UHPA is pleased to endorse Alicia Maluafiti for Senate District 19.  Alicia holds an MA degree in Communications from Hawai‘i Pacific University, where she was a former faculty member, teaching undergraduate courses in communications.  Her experience in community and government relations work spans close to three decades, providing nonprofit organizations, associations, businesses, government entities, and unions with strategic support in communications, public affairs, outreach and education, not to mention grassroots organizing. She was able to discuss goals and objectives that faculty have in a complex and comprehensive manner.  Her understanding of legislative process, Chapter 89, labor concerns, HLRB and the impact of Janus made her the ideal candidate for UHPA.  Alicia has a passion for animals and is currently the President and Founder of Poi Dogs and Popoki, and The Big Fix, operating two mobile clinics that offer low cost spay and neuter services, along with health and wellness services.  Her passion and work in helping to control feral and stray animal populations led to an appointment (and reappointment) to the Board of Veterinary Examiners as a community advocate. Alicia has been an active member of the Ewa and Leeward Communities, and understands how to work collaboratively to accomplish goals.  Her background in working with a variety of constituencies will serve UHPA and the community in Senate District 19 well.