A Smiley Future

Advocating for the Lower Puna Community's Growth and Prosperity Without Losing Its Integrity and Identity

Rooted with my hands in the soil, working class, mother, animal lover, community engagement activist, neighbor, and friend -

We can complain about our problems, or we can take action. I believe there is a better future for Puna, rooted in what Puna is known for, agriculture. Protecting historical and cultural sites. You have to understand the past, to see the future.

Lower Puna has a beautiful blend of people, all with unique needs. My goals are to work towards those needs that serve the community at large, while upholding integrity to the land and the people that long come from here.

As a long time resident of Lower Puna, raised children here, built up a farm and lost it in the 2018 Eruption, and rebuilding again, I do understand much of the hardships that comes with living here. This is my opportunity to give back to the place and people who have poured so much aloha into me, and pay it forward.

Paving The Way For A
Smiley Future

I was recently awarded $500,000 in Kilauea Recovery Grant Program funding for a Leilani Estates road project. The funding will provide appropriate surveying and permitting for creating a secondary access out of Leilani. Part of Leilani Estates roads are privately owned and the county can not fund recovery for privately owned roads.

Leilani Estates will have the benefit of going to Pohoiki quickly, restoring access along with having an additional route out in the event of an emergency is crucial. The monies awarded through the grant will also allow support local businesses.

Leading you to positive change that upholds the foundation of Puna

Lower Puna For A Smiley Future is committed to fostering a thriving community through political advocacy and initiatives that prioritize the voices of residents. Our mission is to empower the Lower Puna region by promoting sustainable development, community engagement, and inclusivity. We strive to build relationships based on trust and collaboration, ensuring that every voice is heard and valued.

The Future

I believe in a community-driven approach to governance, where every member's input shapes our policies. Our process is built on listening, understanding, and acting on the unique needs of Lower Puna.

Road To Recovery

The 2018 volcanic eruption brought significant changes to Lower Puna, some at a detriment to the community and many residents. Families lost homes, roads, land access, businesses, infrastructure, parks, and connections to one another. Entire communities were physically and emotionally impacted by the disaster, and many residents continue to face the long-term effects today.

The Road to Recovery is about far more than rebuilding roads. It is about restoring community connections, improving infrastructure, rebuilding local trust, protecting access to resources, and creating a stronger and more resilient future for Lower Puna.

Focusing on recovery that is community-driven, transparent, sustainable, and centered on the needs of residents who continue to rebuild their lives. The Road to Recovery is about rebuilding not only infrastructure, but also hope, stability, opportunity, and connection for the people of Lower Puna.

Resilient Food and Farming

Lower Puna has the opportunity to become a statewide model for sustainable agriculture, environmental stewardship, and community resilience. This platform focuses on strengthening local food systems, restoring natural ecosystems, supporting small farmers and local businesses, and preparing communities for future environmental and economic challenges.

By combining traditional Hawaiian land management principles with modern sustainable practices, Lower Puna can build a healthier, more self-sufficient future rooted in mālama ʻāina and community cooperation.

Mental Health and Housing Stability

Lower Puna faces growing challenges surrounding mental health, addiction, housing insecurity, and access to essential services. This platform focuses on compassionate, community-based solutions that prioritize public safety, personal dignity, accountability, and long-term stability for residents experiencing hardship.

The goal is to create practical systems of support that address the root causes of housing insecurity while expanding mental health resources and strengthening community wellbeing across Lower Puna.

Cultural Preservation and Lineal Rights

Rooted in the belief that the future of Lower Puna must honor the people, culture, and history that have sustained Hawaiʻi for generations. Protecting and uplifting Native Hawaiian lineal descendants is essential to preserving the identity, values, and spirit of our communities.

Supporting Native Hawaiian families in maintaining connections to ancestral lands, cultural practices, and traditional gathering rights.

This vision for Lower Puna is grounded in mālama ʻāina, respect for community, and a commitment to ensuring that Hawaiian culture and history remain a living and guiding force for future generations.

Community Access To Education

Education is the foundation of strong communities, economic opportunity, cultural preservation, and future leadership. This platform is focused on expanding access to quality education, lifelong learning opportunities, and community-based programs that serve the diverse needs of Lower Puna residents.

In many rural areas of Puna, families face barriers to educational access, workforce training, cultural learning opportunities, and continuing education resources. This platform supports practical solutions that strengthen educational pathways for keiki, families, working adults, and kūpuna alike.

By investing in both modern education and cultural knowledge, Lower Puna can create a more connected, empowered, and resilient community.

Committed to building a future where education is accessible, culturally grounded, community-centered, and supportive of lifelong growth for all residents of Lower Puna.