Manu on the issues you have asked about.

Why I'm Running

"I am running because I believe Hawaiʻi Island is at a tipping point." Civil Beat Candidate Q&A

Campaign Priorities

"Advancing creative housing solutions… strengthening infrastructure while protecting natural resources… supporting small businesses and local agriculture… promoting safe, healthy, and thriving communities grounded in cultural respect." KWXX campaign announcement

Affordibility & Housing

"The biggest issue facing Hawaiʻi County is affordability. Housing, food, energy, healthcare and transportation costs are making it harder for local families to remain in the communities they call home." Civil Beat Candidate Q&A

Infrastructure & Emergency Preparedness

”‍No community should be dependent on a single road during an emergency." Civil Beat Candidate Q&A

Vacation Rentals (Airbnb)

"The goal should be balanced, data-driven policies that support local residents, neighborhoods and our economy while protecting the rights of homeowners.” Civil Beat Candidate Q&A

Homelessness
"We must address both homelessness and its root causes by increasing housing opportunities, expanding mental health and substance abuse services, and improving coordination among government, nonprofits, healthcare providers and the private sector.” Civil Beat Candidate Q&A

Traffic & Transportation "Improving traffic congestion will require infrastructure investment, transportation innovation and long-term planning." Civil Beat Candidate Q&A

Climate Change
"We must also protect forests, watersheds, wetlands and coastal areas that help buffer climate impacts, protect water resources and strengthen community resilience." Civil Beat Candidate Q&A

Agriculture & Food Security
"A stronger local food system improves food security, creates economic opportunity and reduces dependence on imports." Civil Beat Candidate Q&A

Parking & Small Business

“This is something we discuss regularly on the Kailua Village Business Improvement District board of which I am a member. We need to make sure parking policies do not continue to push local residents away from the businesses and cultural places we want them to support. I believe the solution lies in incentives for the property owners and hope to have the opportunity to propose that should I be elected. There is a resolution working its way through the Council now and I am hopeful we will see meaningful results. We are keeping an eye on that and are cautiously optimistic.”

Hu Honua Biomass Plant
"I would support the project only if the evidence demonstrates a net benefit and the community has been meaningfully engaged in the process." Civil Beat Candidate Q&A

Geothermal Energy
"I support evaluating geothermal as part of a diversified renewable energy portfolio, but not at the expense of cultural, environmental or community values." Civil Beat Candidate Q&A

Utilities, Roadwork & Local Business

“As someone who has owned and operated a business on Aliʻi Drive for 12 years and another 10 in Keauhou Bay, I understand that business owners cannot simply absorb one disruption after another. When customers and employees cannot find parking, streets are repeatedly torn up, traffic patterns change without adequate notice, or wastewater problems make an area unpleasant and difficult to access, the consequences are real. Businesses lose customers and revenue, employees struggle to get to work, and the entire town suffers.”

“The work is necessary due to our aging infrastructure, but managing the process responsibly and openly, communicating with those impacted, is of critical importance. Projects should be carefully phased, with realistic timelines, clear detours, and advance communication to affected businesses. Whenever possible, the most disruptive work should be scheduled during lower-traffic periods, and businesses should have a direct County contact who can provide accurate information and respond when access problems arise.”

Kamehameha School’s Proposed Management Plan in Keauhou Bay

“Over the years, I have been to dozens and dozens of meetings with Kamehameha Schools in multiple capacities. Kamehameha Schools has heard my feelings on the matter and those of my mentor Barbara Nobriga, who grew up in Keauhou Bay. Her childhood home was right where my office is now. In the years I had her in my life up until her recent passing, she & I spent many years advocating for Keauhou Bay and sharing its historical and cultural significance with Kamehameha Schools. I have voiced my stance in countless conversations long before I decided to run for County Council and since. As a Native Hawaiian and historic preservationist, I oppose any project that would alter the character of the Bay or put more pressure on it. Out of respect for the lineal descendants and the people connected to Keauhou Bay by their genealogy, my opinion should be secondary, as it has been, and it will continue to be so. Their voices should be prioritized and incorporated first and throughout the process. As the Regent of the Daughters of Hawai'i, my Kuleana is to the birth site of Kauikeaouli. I will continue to steward and advocate for the birth site long after my final term as Regent ends. If & when there is a decision that needs to be made pertaining to zoning or land use, whether in Keauhou Bay or elsewhere in Hawai'i County, my hope is that any Councilmember will share their opinion pointedly and directly after listening to lineal descendants & community, and vote in accordance with what is best for the people, place, and community as a whole. Myself included, should I be afforded that opportunity.”

Manu’s Party Affiliation

“The Hawaiʻi County Council race is nonpartisan, so I am not running under a party label. My focus is on practical solutions that incorporate community voices and are focused both on the health of our economy and our resources. To be specific, I am focused on affordability solutions based in workforce development, expanded and improved infrastructure (wastewater, solid waste, water access, roads, etc.), increased attainable housing inventory, and supporting local businesses and agriculture. I believe in a transparent, collaborative approach to thoughtful growth while preserving what makes our community special. My hope is that our community understands the depth and breadth of the challenges we are facing, especially where infrastructure is concerned, and votes for the candidate with the most experience in community organization, leadership, and working within a large-scale budget with very real consequences, regardless of party affiliation.”