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Molokai Gets a Choice for County Council

Keani TEAL Headshot

Keani Rawlins-Fernandez

Keani Rawlins-Fernandez Campaign News Release

In June 2016, Keani Rawlins-Fernandez officially filed her candidacy for Maui County Council to represent her home, Molokai. Keani and her two young children are rooted in the Molokai community as far as they can trace her mo`okuu`auhau (genealogy). She is a graduate of the William S. Richardson School of Law, where she received a Juris Doctor Degree and certificates in both Native Hawaiian Rights and Environmental law. She also received her Master’s Degree in Business Administration this past semester, right before moving home.

Her vision for a better future for her children and Molokai drove her decision to participate in local government. Keani is a committed advocate who understands the delicate balance between economic development and environmental protection. If elected, Keani will advance far-sighted, progressive policies to ensure that our precious families are not priced out of Hawaii and that our environment is protected for future generations, as our kupuna had done before us. She believes that we need to invest in education, affordable housing, and the local economy, in order to keep Maui County a place where the next generation can create a vibrant future for us all.

“I see becoming a council member as an opportunity to give back to the community that has given so much to me,” said Keani. “I want my children, and future generations that’ll come, to grow up on the Molokai and Maui County that I grew up in, and in order for that to happen, we need to protect our home.”

She intends to support initiatives that prioritize environmental protection, education, food sustainability, and affordable housing, and smart development. These policy efforts are important, as we see our families struggling to make ends meet at a time when Hawaii is ranked at the top for the highest cost of living.

Keani will hold her Campaign Kick-Off event on Thursday, July 21 at 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Molokai Community Health Center. Please join her for `ono food, `ono music and raffle prizes. She looks forward to meeting with you!

For more information, please visit her website at votekeani.com or her Facebook page at facebook.com/votekeani.

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