ABOUT ME

Hi, I'm Rebecca

WHERE I COME FROM

Born and raised on the Big Island, Rebecca Shute Villegas is a graduate of Konawaena High School. She holds a Bachelors in Business Management from the University of Hawaii at Manoa and certificate of completion from Ulumau, A Hawaii Island Leadership Series.

A THRIVING CAREER

Rebecca has a long history of working for and with Hawaii’s non-profit and for-profit organizations. As Kona Brewing Company’s Marketing Manager, she championed their Sustainability, Event Sponsorship, and Community Partnership Programs.

As President of the Kohanaiki Ohana, she worked with a team of community advocates, as well as government and the developer, to create Kohanaiki Beach Park. In her current role as Hawaii County Council’s District 7 Representative, Rebecca has focused on finding solutions for Kona’s growing Houseless/ Homeless issues, presented Herbicide legislation to protect our County parks and roadways from the use of toxic herbicides, and represented the Big Island and the United Nations Global Assembly & Climate Week in New York City. She hopes to continue serving Kona for another term.

MISSION STATEMENT

Community & Environmental Sustainability

As Hawaii County Council's District 7 Representative, I am seeking re-election so I may continue in my role of public servant. In my first term, I worked hand in hand with community leaders tackling big issues including homelessness and herbicide use in public spaces. I've walked side by side with constituents and health officials navigating an unprecedented health crisis. I've been a strong voice advocating for the unique needs of West Hawaii. I am a passionate, credible, and proven public servant, with a heart for the people vs the politics. My track record of working diplomatically with local business, political and community leaders exemplifies my values, vision and vested interest in the future of Hawai’i Island.

In addition to continuing my work in the areas I've already proven to be successful— Homelessness, Infrastructure, Environmental Protection, and Community Support—the following issues are top of mind for my next term.

BILL 101: PUBLIC HERBICIDE BAN

I am excited to reintroduce Bill 101, legislation that will require the County to transition away from spraying herbicides in public parks and on roadways. Bill 101 was passed through Council but vetoed by the Mayor in the final hour. Bill 101 has been updated to meet the specific criteria outlined in the Mayor’s memo and I anticipate it passing through Council and be signed into law during my next term.

SINGLE-USE PLASTICS LEGISLATION

I also intend to present single-use plastics legislation similar to Oahu’s Bill 40. Maui also recently passed similar legislation and I am confident Hawaii County could follow their lead.

DIVERSIFIED ECONOMY&COMMUNITY RESILIENCE

I will support all efforts to diversify Hawaii’s reliance on tourism as our primary economic driver. The silver lining of COVID 19 pandemic is the opportunity to make courageous decisions and invest in a more resilient strategy for Hawaii island’s economy. I envision working with organizations engaged in sustainable agricultural, clean renewable energy, and affordable housing.

ADDRESSING CLIMATE CHANGE THREATS IN HAWAII

Actions to work towards in first 100 days to address threats facing Hawaii related to Climate Change:

I will introduce a resolution encouraging the Mayor to join the Climate Litigation against major petroleum producers who are proven to be a direct cause of Climate Change.

Oahu and Maui Counties have already signed on to this Climate Litigation case. If we win, funding from the case will help mitigate expenses associated with moving infrastructure away from the shoreline and repair from other natural disasters expected to increase in strength and frequency.

It's currently estimated that it will cost more than $400 million, not including airports and harbors. Taxpayers should not and cannot be saddled with this burden.

'AINA ALOHA

I look forward to working collaboratively work with groups like Uplift Hawaii and Aina Aloha to identify ways NOT to return to normal, but to use this crisis to create opportunity. Now perhaps more than ever, the ancestral values of our host culture provide a pivotal leverage point for all of us as we set a course towards a stronger, sustainable Hawai’i and seize the opportunity for Huliau- change.

‘Aina Aloha

Strategies for economic development that focus on stewardship of our precious limited resources that ensure long term viability of our people and this place.
These principles will calibrate our course not only to recovery but the rediscovery of our potential as a unique place and people.

Opu Ali’i

Leaders that understand their privilege to lead and its direct dependence on those we serve.
From the most vulnerable to the most privileged, we seek to regenerate an abundance that provides for everyone.
As decision-makers, we must understand and embrace our duty and accountability to the community.
Our social, economic, and government systems must engage and respond to a collective voice in integrative ways to balance power and benefit everyone.

Imi ‘Oi Kelakela

Driven by creativity, innovation, and challenging the status quo.
Mindful and observant of needs, trends, and opportunities ad seek new knowledge and development opportunities that enhance our way of life without jeopardizing our foundation of ‘aina aloha.

Ho’okipa

To be inclusive and embrace the collective that calls Hawaii home.
To remain grounded in a fundamental understanding that it is our kuleana to control and manage our resources in a way that allows us to fulfill our role as hosts here in our ‘aina aloha.