I created a separate girls golf as a sport. I view my lack of direct experience in politics as a plus. What did you change when you were on the commission? Im open to that, and I know cities like Singapore place a huge fee or surcharge to even have the right to buy a car. So Ill do what I can. And the unions are aware, Ive spoken to HGEA in particular and they know that change needs to be made. His leadership is proving invaluable to hit the ground running, forging a bright path forward beyond the current pandemic and continuing our mission of supporting Hawaii communities.. Everyone has some relative or friend who has mental illness, and its its like any other illness. To be honest, there's 15 candidates, I know some better than others, but I view myself in terms of the candidates I know, to be the most liberal. And they have a lottery system, if Im not mistaken, where not everyone can get a car even if they want to. What have they done wrong? Keith, this election is about future generations, our keiki. Well, to be blunt, we need to do what we can to get money into their hands, whether its federal money, state money, or county money, CARES Act money, in particular. Born on September 1, 1965 in United States, Keith Amemiya started his career as business executive and politician . If he fails to receive an outright majority of votes but still finishes among the top two candidates in the primary election, hell then have one more opportunity to sell the public on his message of change before the Nov. 3 general election runoff. A huge shot in the arm for your campaign, but also it seems to it also comes with strings attached. I know theres a federal investigation ongoing, and lets see where it takes us. Again, when it comes to experience, theres different types of experience, and they have the wrong kind of experience. Today, girls sports such as wrestling, golf, water polo and canoe paddling owe their existence to the noble battle Amemiya first waged nearly two decades ago. I mean, it sounds like its been a chronic problem for many years. We should get homeless out of Chinatown. I used to spend weekends with them often, and one day they asked me, or told me like, Hey, why dont you live with us?' We have become far too reliant upon waiting for our Congressional delegation to bring home resources, when most states and counties are proactively applying for funds. Their oldest son, Chris, was my best friend. Learn more here. I feel that people who have the power to affect change should do so, and we need to do what we can to make life better for them. [2] Like they went to a neighborhood board, had it on the agenda, three people showed up, it got approved and they moved on. Keith, what would you propose to do about the homeless situation, specifically in Chinatown, because (the Institute for Human Services) tried to create a facility there that failed because of push back by the business community. We need to pivot towards a more multi-modal transportation system. Mayoral candidate @keithamemiya joins me to discuss all of the issues we as a community are dealing with in the unprecedented time. Homelessness Mental He. Essentially, they told him that although they had welcomed him into their home and raised him since his early teenage years, he the childhood buddy of their son Christopher and someone whom Bert had frequently coached in youth sports leagues needed to learn to stand on his own. The host for this show is Rusty Komori. I have dedicated my career to public service by working directly in every community statewide throughout my career. And the general public as well. There were cell block beatings, the scandal where they were selling food out of the police stations kitchen that was meant for prisoners, things like that were happening. It was rushed, it was ill-planned, and its been a source of frustration for everyone, but were almost done, as I said. Prior to his candidacy for Mayor of the City and County of Honolulu, Amemiya was Senior Vice President of Island Holdings, Inc. the parent company of Island Insurance, Atlas Insurance Agency, Tradewind Capital Group, IC International, and Pacxa. Its legal. On his campaign. After graduating from Punahou in 1983, Amemiya studied finance and law at the University of Hawaii at Mnoa, where he earned his degrees. And while he still views tourism as a big part of our economy, Amemiya also believes that greater diversity is required. And in particular, because after that project was completed, many units changed hands and at higher prices. I will continue enforcement as long as we find more shelter beds. How do you answer those two questions? I got to meet a lot of people. Theyre more productive, theyre healthier, they have more time for their families, so any time you can raise the wage, Im in favor of it. We need to find a different place for them. Right now, my favorite song is Mama Mia, cause. Like it or not, Im forewarning you, we have a campaign song that is sung to that tune. Keith Amemiya is 56 years old today because Keith's birthday is on 09/01/1965. Their first date was dinner at a nondescript sports bar in Honolulu. Keith Amemiya, an Oahu businessman, attorney and former director of the Hawaii High School Athletic Association, announced on Tuesday that he is running for mayor of Honolulu. The overturning of Roe v. Wade is a tragic blow to a womans right to choose and has dangerous implications to other civil rights and freedoms in our country. Over the last ten years, the state legislature has failed on many of the issues that matter most to people in Hawaii affordable housing, homelessness, the cost of living, climate change, and protecting our environment. Most recently joining iHeart Media Honolulu as premiere sponsors of The Salvation Armys "Rescue Christmas" program - supporting their mission to provide help and hope to those most in need in Hawaii. Over time, yes, you realized something was amiss with her. Now, criminality, I dont know, Im not willing to say that. Senator Brian Schatz, and was appointed by several state leaders to serve on citizen boards, including the Honolulu Police Commission, Hawaii Board of Education, and Aloha Stadium Authority board.[2]. ThinkTech Hawaii streams live on the Internet from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm Hawaii time most weekdays, then we stream our earlier shows all night long. You need to get input, and when you get input early on from everybody, you hear the different viewpoints, you modify the proposal. I dont know, I have to think about it. Keith has got a good skill-set when it comes to dealing with people and making connections with them, observes wife Bonny. Additionally, state government operates in silos much too often. Our vision is to be a leader in shaping a more vital and thriving Hawaii as the foundation for future generations. And as mayor, I will work with everyone. We need to sharpen our pencil. We can look at financing, interest rates are still relatively low, we can look at partnerships with the private sector. Over the years, Amemiya has given the . What was your connection to that project? The state needs to also improve the quality of womens wellness and LGBTQIA+ healthcare services on the neighbor islands. Well, I think we have to wait and see. Both situations, theyre not good. Where do the previous administrations fail, though cause everyone says, we need more affordable housing. We need to dedicate significant funds to subsidize the cost of infrastructure development for affordable housing developers. Is that doable, given the financial situation of the city right now? Particularly at a time when youre trying to maybe cut bureaucracy, which I know is another thing that you have proposed. Elections 2022 See also: Hawaii gubernatorial and lieutenant gubernatorial election, 2022 General election General election for Lieutenant Governor of Hawaii They dont want people with long-time experience in politics. So in the meantime, would you continue sweeps? Its a important viable alternative means of transportation for us on this island. Im not complaining about it, but its stressful to have to care and worry about someone in your family thats mentally ill. Its on your mind numerous times a day, everyday. Are you the most liberal candidate running from mayor? Number two, requiring an affirmative duty of an officer to intervene if a fellow officer is engaged in wrongdoing, especially in the use of physical force. Keith Amemiya, Honolulu Mayoral Candidate: Well, Im running for mayor because we need change. Im hoping theres another infusion, but in the interim, we need to use our resources in the non-profit industry. They started that way, and they dont have the resources to pick up and move. We have to get away from fuel dependency by continuing to invest in green infrastructure and multi-modal transportation. Ban fundraising during the legislative session Weve gone too far. Our future generations have been overlooked for far too long, and we need to build our future for them. They had a lot of engagement in the community that said, We dont want it. And the developer said, Well, too bad. I basically doubled the amount of female sports opportunities during my tenure. That Im running for them. Homelessness is a complicated problem, as we all know. When you look at the Mauna Kea movement and how it has sparked conflicts over projects, what do you tell the nervous developers who have already received the green light by government, and what do you tell the police who have to enforce the law, and native Hawaiians who are willing to protest and put their lives at risk for their causes? Keith, I wanted to go back on the mental health issue. Obviously, I cant speak for the current administration, and what theyre gonna do from now to the end of the year, but we need to have a balance, like in all things in life, and if the hotels need a tax break, and the city can make it work on their end, and we should look at it. Quality education is one of the keys to opening a future of hope and opportunity for our youth. Eliminating taxes on food, medicine, diapers, and other essential products. It wouldnt make sense to force a $20 an hour minimum wage when companies will shut down because they cant afford to pay their workers, but I do favor a serious look at increasing wages for our front line workers. But if you did have to cut, what would you look at? My roots are deepest in education, having served as the Executive Director of the Hawaii High School Athletic Association, Executive Administrator and Secretary of the University of Hawaiis Board of Regents, and as a State of Hawaii Board of Education Member. When I joined the HHSAA, I saw glaring inequity that our female student athletes were having less opportunities to compete in sports. We need a fresh perspective. Why did you do that, when the office of mayor is non-partisan? But if not, were gonna have to look at making changes, whether its alterations to the rail station or the like. Keith, Mayor (Kirk) Caldwell just signed the latest city budget. And to me, thats unacceptable. So what specific steps would you take to do that? Chief Ballard said that HPD cant be compared to police departments on the mainland, that she doesnt believe theres a systemic problem particularly involving racism, perhaps violence and misconduct. We need to look at if we have to pay the workers in DPP more Ive been told that the turnover rate is high because the pay is low, and once they get the commensurate experience, they move on to the private sector. PHOTO COURTESY KEITH AMEMIYA, He would soon find out. Both have lots of bodies, both have lots of money. I am running to change the status quo, end political corruption, and put our local families interests first. Can you tell us a little bit about that? And Im in favor of that. One of the more difficult parts was during my high school years. And for years, Keith Amemiya has been a generous donor to the political campaigns of Hawaii's power players. ThinkTech Hawaii streams live on the Internet from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm every weekday afternoon, Hawaii Time, then streaming earlier shows through. Father and Mother in Heaven, and is the "elder brother" of all men and spirit beings. It keeps getting pushed back, and as you know, HART was hoping to open up that first segment this year. What would you do to help them, either by creating jobs or otherwise helping people who are really vulnerable right now, in very big numbers? I was on their board for many years when I was a practicing attorney. And again, I know you said we cant keep mentioning illegal vacation rentals, but that will play a huge role in limiting the type and quality of tourists that we have. As lieutenant governor, Senator Schatz built such a team, and we should reconstitute it. You need to lead by example. My top spending priorities will be for affordable housing and reducing the cost of living for our residents. Telephone: 808-529-4747, Big Island mayor remembers Hilo couple fatally stabbed, Ron Menor, longtime Hawaii politician, dies at 67, Girl, 17, critically injured in vehicle crash in Hawaii Kai, Passengers video captures last moments before Nepal crash, Police search for suspects after visitor robbed in Kaneohe, Ascending Spyros Chakas named National Player of the Week, Hawaiian Home Lands seeks extension to spending deadline, Community contest announced to resolve name beef, Jan. 13, 2018: Hawaii officials send out false alert about incoming missile. I think my career has shown that. This Endless People need jobs, theyre gonna need money when the federal money starts running out. Were on an island. I struggled financially, admits Amemiya in recalling that period of his life in the 1980s. In one of your flyers, you said: Political leaders have failed our people, that leadership of the past did not work. Youre talking about the failure to communicate with communities. 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