Fern Anuenue Rosenstiel filed papers to run for state representative for Kauai District 14, east and north Kauai. “Throughout the last few years of community engagement on Kauai, and statewide, I have seen firsthand the many ways we rely on
Fern Anuenue Rosenstiel filed papers to run for state representative for Kauai District 14, east and north Kauai.
“Throughout the last few years of community engagement on Kauai, and statewide, I have seen firsthand the many ways we rely on the decisions happening at the state level and the many ways that government decisions happening in the state capitol are impacting our lives,” she said.
“I will work hard for our district to help create positive changes that help us preserve and restore our environment, ensure our access rights, better educate our children and help us better provide for our families.”
Rosenstiel was born, raised and educated in District 14 and continues to live and work in the district. She was married in Hanalei to her husband Aaron, an engineer and planner. She is a homeowner, business owner and helps manage a local business in the district where she manages 30 employees.
Rosenstiel said she has a good understanding of the issues that matter most to her community and understands the pressures of making a living and supporting a family on Kauai.
The Kapaa High School graduate said she understands what young people in her community need to be successful and how to improve education.
“I understand the importance of preserving our way of life and country lifestyle, by not overdeveloping our roads or infrastructure, but at the same time I am reasonable about needed upgrades and solutions to address traffic congestion and plan for the future,” she said. “I will look at out-of-the box solutions, like utilizing existing cane roads and creating long-term public transport solutions for tourists.”
She holds a bachelor’s of science degree from Griffith University in Australia with majors in marine biology, wildlife management and environmental science, and was awarded Griffith Award for Academic Excellence in 2009 for placing in the top 5 percent of students at the university.
Rosenstiel worked the last few years as a community organizer, organizing the local marches and participating in the development and passing of Bill 2491 relating to pesticide disclosure and buffer zones.
While she worked as an environmental scientist and environmental officer for the State Department of Transport and Main Roads in Queensland, Australia, Rosenstiel said she gained experience with various budgets on a range of projects.
Rosenstiel said she is dedicated to addressing issues relating to drug and violence rehabilitation and prevention, access to affordable housing and improved state infrastructure.
She said she will work with the North Shore community and tourism industry to develop a traffic and transit plan, to deal with parking issues beyond Princeville, particularly to address parking issues in Hanalei and at Ke’e, and the long delays leaving Hanalei.
“I will work tirelessly with the Department of Transport to get appropriate solutions and traffic relief for the Wailua corridor and address congestion issues throughout the district,” she said.
