Kamala Harris appears likely to run for California governor in 2026. Thoughts, anyone? I'm curious to know what people think she'd be like following Gavin as leader of the world's fourth-largest economy at this moment in history. #KamalaHarris
Thank you, mom. For all the care and guiding light that has uplifted my journey, I am at a loss for words. You are a living miracle whose love has championed so many dreams, and not only my own. Mahalo for all of it. #MothersDay
Hungry children can't learn. Mahalo to the four county council members–one from each county!–who sponsored this editorial in support of free school meals. Amidst so much economic uncertainty, let's take action to guarantee food security for Hawai'i's children.
Let’s keep championing a society that replaces trauma with a pathway toward hope for all! (4/4)
The nonprofit I founded, Imua Alliance, is two for two this year, with its civil liabilities bill being passed in early April. 2025 has been a huge year for strengthening Hawaiʻi’s policies for survivor justice. (3/4)
This is a huge win in our state’s fight against sexual slavery. Now, survivors who report their exploitation to first responders won’t be held responsible for the harm they’ve endured. (2/4)
VICTORY! Yesterday, House and Senate conferees passed SB 292, which grants safe harbor protections to survivors of exploitation. (1/4)
I will keep running toward personal restoration and self-awareness. I will keep believing in my own healing. I will keep cultivating deep connection. I will keep leaning into authenticity. I’m pouring out myself. I’d give it all for the view. The mountain is you. (5/5)
I see it, but I refuse to accept it. I will fight back, just by centering my humanity. To borrow from the singer Chance Peña, “Heart and my hands don’t fail me now; won’t let the weight of my fear go and knock me down.” (4/5)
The rage that attacked me then is the same scourge that is spreading fear throughout our society today. It’s the same misogyny, greed, and lust for terror. (3/5)
Over the next six months, I received more than 1,000 texts and emails with hateful statements like that, wishing violence upon me and shaming me for being an outspoken survivor. It pained me greatly. But it didn’t break me. (2/5)
The mountain is you. Five years ago last week, I received the following text message: “It’s too bad your rapists didn’t kill you. I hope COVID finishes the job.” (1/5)
I love seeing our youth take control of the conversations Imua Alliance launched when I founded the group so many years ago. As is often the case, we should follow the kids' lead and provide hope to those who need it most. (3/3)
Hawai'i can change that. HB 111 would authorize civil claims against businesses, as well as their owners and operators, that turn a blind eye to sex trafficking that happens on their premises. (2/3)
Survivors deserve justice. As Imua Alliance’s Youth Justice Advocate Amy Zhao explains, local businesses, like hotels and fake massage parlors, are able to profit from exploitation without facing any serious consequences. (1/3)
Let’s unite to end exploitation! This week, Imua Alliance’s Youth Justice Advocate, Amy Zhao, joined KITV’s Island Life HI to talk about efforts to pass anti-trafficking legislation in 2025. Imua is championing prevention education, care for victims, and financial justice for survivors. #Hawaii
I’m focused on intentional living and deep connection, not the madness of perpetual productivity. It’s about purpose, not pressure, and making plenty of room for passion and play. I mean, come on? Who doesn’t love a good pickle? (2/2)
My pickle ball game will be so ill, it’ll be DILL. As I continue stepping into this year, I’m allowing myself the space for more fun and fulfillment. New hobbies. Now joys. New opportunities for growth and personal exploration. (1/2)
So that’s why I love holding hands so much. That’s the power it wields for me. That’s the magic it brings. It’s a way of saying, “I love you. You’re safe with me. I am here. No matter what happens, I won’t let go.” (4/4)
Today, when someone holds my hand, it gives me a feeling of complete safety. It undoes the damage left by my assault. It heals the wounds. It’s like someone is finally there, erasing the pain and turmoil of the moment when I felt most violently broken, degraded, alone. (3/4)
In the ensuing years, I’ve developed a pattern. When I feel triggered, I clutch my hand repeatedly, opening and closing it like I’m trying to grab on to something. It’s a manifestation of my attempt to physically and emotionally reach out for help during my assault. (2/4)
I love holding hands. Now, I know why. When talking with my therapist recently, we went through some of the details of my assault. At one point during the attack, I reached out without thinking, out of instinct, as if I was trying to grasp someone’s hand for support. (1/4)
Even Kaneohe isn't spared the Hawaiian style New Year's. No one celebrates the new year like we do. As much as I understand the efforts to crack down on illegal fireworks, this really is quite the local tradition. May 2025 be a year of connection and joy. #NewYear2025
Five years ago today, I came forward as a survivor of sexual assault. I’ve worn many faces throughout my healing journey, as you can see in these images. Yet, I've learned that restoration is possible. Empathy exists. Let’s keep fighting for a world that mends survivors' wounds with limitless hope.
Don’t silence the voice of your inner child. Validate their fears and their feelings, and allow them to guide your journey toward self-awareness and restoration. (3/3)
Instead of judging ourselves for being “weak,” we should take time to recognize these spaces of unresolved trauma, which shows where healing needs to happen. (2/3)
Let your inner child speak. Decades of research has shown that the wounds of our childhood form the insecurities and attachment styles we carry with us today. (1/3)
