Aloha friends,

For many of us, the world is a changed place. We’ve been met with unconventional challenges throughout 2020 with respect to public health, governance, and individual responsibility. Many of our assumptions, be it personal beliefs or government policies, have fallen short. Yet, within difficulty lies opportunity; Albert Einstein said it best: “Once we accept our limits, we go beyond them.”

I ran the Honolulu Marathon twice, in 2011 and 2015. Before these events, the most I’d done was a 15K in high school. Going three times the distance seemed unthinkable and unbearable; however, to defy and overcome these limiting beliefs were instructive and strengthening. It was President Reagan who said, “…there are no limits of human intelligence, imagination, and wonder.” If we apply this to governance, it’s clear that status quo solutions won’t get us to the finish line.

While this year has us spread thin, we have an opportunity to bounce back with greater wisdom and resiliency. On a personal level, we can transform our weaknesses into strengths to run with greater endurance to live more fulfilling lives. My invitation to you in 2021 is to work together to reach a common goal and united, we can help more local families live here for generations to come.

Warmly,

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Andria Tupola