Who is Bulla?
Born and raised in Hawaii, Bulla Eastman has spent decades working in Waikīkī’s hotels and condominiums, gaining firsthand experience with the people, challenges, and opportunities that shape our community. His professional journey led him to become the CEO of a safety and risk-management company, where he has dedicated his work to helping hotels, small businesses, and nonprofits create safer environments for guests, employees, and neighbors alike.
A proud graduate of Kamehameha Schools and the University of Hawaiʻi, Bulla’s commitment to service extends far beyond his career. As a pastor, he has spent years doing outreach in prisons, on the streets, and throughout our communities—walking alongside individuals and families facing addiction, homelessness, and hardship, offering support, guidance, and hope.
At his core, Bulla is a devoted husband, father, and community servant. He believes leadership is not about titles, but about showing up, listening, and working side by side with the people he represents.
Why He's Running
Waikiki is the heart of Hawaii’s visitor industry and home to thousands of residents and workers. Too many people feel unsafe walking at night, too many workers are barely getting by, and too many neighbors on our streets are falling through the cracks.
Bulla is running to bring real-world experience in safety, hospitality to the State Capitol so we can continue building a better, stronger, safer Waikiki. Find out more about his Mission.
Three Core Priorities
Better Respect and Opportunity for
Waikiki Workers and Small Businesses
Rooted in the everyday realities of Waikīkī, Bulla’s vision is about standing up for the people who keep our visitor industry alive—the hotel housekeepers, restaurant servers, retail workers, and countless others whose hard work often goes unseen but never unfelt. It means fighting for policies that truly improve their quality of life, not just in words, but in measurable, lasting ways.
It’s about building a Hawai‘i where working families can thrive. That starts with supporting more workforce housing so residents aren’t pushed out of the communities they serve, ensuring fair wages that reflect the true cost of living, and advocating for reliable, humane work schedules that allow families to spend time together and plan for their future—not just struggle day to day.
At the same time, it recognizes that small businesses are the backbone of our local economy. By cutting unnecessary red tape, we can help them grow and succeed—while still maintaining the essential protections that keep workers treated fairly and customers safe.
This is a commitment to balance: lifting up workers, empowering local businesses, and creating a stronger, more sustainable Waikīkī for everyone who calls it home.
Stronger Compassion with Accountability
in Homelessness and Addiction
This approach begins with compassion, but it doesn’t stop there—it follows through with real solutions. It means expanding access to treatment, mental-health services, and reentry programs that give people a true path off the streets and the support they need to stay off. Recovery isn’t a moment; it’s a process, and our community must be committed to walking alongside people every step of the way.
It also means strengthening partnerships that are already making a difference. Shelters, churches, and nonprofits across Hawai‘i are doing the hard, hands-on work—bringing together housing, recovery services, and job opportunities so individuals can rebuild their lives with dignity and purpose. By supporting and scaling these proven efforts, we can create a system that works, not just for today, but for the long term.
At the same time, compassion must be balanced with accountability. Our sidewalks, parks, and beaches belong to everyone—families, kūpuna, workers, and visitors alike. By insisting on clear, consistent rules, we can ensure these shared spaces remain safe, clean, and accessible, while still treating every individual with respect.
This is about restoring both people and places—helping those in need rise again, while preserving the quality of life that makes Hawai‘i home.
Safer Streets and Parks
Keeping Waikīkī safe requires more than isolated efforts—it demands true coordination and shared responsibility. This vision brings together the state, law enforcement, and the visitor industry to work as one, aligning resources and strategies to reduce crime and disorder in the areas that need it most. When communication is strong and priorities are aligned, real progress follows.
It also means investing in practical, proven solutions on the ground. Better lighting, thoughtfully placed cameras, and smart environmental design can transform known trouble spots into safe, welcoming spaces. These improvements don’t just deter crime—they give residents, workers, and visitors the confidence to move through Waikīkī comfortably, day and night.
At its core, this approach supports law enforcement while also recognizing the need for smarter policies. By focusing on repeat offenders and chronic problem areas, we can address the root of ongoing issues rather than just reacting to them. It’s about being both firm and strategic—creating a safer Waikīkī through partnership, prevention, and accountability.
How Bulla Will Lead
On the ground: You’ll see Bulla in your building lobby, hotel break rooms, churches, and community events, not just at the Capitol.
Listening first: Bulla will have regular “Talk Story on Safety” and community meetings in Waikiki so residents and workers can share their concerns.
Working together: Bulla will partner with HPD, unions, hotels, small businesses, churches, and nonprofits to implement real solutions, not just talk.
Communication: Bulla is very approachable and believes in open communication with his constituents and the community.
Volunteer
In Hawai‘i, we know the strength of our communities comes from helping one another. This campaign is about lifting each other up and creating opportunities for all. We are calling on volunteers who believe in service, kuleana, and making a difference. By giving your time, you become part of something bigger—a collective effort to shape a better future. Come stand with us and help turn our shared vision into reality.
Make A Donation
Our campaign is rooted in community, service, and a deep commitment to the people we represent. With your support, we can continue to listen, engage, and take action on the issues that matter most to our neighborhoods. Every donation helps us connect with more residents and build a future grounded in respect, opportunity, and Aloha. Mahalo for being part of this journey. – Bulla