Kirstin Kahaloa Announces Candidacy For New West Hawaiʻi House Seat
KONA, HAWAIʻI ISLAND (May 27, 2022) – Community advocate Kirstin Kahaloa is seeking election to West Hawaiʻi’s new District 6 seat in the State House of Representatives representing parts of the area from Kailua to Hōnaunau. The new house seat was created in the 2022 reapportionment, meaning there is no incumbent. With the addition of this new seat, Hawaiʻi Island is represented at the Legislature by four Senators and eight Representatives.
“West Hawaiʻi is my home, and I’m ready for the challenge to help create a Hawaiʻi our children can call home with abundant educational and employment opportunities, affordable housing for families, and accessible health care. We must take a thoughtful and balanced approach to the kinds of development that make sense, using our precious water wisely and managing our footprint and impact on the environment,” said Kirstin Kahaloa.
Kahaloa previously led efforts to fortify Hawaiʻi’s food security at Kamehameha Schools, create a healthier community through the Blue Zones Project, served the community on the staff of State Senator Dru Mamo Kanuha; and led advocacy efforts toward a robust kamaʻāina economy as Executive Director of the Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce.
After graduating from Kamehameha Schools, Kahaloa earned a degree in International Studies and Political Science and a Master’s Degree in Public Service Administration from the University of Evansville in Indiana. She also earned a Master’s Degree in Management and Leadership from Webster University in St. Louis, Missouri. Before returning to Hawaiʻi, Kahaloa worked for over a decade at several institutions of higher education in recruitment and retention of international students.
As a daughter, mother, partner, granddaughter and caregiver, Kahaloa has experienced the impacts of Hawaiʻi Island’s doctor shortage and the challenges with access to health care services. Her work with the Blue Zones Project lead grassroots advocacy and engagement with government to make the healthy choice the easy choice, advocacy whichresulted in strong partnerships and enduring policy changes. Working with Kamehameha Schools, a significant steward of Hawaiʻi’s agricultural lands, Kahaloa worked to increase the viability and security of Hawaiʻi-grown foods by supporting farmers and local businesses.
She currently serves as a board member on the Hawaiʻi Community Foundation’s West Hawaiʻi Fund, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs’ Native Hawaiian Revolving Loan Fund, and Kanu Hawaiʻi. Kahaloa is a member of the Hawaiʻi Community College Chancellor’s Advisory Council, serves as Vice President of the Kamehameha Schools Alumni Association West Hawaiʻi and a member of the Ag Hui. She is a founding member and past president of Hui ʻOihana, Hawaiʻi Island’s Native Hawaiian Chamber of Commerce.
Kahaloa lives in Kona with her partner Ilihia Gionson, daughter Kawaipōmaikaʻi, and is a caregiver for her father-in-law Anthony, an Army combat veteran. Kahaloa, a democrat, will appear on ballots in Hawaiʻi’s primary election on August 13.
For more information, email vote@kahaloaforkona.com or visit www.kahaloaforkona.com.