Riki = Power

A question I get asked a lot is “How do I like politics?” On a good day I would say, “I love politics. My first love was soccer and my second love is politics.” Other times, I would explain, “Politics is fun, but it is also very stressful.” Then on my bad days, I would comment, “I don’t know how long more I want to be in this.”

What keeps me going in politics is my passion to create ideas for the people of Hawaii. I see myself as an advocate for people from all walks of life. I have learned to be strong.

I remember when I was younger watching the news on television, and a lady was practically yelling into the ear of U.S. Senator Daniel K. Inouye. The senator calmly nodded and did not get angry. I was impressed.

Likewise, when I was a kid, I recall when my late Grandpa Tadao Sakai took my cousins and I to McDonald’s. Because we were taking awhile to order, the worker started yelling at my grandpa. My grandpa looked at the worker, turned to us calmly, and asked us what we wanted to order. This lesson stayed with me forever. Grandpa Sakai was the kindest person I have ever known, and I don’t think I will ever meet another person like him.

The behavior of these two great role models showed me that “power” is controlling your emotions and carrying yourself with honor. My mother gave me my middle name “Riki,” which means power in Japanese (the kanji for “Riki” is “chikara”).

We are all responsible for our actions. I believe in the following teaching of accountability:

1. Right View: Believe in the law of cause and effect and not to be deceived by appearances and desires.
2. Right Thought: The resolution not to cherish desires, not to be greedy, not to be angry, and not to do any harmful deed.
3. Right Speech: The avoidance of lying words, idle words, abusive words, and double tongues.
4. Right Behavior: Not to destroy any life or steal.
5. Right Livelihood: Avoid any life that would bring shame.
6. Right Effort: Try to do one’s best diligently toward the right direction.
7. Right Mindfulness: Maintain a pure and thoughtful mind.
8. Right Concentration: Keep the mind right and tranquil for its concentration, seeking to realize the mind’s pure essence.