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Summary & Transcript Below…
UP CLOSE & PERSONAL 2010 – Jason Schwartz has a conversation with Johanna AMORIN, candidate for State House of representatives District 11 from Kihei, Wailea, Makena 9-2-2010
[00:09 → 02:41]
Opening Message and Theme: Unlocking Hope and Making a Change
[02:41 → 04:32]
A woman wearing a lei speaks outdoors at Maui Neutral Zone, promoting environmental conservation and nature preservation in Hawaii.
Introduction of Johanna Amorin and Her Candidacy
The host welcomes Johanna Amorin, clarifying her identity and explaining her name’s origin. Johanna shares her background as a long-time resident of South Maui since 1973 and her deep community involvement over approximately 40 years. She announces her candidacy for the South Maui District 11 seat in the Hawaii State House of Representatives, representing areas including Kihei, Wailea, and McKenna. The segment clarifies voter eligibility and situates her campaign within the local political landscape. Johanna’s history of community service and commitment to the region forms the foundation for her political aspirations.
[04:32 → 06:44]
Motivation and Experience Behind Running for Office
Johanna recounts her previous political experience, notably her 2004 campaign for council, where she placed third amid a crowded field. Despite deciding not to run again then, she felt a persistent need to contribute more significantly to her community. Honored as one of Maui’s most notable women for her dedication to giving, culture, and business, she now aims to elevate her impact by seeking a legislative role. As a business owner, she understands the economic hardships faced locally, emphasizing employment challenges and the importance of applying her skills, aloha spirit, and passion to serve the community better. Her decision to run is rooted in decades of civic engagement and a desire to address pressing economic and social issues.
[06:44 → 08:52]
Boards, Advocacy, and Community Involvement
Johanna elaborates on her extensive involvement with multiple boards and organizations focusing on health, youth, business, and women’s issues. She is a board member of A’lo House (supporting youth and family services), Hui No Ke Ola Pono (health and wellness), the Maui Native Hawaiian Chamber of Commerce (business and culture), and Soroptimist International (focused on women and girls). Her roles have enabled her to advocate effectively for diverse community needs and gain insight into systemic challenges. Johanna envisions using her legislative platform to further these advocacy efforts, aiming to be the people’s voice at the state level. She stresses the importance of collaboration and community input in her campaign.
[08:52 → 12:19]
Addressing Social Service Challenges and Homelessness
The conversation turns toward the pressing social issues facing Maui, particularly homelessness and diminished social services due to budget cuts. Johanna acknowledges the heartbreaking stories of families losing homes to foreclosure, with limited resources and long waiting lists for housing. She highlights the complexities of social service delivery, noting that many do not fit neatly into program categories, which results in gaps in assistance. Emphasizing the importance of awareness, she encourages people to seek out services available at centers like the Cameron Center and to leverage community networks for support. Johanna’s perspective reflects a deep understanding of how economic hardship pushes people to survival strategies and underscores the urgency of finding solutions despite financial constraints.
[12:19 → 15:47]
Personal Background and Vision for Smart Growth
Johanna shares her personal history as a Kama’aina of O’ahu from a large family that once lived in low-income housing, describing those early years as formative and positive despite limited means. She connects this experience to her current understanding of community development and planning, emphasizing the inevitability of growth but advocating for “smart development” that balances safety, education, and senior needs. Her priorities are comprehensive and holistic, focusing on finding solutions that address multiple community challenges simultaneously. She stresses the need for creative, energetic leaders with strong family values to navigate these complexities.
[15:47 → 18:40]
Family Life and Continued Community Service
Johanna highlights her role as a mother of three and grandmother of five, all of whom live in Maui and share a love for the land. Her husband’s deep local roots further ground her commitment to the island community. She recounts her extensive volunteerism as a team mother and senior volunteer, emphasizing a lifetime of giving back. Despite encouragement to retire and enjoy life, Johanna’s passion for people and service motivates her ongoing activism. She calls on voters to be discerning in their choices during the upcoming election, stressing the importance of electing candidates with heart and soul in challenging times.
[18:40 → 23:32]
Insights on Social Programs, Government, and Economic Challenges
The discussion deepens into systemic issues confronting the community, such as lack of resources and the complexity of addressing homelessness without sufficient funding. Johanna reflects on her experience on the Planning Commission and nonprofit boards, acknowledging the importance of collaboration and negotiation in public service. She describes the delicate balance needed to address economic decline, taxation, and the cost of living, which contribute to housing instability. Johanna suggests that nonprofit administration consolidation could reduce overhead costs and improve service delivery. She admits there are no easy answers but expresses a willingness to research and advocate for practical solutions, emphasizing the need to cut government spending wisely while maintaining essential services.
[23:32 → 25:37]
Personal Health, Energy, and Commitment to Service
The host asks Johanna how she maintains her energy and enthusiasm for public service. She credits regular physical activity, specifically jump roping, listening to medical advice, and the motivating presence of her sons and grandchildren. This segment highlights her vitality and personal discipline, reinforcing her capability to sustain the demanding work of political and community engagement. The lighthearted exchange about jump roping adds a relatable and humanizing touch to her profile.
[25:37 → 27:36]
Final Campaign Message and Community Call to Action
Johanna delivers a clear and concise campaign message, identifying herself as the candidate for State House District 11 and expressing her desire to advocate not only for South Maui but for Maui County, Hawaii, and the broader United States. She urges the community to vote on the upcoming primary date and to share information about her campaign widely. Emphasizing the importance of mutual help and compassion in difficult times, Johanna reflects on the notion that the quality of life is measured by love and giving, suggesting that future generations may look back on these challenges as moments of growth and solidarity.
[27:36 → 30:13]
Closing Affirmation and Reprise of Hope Theme
The interview concludes by revisiting the original themes of hope and change. The repeated chorus reiterates the necessity of unlocking hope to effect real transformation. The closing section serves as a hopeful and inspirational bookend, reinforcing the message that the collective will and action of the community are essential to overcoming adversity and building a better future.
Summary Overview:
This transcript centers around Johanna Amorin’s candidacy for the Hawaii State House representing South Maui, framed within a broader message of hope and community transformation. Johanna’s long-standing community involvement, business experience, and board memberships inform her understanding of the complex social and economic issues facing Maui, especially homelessness, economic decline, and the challenge of delivering social services amid budget constraints. She advocates for smart growth, collaboration, and pragmatic problem-solving, emphasizing the importance of compassionate leadership and community engagement. Throughout, the narrative is interwoven with calls to action, encouraging voters to participate in the democratic process and to support one another through difficult times. The hopeful tone and personal stories anchor the interview in authenticity and commitment to service.
00:09
The time has come to make a change The time has come to unlock a hope that lives In each and every one of us And we must do our part
00:28
We hold the visions God dreams of Our hands can heal the ones we love Let’s gather round and let us make a stand For you and me
00:45
Unlock the hope and there’s a better life Unlock the hope, there’ll be no turning back But nothing changes unless we unlock the hope The time has come to make a change
01:13
The time has come to unlock the hope that lives In each and every one of us And we must do our part We hold the visions God dreams of Our hands can heal the ones we love Let’s gather round and let us make a stand
01:42
For you and me Unlock the hope and there’s a better life Unlock the hope, there’ll be no turning back But nothing changes unless we unlock the hope But nothing changes unless we unlock the hope
02:12
But nothing changes. Unless we unlock the hole. Unless we unlock the hole. Aloha.
02:41
Welcome to another Up Close and Personal 2010. Many of you know Johanna Amorin. Is that right, Johanna Amorin? That is correct. In fact, my name is Johanna. Shin is my maiden name. Amorin is my married name. Wow. Okay, now I understand.
03:06
Johanna is running for the South Maui District 11 seat of the State House of Representatives here in Hawaii. Is that right? Yes, I am, most certainly. I’ve been in South Maui since 1973. And in 1974, I had my first son. Then I started to get involved with community. I did the March of Dimes, and it’s been a period of many years. In fact, 40 years.
03:36
maybe a few years before then, getting involved. And so today, I am running for this office. State House of Representatives for South Maui. And anyone who lives in Kihei may vote for me. Now, this is a little different than a council race. This is a district. This is Kihei and Wailea and McKenna, right? So if you’re in South Maui,
04:05
You can vote for Johanna Amorin. If you see her on the ballot, you can vote for her. If you don’t see her on the ballot, you’re probably not in her district. But you can recognize a wonderful person. What made you decide that you wanted to run? I know you ran for council around back there when we had all those candidates in South Maui when Wayne Nishiki was on a bye. I don’t know what we call that. I guess he wasn’t. He had done five terms and now he was
04:32
out, and he couldn’t come back, so there were people. You were in that race, but what made you decide to go at this race this time? Well, you know, it’s being involved with the community all of these years, and like Jason had just mentioned, in 2004, and being a resident of South Maui for a long time, being in business, and also being on the Planning Commission to understand
04:59
growth and development in my area. I thought it was a good chance for me to come out and try to do more for my community. It was the biggest race then in 2004, actually. Eight of us. I came in third. Then I said, okay, I’ve tried my best and I’m not going to run again. And lo and behold, look at me. This is 2010 and I still see a need.
05:25
You know, I’ve just loved being involved with my community all of these years. In fact, this year I was selected as one of Maui’s most notable women of giving of myself, my business, contributions, the culture, all of that. And I thought, well, you know, if I’m doing so much for my community, let me take it.
05:48
to another level. And so then I’ve decided, okay, let me try the State House of Representatives and try to make a difference. As a business owner, we’re faced with a lot of demise right now. Our economy is down. My business is all about employment. It’s finding work for our people. And as a business owner too, I can understand what’s happening out there.
06:17
You know, I’ve walked in my area and I hear the devastation and I want to help. I certainly want to try at this level, using my background, using my skills, using the aloha spirit that I have and the passion that just brings me to wanting to help my community. You know, it’s amazing the people along the way that I met.
06:44
just running this race that I’m doing. So anyway, I’m glad to be part of it. Now, I guess you’d say, I think of myself as quasi-running. I don’t know what that means. That means my ideas are running. So someone compared me, they said, funny, you’re sort of like Merlin.
07:12
was to the king. You just keep advising them, but you don’t want to sit in the seat. But to sit in the seat at the House of Representatives, because with your ideas, it’s clear that you can use these ideas in any way now. Do you feel that being in the House of Representatives will somehow enhance your ability to be able to help?
07:32
Yes, I believe I’m a good speaker. I want to be the advocate for the people. I’ve certainly been involved in so many areas. Right now, I sit on four boards. I’m on A’lo House, which under the umbrella also is Maui Youth and Family Services, and also Maulama Recovery. I’m on the board with the Hui No Ke O La Pono, which is all about health and wellness. I’m on the board with the Maui Native Hawaiian Chamber of Commerce.
08:01
It’s all about business and networking and our culture. And then I’m also with the Seroptimus International and it’s all about women and girls. So I’m out there. You know, I’ve been an asset and an advocate in everything that I do. I’ve certainly…
08:21
tried to make a difference of being on the boards, and I’ve gotten to be on several committees that’s actually made a difference. I believe in the people. I believe in what I’m doing. And I will take this to the legislature. Hopefully, September 18th, I need to get a primary win, and so I look upon all of you. Let’s make a difference together. Any of you that use the
08:52
And even those of you that aren’t from South Maui, it’s important, I think, to realize that Johanna has been busy and active. So you were on all those boards. Do you feel that being on a board has been, what’s the word? Sometimes people are coming up to me now, you know, in this time and saying, help, I’ve gone to Aloha House, I’ve gone to, you know, Malama Ikepono, I’ve gone to Access.
09:21
And the budgets are cut back. And I always wonder, as a board member, how do you address some of these lacks? I mean, now, in the legislature, you’re going to have the same kind of issues. Like, look, if we had the money, we’d solve all your problems. But we don’t have the money. Do you have any thoughts on what we can do socially? Because this is a, what do they say, one of the most demanding and challenging times, I think, many of us have ever faced.
09:49
You know, as far as government and having these nonprofits and nonprofits is actually the heart of the people to put out the services and they’re there for
10:01
great purposes and being on these boards I’ve learned so much and I’ve become an advocate actually to the people having learned from all of these organizations I’m involved with. I’m also involved with Maui United Way for about five years and two of those years I’ve been on the chair and taking out the panel to assess the needs of the non-profits and we’ve got
10:31
I’ve gotten really great results, you know? And my learning about the services that are out there. You know, our homeless certainly needs our help right now. It’s all about the families. It’s about them not having a choice to make. What do we do with those people? I mean, I can give you specific people that have lost their home in foreclosure, only have little money left,
10:57
don’t have jobs, don’t have a place to be, go to some of these services, and the services say, you don’t fit exactly in the category. We had to cut back. I’m just wondering what we can do. I mean, as a board member, you just try to do the best you can. I was asking the mayor the same thing. It’s time to figure out what are we going to do now, with or without money? How can we actually help some of the people? I mean, I could be one of them.
11:27
like most, a paycheck away from the challenge. And I don’t even have a paycheck, so you can’t send money, but you can send your love. That I appreciate. Well, actually, I feel that there’s a lot of people out there who don’t know about these services that’s available. So, you know, I would encourage you. You have families that’s destitute right now.
11:50
Let them know to call, for instance, Cameron Center. It houses many organizations. Find out where the services are for them. See, hey, where I live, we have and they do meals. No one never refuses people in need. There’s always something out there. Where do they sleep? I mean, I know it sounds funny. I know people that have gone to these services.
12:19
And they have a year waiting list for housing. They have no money, nowhere to live, no jobs. They can’t stay at the parks because they closed down. So they’re almost like a moving, unknown, growing group of people that are falling through the cracks. I mean, that’s my biggest concern on what we can do without money. You know, Jason, you’re absolutely correct.
12:48
There are people who are destitute out there, and they’re living by paycheck to paycheck. And they’re homeless because they can’t afford their rent. But you know, some of them, they have food stamps, and they’re trying the best, the way they know how. If the law is saying that, hey, they need to move here and then come back later, they’re doing it. It’s all about survival.
13:17
But, you know, for me to get into government and try to find resolutions to these things, there’s always an answer. I’m a businesswoman, and, you know, I’m still above water. Because it takes a lot of hard work, but it takes working with your customers, knowing your clients’ needs, negotiating with them, trying to find a balance. And so that’s what I want to take to the legislature, to find balances, to seek resolutions for all of these.
13:47
You know, I come from a very… My family. I’m a Kama’aina of O’ahu, and I come from a family of seven girls. And at one time, I come from low-income housing, all the way up till nine years old. And that was the best. That was the best life I had as a child growing up
14:17
in low income and having the facilities right there. Me and my sisters, four of us, sleeping in one little bedroom. We had a two-bedroom house, but we made it work. We had the basics. And, you know, right now, development is going back.
14:38
to communities, to bike paths. It’s a changing society today. And you know, we just have to find better answers to the needs of our community. And that’s what I’m there to see. And having some background with the Planning Commission and understanding what is growth and development? Can we stop growth? No.
15:03
Now we need to seek always smart development. And out there, people ask me, you know, what is your priority? Is it safety? Is it education? Is it seniors? All of those are important. All of them. But to seek solutions to all of the
15:29
All of the problems that we have is what it takes. It takes good people. It takes people that’s full of energy with ideas, being creative. I come from a family and strong family values.
15:47
I’m a mother of three children, three sons. I have five grandchildren. They pretty much all live here in Maui. They love the aina. My husband is, so many generations, a local boy coming from Paia. But again, I’ve been in South Maui since 1973.
16:10
I’ve been a team mother. You know, I’ve been in the schools giving of myself when the children were young. I’m a volunteer. In fact, also this year, I was very privileged to be nominated as senior volunteer. And it’s all about everybody doing their share. And I’m one of many of you out there. You’re also doing your share. But you know,
16:41
I have the energy and I want to do this. People say, Johanna, you should go and take a vacation and enjoy your life. You certainly have worked hard. But you know, I love people. That’s what I do what I do. And I look upon you to get to know me, to see where I come from. And be judge and jury, if you may, to understand we need good candidates today. We need someone with soul and heart.
17:11
And so be very selective in who you choose. This is going to be a very interesting election year. And you know, people, you’re going to make the difference this time. But anyway, I’m just really happy to be on the ballot for South Maui. And we’ll see. I’m going to probably sound a little like a broken record because I’m trying to get an understanding.
17:41
You’re now in the seat and I’m homeless and I’ve been going to these agencies and I can’t get any help. And I say, I’m going to complain to the board. So you’re on the board. How can we get, what are we going to do now that we don’t have, my biggest concern is that we don’t have the resources. Some of you that don’t have places to live, you won’t have to vote because you don’t have an address.
18:11
So people fall through the cracks. My concern is I know people that are very close to me that their lives have been devastated. You talk about you had kids, you were a kid and you grew up with three of you and it was okay. These people have houses, hundreds of thousands of dollars in the bank and in equity in their property and now this world has all changed for them. So I’m not really sure what to say. I’m looking more to understand
18:40
You know, what kind of social programs… Because of your background, I’m trying to think of… It’s interesting because you also were on the Planning Commission. These aren’t cookie-cutter answers. I know that you don’t go into a seat having all the answers. These are world problems. If we had these problems, if we knew the answers, we’d all be done. But I’m reaching out, looking for your thoughts on what we can do, because I know that in the legislature,
19:10
I had a conversation right over there with Joe Souki. He was talking about that you can have an idea, but it’s a matter of aligning with others and give and take. So with your experience on the boards, I’m thinking you’ve had a lot of experience with give and take. When you didn’t have the have, what do the agencies do to be able to
19:37
serve the people. Like you say, I know you’re a people person. What are you thinking? I’m not looking for an answer of, oh, I think we should do this and this, but if you have any thoughts, I’m really looking for your wisdom to be able to get a feeling for what you think we can do. I often turn to the camera and I say, most of you are not elected officials. You’re just regular people. So when you see someone that’s hurting,
20:05
Be compassionate and give. Because these agencies don’t have enough resources. And people are falling through the cracks. So it’s only us that can make a difference. But if you have other ideas, I’m really just looking to see. Because it’s hard, I would think, to be on a board of Molama Ikeola. We have all the people that have the needs. And they always are coming looking for the source to be there for them. But the resources aren’t there.
20:34
i didn’t really know um you know because you’ve been experienced for so long you’ve probably seen some of these waves this one’s a little more wavy than others but um
20:46
I’m just reaching out to see what you’re seeing our community do, or as a leader, what you’ve been doing in those areas. You know, I certainly touch bases with a lot of people out there who have been a victim to losing their homes.
21:06
many people and i’ve touched faces with those in south maui who once well right now going through the process of foreclosure and it’s very sad because they never thought it would have happened to them and this is not only one person well it’s a lot it’s throughout our state but you know being on the planning commission i’ve learned to work with my colleagues
21:35
and to voice myself and make a difference. And it has. It has. Making approvals and speaking out. I’ve had calls from people who’ve lived in McKenna and they’ve called me and said, Oh my God, Johanna, you’ve really touched us. You knew what the problem was and we thank you for what you do. And business-minded, too.
22:04
You have to be creative. You have to seek solutions. And again, you know, I’m above water still. And it’s only because of hard work creating different solutions to problems of business. But as far as government, we need to cut spending. What made these people lose their homes? Too much taxation?
22:36
Cost of living. We don’t have a balanced society. We need to try to find resolutions to balance our economy. Cut spending is another way. Non-profits. Some of them are coming under one umbrella as far as administration because that’s where a lot of the money goes.
23:03
So to balance it, to put out more services with less administrative, but still yet being able to put out the services and all the grants that come into them makes good sense. So there’s areas that I believe I would want to target and research, find out where the money is, try to see if there’s something that we can do about
23:32
making changes. There’s a lot of things out there. I absolutely don’t have the answer because if I did and everybody else did, we would not be in this calamity. So I’m willing to try. You know, there’s a lot of good people like me who really wants to serve our community. So that’s where I’m at. I just want to serve the community the best way I can. It’s wonderful you’ve had all these years of service.
24:02
How do you stay so young? I mean, all those years of service, you still got all this pep and go. The secret, I jump rope today. I honestly jump rope. But I have, I listen to my doctor for one thing. And of course, you know, I’ve had my own little injuries here and there through the years.
24:26
But I’ve got three sons, and through the years I’ve had to be very active with them. I bet. And now I have five grandchildren. They’re my sunshine that make me get up and go. But I absolutely, right now I jump rope, and it gives me, you know, the help I need to do what I do. Yeah, I always get tangled up like that. That was the timing.
24:54
But actually I was doing it outside the rope. You don’t have to have the rope. You just do the form. It’s good enough. And always make sure that you’re standing on something. There’s the secret.
25:07
Next time I do jump roping, I’m going to paint in the rope. You won’t know. You’ll think I’m doing jump roping. Yeah. Is that what you do? Well, Jason, you look okay, too. Oh, I’m good. This is a man of the hour, and he’s got so much background himself. He should be joining people like me. Well, I will again. I was actually thinking about running this round, but I thought, with so many people running, let me do what I hope I do best, which is…
25:37
bring good people who want to serve out to the community and let you guys know who they are because how could you know who to vote for if you don’t know who the candidates are right so i wanted to give you more than just a passing moment so everyone can get a chance to share with you if you were going to deliver to these guys a message that said i want to be sure i don’t forget these things why don’t we let you do that what do you think
26:07
The guy in the back row, see him back there? Yes. I’m Johanna Amorin, and I’m running for State House of Representatives, District 11, which is South Maui. And I want to be your advocate. I want to go to the legislature to help our communities. And it’s not only helping South Maui, actually. It’s helping Maui County, the state of Hawaii, and the United States of America.
26:37
I want you all out there. Be sure to vote. That’s what I’m counting on. Get to the polls on September 18th. It’s a Saturday and it’s coming soon. Jason’s absolutely right. We’re on a countdown right now. So anyway, get out there and vote. And make sure to share this tape and tell people to go watch so that they can know who Joanne is too.
27:06
I think it’s very important to be, because in these kinds of times, this is how you find the next person that you want to go talk to, to help you in what you need to do, or you can help them. I think this is the times that we’re going to be facing. We’re all going to help each other more and more, and suddenly we’ll look back on these challenging times and realize it’s the love and our giving that measures the quality of our life. So maybe we’ll look at them as great times.
27:36
Thank you for joining me here on the show. It’s been a pleasure. Always been a pleasure, Jason. I thank you for the opportunity. You’ve been doing it for how many years now? Since my beard wasn’t gray. Nine election seasons. Isn’t that amazing? That amazes me. And aloha to all of you. Aloha, you guys. See you again.
28:11
The time has come to make a change The time has come to unlock the hope that lives In each and every one of us And we must do our part
28:29
We hold the visions God dreams of Our hands can heal the ones we love Let’s gather round and let us make a stand
28:44
For you and me. Unlock the hope and there’s a better life. Unlock the hope, there’ll be no turning back. But nothing changes unless we unlock the hope. The time has come to make a change.
29:14
The time has come to unlock the hope that lives In each and every one of us And we must do our part We hold the visions God dreams of Our hands can heal the ones we love Let’s gather round and let us make a stand
29:43
for you and me unlock the hope and there’s a better life unlock the hope there’ll be no turning back but nothing changes unless we unlock the hope but nothing changes unless we unlock the hope
30:13
But nothing changes. Unless we unlock the hole. Unless we unlock the hole.
