STATEMENT FROM WESTSIDE ELECTED OFFICIALS ON INAPPROPRIATE SIGN WAVING

EDITOR's NOTE -- WHAT THIS IS ABOUT: Gun violence rally calls out city officials at Honolulu Hale | Local | kitv.com (Nov 6, 2023)

News Release Nov 10, 2023

Waiʻanae, Hawaiʻi – The following joint statement was issued by Senator Mike Gabbard, Senator Maile S. L. Shimabukuro, Representative Diamond Garcia, Representative Cedric Aseuga Gates, and City Councilmember Andria Tupola:

“This statement is in response to concerns that individuals are hijacking sign waving events that are meant to raise awareness about the recent violence on the Leeward Coast of O’ahu. These events are planned with the best of intentions, to support our youth and prevent more deaths and tragedies from happening in our community. It is shameful that some would use this moment to promote their own political agenda while attempting to divide our community.

We are disappointed that one of our colleagues has chosen to align themselves with a group of people promoting hate and bullying. As elected officials we are accountable to our constituents and have an obligation to represent the truth. Our community is counting on us to bring positivity and change, and we must always hold ourselves to the highest standards of aloha in the way we interact with each other.

There should be no confusion about our position. We stand together against all violence, and we continue to work tirelessly to find solutions. Accusatory behaviors and words that disparage or demean others do not help us reach our goal. We ask our fellow 96792 community members to join us to fight against the forces that would seek to tear us apart.

Your Leeward elected officials remain united in our work and our love for the people whom we represent.”

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Senator Mike Gabbard (Senate District 21 - Kapolei, Makakilo, Kalaeloa, portions of Fernandez Village, and ‘Ewa)

Senator Maile S.L. Shimabukuro (Senate District 22 - Ko ‘Olina, Nānākuli, Mā‘ili, Wai‘anae, Mākaha, Mākua)

Representative Diamond Garcia (House District 42 - Portions of Varona Village, ‘Ewa, and Kapolei, Fernandez Village)

Representative Cedric Asuega Gates (House District 45 - Wai‘anae, Mākaha)

Councilmember Andria Tupola (Council District 1 - ʻEwa Beach, Kapolei, Ho‘opili, Makakilo, Kalaeloa, Honokai Hale, Ko ‘Olina, Nānākuli, Mā‘ili, Wai‘anae, Mākaha, Kea‘au, and Mākua)

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CLUE: Not including Sen Kurt Fevella  

KITV: Sen. Fevella's gun violence rally marred by controversial sign waving, drawing criticism