SECURING OUR OHANA
Jason Hanley for Governor
A Letter to the People of Hawaiʻi
Aloha Kākou,
I am running for Governor because Hawaiʻi deserves leadership that delivers on the basics: housing, food, water, safety, and fairness. Too many of our families are priced out, too many of our young people are leaving the island. It’s time to turn that around. As a father, I am personally concerend for the future of Hawaii's children, and their children's children.
HOUSING FOR ALL
My commitment is simple: develop sustainable housing solutions that reduce costs and increase availability for all residents.
- Problem–Solution Approach: Over this campaign, we are inviting ideas not based on party politics but on proven solutions. We will consult subject-matter experts, cite their work, and share their insights openly.
- Rent Rolls: By conducting rent rolls across our 33 neighborhoods, we will have a clear picture of vacancies, rental costs, and turnover rates. A rent roll is a detailed report of rental income and lease terms for each property. This transparency gives us the facts we need.
- Institutional Ownership: We are studying large institutional landlords like Blackstone, who control over 2,700 rental units in Hawaiʻi. We must understand the impact of corporate ownership on affordability.
- Tenant Voices: Through canvassing and phone banking, we will encourage tenants to self-report rent and housing conditions. Data from the people themselves is the best defense against misinformation.
- Shared Values: We look to models, where public and private sectors share responsibility and resources, creating balance and fairness in the marketplace.
- Town Hall Community-Driven Solutions. Invite representatives and community leaders to tackle issues and create solutions or discuss concerns.
Solutions for Homelessness
We must address homelessness with compassion and proven programs: shelter, support, and pathways to stability. This means tackling not only high housing costs but also substance abuse, mental health, and healthcare access.
I support providing affordable access to medicinal cannabis (329 card) statewide, both for health and to reduce dependency on alcohol, tobacco, and dangerous street drugs. Real solutions address root causes, not just symptoms.
Churches, nonprofits, and volunteers will continue to be essential partners. Since 1995, faith communities have supported our most vulnerable. Together, we can extend that spirit of aloha—“Am I my brother’s keeper?”—into real action.
The outcome is clear:
We must know the real vacancy rates, the true costs of housing, and why over 20,000 Hawaiʻi residents have left since 2020. (Civil Beat & Hawaii News Now reports) With accurate data, we can address these root causes and keep families here.
Data-Driven Policies
This campaign is about factual data, transparency, and accountability. We will use tools like the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), Hawaiʻi’s Uniform Information Practices Act (UIPA), and Open Records Requests (ORR) and we will use these tools to collect real-time data to develop and foster fair policies for the people of Hawaii
Under my administration, every resident will be taught how to access public information and demand accountability. The end goal is simple: food security, water, and shelter for all.
I will conduct regular monthly town hall meetings so that we can talk about solutions and accountability together.
Building a Sustainable Future for Hawaii
Protecting Our Environment
& Food Security
Housing and food security go hand in hand with protecting our ʻāina.
We will:
- Keep the country country—preserve Hawaiʻi’s natural beauty.
- Audit what comes onto and leaves our islands, so we can measure food security and reduce dependence on imports.
- Invest in farming, hunting, fishing, and working the land. We are not just city folk—we are people of the ocean and the soil.
Food, water, and clean air must be protected alongside affordable housing. This is how we build a resilient Hawaiʻi for generations to come.
A Culture Shift
Enough of the division in politics; all parties can come together to create solutions and provide a healthy society for generations to come.
This campaign is about unity. Using positive reinforcement – Don’t Shoot the Dog (Book by Karen Pryor), let us celebrate small wins and encourage participation.
We will build a Hawaiʻi where life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness that is attainable for everyone.
Hanley’s Commitment to Open Government
Transparent Budgeting
Providing clear and comprehensible analyses of government spending to empower residents with vital information. Identify the interests, whether corporate or otherwise, that advocate for specific agendas and unveil the financial resources designated to support a particular bill. Enabling everyone to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of proposed legislation.
Public Forums & Education
Consistent town hall meetings to enhance transparent communication between officials and residents. Establish complimentary, ongoing workshops and classes to inform Hawaii's communities about the legislative process, enabling the people of Hawaii to influence the future of our Ohana, particularly ahead of elections and during bill considerations. Educate and inform to return power to our communities.
WHISTLEBLOWER PROTECTIONS
Performance Audits
Conflict of Interest Policies
OPEN MEETING LAWS
In Closing
Hawaiʻi is a place like no other. Our latitude and location, our culture, and our spirit of Aloha are treasures to be cherished. It is the spirit of Aloha that should drive our governance and not party politics.
We must take back pride in being protectors of these islands. Together, we can make Hawaiʻi affordable to live in, a paradise to visit, and a place where our keiki has a future.
Mahalo nui loa,
Jason Hanley
Candidate for Democratic Governor of Hawaiʻi
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