In response to requests from friends and networks across the islands – The below is a list of 15 candidates running for the State House of Representatives that I would vote for if I lived in that District.

In Hawai’i the primary election is everything and ballots will be going out in the mail in the coming weeks. Register to vote or update your registration here.

This is just me, Gary Hooser, passing on my thoughts and opinion – and is not on behalf of any organization.

No candidate listed below was consulted or is aware of this list/posting until it actually happens. No one approves this list – it is my opinion, based on my experience after watching, reading, and studying both the talk and the walk/actions of each of these individuals.

I know personally and have worked along side almost every single one of them and do not take lightly my responsibility to you the reader.

At the end of the day, I encourage you to engage the process, go to their websites, do your homework, talk to the candidates yourself – and then vote your na’au.

House District 2 (Hilo) Tanya Yamanaka Aynessazian – Tanya walks the talk working and living a life of caring and compassion. She’s served on the front lines as a care-giver, as a details driven program leader, and administrator for over twenty years. She seeks now to take the culture of caring to an entirely new level.

House District 3 (Portion of Hilo, Keaukaha, Orchidlands Estate, Ainaloa, Hawaiian Acres, Fern Acres, portions of Kurtistown and Kea’au) Kiana (Keawekane) Kanahele is an incredibly strong community advocate with a powerful message focused on community education and civic engagement. Do yourself a favor, whether your live in her district or not – visit her website, check her out, and then help her win…for when Kuulei wins…all Hawai’i will win.

District 5 (South Kona, Na’alehu, Kalehu, Ka’u, Pahala) *Jeanné Kapela – Jeanné believes that economic and social justice are essential to our democracy. She is eager to craft a Green New Deal that protects people and our planet from the twin threats of economic inequality and climate change. You/we can count of Jeanné Kapela to stand up and be counted on the issues and values that matter. She is bold, articulate, and works hard every single day to make our planet a better place.

District 13 (Moloka’i, Lāna‘i, Kaho‘olawe, portion of Kahului, Ha‘ikū, Pe‘ahi, Huelo, Nāhiku, Hāna, Kīpahulu) *Mahina Poepoe – her values and mission is captured in the opening phrase on her website “Mōhala i ka wai ka maka o ka pua – Unfolded by the water are the faces of flowers. Flowers thrive where there is water, as thriving people are found where living conditions are good.”

District 14 (Kahakuloa, Waihe‘e, portions of Waiehu and Mā‘alaea, Olowalu, Lahaina, Lahainaluna, Kā‘anapali, Māhinahina Camp, Kahana, Honokahua) *Elle Cochran – Elle is no shrinking violet (pun intended) and this quote from the Laihana News says it pretty clearly – “Sporting a vivid purple hair rinse and a colorful flower array, State Representative Elle Cochran sat down to discuss events at the legislature…critical of how decisions are made there and the lack of transparency and accountability.”

District 20 (Lē‘ahi, Kāhala, Wai‘alae, Kaimukī, Kapahulu) Tina Grandinetti – Tina is focused on making our world a better place. She has the experience, the education, and the interpersonal communications skills needed to be incredibly effective – but more importantly she listens to her na’au and goes where it leads her.

District 23 (McCully, Mōʻiliʻili, Pāwaʻa, Kapahulu, Lower Makiki, and Ala Moana) Ian Ross worked as the Public Policy and Advocacy Manager of the Hawai’i Alzheimer’s Association, is the current Public Affairs Director of the Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center, and Chair of the Makiki Neighborhood Board. This diverse experience shows clearly his core values and ability to navigate complex conversations.

District 25 (Ala Moana, Kaka‘ako, Downtown) Kim Coco Iwamoto – Entrepreneur, attorney, philanthropist, and dedicated community advocate Kim Coco Iwamoto is without question the candidate and the new leadership we need in the State House. Long time political columnist David Shapiro summed it up perfectly in his column – How to Clean Up Corruption. One politician at a time, writing – “Saiki vs. Iwamoto is the best chance to significantly upset Hawaii’s political status quo in 2024.”

District 29 (Kahauiki, Kalihi, Kapalama) Ikaika Lardizabal Hussey – Ikaika knows deep down in his core the importance of supporting working men and women and that protecting people and the planet must always come first. This is who he is, what he does and what he has been doing his entire life. Ikaika is the real deal.

District 30 (Kalihi, Kalihi Kai, Ke‘ehi Lagoon, Hickam Village) *Sonny Ganaden – Criminal justice reform and caring for the people in District 30 are Sonny’s top priorities. He’s provided me and many others with a much needed education on the topic of bail reform and criminal justice reform in general.

District 39 (Royal Kunia, Village Park, Honouliuli, Ho‘opili, and Portion of Waipahu) Corey Rosenlee is a life-long educator, high school social-studies teacher, and former President of the Hawai’i State Teachers Association. Corey is a true powerhouse who understands the importance of civic engagement, community problem-solving, and social responsibility.

House District 42 (Portions of Varona Village, ‘Ewa, and Kapolei, Fernandez Village) Summer-Lee Yadao is dedicated, proven and effective. Her platform is rooted in the principles of affordability, sustainability, and cultural preservation. With a focus on affordable housing, native Hawaiian rights, and environmental protections, she aims to create a more equitable and resilient future for Hawaii’s communities.

House District 45 (Wai‘anae, Mākaha) Desiré DeSoto is solidly qualified with a resume that ranges from professional surfer, to High School Counselor of the Year, to Waiʻanae Comprehensive Health Center Board of Directors, to a PHD in organizational psychology. Needless to say the current House of Representatives could certainly use her skills and experience.

District 46 (Portion of Waipi‘o Acres, Launani Valley, Wahiawā, Whitmore Village, Waialua, Mokulē’ia) *Amy Perruso – Leadership, commitment, balance, commitment, leadership, balance – these are the words that come to mind when I think about Amy Perruso. She is a true believer in the values that keep her awake at night AND she is willing to stand up and speak truth to power, even when that might make some of her colleagues in the House uncomfortable. I am so, so glad that Representative Amy Perruso serves all of us in the House. We are so fortunate to have her there.

District 50 (Kailua, Kāne‘ohe Bay, and Marine Corps Base Hawai’i) *Natalia Hussey-Burdick is fearless, community based, and one of the hardest working legislators in the building. I’ve been working in the policy and political environment for over 20 years and have seen countless legislators come and go – Trust me on this, Natalia Hussey-Burdick is a keeper and those residents in her district should count themselves lucky to have her there watching out for their interests.

Notes:
1) Only those candidates engaged in a “contested primary” are included. There are other good candidates running unopposed who are not included above.
2) * Asterisk indicate incumbent now serving in that office

Comments and questions from readers and candidates are welcome!

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Read also my blog piece – “Looking for Change-Makers”