2018 - What's Happening at Honolulu Hale

January 4, 2018

Aloha ,

The past year was filled with many challenges and exciting developments. As we enter into 2018, I am so excited to share with you priorities my staff and I are focused on for our District 1 ʻohana this year:

Building Affordable Housing for Local Families

As the Chair of the Zoning & Housing Commit tee, I recognize the need for a strategy that will result in more rental and for-sale homes for local families. This month, my committee will be examining affordable housing requirements and incentives that will soon go before the Council for review.

Improving Transportation

As the City Council reviews the annual budget for FY19, I will fight to fund upgrades at city facilities and programs so you and your family can live, work, and play in Leeward O'ahu. This includes ensuring that aging roads in our district are repaved, and infrastructure is upgraded to serve our growing communities.

Protecting and Preserving Our Natural Environment

The City recently announced its goal of eliminating city-operated fossil fuel vehicles by 2045. Additionally, my colleagues and I here at the City Council are currently working on legislation to promote sustainability and to protect and preserve our natural environment.

Encouraging Economic Development in our Communities

In 2017, we saw many new businesses and exciting opportunities come to our Leeward Coast. This summer, I look forward to continuing our efforts to encourage economic development and create more job opportunities for Leeward residents by partnering with the Kapolei Chamber of Commerce in hosting our 6th Annual Hire Leeward Job & Career Fair taking place on June 23, 2018 at University of Hawaii - West Oahu. In the meantime, I encourage Leeward residents and job-seekers to continue to take advantage of my FREE job engine which is updated weekly with career opportunities right on our Leeward coast.

City's Sustainability Highlight:

Mouna Farm Arts & Cultural Village (Waiʻanae)

In continuation of my City Sustainability videos, I stopped at a very special place in Waiʻanae where I highly encourage you to visit:

World-renowned copper artist Sooriya Kumar is the owner of Mouna Farm Arts & Cultural Village , a 4 1/2 acre organic farm which raises fruits and vegetables to feed the needy, and serves as a place for refuge for people of all walks of life. For more than 30 years, Sooriya has committed to giving back to the Waiʻanae community. Join us as we talk story with Sooriya to find out more about his mission to transform the community with his passion for art and sustainable living. Watch the video here.