Be Change Now helps ensure our elected leaders prioritize the needs of middle-class families.
We deserve an economy that puts working families first, and delivers for those who keep Hawaii running.We came together after seeing how our families shared similar struggles, and our communities are all facing the same problems. Every day, our local people face long commutes to jobs that pay less and less for longer hours. It doesn’t have to be this way. We deserve an economy that puts working families first, and delivers for those who keep Hawaii running. We deserve clean air and clean water. We deserve good-paying jobs. And no one should struggle to pay the bills or keep a roof over our heads.
We need our elected officials to be champions for us, for our families, for our communities. People who are willing to fight for long-term solutions, not band-aid fixes. We need meaningful investments in building affordable housing, in job creation and small businesses. We need leaders that are willing to invest in Hawaii–in us. Because our people are the most sacred, most valuable resource we have.
We have faced so much hardship over the past few years. Between the rising costs of living, consequences of environmental crises, the prolonged impacts of a global pandemic and resulting economic crisis, Hawaii’s families are struggling to make ends meet. Be Change Now will fight to build a Hawaii where all of us can thrive.
We came together to fight for an economy that works for all of us and for public goods that support the growth of our communities. We understand that who is in office matters, and that is why we are leaders in the fight to elect working class champions to state and local office. We will never stop fighting for champions who will put our kupuna, our keiki, and all our kamaʻāina first.
We advocate for policies that prioritize people and fight to bring our champions to elected office. support candidates with the drive to deliver meaningful results for everyday Hawaiians. Our candidates are dedicated to building affordable housing, investing in our infrastructure, taking on the climate crisis, and rejecting the culture of corruption. We elevate candidates and mobilize voters at the grassroots level – helping to elect the next generation of leaders who will stand up for our shared values. We have a proven record of winning, and we’re committed long-term to this fight.
We elevate candidates and mobilize voters at the grassroots level – helping to elect the next generation of leaders who will stand up for our shared values.
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Josh Green is a local physician, husband, and father who has dedicated his life to caring for Hawaii’s residents. He understands the challenges and values of the families that he cared for while working in rural hospitals and clinics on the Big Island of Hawaii. This unique perspective inspired him to fight for local families as a legislator. He served in the State House and State Senate from 2004 to 2018.
Currently, Josh serves as lieutenant governor where he led Hawaii through the largest healthcare response as the COVID liaison. He will continue to tackle the issues facing Hawaii’s working families with solutions that will strengthen Hawaii’s middle class.
Having lived his entire life on the Leeward Coast, Darius Kila is prepared to bring leadership, change and bold ideas to the State Capitol. A candidate for the State House of Representatives District 44, Darius will use his direct knowledge of government and personal experiences to address education, kupuna care, homelessness, housing, economic development and crime. He is committed to creating a sustainable and obtainable Hawaiʻi for everyone in Māʻili, Nānākuli, Honokai Hale and Koʻolina.
Nohe U‘u-Hodgins is a generational resident of Paia, Maui, where she grew up and continues to raise her own family today. Her professional experience as an accountant and permit facilitator gives her the necessary skills to understanding how the Maui County Council works. As a working mother, she knows firsthand the challenges facing Maui’s families – workforce housing for local people, climate change and homelessness. Nohe will carefully listen to Maui’s working families and bring a much-needed balanced perspective to the County Council.
Moloka‘i native John Pele wants to bring balanced solutions to the Maui County Council. From humble beginnings, John worked his way up from various hospitality positions to leadership roles at Molokai Ranch. He is the current resident manager at Paniolo Hale Condominiums and is a part owner of Hiro’s ‘Ohana Grill with his brothers Cameron and Raymond.
John will use his management and entrepreneurial experience to fight for affordable housing and find solutions that create opportunities for local families and future generations to build and enjoy a life in Maui County.
Having spent five decades raising his family and working on Maui, Tom has a deep commitment and love for his community and wants to preserve the culture and island values that shaped the lives of his family and so many Maui residents.
Through his work as a community leader and general contractor building affordable homes throughout Maui County, Tom understands the challenges that families face. He is committed to solutions for generational housing, sustainable land-use and preserving our island home.
Dr. Addison Bulosan is a candidate for Kaua‘i County Council. A proud product of Hawaii’s public schools then subsequently college and chiropractic schooling on the mainland, Addison’s deep roots and love for Kaua‘i brought him home. In addition to serving his patients, he is a community-minded leader, committed to helping his fellow Kauaians. When elected to the Kaua‘i County Council, Addison will make cost-of living a top priority. He will also bring fresh ideas to tackle housing, health care and transportation for all of Kaua‘i’s residents.
Matt is a community leader molded by his humble start to life. He was raised by a single mom and understands first-hand the frustration of local working families who struggle to keep up with the rising cost of living.
Matt spent his career serving the community and will use his experience as a former domestic violence prosecutor, policy advisor at the City Council and three terms on the neighborhood board to bring a fresh perspective and offer balanced solutions to address affordable housing, safer communities, and protecting our natural resources.
Jennifer comes from a family of small business owners, teachers, community leaders and government workers. Inherent in her upbringing is the importance of hard work, education, family, and contributing to her community.
With a master’s degree in Early Childhood education with an emphasis on Public Policy, Jennifer has worked in various roles in education and uses this experience in her current role as a legislative assistant at the Hawaii County Council. When elected, Jennifer will prioritize affordable housing, childcare, improving roads and the islands aging infrastructure.
Lee Tokuhara
As Communications Director for Be Change Now, Lee is building on two decades of experience working with communities throughout Hawaii to help lift up the voices of our working families.
lee@bechangenow.org
