Response

The mission of Common Cause and the principles it advances reflect my own personal values and why I've dedicated my career to working in government since graduating from the UH School of Law in 2006.

Since then, I've worked in all three branches of state government - 2 years as a law clerk in our Judiciary; four consecutive legislative sessions as a Staff Attorney for the House Consumer Protection and Commerce Committee; and the last 8 years in the executive branch ensuring our immigrant population is afforded their civil right to Language Access. I am also starting my fourth year on Kaimuki's Neighborhood Board.

I have also worked as an adjunct legal writing professor at Richardson - where I tell my students, ""be sure to discuss policy and legislative intent."" Lawyers and judges rely on legislative intent in their arguments and decisions, so I understand how critical it is for our legislators to make this clear in our statutes.

It was my experience working in the legislature where I felt the most professional efficacy. However, despite my positive experience working at the Capitol, I didn't think at the time I could actually be a legislator. I was an outsider - a mere staffer; not part of any kind of legacy, and certainly not among Hawaii's social-political elite. My entire education has been through public institutions. I live simply - as a single mom, with 2 kids in public schools. I've just been trying to make it here in Hawaii, and do good work.

But over the years, I began to develop my values as a voter; and became more concerned that our traditional politicians were NOT representing me. They are unable identify with my experience - nor with much of Hawaii's populace and working families.

Too many bills, with broad public support, are scuttled as mere chess pieces - collateral in giant power-plays between legislators; many of whom seem to be blind to content and what they mean for the community. We need to bring our laws into alignment with our community's values.

Thus, I feel a responsibility to bring my perspective to the decision-making table, and offer the institutional knowledge, skills, insights, and instincts I have developed over the years to craft legislation and policy that helps the community. I understand the institutions that execute our laws. I know the questions to ask. I have a vision for an abundant future in Hawaii. And as a parent of two young girls in public schools, I have skin in the game. I am especially excited to be running at this time - as we re-envision and rebuild our society in response to the pandemic.

I am also the only female in my primary - which is significant when our legislature is comprised of only 28% women.

I believe in our representative democracy. It is time for our leaders to lay a new foundation for a safe, equitable, and just future for our children. And I am answering a call to be one of them.