May 2026: Waipahu Report

Congratulations to the Class of 2026! To every graduate across our district, this moment represents more than a diploma. It represents perseverance, sacrifice, growth, and the courage to keep moving forward through challenges and uncertainty.

Some students balanced school, work, family responsibilities, or personal struggles quietly behind the scenes. Some are the first in their families to reach this milestone. No matter the path, every graduate should feel proud of what they accomplished. Mahalo as well to the parents, grandparents, teachers, school staff, mentors, and loved ones who supported our students every step of the way.

The future is not determined by where we start. It is shaped by the choices we make moving forward. Graduates, keep believing in yourselves. Work hard. Stay humble. Show compassion. Lift others up whenever you can. Our district needs your leadership, your ideas, your work ethic, and your aloha.

Over the past several weeks, our District 9 team has worked alongside residents, volunteers, schools, churches, businesses, and local organizations to make our neighborhoods cleaner, safer, and stronger.

From cleanup operations along North Road and around Hawaiʻi’s Plantation Village to homeless outreach initiatives with local organizations, we are seeing what can happen when residents unite with purpose and pride. Volunteers removed bulky items, graffiti, storm debris, illegal dumping, and overgrowth while restoring public spaces for residents and families.

We also expanded Neighborhood Security Watch programs in Waipahu, strengthening communication between neighbors and encouraging residents to stay engaged and look out for one another. Safer neighborhoods begin with connected residents.

Investing in our youth remains one of my greatest priorities. Recently, we welcomed students from Waikele Elementary School to Honolulu Hale to learn more about local government and participated in Pearl Harbor Kai Elementary School’s Career Fair, where students shared dreams of becoming artists, veterinarians, engineers, entertainers, and future leaders. Their energy, curiosity, and optimism are reminders of why supporting the next generation matters so much.

As summer approaches, we are also encouraging residents to stay prepared during Wildfire Prevention Month. The tragic Maui wildfires reminded all of us how important preparation, awareness, and resilience truly are. Please take time to review emergency plans, prepare Go Bags, and help keep our neighborhoods safe.

Mahalo to Waiawa Correctional Facility crews, Youth Challenge Academy cadets, H-POWER, Protectors of Paradise, HPD, local churches, volunteers, and our District 9 staff for serving residents with heart and dedication. Your work is making a visible difference across our district.

This issue of our newsletter also highlights incredible people and organizations helping preserve Hawaiʻi’s culture and strengthen our island home every day.

We spotlight Right Hand Drive Hawaii, a local car group that gives back through food drives, cleanups, Toys for Tots collections, and service projects across Oʻahu.

We are also honored to recognize Lopaka Kapanui and Mysteries of Hawaiʻi for 25 years of preserving Hawaiʻi’s stories, history, and cultural traditions through education and storytelling.

Mahalo for staying engaged and for all the ways you help strengthen District 9. It is an honor to serve you and work alongside you every day.