“The greatest satisfaction of serving as Mayor is the opportunity it provides to improve the everyday lives of people across O‘ahu every single day.”
About Kirk
Kirk Caldwell was born in Waipahu and raised in Hilo, the oldest son of a plantation and country doctor. He studied Urban Planning and Economics at Tufts University, earned an M.A. from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, and received his law degree from the UH William S. Richardson School of Law.
Kirk was Managing Partner at the law firm of Ashford and Wriston and began his public service career in 2002, when he was elected to the Hawai‘i State House of Representatives where he quickly rose to become the House Majority Leader.
In January 2009, Kirk was appointed Managing Director for the City and County of Honolulu, and later served as Acting Mayor in 2010. During his tenure at the City, Kirk was the primary point person for O‘ahu’s biggest issues, transit and homelessness, and successfully expedited $150 million in road repaving.
Kirk was elected Mayor of the City and County of Honolulu in 2012, and immediately brought a fast-paced energy to the office, focused on key priorities to improve City services. In his first few months in office he cleared “De-Occupy” squatters out of Thomas Square Park and restored bus routes cancelled under the previous Administration. He reached out to the State to encourage more cooperation on long-standing problems like homelessness, and launched major improvement plans for long-neglected infrastructure.
Kirk is married to Donna Tanoue, who served as State Commissioner of Financial Institutions in the Ariyoshi administration, was appointed by President Bill Clinton as Chair of the U.S. Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), and is today Vice Chair for the Bank of Hawaii. They have a daughter, Maya, who recently graduated from college.
Endorsements
Latest News
Charles Djou’s Seven Biggest Whoppers
Through the course of the mayoral campaign, Charles Djou has filled the airwaves and our mailboxes with an impressive quantity of misinformation, distortions and false claims. Let’s look at the top 7.
Sierra Club Hawaii Endorses Caldwell for Mayor
The Sierra Club of Hawaii has endorsed Kirk Caldwell for reelection. It is the first mayoral endorsement since 2004.
Star Advertiser Endorses Kirk Caldwell For Re-Election
For the second time, the newspaper has selected Kirk, saying “Caldwell is the best bet to tackle the city’s major challenges…he should be returned to office for a second term.”
Barack Obama Endorses Caldwell
“Great cities are the foundation of our country, so it’s important that we elect mayors with vision, integrity, and passion for the job,” said Obama. “That’s Kirk Caldwell.”
Civil Beat Shows Caldwell Ahead in the Race for Mayor
Civil Beat has released their poll showing Mayor Kirk Caldwell with an advantage at 48%, and leading opponent Charles Djou by 7 percentage points.
Our Island, Our Home
I am determined to “keep the country country” by preserving agricultural lands and preserving areas of natural beauty, including coastal areas.
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 to Kirk at:
Caldwell for Mayor
PO Box 61208
Honolulu, Hawai‘i 96839
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