Let’s keep championing a society that replaces trauma with a pathway toward hope for all! (4/4)

The nonprofit I founded, Imua Alliance, is two for two this year, with its civil liabilities bill being passed in early April. 2025 has been a huge year for strengthening Hawaiʻi’s policies for survivor justice. (3/4)

This is a huge win in our state’s fight against sexual slavery. Now, survivors who report their exploitation to first responders won’t be held responsible for the harm they’ve endured. (2/4)

I will keep running toward personal restoration and self-awareness. I will keep believing in my own healing. I will keep cultivating deep connection. I will keep leaning into authenticity. I’m pouring out myself. I’d give it all for the view. The mountain is you. (5/5)

I see it, but I refuse to accept it. I will fight back, just by centering my humanity. To borrow from the singer Chance Peña, “Heart and my hands don’t fail me now; won’t let the weight of my fear go and knock me down.” (4/5)

The rage that attacked me then is the same scourge that is spreading fear throughout our society today. It’s the same misogyny, greed, and lust for terror. (3/5)

Over the next six months, I received more than 1,000 texts and emails with hateful statements like that, wishing violence upon me and shaming me for being an outspoken survivor. It pained me greatly. But it didn’t break me. (2/5)

I love seeing our youth take control of the conversations Imua Alliance launched when I founded the group so many years ago. As is often the case, we should follow the kids' lead and provide hope to those who need it most. (3/3)

Hawai'i can change that. HB 111 would authorize civil claims against businesses, as well as their owners and operators, that turn a blind eye to sex trafficking that happens on their premises. (2/3)

I’m focused on intentional living and deep connection, not the madness of perpetual productivity. It’s about purpose, not pressure, and making plenty of room for passion and play. I mean, come on? Who doesn’t love a good pickle? (2/2)

So that’s why I love holding hands so much. That’s the power it wields for me. That’s the magic it brings. It’s a way of saying, “I love you. You’re safe with me. I am here. No matter what happens, I won’t let go.” (4/4)

Today, when someone holds my hand, it gives me a feeling of complete safety. It undoes the damage left by my assault. It heals the wounds. It’s like someone is finally there, erasing the pain and turmoil of the moment when I felt most violently broken, degraded, alone. (3/4)

In the ensuing years, I’ve developed a pattern. When I feel triggered, I clutch my hand repeatedly, opening and closing it like I’m trying to grab on to something. It’s a manifestation of my attempt to physically and emotionally reach out for help during my assault. (2/4)

Don’t silence the voice of your inner child. Validate their fears and their feelings, and allow them to guide your journey toward self-awareness and restoration. (3/3)