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

Across our State, 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.

The FACTS

Education and Infrastructure Legislation in Hawaiʻi: Past 10 Years

Over the past decade, the Hawaiʻi State Legislature has introduced multiple bills aimed at improving public education funding, school safety, facilities management, and infrastructure planning. Many of these proposals, however, did not pass into law or were carried over without enactment, leaving certain challenges unresolved.

Education Legislation that failed to pass in committee

Statewide Public Education Funding Reform

SB 2464 — Proposing Constitution Amendments for Education Funding (2026)

Proposed a constitutional amendment authorizing a surcharge on certain residential investment property taxes to raise additional funding for public education.
The bill was introduced and referred to committees, but has not been enacted into law as of 2026.

School Impact Fee Governance

SB 168 — Relating to School Impact Fees (2025 & carried into 2026)

This bill would have transferred oversight of the school impact fee program to the School Facilities Authority Board and changed how impact districts could be dissolved.
It was introduced and carried over, but did not become law

School Capital Improvement Modernization Initiative

SB 449 — School Capital Improvement Project Modernization Initiative (2025–26)

Sought to establish a planning database and modernization initiative for school facilities through the School Facilities Authority.
The measure was introduced and then deferred or carried over, but did not become law during the session.

Transportation & Highway Infrastructure Bills that also failed to pass in committee

HB 1167 HD1 SD 1(2025) — Relating to Making Emergency Appropriation to the Department of Transportation

Proposed a $1.5 million emergency appropriation for the State Department of Transportation to take over enforcement of motor carrier safety laws from the Public Utilities Commission. During conference committee negotiations, the bill failed to advance and did not pass out of its final committee.

HB1828 HD1 SB2 — RELATING TO ENERGY-EFFICIENCY PORTFOLIO STANDARDS

A measure to establish long‑term energy-efficiency targets through 2045, seen as key to infrastructure and energy planning, failed in the conference committee despite support from energy stakeholders.

The Plan

Hawaii Infestratucture Report Card 2019 by: ASCE

Education & Infrastructure: Practical Solutions That Work for Hawai‘i Residents

My commitment is to deliver practical, achievable solutions that make a real difference for families, students, and communities, from modernizing our schools and strengthening public institutions to improving streets, roads, and highways, reducing congestion, and expanding public transportation. By working with counties and federal partners in a fiscally responsible way, we can create safer, greener communities and provide residents and visitors with reliable, accessible education and transportation systems that serve everyone. Here is how I plan to achieve these goals:

Safe, Modern Schools for Our Keiki

Every child deserves a safe, supportive place to learn. Many of Hawai‘i’s schools face outdated facilities, crowded classrooms, and deferred maintenance. I support targeted investments to renovate and modernize our schools, making sure roofs, plumbing, electrical systems, and classrooms meet safety standards.

By prioritizing the most critical needs first, we can ensure our children have learning environments that inspire success and protect their well‑being, while also being smart stewards of taxpayer dollars.

Key Actions:

Accelerate repairs and renovations for schools in need.
Use technology to track and plan school improvement projects.
Protect funding for new schools in growing communities.

Safe Routes to School & Active Transportation

Walking or biking to school shouldn’t be dangerous. I support expanding sidewalks, crosswalks, bike paths, and lighting near schools, so our children can travel safely.

Investing in safe, accessible routes also benefits families and neighborhoods, reduces traffic congestion, and encourages healthier lifestyles.

Key Actions:

Continue funding statewide Safe Routes to School programs.
Expand community input in designing safer streets.
Connect transportation projects with local schools and neighborhoods.

Reliable Roads, Bridges, and Transit

Our communities deserve safe and reliable transportation. Many roads and bridges need repairs, and transit options remain limited in some areas. I support leveraging federal and state funds to fix critical infrastructure, while also investing in multimodal options that let people walk, bike, or use transit safely.

Key Actions:

Repair and maintain critical roadways and bridges.
Expand bus lanes, bike paths, and pedestrian-friendly corridors.
Include community voices in planning to meet local needs.

Supporting Teachers and Students

Strong schools need strong teachers and support staff. I support initiatives that recruit, retain, and train teachers, while ensuring students have access to transportation, after-school programs, and other essential services.

Key Actions:

Increase resources for teacher recruitment and professional development.
Align school transportation planning with safe routes and community access.
Strengthen support services to help students thrive both academically and socially.

These steps are realistic, achievable, and focused on the needs of Hawai‘i families. By prioritizing safety, access, and modernization, we can improve learning environments, strengthen neighborhoods, and ensure our infrastructure meets the needs of today and tomorrow.

Together, we can make practical improvements that directly impact daily life, safer roads, modern schools, and a stronger foundation for our children’s future.