A Formal Declaration of Commitment
To the People of District 51
Message to the People
Aloha kākou,
My name is Micah Kalama, and I am proud to announce my candidacy for Hawaiʻi State House of Representatives for District 51, representing Waimānalo, Keolu Hills, Enchanted Lakes, and Lanikai.
Born and raised in Waimānalo, I grew up in a family that has helped build these communities long before many dreamed of calling Hawaiʻi home. We are a family of construction workers, canoe builders, archaeologist, lei makers, teachers, flight attendants and police officers—hardworking local people who believe in service and family. We didn't just move here; we helped create the lifestyle and culture that people now want to be a part of.
But today, that dream is under pressure. Housing should not be the reason our children and grandchildren are forced to leave the neighborhoods that raised them. We must ensure that 'affordable housing' is truly attainable and that our residents have priority within their own communities. This means learning to give proper tax credits or money designed to help keep our families here in our community. Mortgages and rent should equate to non-reflecting benefits. Meaning why do people rent a same single-family home at the cost or more than a mortgage? They should be able to qualify, and requirements must be met on a better basis. We must also protect our values against outside investment that risks the true character and identity of our neighborhoods.
District 51 faces real challenges: unaffordable housing and unattainable housing because of the high cost, low wages, public safety, homelessness, and a need to strengthen our education system from the ground up. We can't rely on small outreach services and expect that to be the solution. The community has a right to know who is in their communities and how they are benefiting or supporting the community. We need our teachers and they deserve salaries that reflect their hard work, and our keiki deserve schools where they feel supported and prepared for the future. We can't keep mandating and over burdening certain requirements which could affect the health of our children and neglect their educational needs, we need more reciprocity across the board. We must also never forget our kūpuna, fighting for healthcare systems that protect them and allow them to live with dignity.
Leadership should never feel distant from the people it represents. I am running because I believe in staying connected to you. Together, we can find solutions for housing, schools, and safety while protecting the traditions that make District 51 special.
Mahalo for your support, and I humbly ask for your vote.
Aloha,
Micah Kalama
Candidate for Hawaiʻi State House of Representatives, District 51