Throughout my political career, I've believed in the concept of home rule. Some call it local control. Whichever phrase you use, the concept is the same - the best decisions are those made closest to those who will be impacted by the decisions.

Chronically homeless means constantly homeless; it means repeatedly homeless.

Politicians all too often think about the next election. Statesmen think about the next generation.

I truly believe the brightest days lie ahead for the Great State of Hawaii.

We have come dangerously close to accepting the homeless situation as a problem that we just can't solve.

I'm not an education expert, and frankly I don't want to make education decisions for our state. But I am experienced at successfully managing organizations, and putting people on a path where they can succeed.

But before looking to the future, let's glance back at the road we've traveled these past two years because that is the source of much of the optimism we are all feeling about the future.