Kyle T. Yamashita
District issues:
The loss of revenue to our local economy is devastating. Nobody in my district is spared, least of all my family. Maui must create jobs for people so that we can pay our bills. Creating jobs by restoring the watersheds, increasing our water security and building housing for those in need will greatly improve the lives of folks in Upcountry Maui and this is what I will advocate and work as hard as possible for. I propose a local, county and state effort to recreate the civilian conservation corps on Maui (and possibly beyond) with the federal government.
Cost of living:
There will need to be a partnership between the four levels of local community groups (nonprofits) and county, state and federal government entities. Maui needs leaders who can chart a course to unify all available resources and create a critical path to create a new economy less reliant on the visitor and hospitality industry. Maui can grow this economy through agriculture, construction and watershed restoration. We will do these things and create a better normal, and a bright and resilient future that will withstand whatever comes our way.
Economy and budget:
Maui can work with the state of Hawaii to create housing bonds and other financial instruments to finance the creation of the low-income housing that is desperately needed. Additionally,
local building codes can be modified to accept the use of locally grown building products like hemp and bamboo. People can work in the fields growing the economy and the houses of the future, not to mention our food security. When we grow a lot more food, and fiber, we will spend our money locally and keep it here. We must diversify away from our servicebased economy.
District issues:
Access to water is a longstanding issue for the residents of Upcountry Maui; many families are on the waiting list for a water meter. We not only have to be ready for droughts, but also flash flooding. I obtained $3.5 million for a test well on Haleakala Ranch. If this is successful, we can build infrastructure to increase water supply for residents. I am also exploring ways to store water when it storms so that the runoff is captured before entering our streams/ocean. I will seek funding to build a well and transmission system that can pump water Upcountry.
Cost of living:
A full recovery from this pandemic can start only when COVID-19 is no longer a serious health threat. Until then, we will need to help our local businesses keep their doors open so that people have jobs and can support their families. The priority is to provide a safety net for both businesses and individuals so that we do not go deeper into recession or create more homelessness. We will utilize federal CARES Act funding and reallocate budget priorities to support our local economy and working families. Economy and budget:
As a member and former
Age: 60
Residence: Makawao Party: Democrat
Current occupation:
State legislator
Volunteer or community organization experience: Currently Boy Scouts of America Merit Badge Counselor, formerly Eagle Scout Annual Recognition Dinner Committee member, Boy Scouts of America Annual Council Dinner Committee member Military service: No
chair of the House Committee on Economic Development and Business, I support innovation industries like astronomy, aquaculture and advanced research. I voted in favor of research tax credits, film tax credits and high
Political experience: Hawaii House of Representatives, 2004-present Family: Married since 1984, two adult sons
technology tax credits to promote investment in these areas. I have also introduced bills to support our local breweries, farmers, ranchers and to create a manufacturing grant program, among many others.