Thursday, June 19, 2008

Our First Article in the Garden Island Newspaper!

Kuali`i: A new voice for old-time Kaua‘i
Sunday, June 15, 2008
by Nathan Eagle - THE GARDEN ISLAND

With his grassroots election campaign in full swing, Lihu`e resident KipuKai Leslie Kuali`i can be found out in the community telling voters why they should pick him on Nov. 4 to serve on the Kaua`i County Council.

The long-time labor organizer and activist said in an interview this week that he wants to give back, especially to the “struggling and disadvantaged.”

“I spent a lot of time away while I was on the Mainland working for other social justice causes,” said the 46-year-old Kuali`i, adding that he returned to be with his family on-island and continue his work here.

The first-time candidate said solid waste, traffic and affordable housing are the top three issues he will tackle with creative solutions.

“But I also want to make sure we’re doing all we can to help our kupuna and our children,” he said. “We need to make sure we’re giving the children enough options so they are not resorting to drugs and alcohol ... a horrible problem that affects most of our families.”

Kuali`i, a Democrat, said he will bring a level head and a cooperative spirit to the seven-member legislative body.

“Often it seems like they’re bickering a lot, and I’m sort of a middle-of-the-road moderate person who can work with all kinds of people,” he said. “I know it’ll take a team, too, and I can help.”

Kuali`i said he’s a passionate community organizer dedicated to helping others, and brings more than 20 years of experience in labor, political and community campaigns to the council.

“Coming from a large working-class family, I know firsthand about the struggles our people are facing, and I understand the importance of protecting our island’s natural and food resources,” he said.

Kuali`i said his campaign slogan, “A new voice for old-time Kaua‘i,” is about returning to resourcefulness or sustainability and reconnecting with traditions and values — especially malama ‘aina (caring for the island) and malama kekahi i kekahi (caring for each other).

He said his father grew up in the lo‘i kalo (taro patches) and lo‘i pa‘akai (salt beds) of Hanapepe and shared the experiences with him and his siblings.

“We’re going door-to-door to meet voters to share information on the existing homeowner property tax exemption credits available to homeowners, especially seniors, the disabled and those earning less than $40,000 a year,” he said. “We’ve been having a lot of fun with the campaign so far. My entire ‘ohana, especially Mom and Dad (Patricia Carvalho and Wilfred Kuali‘i of Puhi) have been working really hard.”

His sister, Debra, took the lead on a talk story fundraiser last Sunday at the Lihu`e Neighborhood Center.

Kuali`i, a Kamehameha Schools graduate, earned a business administration degree from the University of the Pacific.

He is the coordinator of AKAMAI Mahi`ai, a community economic development project creating an agricultural training and agribusiness center, developing local leaders and bringing additional resources to Anahola.

He also serves on the statewide Boards of the Hawai`i Alliance for the Community-Based Economic Development, Hui Kako`o `Aina Ho`opulapula and the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement.

The primary election is Sept. 20. The general election is Nov. 4.

For more information, visit http://www.kualii.org/

• Nathan Eagle, staff writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 224) or neagle@kauaipubco.com

MAHALO NUI LOA!!!

Aloha KUALI`I Supporters!

I wanted to send everyone a big MAHALO NUI LOA for making our Talk Story Luncheon last Sunday, June 8th a wonderful success!

We more than achieved our initial fundraising goals and are excited that we’ve already passed the first threshold qualifying for one-to-one matching from Public Funds.

If you weren't able to join us at the luncheon, you missed out on a wonderful event! We really enjoyed being together, eating ono food and listening to great local entertainment. Please allow me to send out our MAHALOs to...

* The entire KUALI`I `Ohana for their unconditional love, support and genuine hard work (especially Mom, Dad, my partner Joe, my brothers & my sisters).

* Aunty Betty, Uncle Sonny, Koni and everyone at Ibaan's Table Rentals

* Ted Keokolo Kapoi & his band and Lenny Breze & his band for all the wonderful music

* Uncle Michael, Aunty Sharon and Sherry Cacal for all the delicious desserts

* Michelle Namele Batalona for getting us started with a beautiful pule (prayer)

* All the folks who helped sell tickets and gather contributions

* All the folks who helped put our Talk Story Luncheon together

* And, of course, everyone who came and helped make our first-ever political fundraiser such a wonderful success!

If you weren't able to help out this time, no worry! There will be plenty more chances between now and Nov. 4th. Please contact our campaign and let us know about how you want to help and what your availability is.

Thanks again! We look forward to seeing you on the campaign trail. MAHALO!!!