Manu in the Media
Mahalo to Civil Beat for the opportunity to share where I stand on the issues facing Hawaiʻi County and District 7.
My priorities are rooted in building a more affordable, resilient, and sustainable future. That means improving infrastructure, addressing permitting barriers, creating more housing opportunities, strengthening disaster preparedness, supporting local food systems, investing in renewable energy, and making sure community voices are part of the decisions that shape our future.
As someone raised here, who has built a business and raised a family here, I carry a deep sense of kuleana to this place and our people.
District 7 deserves leadership that listens, plans ahead, and works to protect the future of Hawaiʻi Island for generations to come.
Your Voice. Your Vote. Your Community.
County Council members make important decisions about housing, infrastructure, public safety, parks, roads, environmental stewardship, and the services our communities rely on every day. Your vote helps ensure your district is represented and your priorities are part of the conversation.
Watch Manu explain how every election matters on Nā Leo TV.
HULI PAC Candidate Interview: Meet Manu Powers (2026)
Learn more about Manu Powers’ leadership approach rooted in community engagement, cultural stewardship, and responsive local governance. Manu’s leadership demonstrates a values-driven perspective on public service, emphasizing integrity, ʻāina-based decision-making, and accountability to Hawaiʻi Island residents.
Hawaii Storytellers - Overcoming Fear (2023)
Get to know Manu Powers as she shares a personal story about overcoming fear and the deeper meaning of aloha in action. Through a powerful life moment, she reflects on courage, connection, and the cultural values that guide how we care for one another and our communities.
Listen to Manu talka bout her role on the Flood Mitigation Task Force. Appointed by Kimo Alameda, Manu shares insight on the unprecedented storm damage impacting Hawaiʻi with increasing frequency. In this conversation, she explores the critical questions facing our islands and how we can create governance that offer long-term resilience, stewardship, and planning for the generations ahead.
Hawaii Radio Hour (2026)
Articles
City Lifestyle (2026)
Highlights Manu and others making meaningful contributions within their communities through portrait-driven storytelling, emphasizing personal narratives as a vehicle for connection and recognition. Demonstrates how local media can elevate everyday leadership and social impact through accessible, visually engaging features. “Portraits of Impact.” https://citylifestyle.com/articles/portraits-of-impact
Honolulu Civil Beat (2026)
Highlights Manu Powers’ leadership in protecting Huliheʻe Palace from severe coastal storms, demonstrating hands-on stewardship of Hawaiʻi’s cultural resources and the urgent need for climate-resilient preservation. “How to Save a Royal Palace from a Punishing Storm.” March 13.
https://www.civilbeat.org/2026/03/kirstin-downey-how-to-save-a-royal-palace-from-a-punishing-storm/
Aloha Authentic Episode 302 (2004)
Features Manu Powers, President of the Daughters of Hawaiʻi, discussing the organization’s origins, the significance of the historic sites it stewards, and the ongoing challenges of protecting Hawaiʻi’s cultural heritage for future generations. “Daughters of Hawaiʻi: Preserving Hawaiʻi’s Historic Treasures.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X_c7QOjlDf8
Marketplace / NPR (2023)
Explores ongoing uncertainty for a Hawai‘i small business, highlighting the need for county policies that stabilize local economies and support small business resilience. “Business Is Still Unpredictable for This Hawai‘i Boat Tour Owner.” August 4.
https://www.marketplace.org/2023/08/04/business-is-still-unpredictable-for-this-hawaii-boat-tour-owner/.
Marketplace / NPR (2022)
Details how inflation and staffing shortages impact tourism operators, reinforcing the importance of workforce development and sustainable economic planning in county leadership.“Despite Travel Rebound, Inflation and Staffing Continue to Limit This Hawaiian Tourism Business.” August 1.
https://www.marketplace.org/2022/08/01/despite-travel-rebound-inflation-and-staffing-continue-to-limit-this-hawaiian-tourism-business/.
West Hawaii Today (2022)
Reports on tsunami impacts in West Hawai‘i, pointing to the critical role of county preparedness, infrastructure, and emergency response systems. “It Could Have Been Worse: Tsunami Triggered by Volcanic Eruption in Tonga Causes Minor Damage in West Hawai‘i.” January 15.
https://www.westhawaiitoday.com/2022/01/15/hawaii-news/it-could-have-been-worse-tsunami-triggered-by-volcanic-eruption-in-tonga-causes-minor-damage-in-west-hawaii/
Hawaii Tribune-Herald (2022)
Covers the return of the King Kamehameha Day Parade, emphasizing the importance of supporting cultural traditions and community events through local government. “King Kamehameha Day Parade Returns to Kona.” March 11.
https://www.hawaiitribune-herald.com/2022/03/11/hawaii-news/king-kamehameha-day-parade-returns-to-kona/.
Hawai‘i Public Radio (2022)
Examines efforts to protect Hulihe‘e Palace from coastal damage, underscoring the need for proactive climate resilience and safeguarding Hawai‘i’s historic sites at the county level. “The Conversation: Assessing Damage After Historic South Shore Swell, Saving Hulihe‘e Palace from Strong Surf.” July 19.
https://www.hawaiipublicradio.org/show/the-conversation/2022-07-19/the-conversation-assessing-damage-after-historic-south-shore-swell-saving-hulihee-palace-from-strong-surf.
Big Island Now (2022)
Highlights community-led stewardship to protect Kona’s historic banyan tree, reflecting a commitment to preserving cultural and environmental resources—core to responsible county leadership. “Our Kuleana: Daughters of Hawai‘i Working to Ensure Royal Banyan Tree Continues to Watch Over Kona.” August 4.
https://bigislandnow.com/2022/08/04/our-kuleana-daughters-of-hawaii-working-to-ensure-royal-banyan-tree-continues-to-watch-over-kona/.
Marketplace / NPR (2021)
Analyzes the effects of COVID-19 on Hawai‘i’s tourism industry, illustrating the need for adaptable, locally grounded decision-making during crises.“What Could the Delta Variant Mean for Hawai‘i’s Tourism Industry?” August 18.
https://www.marketplace.org/2021/08/18/what-could-the-delta-variant-mean-for-hawaiis-tourism-industry/.
~Manu Powers
Endorsements
