For Immediate Release
April 8, 2019
Media Contact
Jacob Aki
808-230-9071

(Kalihi, Oʻahu) –Native Hawaiian leader Jacob Aki announced his candidacy today for the Honolulu City Council – District VII seat in the 2020 election. The seat, now held by term-limited Councilmember Joey Manahan, encompasses Kalihi, ʻlwilei, Kalihi Kai, Māpunapuna, Salt Lake, Āliamanu, Hickam, Foster Village, Ford Island, and Sand Island.

Aki, a lifelong Kalihi resident and Chief of Staff to State Senate Majority Leader J. Kalani English made the announcement today in an email to supporters. He says that his campaign will be about addressing the needs of the district and advocating for responsible development along the rail corridor.

“With the expected completion of rail and the proposed development of the transient-oriented (TOD) communities in Kalihi and the Airport area, the next eight years will be a crucial time for our district,” said Aki. “Growth along the rail line is inevitable. We need to ensure that any proposed development projects are done responsibly and that they go through the proper consultation process with residents and the community.”

His campaign platform will also focus on affordable housing, homelessness, decreasing crime and improving infrastructure throughout the district.

“I’m choosing to begin this campaign early because I really want to take the time to listen and learn more about what is going on in other parts of this very diverse council district, “said Aki. “I am excited to go out into the district to learn more about the issues that are important to the residents and their families.”

Jacob currently serves as the President of Hale O Nā Aliʻi O Hawaiʻi – Hālau ʻO Wahīikaʻahuʻula, Vice President of the Oʻahu Council of the Association of Hawaiian Civic Club and is a member of the Kalihi-Pālama Neighborhood Board. He was also the youngest participant at the ʻAha 2016: Native Hawaiian Governance Convention.

For more information, visit https://www.jacobaki.com.