Aloha, my name is Justin Canelas, and I’m running to represent District 6 — Kaʻū, Lower Volcano, and South Kona — on the Hawaii County Council.
My wife and I live in Naalehu, where we steward Manadina Farm and are preparing to welcome our first child. Since moving to Kaʻū, my work has focused on serving our community in meaningful, hands-on ways. I founded a mission-driven farm-to-table eatery supporting local farmers, led dozens of beach cleanups and community workdays, hosted cultural and zero-waste events, and donated food grown right here on our land.
As the Environmental Management Commissioner for District 6, I’m already familiar with Hawaii County’s bureaucracy and permitting systems. I’ve used that knowledge to help get real projects done — from supporting nonprofits, securing 501(c)(3) status, and advising on grants to managing a $1.5 million Zero Waste program that created local jobs, empowered youth, and even helped students earn college scholarships. Through this work, I’ve developed a reputation for integrity, transparency, and turning ideas into action.
I’m running because I love Kaʻū. I want to Keep Kaʻū, Kaʻū — protecting our rural lifestyle, cultural heritage, and ʻāina while building new opportunities for local families to thrive. For too long, our district has been overlooked. As your councilmember, I will fight every day to bring the resources, attention, and investment our community deserves.
What Your Contribution Supports:
Your donation directly funds the heart of our grassroots campaign, including:
- Mailers and direct voter outreach
- Non-plastic campaign signs
- Social media ads
- Advertising in local newspapers and community publications
- Paid campaign staff
- Technology and compliance costs
- Youth political development — including paid roles for Kaʻū high school students so they can learn, participate, and lead
This is a people-powered campaign — no big outside interests, no developers pulling strings. Just community members investing in our future.
If you believe in a campaign rooted in aloha, mālama ʻāina, collaboration, and opportunity, I humbly ask you to contribute $50–$100 today. Every donation makes a difference. You can also learn more or sign up to volunteer at www.justincanelas.com.
Mahalo for your support and for helping strengthen the future of District 6.
All contributions are made to Friends of Justin Canelas, the authorized campaign committee for Justin Canelas for Hawaiʻi County Council, District 6. Contributions will be used to support campaign activities in accordance with Hawaiʻi State law.
