 and communities across Hawaiʻi. As Chair of the House Transportation Committee, I have worked to advance policies that improve safety and mobility for our students, including legislation to modernize Hawaiʻi’s e-bike laws and promote responsible ridership. I have also championed efforts to generate new revenue through updates to our rental vehicle tax structure and direct those funds toward supporting educator compensation. I remain committed to ensuring our teachers, students, and schools have the support they deserve.
Either the HSTA Board of Directors took no position on this race or candidates did not ask for recommendations from the HSTA.
As a public school teacher for more than twenty years, a former leader in HSTA, and now a legislator, I have dedicated my career to improving the lives of Hawaiʻi’s children and families. In the classroom, I saw firsthand how poverty, housing instability, and unmet health needs affect student success, and I have worked to address those challenges both through my union advocacy and in the Legislature. As a legislator, I have championed policies that strengthen public education, expand access to school meals, support educators, and invest in the services and opportunities that help children thrive. I have also fought to create dedicated funding for public education by asking those who have benefited most from Hawaiʻi’s economy to contribute more toward the schools and communities that make our state strong. As a member of the Juvenile Justice State Advisory Council, I am helping advance policies that reduce the school-to-prison pipeline by investing in prevention, mental health services, family support, and meaningful opportunities for young people. I believe every child deserves the chance to thrive, and I am running for reelection to continue building stronger schools, stronger communities, and a brighter future for Hawaiʻi’s keiki.
No statement submitted yet.
I taught 7th grade science at Nanakuli High and Intermediate School before running for office. My time in the classroom has shaped who I am as a legislator. I have been at the forefront of the push to ban flavored vaping products, free school meals, and other issues because I know how deeply it affects student learning. I hope to continue fighting for our students if reelected.
With a professional background in education and coaching, I ran for office to be the person I ask my student and athletes to be. I always ask our local youth to believe in themselves and realize their potential through hard work and collaboration. It was one of my former athletes that encouraged me to run because he believed in me and I am grateful to serve.
It has been a rewarding to put my professional experience as a Doctor of Public Health to work as Chair of Human Services and Homelessness at such as challenging time with federal cuts to SNAP, Medicaid and other services. My goal is to maintain all these existing services for Hawaii residents using State resources, and to continue to make improvements in areas such as homelessness, child welfare services and kūpuna care. This is evident in my legislation and my votes. I am a product of Hawaii public schools and I work with many schools now through my ʻāina-based education non-profit, so I see the hard and wonderful work our teachers do and consistently support you folks in every way I can in terms of salaries, protection from work-place violence, and teacher housing.
In 2020, the union started to make select recommendations at the county level with the understanding that county decisions can impact education, and all leaders should prioritize our keiki and our families.
Honolulu City Council
I believe government is most effective when we strive to bring community voices into the process. Our teachers are not only members of our community, they are leaders that help shape the direction of Hawaiʻi. I am so proud to stand and partner with teachers as we strive to make Hawaiʻi a place where everyone can thrive. Our work does not end until every family has access to the housing, healthcare, education, and economic opportunities they deserve.
It’s been an honor serving you in District 6 for the past four years. I’m asking for your support for another term because we deserve a city where local families can actually afford to stay. While we have accomplished so much together, our work isn’t finished. I am running for reelection to continue building a “City That Works” — one that creates affordable housing, supports small businesses, and expands access to quality public spaces and transit. With your help, a better future is possible for this beautiful island that we all call home.