Breaking Free from Big Money's Grip

The influence of substantial financial contributions in our political system has long hindered genuine progress and innovation. John is committed to reforming this system to ensure that our government answers to the people. By reducing the sway of big money, we can reclaim our political process and make decisions that genuinely reflect the will and needs of all of Hawaii.

During the legislative session, we had an opportunity to pass publicly financed elections, and close loopholes preventing employees of companies with government contracts from donating to politicians. Those bills got killed. Next year, we need to pass those foundational bills.

Hawaii is already leading the way. In May 2026, Governor Green signed a first-in-the-nation law that bars corporations from spending in Hawaii elections, a direct challenge to Citizens United and the corporate money it unleashed. More than a dozen other states are now working to follow Hawaii's example. This is exactly the kind of bold reform John believes in, and it shows what is possible when leaders put the people ahead of big money.

John’s vision is clear: a Hawaii where politics is free from the undue influence of big money and where new opportunities are intelligently leveraged to benefit all residents. By voting for John, you choose a leader dedicated to these principles, ready to guide Hawaii toward a more equitable and prosperous future.

What is Functional Zero?

"Functional zero" is not just about reducing the number of homeless to zero; instead, it’s about creating a responsive and sustainable system where homelessness is rare and brief. By aligning with the Built for Zero model, John plans to lead to:

Proactively Measure and Address Homelessness: Implement data-driven strategies that accurately track and predict homelessness trends, enabling proactive interventions.

Increase Housing Capacity: Expand and efficiently utilize housing resources to ensure that the supply meets the demands of those in need.

Strengthen Support Systems: Provide accessible, comprehensive support services that address the root causes of homelessness, such as unemployment, mental health, and substance abuse.

Building More Affordable Housing: A Cornerstone of John's Strategy

A critical component of achieving functional zero in homelessness is significantly increasing the availability of affordable housing. John is committed to:

Advocating for State-Funded Housing Projects: Push for increased state funding and incentives for the development of affordable housing units.

Partnering with Developers: Work with private developers to ensure a portion of new housing developments are designated as affordable units.

Utilizing Vacant and Underused Properties: Identify and repurpose vacant and underused properties within the state as affordable housing options.

John's State-Level Plan to Support Functional Zero

John’s initiative centers around:

Local Implementation of Housing First: Uphold and expand the Housing First approach, ensuring that individuals and families are housed quickly, without preconditions.

Community Collaboration: Foster partnerships between local government, non-profits, and private sectors to pool resources and expertise, maximizing the impact of every program implemented under the functional zero framework.

Legislative Support: Advocate for state-level policies that support comprehensive, continuous funding and resources necessary to achieve and maintain functional zero homelessness.

Why Supporting John is Crucial

The fight against homelessness requires innovative thinking and proven frameworks. John's pledge to push toward functional zero is not just visionary—it's practical and grounded in methods that have shown real results. Including the expansion of affordable housing is fundamental to this strategy, addressing one of the most pressing needs in our community.

Vote for John: A Leader Who Believes in Solutions and Sustainability

Your vote for John is a vote for a proactive, informed approach to solving homelessness. It's a commitment to a strategy that has helped communities across the nation not just manage, but end homelessness. Support John in creating a Hawaii where homelessness is rare, brief, and non-recurring.

Addressing the Aging Population Crisis

Hawaii now has one of the oldest populations in the nation. With this comes an increased need for affordable housing, accessible healthcare, and supportive services to manage everyday life, especially as more of our seniors live with disabilities and chronic conditions. The challenges are significant:

• Healthcare and Senior Care Workforce Shortage: As the demand for healthcare rises, the availability of professionals and facilities has not kept pace, leaving many kupuna and their families without the necessary support.

• Affordable Housing Crunch: The number of affordable housing units is vastly inadequate, forcing many seniors into precarious living situations.

Comprehensive Plan for Senior Care

John understands these challenges first-hand. His father cared for his mother, who had early dementia, poor vision, and required a walker. That experience drives his commitment to ensuring no family has to struggle to find the care they need. Here is how John plans to help:

• Strengthen In-Home Care Services: Invest in services that allow seniors to remain in their homes, respecting their preference for independence while ensuring they receive the comprehensive care they need. This includes expanding funding for personal care services to cover more hours per day, beyond the current 3 to 5 hours.

• Support Family Caregivers: Provide more substantial resources and respite care for family caregivers who play a critical role in the well being of our kupuna. This includes financial support for families who are dedicating significant resources to care for their loved ones.

• Boost Health Care Workforce Training: Address the shortage of skilled healthcare workers by investing in education and training programs that prepare more professionals to enter these essential fields.

The Opportunity in Our Challenges

While the rapid aging of our population presents difficulties, it also offers a chance to enhance community engagement and innovation. By supporting policies that improve the lives of our seniors, we also lay the groundwork for a healthier, more vibrant Hawaii for all generations.

Vote for a Leader Who Cares for Our Kupuna

John's dedication to transforming challenges into opportunities is personal. A vote for John is a vote for a leader who will ensure Hawaii is prepared to offer its aging population the respect, care, and support they deserve. Together we can build a Hawaii where every generation can thrive, inspired by love and driven by the understanding that we can do better for our kupuna.