Invest in Our Communities
"There are too many people with their heads in the clouds and not enough people with their hands in the ground" - Shawn Richey
It's Time to Get Involved Where and How You Can
Shawn believes that the key to making things better is getting people connected. During his campaign and if elected, he will look to highlight and engage with those who are contributing in making a more resilient Kaneohe. Shawn will strive to empower, promote and participate in the following areas:
Media
Shawn wants to support independent media and the voice of local people and the issues that matter to them. It doesn't matter how much we change and do if no one is there to tell our story. Shawn wants to build up local podcasts, independent news and magazines and other outlets that allow for public forums and local story telling.
Food
Food sustainability and access to local food and produce has never been more important. With rising inflation and supply chain issues, we must find and support ways to become food independent. Shawn wants to build communities around the cultivation and exchange of food that support farmers, gardeners and food resilience. The best way to make connections and build trust is by feeding each other and supporting those who help feed us.
Politics
Shawn has no interest in being a politician but feel compelled to serve the people of Kaneohe and Hawai'i in making things better. He wants to start a meaningful. transparent and accountable relationship with with the people he strives to represent. Shawn intends to invest in Kaneohe as your representative and be a staple in the community while building easy ways to connect and share your concerns. Shawn wants to leverage Zoom, regular town halls, live steams, newsletters, community events and regular polls to ensure that he is listening and representing the people he serves.
Community
If the lockdowns and restrictions of the last few years highlighted anything it is the importance of community and safe places. Many felt isolated and alone as communities and relationships were stress tested against the pandemic. Shawn believes now is the time to invest in safe places for our communities; not just the ones we live in but the ones that we participate in (biking, hiking, music, dance, church, exercise etc). He will look to promote community education, association, participation and collaboration as we find ways to come together and do better.
Medical
Shawn will support local clinics and healthcare screenings as well as the promotion of fitness, nutrition and mental health resources in our communities. He will be hosting daily walking or jogging groups across the district and will look to establish health fairs for all those making Kaneohe a healthier place for all. Shawn firmly believes that healthcare decisions are personal and should be made with people and doctors who provide individualized care and uphold strong medical ethics.
Finance
With concerning inflation and cost increases across the country there has never been more important to keep dollars in our local economies. We must look to invest in businesses and products that support local people and places that contribute to our city and state. Shawn will promote the establishment of employee owned businesses and local investment opportunities for people to assist in and hopefully profit from the success of local businesses. Additionally, Shawn will be supporting financial literacy classes and resources as well as blockchain/crypto/NFT education and investment that is local and community based.
The Mindset Means Everything
As we venture together and invest in our communities we need to adopt an outward mindset. Understanding and respecting how our actions effect the people around us changes the way that we live. Bringing that same mindset to being a public servant and representative, Shawn will look to ensure that legislation and resolutions have a positive impact on the people he represents. To maintain accountability and communicate this intent Shawn created the PEOPLE FIRST Principles as the backbone for his mindset in office; to put people first.
PEOPLE FIRST Principles
P ower of government resides in the people;
“I admit that I am powerful and my voice matters in determining the control and direction of Hawai'i and its political representation.”
E verybody’s freedom matters;
“I am an important member the people, I respect the diverse people and practices of Hawai'i and declare my intent to put aside my differences so we can come together to build something great.”
O pen and transparent discourse shape our reality;
“I will not be afraid to have honest conversations or to agree to disagree in the pursuit of personal and societal growth.”
P eople and planet over profits and politics;
“I commit myself to the the best place and people on earth, and all my efforts in the movement will benefit the people of Hawai'i and our island home.”
L earn to listen, love and live together;
“I will challenge what I know/believe to better my understanding and ability to care for my community and the lives of those around me.”
E quality of opportunity produces better outcomes;
“I will provide for and support equal opportunities and access for the people of Hawai'i in their life, business and pursuit of happiness while understanding that outcomes will be different based on individual efforts, skills and connections.”
F amily is the foundation for the future;
“I will embody and protect the values of my family, which I am born or adopted into and I will attempt to understand and respect the sovereignty and values of other families that may look or act differently from mine.”
I nvest in your communities;
“I understand that the more I put into my communities the more I will get out of them and that servicing and supporting my community makes it stronger and better able to provide for the benefit of all members.”
R espect is the rarest commodity;
“I will do my best to give respect to others who choose freedom in their own way as allowed by the Hawai'i Constitution, while openly and collaboratively sharing my experience and perspective to gain the respect of others.”
S cience is a process of participation, observation and evaluation;
“I will participate as I can in the process of making things better in Hawai'i, this includes helping the movement, observing reactions, controlling biases and evaluating the best way to move forward, together.”
T rust is built on healthy relationships.
“I will do my best to create, foster and grow healthy relationships with the media, food, politics, medicine, finances and communities in my life and use them to support the people of Hawai'i for future generations.”