Dr. Holeka Goro Inaba presently serves as the representative for District 8 (North Kona) on the Hawaiʻi County Council. Born and raised in Kaloko, Kona, Dr. Inaba's roots trace back to a family legacy in Hōlualoa, where his 'ohana managed the renowned Kona Hotel for nearly a century. His mother, Kawehi Inaba, is a longtime Kona resident and the founder of Mokulele Airlines, Kona's hometown airline.

Dr. Inaba attended Ke Kula ʻo ʻEhunuikaimalino in Kona before graduating from Kamehameha Schools Kapālama High School. His academic journey includes a B.A. in Integrated Educational Studies and Communication Studies from Chapman University, a Master's degree in Health and Strategic Communication, and a Doctorate degree in Educational Leadership.

Before assuming his role on the Hawaiʻi County Council, Dr. Inaba worked as a donor relations assistant and instructor in business and professional communication at Chapman University. Beyond his council responsibilities, he remains engaged in the education sector, contributing to the education of keiki at Kamehameha Schools and the Department of Education. Dr. Inaba is also actively involved in community service as the Vice President of the Board of Directors for Kāhuli Leo Leʻa and as a member of the Board of Directors for Aliʻi Health Center.

Grounded in his Native Hawaiian heritage and upbringing in Kona, Dr. Inaba adopts a grassroots leadership style, emphasizing transparency and ethical governance in his advocacy efforts.

PLATFORM

  • Food Production

    Supports responsible and sustainable food production initiatives that increase Hawai’i’s food sovereignty and independence.

  • Parks and Recreation

    Supports increasing financial support for county parks and recreation facilities as well as continued progress on the development of the Kealakehe Regional Park.

  • Tourism

    Supports efforts that ensure respectful behaviors by visitors to our islands while working to reduce Hawaiʻi’s reliance on tourism sector jobs.

  • First Responders

    Supports the allocation of resources to sustain police, fire, and medical facilities and services.

  • Environmental Management

    Supports the improvement of Kealakehe Wastewater Treatment Plant’s conversion to R1 reusable water status.

    Supports measures to reduce food waste in household refuse while increasing mulching and composting initiatives on island.

  • Affordable Housing

    Supports inclusionary zoning that requires developers of market-rate housing to develop affordable housing units for sale and rent to local residents.

  • Development

    Supports efforts to fast-track responsible development while verifying the need and appropriateness of all projects.

  • Energy

    Supports continued efforts to meet Hawaiʻis 2045 goal for 100% clean energy.

  • Infrastructure

    Advocates for timely planning, implementation, and completion of public projects while ensuring the upkeep of existing infrastructure.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

  • Ensuring responsible nominations and representation on various County boards and commissions

  • Bridging government and education to include our local high school students in government affairs

  • Holding developers accountable to their promises that will benefit the community at large

  • Providing land use education courses focused on civic engagement and planning

  • Establishing the Hāweo Award to recognize exemplary members of the Hawaiʻi Fire Department and Hawaiʻi Police Department

  • Continuing advocacy for West Hawaiʻi roads and infrastructure with the County administration

  • Introducing legislation that supports action at the legislature that ensures truthful labeling of coffee products in the state (Council Resolution 223-21)

  • Supporting various events and programs at the West Hawaiʻi Veterans Cemetery

Register to Vote: Council District 8

 

Council District 8 runs from the Waikoloa Resort area south along the Kona coast to Honokōhau Harbor. It extends east to the Pohakuloa Training Area boundary. District 8 also includes the North portion of Kailua View Estates, Malulani Gardens, Hualālai Farms, Keōpū Mauka, Laʻi ʻŌpua, Honokōhau, Kealakehe, Kaloko, Kohanaiki, Kalaoa, Keāhole, Mākālei, Makalawena, and Puʻuanahulu.

Make a donation.

Every donation is greatly appreciated in this journey to continue serving our community. Please use the form below or if you prefer, checks can be written to “Friends of Holeka Inaba” and mailed to P.O. Box 830 Hōlualoa, HI 96725. Mahalo a nui loa for your kākoʻo (support).

 
 

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