ABOUT ME

Keani Rawlins-Fernandez

WHO I AM

I was born and raised on Molokai, and grew up in a family intimately connected to our 'āina. This connection instilled in me the importance of the reciprocal relationship reflected in the proverb, "He ali'i ka 'āina; he kauwa ke kanaka," or "the land is chief, people its servants."

I am honored to serve the people and ‘āina of Molokai, Maui, Lāna‘i, and Kaho‘olawe on the Maui County Council. I am working to ensure that our community’s voice is put at the center of decision-making, that our ‘āina is protected, and that our people are cared for.

I have made it my life's work to protect and serve our islands, our community and our culture here in Hawai'i. Along with being a steward for our 'āina, I am also the proud mother of two beauiful, kind and intelligent children my son I’a and my daughter Kaikena, whom I had with my loving husband Makena Fernandez.

A THRIVING CAREER

I work hard to support initiatives that prioritize environmental protection, education, food sustainability, affordable housing, and smart development. I believe these policy efforts are important, as we see our families struggling to make ends meet at a time when Hawai'i is ranked at the top for the highest cost of living.

MISSION STATEMENT

My mission is to advance far-sighted, progressive policies to ensure that our precious families are not priced out of Hawai‘i and that our environment is protected for future generations, as our kūpuna did before us. I will use my position to invest in education, affordable housing, and the local economy, in order to keep Maui County a place where the next generation can create a vibrant future for us all.