Will Espero Looks To Return To Public Service

The former state senator is running for the Honolulu City Council.

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A longtime lawmaker known in no small part for his work on criminal justice reform — Will Espero — is seeking to represent District 9 on the Honolulu City Council.

The seat currently held by Ron Menor, who is term-limited, represents Waikele, Village Park, Royal Kunia, Mililani Town, West Loch, Iroquois Point and portions of Ewa Villages and Ewa Beach.

Espero represented the 19th Senate District until 2018, when he unsuccessfully ran for lieutenant governor. The Senate seat encompasses much the same area as the council seat.

Lieutenant Governor Candidate Will Espero speaks at the 2018 Democratic Party Convention held at the Hilton Waikaloa Resort in Kona, Hawaii.
Will Espero spoke to the Democratic Party of Hawaii state convention in 2018, the year he unsuccessfully ran for lieutenant governor. He is now running for the Honolulu City Council. Cory Lum/Civil Beat/2018

Espero also served a stint in the state House and worked for former Honolulu Mayor Frank Fasi.

He said his priorities include limited safe zones for homeless people, more funding for mental illness and drug addiction programs, tiny and dormitory-style homes, and transient-oriented development in high-density areas.

“There is much unfinished business to do,” he said. “Public service is in my soul, and at the age of 59, I feel I have much more to offer.”

Comedian Augusto Tulba, known as Augie T., announced last month that he is also in the race to replace Menor.

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