10.25.2022
"Conversation With the Candidates" on KHVH Radio
Jillian Anderson (R) and Adrian Tam (D) return for "part two" of their conversation, where they are provided the opportunity to converse at length about the topics of their choosing, including tourism, the Red Hill fuel leak, cost of living, housing, energy policy, and more!
10.18.2022
"Call the Candidates" on KHVH Radio
Want to hear Jillian answer questions alongside fellow State House District 24 candidate, Adrian Tam? Listen to "part one" of their lively conversation, hosted by KHVH Radio's Rick Hamada! Topics include their road to seeking office, approaches to addressing crime, views on HB1567 (No-Cash Bail), the Aloha Stadium Project, cost of living, homelessness, and more.
8.6.2022
Stand For Hawaii Radio Program on KHVH w/ Rick Hamada
Want to hear what Jillian thinks about some of our most pressing issues? Hear her speak with Rick Hamada, KHVH radio personality, and Lynn Finnegan, chairwoman of the Hawaii Republican Party, about crime, energy, state finances, taxation, tourism, & more!
8.5.2022
Thoughts on the Honolulu Star-Advertiser's Headline Article: "Efforts Ramp Up To Reduce Crime"
Subscribe to the Star-Advertiser? Read the Full Article Here:
Mahalo to the Honolulu Star-Advertiser for not only bringing light to Waikiki’s worsening crime problems, but making it front page news.
Living in a population-dense community that is lively just about 24/7, my neighbors and I have never been naive that becoming a victim or witness of crime is a possibility. Yet, what has been occuring in recent years, with jaw-dropping cases taking place in just the last few weeks, is certainly not normal nor acceptable. To hear gunshots ring out while in your bed, or learn of a sword attack at a store you frequent, or read of random violence taking place in broad daylight is more than enough to impact one’s sense of safety and cause lifestyle changes because of it. My neighbors and I must stay vigilant even amid a peaceful walk on our streets, while many are fearful to be out after dark. It is long overdue that the powers that be come together and enact common sense solutions that allow our law-abiding residents to reclaim their community.
Waikiki is a gem on the world stage, but it won’t be for long shall mental illness and substance abuse continue to abound. Or if those arrested for one crime are returned swiftly to the streets, allowing them to commit another.
I have spoken with our officers. They know the system is broken, yet they are compelled to follow along with it anyway. As a Legislator, I would listen to those on the ground. Our police officers. My neighbors. And even our repeat offenders, in order to determine the most impactful and feasible course of action.
We must make it clear that with crime comes punishment and with illness comes treatment. We need greater deterrence, by making our officers more visible and plentiful, as well as letting our rule-breakers know that their actions have consequences. For those with behavioral health issues, emergency medical services are not equipped to provide the long-term care necessary, while jails are not facilities meant for rehabilitation. Investment in diversion programs, where such individuals can be assessed and treated in a continuum of care, will make our streets safer, and provide help to those who need it prior to them making someone a victim.
Lastly, we must crack down on the great inflow of individuals arriving on our city streets by means of a one-way ticket. Our State may be playing by the rules, but others are not. We must stand up for ourselves and not allow our people to become burdened by the troubles other jurisdictions have chosen to wipe their hands clean of.
6.6.2022
Thoughts on the Honolulu Star-Advertiser's Headline Article: "Solutions Sought For Rise in Homeless in East Honolulu"
Subscribe to the Star-Advertiser? Read the Full Article Here:
For as long as I have lived in Waikiki, homelessness has been a continuous concern. Though in recent years, I have witnessed the problem get worse in size and scope, as confirmed by today’s headline article from the Star Advertiser -- “Solutions sought for rise in homeless in East Honolulu”.
Past and present leadership has time and again brought light to the obvious crisis and promised remedies. Yet, I am concerned the cycle is set to continue with our leaders’ most recent ideas. Essentially, the plan to end homelessness is plain and simple – make more homes. Specifically concerning Waikiki, State lawmakers have urged the city to purchase 19 undeveloped properties, located on Liliuokalani Avenue, Mountain View Drive, and Tusitala, Cleghorn, and Kapili streets, which once acquired, would provide the opportunity of building more affordable housing.
With our current affordability crisis, I agree that affordable housing is a preeminent concern. Though, this need extends beyond our homeless population. From young professionals to retired kupuna, home ownership, and even stable rentals, is becoming a luxury rather than a right.
When seeking ways to reduce the number of homeless individuals, of which 24% of Oahu’s unsheltered homeless population lives in East Honolulu, including Waikiki, we will only achieve long-term success if we tackle the issue top-to-bottom, rather than just focusing on the end goal.
First, we must put more resources into treatment for issues that plague our homeless population, from mental health to drug and alcohol abuse. Without being sound of mind or free from addiction, the responsibility that comes with the need to earn enough money to cover the rent or mortgage of even an affordable housing unit will be a struggle, and likely cause a return to the streets.
Secondly, we need to invest more in transitionary services. More shelters should be opened, not closed. Job placement for those who have fallen on hard times should be readily accessible, as well as educational opportunities like trade schools. Food security and medical services too should be obtainable, as to reduce the connection the lack of these fundamentals is creating when it comes to a rise in crime, particularly theft.
Only with these foundations in place is the creation of more affordable housing then an effective solution.
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In conjunction with these initiatives, we must take a serious look at the origins of our homeless population. Other states need to be held accountable shall they be found shifting the burden to our already strained social services. Our streets cannot be the destination of a one-way ticket, and should this be the case, we need to make stronger efforts to return affected individuals to the place from which they came.
I commend the compassion of our leaders, but it only takes a short stroll or car ride to see where it is taking us. It is time for an integrated process that emphasizes follow-through, rather than piecemeal initiatives. With such an approach, our most disadvantaged citizens, as well as the communities in which they reside, will finally be provided a path forward, free of homelessness and its many related concerns.