Investing in Our Keiki, Honoring Our Kūpuna: Building a Stronger District 26 Through Education & Infrastructure

In District 26, we recognize that a strong future begins with strong foundations, both in our schools and on our streets, and throughout every part of our community. Whether it’s a child trying to learn in an overheated classroom, a teacher deciding whether they can afford to stay, or a kūpuna navigating broken sidewalks, these challenges affect all of us. For too long, our public systems have been asked to do more with less, while the needs of our growing, multi-generational community have outpaced investment.

Protecting What We Love: Climate Action for the Next Generation

For more than a decade, our community has seen good ideas introduced, only to watch them stall before real change could take root. It wasn’t a lack of vision; it was a lack of follow-through, and our families have felt the consequences.

HB500 (2023): Would have funded capital upgrades, AC, ADA, and digital modernization at Ka‘ahumanu Elementary and Roosevelt High, cut in budget negotiations
SB941 (2022): Proposed teacher housing stipends and loan forgiveness, deferred over cost concerns
SB1421 (2023): Aimed to embed Hawaiian culture, climate, and civic education, but did not advance
HB2027 (2015): Sought broadband expansion in low-income housing—never prioritized for funding
SB945 (2023): Targeted public transit and shelter improvements for students and seniors left in committee

Hawaii Infestratucture Report Card 2019 by: ASCE

Renewing Our Commitment to Safe Streets and Strong Schools

These delays have not only hindered progress but also underscored the widening disparities between those who have access to resources and those who do not. It is essential that we address this situation, not by assigning blame, but by taking constructive and collaborative action.

A Two-Year Plan for Thoughtful and Compassionate Progress

Upon my election, I will actively partner with parents, educators, kūpuna, and local leaders to develop effective, community-driven solutions that are not only practical and timely but also essential for our collective success.

Introduce and pass a District 26 School Modernization Bill to secure air conditioning, ADA upgrades, and digital learning tools for Ka‘ahumanu, Stevenson, and Roosevelt, ensuring every student learns in a comfortable, safe, and 21st-century environment.
Revive teacher retention legislation to include housing stipends and student loan forgiveness for educators who commit to serving in our urban-core schools.
Advance curriculum equity, starting with pilot programs in Hawaiian culture, civic literacy, and climate education at the middle school level, thereby empowering the next generation with a sense of identity and purpose.
Expand Pre-K and after-school programs through increased partnerships with the DOE and nonprofits, ensuring more working families have access to safe, enriching spaces for their keiki.
Launch the Safe Streets for Makiki–Nuʻuanu Infrastructure Package to invest in crosswalks, sidewalk repairs, bike lanes, and bus shelters near schools, parks, and senior centers.
Secure broadband access grants to connect all affordable housing complexes with reliable high-speed internet, because digital access is essential to education and opportunity.
Collaborate with HECO and the City to initiate undergrounding utilities in flood-prone areas, enhancing storm resilience, reliability, and safety in our neighborhoods.

These initiatives represent essential investments that our community is eager to embrace. Education opens doors to opportunity, and infrastructure ensures equity for all. By investing in both areas, we enhance our collective dignity, mobility, and future. With a focus on collaboration and proactive action, District 26 has the opportunity to exemplify what adequate, community-driven progress can achieve. Let’s join forces to create that promising future together.