When I take trips to Oahu or drive to Kona or Hilo, I see countless people experiencing homelessness, pushing carts filled with their belongings or holding signs asking for help. It’s a distressing sight, especially for young people like me who wonder whether we will ever be able to afford life here in Hawaii.
It’s safe to say housing costs are among Hawaii’s biggest problems right now. Social media is flooded with stories of local families struggling to make ends meet, young adults wondering whether they can build a career here, and residents leaving the state for a lower cost of living.
Since Day 1, Gov. Josh Green has recognized this crisis, and he deserves another four years to continue working toward a more affordable Hawaii.
Green and his administration have worked to accelerate housing construction and expand affordable housing options for locals. His emergency proclamations have aimed to fast-track housing projects by removing red tape and reducing bottlenecks. Tens of thousands of affordable housing units are now in the pipeline, which shows real, tangible progress.
The governor has also signed multiple bills that will help create more affordable housing units by easing zoning rules, converting commercial spaces into residential units, and speeding up permitting. These policies are important steps toward increasing the housing supply. While more work remains, continuing these efforts will help more local families afford to stay in Hawaii.
On top of that, Green has pursued tax cuts for working families, which directly affect locals’ wallets. He has also taken steps to address shortages in essential services like healthcare.
By signing a bill that creates a pathway for qualifying international medical school graduates to obtain licenses in Hawaii, he has expanded the pool of physicians available to ease staffing shortages and provide care to residents.
These efforts show that Green is a leader willing to tackle big and small problems and to work with a broad coalition across political perspectives to find policy solutions.
Still, some voters are not convinced that Green should serve another term.
One reason may be that he pushes tourism despite residents’ concerns about its effects on communities and the environment. Tourism is an important part of our state’s economy, but we should balance its benefits with the need to protect our islands for future generations.
The governor’s “green fee,” which will generate millions of dollars for conservation and climate initiatives, is one example of how his administration is working to address environmental concerns while recognizing tourism’s economic importance. He is a bold yet pragmatic leader who balances the state’s economic needs with the long-term well-being of the people.
Over the last four years, the governor has proven himself a productive leader who delivers on his stated goals. I believe that if given another term, he will make further progress toward creating a more livable Hawaii, not only for my generation but also for generations to come.
Kyle Caniedo is a Kohala High School student, class of 2029.
“Raise Your Hand,” a monthly column featuring Hawaii’s youth and their perspectives, appears in the Insight section on the first Sunday of each month. It is facilitated by the Center for Tomorrow’s Leaders.
