FRESH LEADERSHIP.
PROVEN RESULTS.
PRACTICAL SOLUTIONS
FOR CENTRAL OAHU.
HAWAIʻI STATE SENATE | SENATE 18
A dedicated working mom, hospitality leader, and Kamehameha Schools alumni
standing up for lower costs, quality schools, and a thriving local economy.
M I L I L A N I T O W N · W A I P I ʻ O G E N T R Y · C R E S T V I E W · W A I K E L E · W A I P A H U · V I L L A G E P A R K · R O Y A L K U N A
Aloha and welcome!
Central Oahu is more than just a district on a map—it is our home. It’s where we raise our children, support our local businesses, and build our futures. But today, too many working families are facing high costs, strained school resources, and long commutes.
As a private-sector leader, local mother, and lifelong member of our community,
I’m running for State Senate District 18 to bring common-sense solutions and fresh energy to the State Capitol. I believe in building on the strong educational foundations laid before us while delivering real economic relief and local jobs for our community.
I’m asking for your vote on November 3rd so we can work together to keep Hawaii affordable and strong.
W A R M E S T A L O H A.
KELLY KITASHIMA
Candidate for State Senate District 18
A B O U T K E L L Y
Kelly Kitashima is a Native Hawaiian, born and raised on Oahu with a deep connection and stewardship to Aloha ʻĀina—caring for our land, values, and community. A proud graduate of Kamehameha Schools Kapālama, Kelly went on to pursue higher education at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, earning her degree in Hotel Management while attending on a cheer scholarship.
BORN, RAISED & ROOTED IN HAWAII
Proven Private-Sector Leadership
Unlike career political insiders, Kelly brings over 24 years of hands-on business and hospitality experience to the table. As a General Manager and Director of Sales & Marketing, she has managed multi-million-dollar budgets, led teams of over 80 employees, and driven economic growth across Hawaii's primary industry.
Cost Management & Budgeting: Successfully reduced operational expenses by 15% ($2.2M)through efficient vendor negotiations, energy management, and smart labor scheduling.
Job Creation & Workforce Growth: Developed leadership programs that mentored staff,increased employee retention, and created localized jobs.
Sustainable Operations: Led pre-opening operations for sustainable resort projects, balancingeconomic success with environmental stewardship.
Community Service & Family Life
Kelly is a devoted working mother who understands the daily challenges Central Oahu familiesexperience. Her passion for service extends well beyond her professional career:
Board President, Uluaʻe Learning Center
Vice President, Women Speaking Out (anti-human trafficking advocacy)
Former Co-Chair, Women in Lodging (HLTA)
Licensed Hawaii Real Estate Agent & Certified HI Substitute Teacher
HONORS
Pacific Business News Pineapple Award Honoree (2021)
Pacific Edge Magazine Hospitality Leadership Recipient (2019)
Mrs. Hawaii USA (2016)
K E Y P R O P E R T I E S & P L A T F O R M
OUR THREE PILLARS
01
S U P P O R T T E A C H E R S & K I D S
EDUCATION QUALITY & TEACHER SUPPORT
Education is the backbone of a thriving community. Central Oahu has a proud legacy of educational innovation, including pioneering teacher housing and fighting for long-overdue teacher pay increases.
Kelly is committed to protecting and building upon these achievements, not starting over.
Empower Classrooms & Teachers
Ensure state funding reaches the classroom directly, equipping educators with the resources, competitive compensation, and modern facilities they need to succeed.
Expand Teacher Housing & Retention
Support initiatives that make living affordable for local educators so we can retain Hawaii's talent.
Certified Classroom Perspective
As a certified substitute teacher in the Hawaii Department of Education system, Kelly understands firsth and the challenges faced by local schools, students, and teachers.
02
P A T H W A Y O P P O R T U N I T I E S
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT & CAREER READINESS
Preparing our keiki and local workers for high-paying, sustainable careers in Hawaii is essential to stopping the exodus of local families.
Vocational & Trade Pathways
Expand vocational, technical, and trade training programs in local high schools and community colleges.
Cross-Sector Partnerships
Connect local businesses with educational institutions to create clear apprenticeship-to-employment pipelines in fields like hospitality, trades, technology, and health care.
Leadership Development
Bring proven mentorship models from the private sector into public career programs to empower the next generation of local leaders.
03
E A S E H A W A I I ʻ S H I G H C O S T
LOCAL JOBS & COST OF LIVING RELIEF
As a working mom and business leader, Kelly understands the financial strain caused by inflation, hightaxes, and housing costs. Hawaii needs leaders who know how to manage budgets, cut waste, and foster economic growth.
Lowering the Cost of Living
Focus on practical economic policies that relieve the burden on working families and middle-class households.
Supporting Small Businesses
Streamline state regulations and lower barriers for local entrepreneurs and small businesses, the primary drivers of local jobs.
Fiscal Responsibility
Apply private-sector financial accountability to government spending, ensuring taxpayer dollars are spentefficiently and transparently.
G E T I N V O L V E D
JOIN THE MOVEMENT
Change in Central Oahu starts with neighbors standing together. Whether you can host a yardsign, knock on doors, or make a contribution, your help makes a real difference.
DISPLAY A YARD SIGN
Show your support in Mililani, Waipiʻo, Waikele, Royal Kunia, or Waipahu!
VOLUNTEER
Help us connect with voters through sign waving, phone banking, or canvassing neighborhoods.
HOST A MEET & GREET
Bring neighbors together for a conversation with Kelly.
DONATE
Contributions stay right here in District 18 to power our grassroots outreach.