Keani Rawlins-Fernandez - Maui's Green Future Project

Maui County Council
MOLOKAI

Age: 33
Occupation: Student and Mother
Years lived in area: 27

Education:

Juris Doctor Degree and certificates in Native Hawaiian Rights and Environmental Law, William S. Richardson School of Law, University of Hawaii at Mānoa (“UHM”)

Master’s Degree in Business Administration, Shidler College of Business, UHM

Bachelor’s Degree in Public Relations, Hawai’i Pacific University

High School Diploma, Molokai High and Intermediate School

Experience:

•Graduate Assistant, UHM – Office of Civil Rights

•Research Assistant, UHM – Ka Huli Ao Center for Excellence in Native Hawaiian Law, •Research Assistant to Professor Malia Akutagawa, Esq.

•Extern, Jarrett Keohokalole, Esq., State of Hawai’i House Representative, District 48

•Student Representative, Access to Justice Task Force

Campaign Statement

Aloha! I was born and raised on Molokai, and grew up in a family intimately connected to our ‘āina. This connection instilled in me the importance of the reciprocal relationships reflected in the proverb, “He ali’i ka ‘āina; he kauwā ke kanaka,” or “the land is chief, people its servants.” It is for this reason, I am running for county council.

I believe that significant changes need to be made so that the next generation, including my young son and daughter, will have the opportunity to thrive in this home we cherish. Now is the time to think beyond short-term solutions.

On the council, I would represent the younger generations’ voice, which is missing in the current composition of the council. We are all called upon to ‘auamo a kuleana; I believe this is mine.

Vision

•Return the people to the center of government

•The community voice should be given more weight in decision-making

•Provide more information online that is easily navigable

•Allow testimonies to be given through video stream where the individual is located

•Malama ‘Āina

•Strengthen and enforce laws that protect our ‘āina, ensure water quality, and increase water availability

•Sustainable economic development

•Determined and supported by those who call this place home

•Diversified agriculture

•Increase entrepreneurship

•Affordable Housing

•Invest in a model that will ensure housing remains affordable in perpetuity

•System of Leadership Transition

Endorsements:

Sierra Club of Hawai‘i

Campaign Contact:
Kōkua Keani
www.votekeani.com
Keani@votekeani.com
www.facebook.com/votekeani

(808) 553-5071