Key Issues

​As someone who has lived their entire life in a multi-generational home, I have felt the economic burden of the diminishing affordability of housing and the rising cost of living. There are numerous accounts of local families struggling to make ends meet and ultimately being priced out of their homes. Many families are forced to move to the Continent where their purchasing power is higher. We need to have policies and programs in place that combat this exodus. I would fight to streamline and simplify the permitting process for new housing developments which would increase the housing supply. Every study on affordability notes an increase in supply as a prerequisite for affordability. We need to invest more in affordable housing and can do so by leveraging state land and funds to build more units. A tiered tax structure, one which increases the tax rate on high value vacant homes would also help fund these initiatives. Tax breaks for multi-generational households and properties that have been in continuous familial ownership for several decades should also be explored. We need to look for ways to expedite the ADU process and offer low interest loan options for local families to efficiently utilize their properties. Investments in agriculture and sustainable energy would bring down the cost of food and power, and provide jobs. The state needs to hold the military accountable for cleaning up the live ordinances at Bellows. There needs to be open dialogue and planning between the state and Department of  Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL), to get more families off the waiting list. Bellows would make an excellent DHHL development. It’s prudent that we explore all options in keeping local families in Hawaii.