Janel will be the first trans woman elected to Hawai'i State Representatives- District 26!
Biography
Janel S. Fujinaka is a transgender woman, born and raised on Oʻahu, and a lifelong advocate for working families, equality, and accountable government. She is a candidate for Hawaiʻi House District 26, representing Makiki, Tantalus, Punchbowl, and Papakōlea, where she has deep roots in the community she now seeks to serve.
Janel has more than 15 years of experience in public engagement, communications, and community outreach across government and nonprofit sectors. She has served as a Committee Clerk in the Hawaiʻi State Legislature, worked on issues related to public safety and government accountability, and contributed to efforts focused on transparency and environmental protection.
She has been a board member of Equality Hawaiʻi and President of Honolulu Pride, where she helped advance LGBTQ+ visibility and build inclusive community spaces. Her lived experience as a transgender woman informs her commitment to protecting civil rights, reproductive freedom, and the right to privacy.
Janel is running to make Hawaiʻi more affordable, ensure safe and strong neighborhoods, support public education, and stand up for working families across District 26.