September 2026: Waipahu Report

At this month’s Honolulu City Council meeting, I invited Lopaka Kapanui to share our Message of Aloha. For nearly 30 years, Lopaka has shared the stories, history and cultural traditions of Hawaiʻi as a master of ha‘i mo‘olelo, storyteller, cultural educator and author. His message reminded us of the importance of forgiveness, healing, acceptance and caring for one another.

His words were especially meaningful as our island communities come together during a difficult time following the recent series of hurricanes. They reminded us that we are connected by more than the ocean that surrounds our islands. We are ʻohana. When one community faces hardship, we come together, lend a hand and lift one another up.

That spirit of service is reflected throughout this month’s newsletter. Across District 9, people are stepping forward to care for our ʻāina, honor those who came before us, support their neighbors and create opportunities for the next generation.

You will read about Theresa Johnson, whose personal loss inspired a lasting memorial honoring thousands of Fallen Service Members and supporting Gold Star Families. You will also meet Ray Aivazian III, whose passion for the environment has inspired volunteers to care for our parks, beaches and ʻāina.

We also celebrate the people and institutions that help give our communities their identity. In our Small Business Focus, we visit Tanioka’s Seafoods & Catering, a Waipahu family business that has been serving generations of Hawaiʻi families since 1978. The Tanioka family’s commitment to quality, its employees and the Waipahu community is a wonderful example of how a local business can become part of the fabric of a community.

Our young people are making their voices heard as well. District 9’s newest Youth Commissioner, Zachston Marcellino, is bringing the ideas and perspectives of young people in Waipahu and ʻEwa to City government. His leadership, along with that of other youth commissioners, shows that our young people are already helping shape the future of our communities.

We also celebrate the history and culture that give West Oʻahu its character. Hawaiʻi’s Plantation Village preserves the stories, traditions and experiences of the families who helped build our community and reminds us of the people and cultures that shaped the place we call home.

Throughout these stories, one theme continues to emerge: service begins with caring.

It can mean honoring a Fallen Hero, caring for a beach, supporting a local business, speaking up for your community, preserving our history or simply helping a neighbor after a storm.

When we show up for one another, we strengthen the place we call home.

Mahalo for allowing me to serve as your Councilmember. I am proud to stand with the people of District 9 and grateful for the many ways our community continues to show compassion, courage and aloha.