How do you support local businesses?
Small businesses are the heartbeat of our communities. When they thrive, they contribute to the growth and unique character of our diverse island state.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, we engaged with the small business community to ensure their employees could access unemployment insurance. Despite the challenges they faced throughout the pandemic, the business sector and the state came together to launch the Hawai‘i Restaurant Card. This effort not only supported local families but also boosted our economy and revitalized the local food industry.

After the devastating Lahaina wildfires, Maui’s small businesses faced immense challenges—some losing their homes, storefronts, and struggling to sustain their operations. My office joined state, county, and community partners to launch a collective effort spotlighting Maui businesses across the state called Kokua for Maui: Shop & Show Aloha. The initiative aimed to shine a light on Maui local businesses, but what was even more inspiring was to see that so many of the impacted businesses were using their resources and platforms to show aloha to Lahaina families.

It’s a testament to the aloha that unites Hawai‘i—in times of crisis, small businesses are often the first to be impacted but also the first to uplift our communities.

In what ways do you give back to your community or contribute to causes you care about?
Nearly one in three Hawai‘i households experience food insecurity. Addressing this issue is a harsh reality we must face.

One cause that has become especially important to me is the Hawai‘i Foodbank, our state’s leading hunger-relief organization. For over 25 years, they have partnered with the state to hold the annual State Employees’ Food Drive, encouraging government workers to donate funds and meals to help nourish our local families. I have had the honor of chairing this food drive for the past two years, witnessing firsthand the incredible, life-changing work of the Foodbank. This year, through the collective efforts of state employees, we raised over 366,3788 meals to benefit our kama‘āina.

Alleviating food insecurity must be a shared community responsibility. It requires the joint efforts of our non-profit, public, and private sectors to ignite change and make a lasting impact. It also means finding opportunities to give back even when there isn’t a fundraising campaign, that way organizations like Hawai‘i Foodbank can continue to make a difference in our communities.

How can individuals contribute to their communities?
Always seek out people who need help. You might be surprised to know they’re your neighbor, a co-worker, or someone just around the corner. Take time to listen, be empathetic, and be guided by the values of aloha that unite our communities.

What is your goal for 2024? Did you accomplish that goal yet?
My continuous goal is to reimagine how government services can be delivered to the people, as we are constantly pushing ourselves to do better than the status quo.

Whether it’s bringing high-speed internet to remote areas, ensuring as many income-limited families have access to preschool, or even within my office where we are working to bring our public services operations fully online to improve resources for the user — we have to think about how we can better serve our residents.

Goals should always be fluid and revisited. If you believe you accomplished it, you should set other goals.

What do you like to do on your time off?
I like to hug my doggies, Musubi and Momo. No matter how much love and attention you give them, they just deserve more.