Fighting for Maui's Union Workers: My Commitment to Pro-Union Legislation

My Plan to Support Union Workers from Day One

If elected, I will file pro-union legislation on my first day in office. This legislation will focus on:

• Protecting workers’ rights to fair wages and safe working conditions

• Encouraging local hiring through county contracting and permitting policies

• Supporting affordable housing initiatives for union workers and their families

• Strengthening retirement benefits to help workers plan for their futures

Bill 1 — Maui County Local Hire and Apprenticeship Act

This bill would prioritize Maui workers for county-funded construction and infrastructure projects. It would promote local hiring, expand union apprenticeship opportunities, and create pathways into skilled trades for Maui residents. The goal is to ensure taxpayer-funded projects create good-paying local jobs and strengthen Maui’s working-class families.

Bill 2 — Maui County Responsible Contractor and Community Workforce Agreements Act

This bill would require contractors on major county-supported projects to meet strong labor, safety, training, and wage standards. It would encourage project labor agreements, protect collective bargaining rights, and prevent irresponsible contractors from undercutting local wages. The goal is to reward employers who respect Maui workers.

Bill 3 — Maui County Tourism Revenue Retention and Local Commerce Act

This bill would help keep more tourism dollars on Maui by supporting locally owned businesses, local hiring, and local reinvestment. It would explore tax incentives and county preferences for businesses that benefit Maui workers. The goal is to build a circular economy where tourism profits stay in local hands.

I want Maui County to be a place where union workers and local small business owners can afford a dignified middle-class life. The county government must use its powers wisely to support local workers and ownership, not enrich off-island corporations.

Union workers built the foundation of Maui County. From the roads we drive on to the schools where our children learn, their hard work shaped our community. Yet today, many of these workers struggle to make ends meet. Rising living costs and economic pressures threaten their ability to live, raise families, and retire here. I am running for the Maui County Council to be a strong voice for these local union workers and to ensure our economy works for local families, workers, and business owners.

Union worker operating machinery on Maui road

Why Maui’s Union Workers Matter

Maui’s union workers include teachers, firefighters, hotel staff, nurses, carpenters, and many others who keep our community running. These workers sustain the local economy and provide essential services that benefit every resident. Yet, despite their vital role, many face financial hardships. Housing costs, healthcare expenses, and limited retirement options make it difficult for union workers to maintain a middle-class lifestyle here.

This is not just a problem for workers but for all of Maui County. When our local workforce struggles, so do local businesses and families. The strength of our community depends on supporting those who build and maintain it.

What Sets Me Apart as a Candidate

My 25 years of experience as an attorney and public servant give me a unique advantage. I know how to write laws that put locals first. My background includes:

• Drafting legislation with clear, practical impacts

• Evaluating laws to avoid unintended consequences

• Protecting local residents, workers, small businesses, and the environment

  
  

Being a council member means shaping laws that affect daily life in Maui County. I believe the council benefits from members who understand both the legal and real-world effects of the laws they create. My experience allows me to carefully analyze proposals and craft stronger, more effective legislation.

Maui County Council chamber during a community meeting

How County Government Can Strengthen Local Workers

The county council has powerful tools to support union workers and local businesses:

• Contracting policies that prioritize local companies and union labor

• Permitting processes that encourage projects benefiting local workers

• Tax policies that support small businesses and discourage corporate exploitation

  
  

By focusing on these areas, the council can create a fairer economy where local workers thrive. This approach helps keep jobs, homes, and opportunities within Maui County.

My Commitment to Maui’s Future

I am committed to fighting for Maui’s union workers because they are the backbone of our community. I want to ensure they can continue living, working, and raising families here. My goal is to restore the middle-class lifestyle for union workers, teachers, firefighters, hotel workers, nurses, carpenters, and small business owners.

Together, we can build a Maui County where local workers are valued and supported. I will use my legal expertise and public service experience to pass laws that protect and empower our community’s workforce.

If you want a council member who understands the challenges facing Maui union workers and will fight for their rights, I ask for your support. Let’s work together to create a stronger, fairer Maui County for all.