Response

During my incumbency as Representative, I have dealt with many challenges and concerns that have affected our lives. I fought for them, I worked for their resolutions so that we can live in a district that is sensitive to the needs and aspirations of the residents. Throughout the years as a public servant, I have led efforts as State House Tourism Committee chair to select the site for the State Convention Center; authored the ""Operation Nightingale"" bill that addressed Hawaii's critical nursing shortage by helping foreign and local graduate nurses pass Hawaii's nursing licensing exams; and worked with several groups of care givers to empower this sector of healthcare practitioners to assess and improve the industry;

With a combination of skills, sensitivity, and experience on the importance of community interests, I have always advocated for fairness and solutions. I have authored bills that turned Sand Island into a world-class industrial park and job center; authored the ""Hale Kokua"" bill to assist the homeless; and saved taxpayers over $230 million via a bill that established cost saving mechanisms for the Hawaii Hurricane Relief Fund.

If elected, I will work to pass a Bill, House Bill 1462 HD1, that unanimously passed in the House and now pending in the Senate. It addresses Hawaii's over $12 billion health unfunded liability and could potentially save over $500 million per year without raising taxes and fees. It may help us rise above the aftermath of the pandemic.

If this measure passes this session, savings over $500 million a year can fund other state and county liabilities and services like: a) Collective Bargaining agreements to include teachers' pay, b) Public education programs that include teachers' shortage, c) Affordable housing and homelessness, d). Address physician shortage, e). State and County road repairs and improvements, f). And other needs of the State and Counties.