About

Aloha, Makai Freitas here,

Makai Freitas

I’m Running for election to the newly created State House District 8, which encompasses North and South Kohala including Waikoloa and Waiki’i.   

I’m a working man, born, raised, and educated in Hawai’i. I live in Waimea with my wife, Aulani, and our two amazing daughters. My roots run deep in Hawai’i. Some of you know my late father, Rockne Freitas. He championed education and sports, believing both are pathways forward. He and my mom, Leinaala, both proudly part Hawaiian, taught us about hard work, respect, fairness, and our community service kuleana.

Me, Makoa (my younger brother), Leina’ala (my mom), Rockne (my dad).
(Left – Right) – Makai, Leina’ala (my mom) , and Makoa (my younger brother) Freitas.

Tenacity runs in my blood.  I’ve been a longshoreman working on the docks for 18 years.  I’m not afraid to roll up my sleeves to get hard work done.  Through the years, I’ve learned about fairness, labor advocacy, the rule of law, the legislative process, and the importance of supporting a rising tide – economically, socially, environmentally, and culturally – to nurture shared well-being for our entire community and planet. Although this is my first campaign, I’m no stranger to the Big Square Box – the State Capitol – in Honolulu.  I can hit the ground running and navigate to building a better Big Island. 

(Left – Right) Rockne Freitas (my dad), Scott Nishimoto (State House of Reps), Leina’ala Freitas (my mom), myself, Mahina (my daughter), Aulani (my wife) at the State Capitol receiving an award.
Parker Ranch Paniolo with John Freitas (my grandfather) and younger sister Thelma Freitas on horse in Waimea.
John Freitas my paternal grandfather loved to ride horse and take care of the animals on the farm. My grandpa believed in education, athletics, and hard work. In 1932 my grandpa moved to Oahu to go to school at McKinley High School which is now the Honolulu Museum of Art School.
My Paternal Great Grandparents John and Mary (Silva) Freitas immigrated from Madeira Portugal in the late 1800’s. John and Mary (Silva) Freitas raised their son my grandfather John and younger sister Thelma Freitas. Thelma Freitas my grandpa’s younger sister passed away of Tetanus at a young age. Mary (Silva) Freitas my great grandmother worked for Mrs. Woods Thelma Parker’s Mother.

Our district has several critical issues that have the power to tear us apart or bring us together. I would represent the entire community – from keiki to kupuna, from students to veterans, from essential workers to those who own and manage businesses large and small, and from generational island families to new arrivals. The hopes and dreams of the entire community are my priority.

My wife Aulani and I on our wedding day in Waimea taking photo’s with the Rubio’s of Hilo.

“My goal in running for office is to bring positive change where it is needed while supporting the community of people which makes this place so unique.”

I love talking to our community, and welcome everyones input and perspective. Each of you are the fabric of what makes this area so unique and special. There is so much going on within our rapidly growing community that needs attention, and no silver bullets to fix our problems.  What I am promising is that we are stronger together. Hawai’i Island needs this; our future and our keiki (children) require it.

My deep roots in Waimea brought me home 5 years ago from Oahu with my wife and two daughters. Through my professional career at Matson, I have participated in legislative policy through my tenure on the ILWU negotiating team for the last several years. Along with my career in the private sector and family life, I coach youth sports.

Contact Makai