Where I Stand

Public safety is the foundation of a strong community. Families deserve to feel safe in their homes, and secure wherever they live, work, and raise their children. For more than 15 years, I've worked in criminal justice and legislative policy, partnering with community organizations, law enforcement, and other government agencies to strengthen laws and address complex public safety challenges. I understand how laws are written, how they're implemented, and what it takes to make them work in the real world.

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As a mother raising two young children in District 13, public safety isn't just part of my career—it's personal. I want every family to feel safe walking through their neighborhood, crossing the street, and enjoying our parks and public spaces.

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I'll fight for:

• Strong support for law enforcement and other first responders.

• Safer streets through improved crosswalks, traffic calming measures, and pedestrian safety projects.

• Tougher enforcement against property crime, illegal fireworks, and repeat offenders.

• Crime prevention strategies that keep our neighborhoods safe while ensuring fairness and accountability.

Homelessness, substance abuse, and untreated mental health challenges affect every part of our community. These issues impact public safety, public health, and the quality of life in our neighborhoods. For the past several years, I've worked to expand access to mental health and substance abuse treatment because lasting public safety requires both accountability and prevention. Too often, people cycle through emergency rooms, jails, and prisons without receiving the care they need.

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I believe we need practical solutions that address the root causes of homelessness while expanding access to treatment and supportive services. By strengthening partnerships between government agencies, health care providers, nonprofits, and community organizations, we can help people get the support they need while making our communities safer for everyone.

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I'll fight for:

• Expanded access to mental health and substance abuse treatment.

• Greater investment in treatment facilities and supportive housing.

• Better coordination between government agencies and service providers.

• Policies that balance compassion with accountability.

Five generations of my family have called this community home. I'm running for State Senate because I want a sixth generation—and every local family—to have the opportunity to build their future here in Hawaiʻi. My great-grandmother helped raise my brother and me in the same Liliha home where I'm now raising my own children. She only had an eighth-grade education, but she taught me the importance of hard work, family, and leaving the next generation better off than the one before.

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Too many local families are struggling with the rising costs of housing, groceries, transportation, and other everyday necessities. Too many young people wonder whether they'll ever be able to afford a home or raise a family here. I want to help build a Hawaiʻi where our children and grandchildren don't have to leave home to pursue opportunity.

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I'll fight for:​

• Incentives for housing development near rail, jobs, and transit, while tying public support to meaningful affordability.

• Streamlining the permitting for ADUs and modifications that allow multigenerational families to remain together, while maintaining safety and neighborhood protections.

• Addressing rising insurance, association, and other ownership costs that are pricing out both existing homeowners and prospective buyers.

• Increased housing opportunities for local families by encouraging responsible development and using tax and housing policies to prioritize resident homebuyers over outside interests.

Government works best when it is transparent, accountable, and responsive to the people it serves. Our communities deserve leaders who listen, collaborate, and focus on solving problems—not playing politics.

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For nearly two decades, I've worked behind the scenes bringing together lawmakers, law enforcement, businesses, community organizations, and government agencies to develop thoughtful, practical solutions. I've learned that lasting progress happens when people work together. I'll bring that same collaborative approach, commitment to integrity, and proven experience to the Legislature. My focus will always be on earning the public's trust through honesty, accountability, and results.

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I'll fight for:

• Transparent and accountable government.

• Responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars.

• Open communication with our community.

• Practical solutions that put people ahead of politics.

When I was a senior in high school, the store where my dad worked closed permanently. Overnight, our family's circumstances changed, and I worked three jobs to help put myself through college. That experience shaped who I am; it taught me the value of hard work, perseverance, and creating opportunities for others.

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Every child deserves access to a quality education, and every graduate should have the opportunity to build a successful career here at home. By strengthening our schools, expanding workforce development, and supporting local businesses, we can build an economy where hard work is rewarded and families can thrive.

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I'll fight for:

• Strong public schools.

• More affordable child care.

• Career and technical education.

• Workforce training, internships, and apprenticeships.

• Good-paying jobs that keep local graduates in Hawaiʻi.

• New industries that diversify and strengthen our economy.

Access to quality, affordable health care is essential for healthy families and strong communities. Too many residents struggle to find timely care, especially for mental health, substance abuse treatment, and services for our kūpuna.

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We also need to strengthen Hawaiʻi's health care workforce. One of the best ways to do that is by expanding residency and training opportunities because physicians who complete their residency in Hawaiʻi are far more likely to build their careers here. By investing in providers, improving coordination, and expanding access to care, we can ensure families receive the services they need close to home.

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I'll fight for:

• Expanded mental health and substance abuse treatment.

• More physicians and health care professionals.

• Expanded residency and training programs.

• Better access to care for families and kūpuna.

Housing affordability remains one of the biggest challenges facing local families. Too many young people wonder whether they'll ever be able to buy a home and build a future here.

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We need to increase the supply of housing that local families can actually afford while preserving the character of our neighborhoods. That means encouraging thoughtful development in appropriate areas, streamlining the permitting process, and creating more housing near jobs and transit. Housing policy should help local families put down roots—not force them to leave Hawaiʻi.

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I'll fight for:

• More housing for local families.

• Faster, more efficient permitting.

• Smart growth near jobs and transit.

• Policies that preserve neighborhood character while expanding housing opportunities.

Our kūpuna built the communities we enjoy today, and they deserve to age with dignity, safety, and respect. Caring for our kūpuna is personal to me. My 94-year-old uncle lives with my family, and every day my children learn from the wisdom and experiences of the generations who came before them. That experience reminds me how important it is to support both our seniors and the families who care for them.

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We must continue protecting our kūpuna from fraud and abuse while expanding access to health care, transportation, and community services that help them remain active and independent.

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I'll fight for:

• Stronger support for Kupuna Care and family caregivers.

• Better oversight of long-term care facilities.

• Expanded transportation and health services.

• Safe, walkable communities where kūpuna can age with dignity.

Small businesses are the backbone of Hawaiʻi's economy. They create jobs, support families, and strengthen the communities we call home.

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I'll work to reduce unnecessary barriers, improve government responsiveness, and create an environment where local entrepreneurs can succeed. A stronger small business community means more opportunities for local families and a more resilient economy.

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I'll fight for:

• Less red tape for small businesses.

• Faster, more predictable permitting.

• Policies that support local entrepreneurs.

• A stronger, more diversified economy that creates good-paying local jobs.