We are in a state of hypercrisis on Hawaiʻi Island. If we can't understand our problems from a telescopic perspective and are only looking through a microscope, we are missing how to address them systemically.
All of the issues we haven't fixed over time have a point of convergence — homelessness and houselessness, the increasing prevalence of dementia in our 55+ age group, the need for aging services to meet rising demand. There is no short answer on how to "fix" these issues, because they are unnecessary casualties of our socioeconomic system.
If we decide to take real care of these issues, explore all the paths that lead to them, and define outcomes that benefit all — we may see potential opportunities that weren't visible to us before.
Politics should be a no-bullies zone.
By supporting compassionate action and care as the primary driver for policy and decision-making, I will work with existing and emerging community leaders to create real, long-term impact in three main areas.
I have met many local legislators and they care about us. Yet — have they cared enough to work with each other and fight for stronger policies that increase quality of life for all of us? There's care, and then there is really good care. Anyone looking to hire a caregiver for their mom, dad, baby or beloved pet knows the difference.
More of us need to be engaged and empowered to define specific solutions and measurable outcomes to have what we need to thrive. Strong leaders love other strong leaders and aren't afraid of having disagreements and hashing it out — in a no-bullies zone.
We can create more peace (vs. stress) by ensuring the health, healing and well-being of every member of our community. Increasing access to medical care, complementary healing modalities, and wellness practices for everyone is paramount for a resilient Hawaiʻi Island.
Real care for kupuna and family caregivers. Expanded community health center funding. Dementia care and respite for the caregivers who hold our ʻohana together.
Water, land, food, and economy — protected and stewarded for the long term. Social harmony comes from peace on the inside and shared social, economic, and infrastructure systems that support life.
Systems that are designed to be in harmony with nature support us as human beings for generations to come. A regenerative economy that serves people and ʻāina, not the other way around.
