 in Hawaii with Dennis Islaki on Think Tech Hawaii. Today we'll be speaking with Jill Tokura, candidate for Congress in a second congressional district representing the neighbor islands and rural Oahu. Jill has been in the state Senate and has been a candidate for lieutenant governor but now has changed the race. So she can say Jill went up the hill. So welcome back to politics in Hawaii on Think Tech Hawaii. Thank you, Dennis. Please tell us what's going through your head in this race for Congress. Well, you know, that's an exciting time right now. In fact, right now I'm on the island of Kauai. I think the last time we spoke I was also on Kauai. So definitely it's been a whirlwind since we announced our candidacy for congressional district too. On Mother's Day it was just basically a week ago and one of the big things I did commit to was being present and listening and so made a commitment to be on every island within the first 10 days of announcing. And yesterday we were on in Kona. Today we're on Kauai. Wednesday we'll be on Lanai. And Thursday we're gonna be on Maui and next week Monday in Hilo. And so really just making our way throughout congressional district too which as you said is all of the neighbor islands and rural Oahu where I live and really taking the time to reach out to people, listen to their hopes, their concerns and really how are we going to really fight hard for our families to make sure that they have a strong voice in Washington DC there to make sure that we can create a future for our kids right here in this place that we love. Yeah, thanks. You mentioned you're out listening. So what have you heard so far? And you know, what is it talk? You know, we've been out there just talking story, listening to folks for the last eight months honestly and communities literally from Hilo to Hanalei. And one thing that's really resonating is people wanna have hope that, you know their children and themselves will be able to stay here in Hawaii and not just struggle to survive and get by but to really thrive. And when it comes down to it, the big concerns that exists in every community are the cost of living. Housing, you know, the fact that when you take a look at a starter home for young families, it's over a million dollars. And oftentimes, you know, someone else might come in offer 20, 30% more than asking and pay cash and they feel completely priced out of this place that they call home. You know, the fact that gas, no matter where you are in our communities is so high that folks are having to think how often can they afford to work based on their commute and the cost of the commute? Well, that's absolutely unacceptable given folks need to have one, if not two or three jobs to be able to keep that workbook for their head and feed their families. And so we're seeing a lot of impossible choices. But I think what's so positive as well at the end of the day is that there is a undeniable hope that things are gonna get better and families do have a commitment to wanting to be here. And that's why I think it's just so important that with everything that we do, we know that it's gotta be about putting families first and families in a fighter that isn't just going to advocate on their behalf but understand what's at stake in the urgency, you know? And our family is no different from any others as well. And so definitely, you know, as I look at our two young boys I see the urgency and I feel the urgency that a lot of mothers and fathers feel out there right now. Yeah, okay. You know, you say it is concern about people making their living really that you're a magic wand or something or... I wish I had a magic wand. I'm still looking for that one. Yeah. But, you know, they say they need money but they come across businesses every day. A lot of them are looking for workers, you know? They cannot find workers. What do you think about that? You know, there's definitely a labor shortage that we're experiencing not just in Hawaii but across the country, right? They're calling it the great resignation as a result of the pandemic. And I think what we've really got to start focusing on is how are we helping to support our children as they go through our public education system to really be able to attain those jobs of the future that are gonna give them the quality of life that they want to be able to live here in Hawaii and have that home and raise that family. And in many cases, I think those jobs that we're talking about for our children don't even exist right now, you know? But they are very viable in terms of being able to diversify our economy here in the state, knowledge-based industries looking at technology, looking at data science and so many other fields. And it sounds like a bunch of words but the bottom line is we know where the future is taking us in terms of, you know, innovation and all of these different things and we want our kids to be first in line to get these great jobs. Hawaii is in a pivotal location given our geography and given our socioeconomic makeup and our diversity and our uniqueness. I think we've got to make sure our education system is preparing our children to be on a pathway to take those jobs and to be able to afford that kind of quality of life that we want for all of our kids. And I notice, well, my generation is different and I get to work through high school and when as soon as you graduate, you gotta work or go to school. But I see a lot of kids nowadays they, you know, you're two after graduating high school they're still without a job or not even go to school but then they all want to get some computer related job. It's different, you know, like out of the, I think all type of businesses they're looking for workers, you know, somebody told me that even, you know, dishwashers, they're getting paid simple places over 30 bucks an hour. They're better go wash dishes. It really is though. It is about, you're absolutely right. You know, when you talk about the skills that are going to be necessary to take a lot of these jobs, but the interesting thing will be if we take a look at what's been happening with the last few years as well. And even before the pandemic, it is really about also helping to upscale and reskill a lot of workers in the workforce now to be able to take on different jobs that are also in high demand. Yes, you have retail jobs and you have hospitality jobs but there are so many jobs out there that would really be able to provide higher wages and a pathway to go up in a career ladder as well. But perhaps you've got to go back to school or get, you know, some degrees or certificates to be able to really attain that. And I think it is about creating a solid P20 educational pathway from the youngest little babies to post-secondary education that makes sure that no matter where you are in life or they're just graduating from high school or you're maybe rethinking your career, you know, midway through life that you're able to look at that on-ramp and that education as a way to better yourself and get a better job and quite frankly, add to the diversity of our economy here by being ready and skilled to step into it. Yeah, thanks. You mentioned, you know, housing, a lot of homeless and federal level to get the income housing tax granted. I think you called invisible homeless or something to some people called transitional or whatever. What do you think is a solution or something? Yeah, there's no, yeah, there's no, there's a solution that I remember the last time you had a conversation about homelessness and about the state of housing, you know, here in Hawaii. And, you know, we did talk about those invisible homeless, you know, exactly right. We do the point in time count and we take a look at the number of folks that are unsheltered and homeless in our communities. But the reality is, as people struggle from paycheck to paycheck or experience certain types of economic impacts in their life whether it be medical or job loss or whatnot. So many are literally just one toe away from being homeless themselves. Living on the good graces of friends and family that will allow them to sleep on a couch or park in front of a home. And really it's about how do we help prevent them from falling into what could be, you know, a permanent state of being unsheltered. And so I think there's a number of things that we've really got to do. One thing I would point out though especially the federal level did that really I felt helped to ease some of the pressure families were facing in terms of being able to pay things like rent and food and, you know, medicine and health bills is the childcare tax credit. As you will recall last year, you know, families were able to get it in increments every month. And when I was working with service providers and families on helping families not get evicted and get some of that federal money for eviction prevention and utility payments, you could literally feel a lot of the pressure easing off when that childcare tax credit kicked in. All of a sudden when you had a, even a small consistent source of income coming in, they could pause for a bit and breathe a bit and think about, hey, should I, am I going to be able to pay a little bit more of my utility bill off this month? Can I afford to pay my rent now because I've got this additional income source? And so I really think that that is a huge benefit and potential relief for families that are struggling, families that could potentially be right on the brink of being homeless to those who have literally fallen just off. I need a little bit of extra help to get back on track. I think we've also got to look at the varying levels of where support's needed. You know, we've got to make sure we've got inventory of workforce housing available in our communities. We talk a lot about affordable, but the reality is when we take a look at a lot of the affordable rental projects and units out there, they're not affordable for a lot of our families. They fall in that gap where they're not making enough to really be able to afford these units and cover all of their expenses, but they're not poor enough either to qualify for a lot of the other housing options available. So I do think we've got to look at increasing inventory of workforce housing available for workers that are essential to the needs of our community, you know, whether it be in our schools or healthcare systems and government and other jobs as well. And I do think that there are programs that we've got to be more aggressive and seeking support from at the federal level in terms of providing subsidies for families and assistance with things like rent, mortgage and utilities, especially now. Lots of these supports are gonna end soon. There is a cliff that comes with all of these different federal acts and federal supports, but the reality is we are just not out of the woods yet when it comes to our economy. I know it was a banner year for the legislature and at the state in terms of the money that we had, but for most families out there, the struggle is still very real. And it is about how can we know where those pain points are and work together at the federal level, the state and the county level and with our private partners in the community to really be able to help people kind of bridge a lot of bridge this time and get to a point where we are recovering as a community, as an economy and as people and families. Yeah, like you said, we got a lot of money this year because it's federal money. So, they may not be buried, but we got to look down the road, look at the working class of them. So they don't transition into the other category that could need these handouts. I think we got to look at programs and think how all the conditions you put on the working class. Well, working families a lot, right? As we tend to fall into a gap. That's why I was always very supportive of things like the earned income tax credits that really support families and individuals that are working out there, but still struggling to get by. We have a lot of different programs that support those that are very vulnerable, which we need to do. But the reality is there's a lot of people that are working one, two or more jobs still really struggling to get by right now. And so what are the basics that the federal government can work with the state to be able to deploy immediate support to? Whether it's food programs and feeding programs, whether it's things like assisting with childcare, some of these, as I mentioned, housing support. There's a number of different things that again, we can work together amongst county, state and federal agencies to be able to really help our working families and workers be able to make it. Yeah, recently you're in Washington, D.C. And I'm sure you met with our senators up there. And was it when they were discussing role, B-Wave, and anything to say on that? Yeah, so I was in D.C. a few weeks ago to meet with a number of different organizations, in terms of my run for Congress and it just happened to be at the same time that the leaked release as to the Supreme Court decision on Roe v. Wade came out and found myself two blocks away at my hotel room at night completely angered and incensed at this violation of rights and walked to the steps of the Supreme Court at midnight to join hundreds of others, angry, defiant, but quite frankly inspired as well. The fact that so many from so many different walks of life felt so inclined to just come together and raise up arms and have voices heard at the fact that women's rights and the ability to make choices about our body, this is a human right, it's a basic right. And I will not have it that my nieces, that our daughters and granddaughters will have less rights than what we've had. And it's a fight that's been going on literally for decades and quite frankly, it's a stark reminder to us that the fight for rights and freedoms never ends. Yeah, talking about women's rights, you mentioned looking up to Patsy Mink and what she has done. Talk about what do you think about Patsy Mink? Oh, you know, they broke the mold with Patsy Mink. That's the reality. And you and I were just talking about the fact that in June, it's gonna mark the 50th anniversary of Title IX, which is now named after Patsy Mink. I mean, who would have thought it's already been 50 years, but think of literally the generations, the absolute generations of young girls who had a chance thanks to Patsy and the fact that she knew that she had to stand up for her daughter, for all of our daughters to make sure that they would not face the kind of discrimination and unjust treatment that she did, right? Equal rights in the eyes of the law. That seems so basic. That seems so common sense right now, but what she did was absolutely revolutionary at that time. And I think it's incumbent of all of us who have walked through that door that she's opened, whether it be for sports or academics or anything, that we keep that door open and we fight to make sure that we keep moving forward and we break through those ceilings as well. And so, yes, absolutely. You know, Patsy's been an inspiration to me as well as so many countless others. And I remember, you know, she was the reason I joined the Democratic Party, you know, going out to rally, hearing her speak and just wanting to be a part of something bigger than myself and that's what she inspired us to do. And, you know, just recently, I was reading a book to my son's school, my old alma mater, Carnegie Elementary School, and it was about Patsy. And it was a real reminder to me as I sat there in front of my old kindergarten class that Patsy was a mom as well. She wasn't just a trailblazer and a huge fighter. She was a mom. She was a mom who struggled with guilt and balance all the time, whether it was Title IX and having that, you know, survive and her daughter and needing to be there for her. And to me, that was just such a poignant moment for that realization that what made her so strong, what she really brought to the table was also the fact that she was a mother who was fighting for her daughter and for her families. And she knew exactly what they were going through because she was going through it herself. And I think that's such an important perspective that we have in our Congress as part of our congressional delegation for Hawaii. And that's one of the big reasons why I'm writing for our families to put them first. And because, you know, at the end of the day, when I look at it, our family's just like so many of their families right now, just hoping that our kids will have a chance to stay here in Hawaii and call this their home. As I remember giving their passionate speeches, it's funny because recently, I've seen some of Maisie Hirona's, Senator Hirona's speeches, he's pretty passionate too as he shows it. Yes, absolutely. Yeah, I think we share some of the values. Changing subjects, I think last time we spoke about agriculture, the state level and local and state level. Any thoughts on how you take it to the federal level? Absolutely, in fact, I was just visiting a farm in Honolay and talking story out there. And I think especially when it comes to agriculture, whether it be supporting farmers or ensuring that our people have fresh food and access to food to eat, that's an important committee and jurisdiction that Congress has. And they're coming up on the Farm Bill Reauthorization in 2023. And a lot of it is making sure that we fight for our farmers and the commodities that they grow here in Hawaii and make sure that's included in any reauthorization measure. Support for agriculture has to come from all levels and there's a lot that the federal government can do to really enable our farmers to survive, to be able to comply with a lot of even the federal requirements that have been coming down and resources and support that they need every single day, whether it's to deal with invasives, pests that they're dealing with or other issues, natural disasters, what not. But farming's not easy, as you all know, Dennis, it's definitely a labor of love and we are so grateful and indebted to our farmers and our ranchers and producers for really being able to provide that food that we have on our table. We've got to in turn turn around and support them the best that we can. And so I do think that especially with a lot of the different acts of Congress coming up through authorizations that we do, it's about listening first and foremost to our farmers and our ranchers about what support and help they need and making sure that we've got them, we fight for them in Congress and bring it home. Yeah, thanks. Yeah, our culture is very dear to our hearts. One item that our other congressman is keep talking about is the Jones Act. You got any thoughts on that? Well, you like controversy in your show? Yeah, yeah. I support, I am a strong supporter of the Jones Act. You know, and I know Congressman Case has introduced legislation in the past to make amendments to the Jones Act and other things, but I am a strong supporter of the Jones Act from a national security perspective and prospecting our jobs of American workers. And so that might be one area where I agree to disagree with Congressman Case, but I believe at the end of the day, it is what's best for Hawaii. In a different level from moving to the state, once again, we got foreign affairs, with all the things going on, being in the Congress, you'd have to deal with all of that, you know, any thoughts on what's going on around the world. You know, I think we're in a period of huge transition on so many different levels, whether, as you mentioned, it's foreign affairs, whether it's economic affairs and stability of our own country, whether it's even just looking at how we deal as a country with civil and social unrest, discrimination, you know, acts of hate and violence. It's discouraging and it's heartbreaking to read the news many days and just see the kind of violence that's going on in communities around our country. And quite frankly, honestly, even right here in Hawaii. And I do think it's time for us to be able to stand up as leaders and come together and make sure that we're setting the right example for our kids and that we're doing right by them as well. You know, I think that is incumbent on Congress and DC is to set the example and walk the walk. I think that's the kind of leadership we need right now, strong leadership that gets it, but it's not about petty differences and partisan fights. It's about helping this country get through this period of very tough transition. What we do now will make a difference for generations to come in terms of how we work through these struggles, whether it be foreign affairs or domestic. And I think that's why even more so right now we need strong leaders that understands that families, workers, people, communities need and put that first and foremost on the agenda. Like, you know, following up on foreign affairs, in particular, Ukraine. Right now we basically, I guess we're doing some training, but sending a lot of money over there and the other thoughts on that area. You know, definitely, I think when we take a look at the situation in Ukraine, the humanitarian support that is required because at the end of the day, people, people are hurting as a result of this and we cannot as a nation stand by idly and allow that to happen. And so I think the humanitarian support that's going in needs to be sent there and needs to be continued as well. And I think the real key, especially for the congressional delegation for Hawaii is helping people in Hawaii understand the connection that what happens across the globe matters here in Hawaii. And not just because the gas gets expensive or other things, but the fact that, you know, national security, we have a role to play in it and things that happen across the globe impact us here in Hawaii. And so I think it is about all of us doing our part to create stability in, you know, across the globe and in the region as well. And Hawaii has a very important role in that and especially as the gateway to Asia. You know, this is not about China right now, but at the same time, Hawaii plays such a critical role in terms of security in the Asian Pacific region. And I think that is a huge responsibility. Could also be a huge opportunity for a lot of our kids to be able to engage in good jobs and future defense of our nation right here, right here in their home. Yeah, you know, that's another thing, you know, defense is not a big thing. And also we're a state of immigrants so we are so, you know, shouldn't have to ask, you know, you stand on immigration in the United States. But there's some people think a different way, but you want to just mention what would you think about immigration in general, the United States? You know, I think we're a country of immigrants and we're definitely a state of immigrants. My great-grandparents landed right here in Puhi, down the road from Okinawa, you know, and my other set of grandparents, first, you know, to Hilo, then Maui, and then to Kailua on Oahu. So very familiar with the path many of us have taken to be a part of this great country. And in defense of that and why we came and what we've done since then, we've also got to defend the rights of others who are seeking shelter and a better life here on our shores as well. And so I do think that again, as I mentioned earlier, it's a climate right now of a lot of deficient, whether it's partisan rhetoric or personal rhetoric, but we've really got to be thinking about what's right for our communities. And quite frankly, you know, what's at the heart and soul of our communities? What are we going to be known for? How are we going to set the example for our children? And when we talk about things like immigration, I think that's even more important that we really refocus on who we are as a country, what we stand for. And then not just talking it, but actually walking the walk in terms of our actions and how we treat people and others. Yeah, you know, like you say, you know, we're all immigrants here and we grew up like that. Some of us have different lives, but then, you know, most of us, you know, started in plantation lives or, but now the generation, you got, this is the me generation, you know, you don't care about, you know, where we came from, whatever it's me, I got my computer, my games and all that. I mean, it seems that way. I mean, I don't know, we get, you know, change of thinking somehow, I think. What do you say to that? Well, you know, I think. I'm not running for office so I could say that. I know. I think as parents, right, we've got a responsibility to remind our kids where they came from and the fact that we, you know, we're all responsible for our actions and we all have a commitment and responsibility to our communities as well. So I think that, you know, you know, this is a different generation. The millennials that we're dealing with, but I also see a lot of hope with them as well. I see a lot of opportunity for them, their passion, their advocacy. They care about their community. And I think it's incumbent of us to support them, but also teach them and remind them that they stand on the shoulders of others. And that means something. It's more than a statement. It's how they got there. And I think that's really, really important. Okay. Getting back to you and your run for Congress. You got two sons over here. Will it be kind of hard to work in Washington, D.C. the kids over here? We plan to, they plan to stay here if you get elected or move up there. Yeah, no. So we've had a long conversation with our sons about this before we made our decision. And we looked at the schedule and how often mom could come home and when breaks would be, and you know, they want to go to their schools, be with their friends. And so our two sons next year will be at King Intermediate and Castle High School, just like their mom and dad went to. And I will fly home on weekends and be here for district breaks. Very similar to what you see Senator Schatz doing, what Congressman Takai did as well. So I'll be coming back and forth at home. And you know, our sons were born when I was in office. And one thing I'm very proud of and really, it really touches me through the conversations we have lately is that they know that whether I'm right here at home with them, whether I'm 5,000 miles away in D.C. I'll always be there for them. I'll always make sure that they are first and taken care of. And I think no matter where I am, no matter, you know, even right now there's always guilt that we have as parents that we can't do enough or be there as often as we'd want. But I think that guilt makes it real and makes us relatable and like everyone else. And it reminds us what's important. And at the end of the day, my kids and my husband all know that I'm there for them and it was a family decision and I feel really blessed with that. Thanks. Thanks. Okay, one last question. Should you be successful? Do you plan to work part-time like the president, congressman or the lieutenant governor? No. Well, I don't fly planes and I don't work in a ER. So, no, you know, and definitely, I think I want to make very clear as well. I've been asked this question quite a bit that, you know, DC is a destination. It's a long-term destination. It's one that every single election, you need to earn back the trust and the faith and confidence of voters. And that's what I will do. But be committed to, you know, really supporting the delegation and being a part of it as long as the people will have me. And so that's a 110, 200% commitment, Dennis. Okay, thanks. We're running out of time. I'm gonna get a last two words, one sentence or something. No. That's asking a lot of a politician. But appreciate you having me on. And as I said earlier, I'll be out in the community in the weeks and the months to come. But more importantly, that's my commitment I make to everyone is that you've got to be present and engaged with people to best represent them and to earn their trust. And I'm looking forward to seeing your viewers out there in the community and, you know, it's really about them. When they look at my name on the ballot, I really hope that they don't just see my name, they see themselves. They see what we all wanna fight for and this future that we want for our state and our children. Thank you for having me, Dennis. Yeah, thanks. We're running out of time. I said this before, but if there's a jail, there's a way. Mahalo, who are wonderful guests, Jill Tokuda, candidate for U.S. Congress, and Mahalo to the viewers on Think Tech Hawaii. If you like the Think Tech pre-media shows, please help support this nonprofit platform. Aloha, ahoi, ho, ma la ma pono. Mahalo. Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn, and donate to us at think.kawaii.com. Mahalo.