 You're watching the state of the state of Hawaii on Think Tech Hawaii. And I'm your host, Stephanie Dalton. Our program is on Mondays at this time, three o'clock every of their week. And this is Hawaii's campaign season. So we are showcasing candidates for the election, who are running in the elections this year for office. And today's candidate is special. She is a first time candidate, which certainly makes her special, although all of them are very special. But we are interested to know what, what that experience is like for a person who's just joining the ranks of the, those seeking office. Now I would like to just mention that she has, she seeks Takeshi Ono's seat, which he held for about a decade and all that time she worked for him. So I'm really pleased to welcome to the show, the state of the state of Hawaii, Jenna Takenuchi. So hi, Jenna, welcome. Hi, thanks for having me, Stephanie. It's good that you could come and talk about your candidacy and your plans for being an elected official of the state of Hawaii for the state house district 27. So first of all, what, why don't you tell us what, what comprises district 27? So what are the communities, neighborhoods in that, in that? Sure, yeah. So we had a little bit of a change after reapportionment earlier this year. So all district 27 already had Liliha, Alawaheids, Putinui, Partinu, Uwanu, Hanadansu, Palawama. Now the lines have shifted a little bit east. So the new areas are actually going to jump to the other side of the Pali as well. So we gained Uwanu Valley, Dowset, Pacific Heights, Paoa Valley, Punchbowl, and all the way up to Papakalea. So a lot of new people to also join up with us here. Yeah. Wow, that is it bigger now? Geographically, it's pretty big. But I had about 28 to 30,000 residents, right? Yeah, I think they try private all at the same. So it should be about 2020, 25, maybe, 1,000. But yeah, but it's a new rock area. That's quite a few doors to try a dog. Yeah, I'm finding that out, but it's good. There's a lot of voters, but that's really good too. You know, you can go almost every couple doors, knock, say hi to somebody, get to talk to them. So that's really good. Yeah. So you are doing that. You're working house to house? Yes, yes. I started a little earlier this year. It's been the biggest part of the campaign so far, trying to get out there. Even earlier this year, I just started taking off from work. Now I've kind of shifted more to kind of full-time campaigning as many hours as I can if I can even. I did an hour just before I came down here to get ready for this interview, actually, and talk with you guys just because I could squeeze it in. Just trying to meet as many people as possible out there. That is admirable. I thought that maybe in Hawaii you got excused from some doors because you're standing on the street with big sign, right? So maybe there was a little trade off there, but probably not. You still come, yeah. Yeah, it's still the best way to kind of hear everybody, get to know them. And people in this area are really nice. I really enjoyed meeting them. You mentioned I actually work for the current incumbent, Takashi Ono. I've been in his office, but I've always been behind the computer or on the phone. So it's been super nice to match the email address or the name to the person when I'm knocking on their door and staying high to them. That's been really fun. Well, I hope that that means your entry into your first campaign and getting started is a little bit easy because you do know him and what he did and the districts changed a bit, right? Because now for you, your district though will be a little bit different than what he had, but nevertheless, is that easing you into your first campaign? I think it gives me a little bit of a background maybe, like, you know, about what people have been concerned about in the past, like the kinds of issues that have been in the communities. But as far as being easy, it is a whole different thing being the person with their face on the banner, being the name on the sign, being the one having to answer people's questions directly instead of, you know, just on behalf of somebody else. But that part's been a little challenging for me sometimes. It's not my natural state to be so kind of extroverted about that kind of thing about, like, promoting myself. So that's been a little weird for me, but yeah, I definitely think, I think the people I've met, the residents I've met so far have, like, appreciated that, you know, I know and that I have been really deeply involved in kind of the projects or the community issues that they've been concerned about all this time. Well, what are you, well, all right, so how are you transitioning into that, Jenna? As you said, you've been working in another mode, in another role, and so here all of a sudden, as you say, it's all about you. And you haven't probably made it all about you prior to this, but now it's all about you. So how are you managing that? What's the transition, what's that feeling like for you? Honestly, it has been challenging for me. I'm not the kind of person who usually does this kind of thing. Pretending like every once in a while, you know, because I've been with Revolo for so long, people would just ask me, you know, oh, you know, it's kind of a joke for like, when are you running next? And for years and years and years, I was just like, no, you know, that's not for me. I don't want to be the one front-facing. I can't do that. I think after, you know, kind of doing the work and feeling really connected to both the work we do legislatively and connected to a lot of the things that I've done with the community, I just kind of thought, hey, like, why not? Maybe I can do this. And so that was my first kind of took my toe in to make that decision. And now that I'm kind of out there just waiting in, trying my best, seeing what it feels like, it's definitely kind of surreal. But I'm enjoying it. I do feel confident that, yes, the work I have been doing already will transition well into being able to actually be that person who's leading to kind of take that spot as the state Rev. And I hope the community sees that too. I've gotten some good feedback from them. If they remember they worked with me on a project or that kind of thing, and that's been nice to hear. What happens when you go door to door? Tell us a little bit about how you managed that first door and then what happens as you go from door to door? And what do people say? What do they want to do with you when you show up and they know who you are? Sure. I mean, I think it varies. Some people, if you catch them at a good time, they're ready to talk story about what's happening in the community, about what's going on. I mean, it's definitely was intimidating for me to be the one to kind of approach them and not have something come into the office. So that was a little scary for me at first to kind of put myself out there. But people in these areas are very nice, very friendly. They know a lot of people, long-time families, people have lived here for generations. So they really do want to talk about, but they're seeing the changing neighborhoods, things that are concerning to them and their families. So it's been nice. And yeah, if they make the connection to the office, sometimes we'll just talk about all the things. They hope that we'll continue on. We have worked very hard, RepOna and I, to kind of build this little community through the office, pushing out information to the constituents about anything we get in the office. Because I know it's so hard to keep track of everything. And we're kind of this conduit that funnels all this information. So we've tried really hard to email and mail and just push out information to them, be kind of like a hub if they have questions about anything, even if it's not directly related to his office, to the state government. And that's the kind of thing I hope to kind of continue to help people do. I know they really appreciate it because the government's big. And sometimes I think they just need help. People need help navigating all the information, all the resources that are out there. Yeah. So they are not intimidated by you when you come up. And your intention is to be open and interested in them knowing more about you. So do you get anybody that's been waiting for you? These are the things that I've been struggling with or this neighborhood area has been. Do you have any people that are ready for you? I mean, once they realize who you are and they welcome you then, do you see the brain start to light up? Yes. So what do they say? What are some of the themes that you're picking up? Yeah, definitely. I mean, I think, you know, definitely people when they realize they have the opportunity, they do have their laundry list of things ready to go. I think the biggest thing I've kind of hearing about, which I think a lot of communities are also kind of experiencing is just people are very concerned about crime and safety. I think definitely pandemic, I think a lot of us have heard that, that is exacerbating this, a lot of theft, a lot of car break-ins, home break-ins. I know in certain pockets of the area, they're seeing an increase of strangers kind of just in the area. And because these communities here, like so close knit, like they know their neighbors, they know who's cars, who they know when somebody new is moving in. So it's been very troubling to them to see like so many just random people coming through the neighborhood. And a lot of those instances probably are tied to crime and that kind of thing. Is that the sort of thing? Okay, so what can you say about that? Do you, is that a Metropolitan police? I mean, is that really their Bailey Wicker? I mean, what do you say when people bring that up? And have you come up with something to say to people to give them a little confidence and that something can go on behind the scenes here to make it better? What do you do about that? Sure, I mean, I think well, their concerns of crime are also really kind of linked to a lot of homelessness and homeless encampments that are kind of popping up around the district as well. And I know both those things, there's no right like one answer that's gonna solve that kind of issue or answer. I mean, definitely like I talked to them about continuing outreach to local police enforcement, doing what we can, clearing out people, making reports as we can. And I guess, you know, on the larger scale level, if I were to get in to be able to kind of work on programs and services that are kind of gonna be able to help people get out of these situations to prevent crime or, you know, like, especially these thefts and breakings that we're seeing happening to get people kind of on their feet and stabilize so that they don't have to resort to those kind of activities. But you don't feel any, you don't feel any sense of threat when you're going around door to door, all right? I mean, in the community. Are you feeling- Oh, me personally? Yeah. Oh. No, I feel very safe. It's daylight hours. I think because I know a lot of the areas that I'm walking through, I feel safe as I'm doing that, yeah, definitely. I have called in a couple, I have made a couple reports though when I saw like things happening, just that I was going by kind of suspicious activity or someone like using, you know, like the outlet in someone else's garage and things like that, but who was obviously not the resident. But I mean, it's been far between. I can definitely see why the residents are concerned about it, but I mean, me myself, I feel fine walking door to door, yeah. Well, you know, I was looking at your website and I noticed, of course, like all the candidates, do you wait for people to ask you to put signs in the yard? I know that it's very convenient that, well, here's your website, so people can take a look at that. If you wanna have a sign, it looks like you just can say yes on the website and you'll get a sign there, right? And that's what you wanna do. Or do you go around and ask people if they want signs? How do you, what are some of the nuts or bolts of getting started with campaigning? Sure, yeah, that's a mix of everything. That's still something I'm figuring out. Definitely anyone who wants to sign, please, yes, go to the website and I'm happy to bring a sign to you to put up on your fence or in your yard. Yeah, so I'm going door to door, sometimes I'll just ask people who if we have a good conversation and they indicate they're supportive of me, likely both of me ask them, they'd be willing to put a sign up for me. A big part of it though has been my mom, team mom. Team mom has been out there looking for good spots, knocking on doors herself on my behalf, asking people, yeah, and then connecting me with them so I can say hello and thank them for the support. But yeah, kind of kind of combination of all those kind of three things, outreach, doing outreach, meeting people and just that kind of thing, yeah. That's fabulous, you've got team mom and I think your pictures on the website show some other people are helping you out too, right? You've got the whole family going. Sure, yeah, my family has been really great. They've been really excited for me. So my family's kind of been from the area anyway. So my grandma who's on the website too, my grandma lives in the lava heights and I have family also who kind of, as I was growing up, me and my sister were growing up. We spent every day after school and like all the breaks and putting away because my parents were working. So it was really exciting when I started working for Takashi that I was able to kind of work in this area and this community that I already knew. And then since I already know all of that, Paola's joining the district. It's also been kind of exciting because that's where I grew up until I was in college. We grew up in Paola Valley. So me and my sister went to Paola then Kwanakawa Middle School and Roosevelt High School. So it's kind of funny, sometimes I'm like, oh wow, it's like kind of coming full circle even. Kind of do this job. You've got some skin in the game. I mean, it's your real home. You're rooted, you're local and rooted and that really makes a big difference. Well, tell me now about the work of it, which is about legislating, but it's also about making sure you know what are the major issues. How do you think about now at this point? Cause you're not there yet. I mean, you're still got lots to learn and ways to grow into this. But what are you doing when you're hearing from all these people? Are you learning more than about the issues which you need to know from the grassroots up? And then there's much more that you have to learn about it because I noticed in your write-ups that you seem to intend to promote work among the agencies of the city, the county and the state. And I think that that going from, you know, the roots and trying to figure out things there and then going to try and do something about these megalithic entities that you gonna enlist them in working together and helping out. So how do you see that's gonna go and how can you get started on that? I mean, sure. I think the big thing that I really learned you got working as a staff member in the office all this time is, you know because I was just very involved in the process of like helping people solve their problems whether it's like, you know, a small thing like, you know, they just need a new sign installed or if it's a big thing, like they actually want to change a law. And to be able to just kind of see and hear and know the importance of having that kind of collaboration among all the stakeholders and all the parties. I think that's a really big thing I learned as a staff member. You know, definitely you wanna hear like you have a resident who has an issue and they bring it to you when you need to like understand where they're coming from. You know, as in the day to day. And then when we're looking for a solution that's when, you know, it's been really great to work with a lot of the departments and kind of gain perspective on, okay like what are the things that are hindering them from just making this change that the person's asking for? And if we can't do exactly what they're looking to do is there an alternative? If the issue is speeding and they want speed bumps is that and what we can't put down the road is there something else that we can do instead that just addresses the issue. And that kind of collaboration I think has been really great to be able to do. I do hope when it comes to collaboration to as a legislator on like these bigger issues to deal with bills on the legislative side to hope to be able to do the same kind of thing have an open office how the residents feel able to come and voice their concerns about bills and issues to address the needs that they're seeing in the community while working on the other side about how we're gonna implement them practically with the departments. So you're kind of the nexus between the people in the neighborhood and then the legislature and the house. So that's such, I mean that just covers so many levels and you have people that will tell me about then an example of that I like the speed bump one. So if people have that they're complaining about the racing around with the cars, right? So then somebody suggests the speed bump. So then you go to the name, how do you work through that? How do you take that issue and work with it to make for an outcome that will be beneficial for the community? Sure, I mean, I think that's just, I guess seeing if what the issue actually is, I mean, sometimes, you know, it's just an enforcement. So maybe we can just work with HPD to get more presence. And, you know, people know the police are gonna be around. Maybe they won't tend to speed along this one stretch as much. Or maybe that's not the actual issue. The actual issue is that the roadway is not, is just so wide and so open and straight that people just wanna speed down it. And then maybe there's a physical change that we can make to the road through one of the, either the state or the city departments to kind of make those kind of adjustments. I mean, I think it's just really kind of taking a case by case basis and seeing what the actual issue is and what people are experiencing and what they're trying to solve and how we're gonna get that done. Well, were you involved with the incumbent then in trying to activate the pieces of the government that can work on these issues? For instance, can you call up the police department and say, you know, over there on Hailey County Illustrated, you know, there's a problem. And is that the kind of thing you can do in your role as an elected official? Is that how it works? Or how do you relate to- Oh, I mean, yeah, the office can definitely put in requests to the other city and state agencies. I don't know if they're always gonna listen to exactly what we're gonna do. But the hope is to actually, you know, build those relationships so that they're willing to kind of like work on these kind of collaborative solutions with us. I think that would be the end goal to kind of, you know, like form these strongly shifts both through the office, but also like work for everybody actually. So even with the communities, the community knows that like the agencies are gonna be responsive as well to their needs. I think it's kind of a roundabout kind of way to kind of build those collaborative relationships. Well, what about the budgets for all of that? I mean, is this, is it set up so that we, can you tell people that when you get into, what can you tell people when you get into office about how you can work on these things? And with through these agencies working together, promoting that, learning better how to smooth that, enact that to the benefit of the citizens. But then what about all of the budget issues that go along with that? So can you talk a little bit about how you see that working and your role there and how you're gonna grow into it? Sure. I mean, definitely everything costs money. That's what we know. And every year, definitely the budget is the biggest bill that we pass having to divvy up all those funds for all the programs, all the projects. Definitely from things that I'm hearing, I'm happy to go and definitely go behind and support strengthening our services and our programs and support for service providers doing outreach to the homeless in the area. I think that's definitely great. We already work collaboratively with the governor's coordinator in homelessness. I do outreach to the encampments that people are reporting to try to relocate to some of those people. But I know it takes time. It's not a one shot thing every single time. They definitely need funds to get their people and their staff out there happy to, I'm definitely to tell people that, yeah, that's something we should definitely continue to support funding in the budget and other projects. I know this area has had a lot of infrastructure work, which I know they're a little tired of. But definitely they're gonna see the difference and hopefully the longevity of this work for years to come and addressing those infrastructure issues also as they come up. So that there's no big difference. Yeah, well, do you're talking about the ones that I had seen that your incumbent, that Mr. Ono had worked on, which were these cesspool conversions. And I think, and is that a major example of the kind of infrastructure that you're talking about? No, cesspools hasn't really been an issue in this community so much. We haven't had a lot of road work and kind of like sewer infrastructure also though. Right now they're finishing up the Polly Highway rehabilitation, which has been kind of years and years coming. So hopefully that's gonna be a nice ride all the way from the west side, all the way to town now. Well now, is that gonna be in your portfolio? All that's going on on the Polly because that's practically daily. And of course one of the big issues, I'm sure people ask, I hear people complaining about it all the time, especially after I talk about my being involved in it. But what about doing some of that work at night? How would you, is that, are those the kinds of things that come up that people suggest things to you like that and then you respond or do you? Yeah, I mean, yes, I know the neighbors have been very, very, very patient with the years of years over 50 miles from the highway. Yes, I know. I mean, yes, I mean, I kind of differ the department. I think the department is trying its best to, take into consideration these events. They knew it was gonna be a long project. I do think they do try to minimize impact as much as they can, while being able to like do it effectively and efficiently as quickly to like finish up as quickly as they can as well. But it's also always happy to ask on behalf of people, like, hey, is this something that can be done or not sure if, yeah, a night works an option, but yeah. Well, I think that they ought to be doing it at night. But then of course you're gonna have the horror about all the lights that are up. Yes, so that's probably like a night that's no issue. And yeah, there's two sides to every decision that they're gonna be making. It's like, okay, so here's what I think is a big item. And please let me know if I've not got that right, but talk about the budgeting for running a campaign. You know, Jenna, how do you get started with that? How do you get help with that? Is it, are you on your own or can you count on the parties? Or how do you think about that and how does that work? Sure, yes, that was something that scared me a lot when I decided to run. Seems like such a weird thing to do to ask people for money for something that you're doing and to believe that you can succeed and do this crazy thing that you're trying to do. Definitely, yeah, I started small and safe by asking some friends and family. Thank you. You know, and then I think you just kind of try and get out there and meet as much people as possible. You meet advocates, you meet community groups, you meet whoever you can and just say, hey, I'm running for office. And, you know, there's some costs associated with it. Any little bit helps, could you make a donation to me? Yeah, I think that's how you kind of get started asking people for money. And then, you know, also doing things, meeting with some of the union PACs, seeing if they can lend any support, that kind of thing. I've been really happy and grateful and surprised that some of the neighbors I had meeting as I go and they talk to me and they like what I'm saying have also started to donate a little bit to me. So that's been really nice and I really appreciate those kind of donations too. But yeah, I think it's... Yeah, what do you think you, do you need to get big money for this kind of an office run, for this campaign? I mean... I think as a first time candidate, I just thought, you know, as much as I can raise, all of it's just gonna go to get my name out. So whatever I end up being able to do, yeah, that's for the signs and banners that haven't been kind of been going up. That's for hopefully a couple of mail pieces in a few weeks just to kind of remind people of me. So I have something to walk with as to kind of reinforce that, hey, remember I came by, hi, it's me again. All those little things. Well, have you worked up the gumption to ask everybody for money? Like when you make those four calls? I am getting, I still feel very weird. I don't know, yeah, that's been a challenge for me. I know I should get myself prepared to do that, but that's one thing I'm working on for sure. It's a weird thing to kind of just start asking people for money, but I'm trying to get there, yeah. Okay, so we've been talking a little bit about traffic and crime and that sort of thing on the district. So does the fraternity of police or does the police department have a meeting with candidates to find out if they wanna, does anything come your way like that where people want to make a contribution or they wanna support a candidate, they wanna hear the kinds of things you might do and that might be in their benefit too. Do you get any implications like that or look to that? I haven't personally, I mean, I think a lot of the established students and perhaps I mean, definitely as they're working with candidate or like elect officials will probably approach them directly. I think I am a little bit of a small time. I guess they're on their cell. I don't have a platform per se, right? I don't have a voting record or a platform. So I think it's hard to expect outside groups to approach me a lot of it. I've written like some letters asking if I could interview and meet some of their leaders to see if our interests and align to see if maybe they wanna support me then, but we'll see. So I know everyone's running around doing all those interviews right now. So we'll see how it turns out. Very good. This is the learning curve, right? And it's just, I did wanna know about that budget part of it. And then I also wanted to know if you could tell me, does the state give you any support? Is there any kind of budget for running for office or does everybody just go in there with their small change? I mean, do you get any budget at all to begin with? Oh, no. You took care and then you sign it and then do you get any money to help you from the state? No, I, sorry. I'm not as familiar with the public fund version of running for office. That wasn't something I pursued. So I started from just zeros since I was a state worker, I didn't have a lot to necessarily throw behind the campaign myself either. Well, good for you. I mean, you seem so energized and how is it going? We've just got to close in about a minute. So talk about how it's going and how you're feeling it's gonna go and what you expect. I am feeling optimistic, I think. I know I've gotten to meet a lot of people so far, I'm gonna meet a lot more between now and the primary. And I think they've enjoyed talking story with me. I've enjoyed talking story with them. I think I hope I come across as to them as, you know, someone who really cares about the community because that's my main goal. Like I really do just want to, you know, help them further their interests and like live their best lives in any way I can through government. Yeah. Great. Well, I know you've learned to let, how long have you been campaigning? This started in January, right? Yeah, I think I started, I think April papers, maybe February. So we started maybe like February, but yeah, but we're in the legislative session. So that was a little bit of a time crunch to get through first. And then now I'm onto like, well, time campaigning. But yeah, it's been a long time. Well, if you make it, if you're elected to the office, then after the two years and you're doing this again or before the two years is over, campaigning again, what do you, what outcomes do you expect you'll be able to say you have to offer the people as evidence of the productivity of your time in the office? Sure. I mean, I hope budgetary wise, I would be able to secure funding for a lot of the schools in the district. We also have, you know, healthcare systems throughout the district. Hulakono, the School for the Blind is in there, all these little projects. And we have a lot of nonprofits, a lot of Keyleth Pacific, St. Francis, but I know come to the legislature for support every once in a while and hope to help them secure things for their projects. And yeah, and a lot of those services that, you know, that we're hearing to kind of address, I think people are really concerned about their quality of life largely because they don't feel, sometimes they start not feeling safe to kind of, you know, building up those support systems to kind of transition people into secure things that they're not out there committing crime or, you know, part of these homeless accountants that are making people kind of nervous. So to kind of get those people some help to get back on their feet. Yeah, yeah. And whatever else might help you to hear a lot from the constituents about their thoughts and how I can represent their interests as well. Wonderful goals, wonderful goals. And then without opportunities, so you can expand those and provide the service as the public servant you want to be. So I wish you luck and I really appreciate having you on the show, the state of the state of Hawaii and to get a chance to have people see this video and you can bring it down anytime and use it after it's edited and put up. But just thank you for coming and being so forthcoming and answering all of my beginner questions really about how this all works from the inside out. So wish you luck and I'm sure the viewers do too. And we'll have to close off because it's a low hot time but this is the show, the state of the state of Hawaii and we come to you every other Monday and we're looking at candidates running for office especially for the first time in the state of Hawaii for the House and the Senate and also for other executive offices that are open too. So thank you very much for your viewership, aloha mahalo. Thank you so much for watching Think Tech Hawaii. If you like what we do, please like us and click the subscribe button on YouTube and the follow button on Vimeo. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn and donate to us at thinktechhawaii.com. Mahalo.