The Five Pillars
Significant change requires integrated, collaborative effort. It grows from a gathering of experts willing to share their knowledge and experience with a leader who then creates a plan for action. As State House Finance Chairwoman, Sylvia undertook an effort to devise a framework for change in five key pillars, relying on input from experts throughout the state and support from colleagues in the House and Senate.
Affordable Housing
Our statewide median housing price is over $900,000 – unattainable for many of our kama’āina. Hawai`i has one of the lowest percentages of homeownership in all the nation. This must change. We need more affordable housing – for working families and young residents looking to secure a home and their future here in the islands. Sylvia supported millions of dollars of state investment into more affordable housing. And she is committed to seeing more production of affordable inventory.
Educational Equity
Hawai’iʻs unique statewide educational system was intended to make sure that all of our keiki, regardless of background or affluence, have equal access to K-12 education. Creating true educational equity requires a much broader systemic approach, including universal access to preschool, teacher retention initiatives, and college scholarship support. Sylvia has a strong record pushing for these initiatives and as Lieutenant Governor will fight for more educational access and support.
Technological Equity
The pandemic highlighted the importance of remote communication. We need it to stay connected - for work, for our children’s education, for telehealth doctor visits, for staying in touch with family. But, rural and remote areas are less served. There are limited options to choose from with virtually no competition. We must boost availability of broadband access as this service will only become more critical and integrated into our daily lives.
Sustainability
Hawai`i is one of the most beautiful places on earth – but we must never stop protecting and preserving our natural resources. The issues of climate change are upon us, and the state must be prepared to face rising sea levels, must build a more resilient economy and plan for our people’s food security. Consolidating responding agencies and establishing a management and fee structure for natural resource protection are important foundational steps.
Cost of Living
Hawai`i is one of the most expensive places to live – and it’s only getting harder with rising inflation. Sylvia was known as a budget hawk - watching how our tax dollars got spent, and avoiding any broad-based tax increases. She’s advocated for increasing the minimum wage and reducing government’s burden on working families and those living paycheck to paycheck. She will continue to fight for those across our state who are struggling to make ends meet because she understands the obstacles these families and individuals in our communities face.