My first priority in life is my ʻohana, and right after that is serving my community. I was raised here in Puna, where I learned from my dad what it means to give back. He was always helping; whether it was working on the Pāhoa High School sign, the Japanese Hall, or other community projects. I was right there with him, along with our ʻohana, learning by doing.

For these reasons, I can sense my family’s presence in the foundations of Puna, in the places we helped build, the spaces we cared for, and the people we’ve stood beside. Those are daily reminders of my kuleana to this place and to the people who call it home.

Today, I spend as much time as I can with my children and grandchildren, and they’re a big part of why I decided to run for the office of County Council. My family has deep roots here, and with my generational home in the heart of Pāhoa town, Puna has always been home.