BY DONOVAN DELA CRUZ – These past few months with you have been incredible. Your dedication and support to my mayoral campaign means more to me than you will ever know. That is why I wanted you to know that today I have made one of the most difficult personal political decisions that I’ve ever been faced with.
Unfortunately, like many people who have fallen on economic hardships, my campaign for mayor has also felt the financial pinch. Looking at this mayoral race realistically, and being honest with myself and all of you, I have decided to take a different path. While my desire to serve the public remains, my mayoral campaign does not have the necessary funds to allow me to spread my vision for the City & County of Honolulu. While your support is priceless, the reality is that a well-funded campaign is needed for an island-wide contest, and I could not put you through a campaign that lacks the financial stability for a viable run.
I cannot thank you enough and I am sincerely sorry that I am unable to be your choice for Mayor at this time.
So what happens now? I have decided that the best way I can serve the public is by running for the vacant state senate seat being left by Senator Bobby Bunda. It is in the district that I currently represent as councilman. If elected, I can continue to serve my community and state in a significant and constructive manner. I intend to run my Senate Campaign with the same vigor, based on a strong grassroots effort. You have helped me through these past few months, and I ask for your continued support as I run for the State Senate, District 22.
Serving eight years on the city council, three of which I served as chair, has been extremely meaningful to me. I have worked with local businesses and community leaders on the North Shore, Wahiawa and Mililani Mauka. I’m honored to have worked on behalf of residents in an area that is more than just a district to me – it is my home. It is where my grandparents worked tirelessly in the pineapple fields. It is where I was born and raised. It is where I learned about plantation values, and the importance of family and community.
While I am proud that I have made a positive difference for my community, there is still much work to be done. There are many people whom I have yet to help and issues that must be addressed. Being a public servant is much more than running for a seat – it is being able to apply my experience and skills in making our home better for all of us.
Thank you very much for your continued support.
Donovan M. Dela Cruz