“We must take bolder steps if we want to improve the future of our Islands.”
“To face our challenges, overcome our problems, and seize our opportunities, we need to acknowledge that many of our current approaches are not working anymore.
We need an economy where growth for a privileged few is not enough. We need homes our local families can afford. We need more and better jobs in more than one industry. We need to support our rich and diverse communities. We need to take bold steps, commit ourselves, and not flinch when we encounter obstacles in taking those steps.
We need to provide more authority and autonomy to our counties, while centralizing responsibility and accountability for those things that need to be addressed statewide. We need the mayors and the governor and the legislature working together with greater coordination and synergy.
Most of all, we need to focus more on our people. Not just the outputs of government programs and policies, but actual outcomes of making life better for our citizens. I fear we are falling short and further and further behind. But together, we can change that course. As your governor, I will dedicate myself to championing those changes, taking those bold steps, and improving the lives of people throughout Hawai‘i.”
— Kirk Caldwell
Kirk – Family and Friends
What shaped Kirk’s character, and how he’s worked to improve the lives of people in Hawai‘i.
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We focus too much on visitor counts. What’s more important is visitor impacts.
We all play to our strengths, whether as individuals, organizations, or communities. And tourism has long been one of Hawai‘i’s strengths.
“We won’t make our 2045 energy goals unless we take more action right now.”
“Our state has some of the most aggressive green energy goals in our country. The Hawai‘i Clean Energy Initiative aims to achieve 100% clean energy by 2045, demonstrating to other states and the world that clean renewable energy can be a reality.
I would declare a state of emergency to address Hawai‘i’s homeless crisis.
Homelessness has been a growing problem in Hawai‘i for three decades. For a while, it was hidden in the back streets of Iwilei or alleys of Chinatown. But it steadily grew, and by the time I was elected Mayor, we placed homelessness among our top priorities.
We need to build our way to the future: 60,000+ new homes for local families.
When I talk story with people, it breaks my heart to hear how they can’t find a home they can afford to rent or purchase, and that they’ve lost hope in the future. But these are more than just anecdotes.
Where should rail transit end? The answer is very clear.
Transportation is the lifeblood of any community. All of our people must be able to get from home to work and school, safely and efficiently. Without satisfying this core necessity, Hawaii’s quality of life suffers and our economy falters.
Kirk Caldwell joins gubernatorial race
Former Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell announced his candidacy for governor this week with a series of ads in daily newspapers across the islands that included the headline, “Even if some don’t think I can win.”
Hawaiʻi Needs Sustained Commitment to Department of Hawaiian Homelands
It is exciting news that the Hawaiʻi State Legislature hopes to allocate $600 million towards addressing housing needs through the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL). It’s a great start, but DHHL needs a sustained commitment, not just a once-a-generation lump sum.
Kirk interviewed on Hawaii News Now Sunrise, outlines plans to increase affordable housing.
Kirk Caldwell was recently interviewed by Hawaii News Now’s Grace Lee, where he shared his reasons for running for governor, chief among them the high cost of living and housing.
Send Kirk a Message
I’m listening. Tell me what you think. And let me know if you would like to help on the campaign by donating or volunteering.
Other Methods
You can write to Kirk at:
Friends of Kirk Caldwell
PO Box 61208
Honolulu, Hawai‘i 96839
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