It was wonderful to meet our islands' seniors and have an opportunity to talk story with them. The MEO staff and the Grand Wailea Resort Hotel put on a lovely event.
I had an opportunity to speak in front of the crowd of 800 seniors. What follows is an excerpt from my speech:
...I was born and raised Upcountry, in Olinda. I attended Makawao School and then Seabury, though I left Seabury and started college at the age of 16. Growing up in Makawao, I saw my lovely little town growing so rapidly and our local families getting displaced. I was watching as our small-business were shutting down. I was watching as my own family struggled. And then I saw our last local dairy close its doors. I was watching as my lovely Upcountry came under pressure. This deeply saddened me, but more importantly, it motivated me – and that is what has brought me here today. Considering this is a luncheon to honor our seniors, I find it appropriate to honor my own kupuna. My father, Hugh started out as a Paniolo for Ulupalakua and Moloka’i ranch and to him attribute my deep reverence and knowledge of the land. My mother, Erin was an English teacher Upcountry, and to her I attribute my intellectual development. My grandfather, Russell Starr was a Representative in the Territorial Government of Hawaii, to him I attribute my passion for representing the people. My great-grandmother, Betty danced hula in Kaimuki and took surf lessons from the Kahanamoku’s and to her I attribute my special connection to and deep respect for the Hawaiian culture. And my other grandfather, Patrick, was an Navy Ace fighter pilot in WWII and to him I attribute my profound responsibility to fight and protect all that makes our Nation great. Because of all those who came before me, and because of all of those who will come after me – I have decided to run for office and protect our little piece of paradise. We are living in an historic moment. This year, our elections will make history on Maui, in Hawaii, in the Nation, and in the World.
