Aloha Kākou,
My name is Makua Rothman—candidate for Honolulu City Council District 2. I was born and raised on the north shore of Oahu and attended Hale‘iwa baptist preschool, Sunset Beach Elementary, and Kahuku High School.
I surfed my first big wave heard around the world at the age of 18, became the WSL big wave world champion, and in 2021 surfed the biggest wave of my life. Through all the challenges and successes there was always one thing that I could consistently count on—the support of my community.
The kuleana is ours, and it is our responsibility to leave this place, our place Hawaiʻi better than it was left to us. I am stepping up to run for office and humbly ask again for my community’s support.
Early life was not easy, at a young age I was houseless living in a tent on the beach. I understand a lot about what it’s like to be stereotyped, put into a category, and have people doubt me, tell me the things that I would never accomplish nor ever be anything because of the way that I grew up. Yet through it all I found my way by playing sports, community involvement, and getting in the water catching waves. Which ultimately turned my passion into a professional career. The many obstacles and adversities have strengthened me, fueled my fire and shaped me to become the man I am today. A father, small business owner, surfer, musician and an ambassador of aloha throughout the world.
Over the years leaders in government have changed Hawaii. Many of the decisions being made have hurt local families and business. Millions of dollars are given to departments without ever seeing the positive impacts on our community. There are more and more laws being passed that politicians use to support their image instead of supporting their communities.
My life’s work will now be dedicated to making sure that as I transition in to public service the needs and interests of my community come first above all. Dedication to the protection and preservation of our irreplaceable natural resources and agricultural lands are vital. We must also look into responsible and sustainable development to keep our blue-collar working class employed. As councilman I will make sure our public safety and emergency services are fully staffed and adequately funded.
After years of consistent hard work and having a mindset completely focused to the task at hand, nothing could distract me from achieving my goals. Consistency is the key to every kind of success. That is how I became WSL big wave world champion. This is the same mind set that I will take into office as councilman to address, implement, enforce, and assess any policy that shall be put forth. The people will be putting their trust in me to get the job done right the first time and consistency will once again be the key.