Kirstin Kahaloa

American politician

Kirstin Kahaloa
Kahaloa in 2024

Member of the Hawaii House of Representatives from the 6th district
Incumbent
Assumed office November 8, 2022
Preceded by	Redistricted

Personal details
Born	1982 or 1983 (age 40–41)^[1]
Nationality	American
Political party	Democratic
Children	1
Residence(s)	Holualoa, Hawaii Island
Alma mater	University of Evansville Webster University
Website	kahaloaforkona.com

Kirstin Kahaloa is an American politician serving in the Hawaii House of Representatives for the 6th district (Honaunau, Captain Cook, Kealakekua, Keauhou, Holualoa, Kailua-Kona). She won the seat in the 2022 election against Republican opponent Jonathan Kennealy, as part of the largest freshman class in the House in decades.^[2]

Early life and education

Kahaloa was born and raised on Hawaii Island and graduated from Kamehameha Schools in 2001.

Career

Kahaloa worked as executive director of the Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce, legislative aide to Senator Dru Kanuha, community engagement lead for the Blue Zones Project, portfolio manager - sustainable industry development for Kamehameha Schools, and most recently as director of programs and partnerships for the 'Iole Global Resiliency Hub.^[3]^[4]

Hawaii House of Representatives

Kahaloa's priorities including improving access to health care and advocating for agricultural needs.^[5]

During the 32nd Hawaii State Legislature, she worked with Senator Dru Kanuha and Representative Nicole Lowen to prioritize over $18 million in funding for upgrades to the Kona Community Hospital.^[6] Kahaloa also introduced an agricultural labeling bill to protect macadamia nut farmers; the bill was approved by the legislature.^[7]

References

^ "Candidate Q&A: State House District 6 — Kirstin Kahaloa". Honolulu Civil Beat. 6 September 2022. Retrieved 7 November 2023.
^ "Candidate Q&A: State House District 6 — Kirstin Kahaloa". Honolulu Civil Beat. 2024-07-19. Retrieved 2024-08-05.
^ "Experience". Kirstin for Kahaloa. Retrieved 26 June 2023.
^ Laura Ruminski (January 1, 2019). "Project volunteers clean up trash, park in Hanalo". Hawaii Tribune-Herald. Retrieved 2024-08-05.
^ "Meet some of the fresh faces at the Hawaiʻi State Legislature". Hawaiʻi Public Radio. 2023-01-17. Retrieved 2024-08-05.
^ "Hawaiʻi Island lawmakers secure funding for Kona Community Hospital infrastructure upgrades". Big Island Now. Retrieved 2024-08-05.
^ "Lawmakers approve measure to enforce transparency within macadamia nut industry". Hawaiʻi Public Radio. 2024-05-15. Retrieved 2024-08-05.