Kane files papers for 8th House seat
Former Maui County Council Member Dain Kane, a teacher at Iao Intermediate School, has filed papers to seek the Democratic nomination for the Central Maui 8th House seat.
“In an Oahu-dominated Legislature, I would bring a strong voice and presence from Maui, to represent the issues that are important to us,” he said in announcing his candidacy.
Kane served as the WailukuWaihee-Waikapu council member from 1999 to 2006, when he left the seat to make an unsuccessful bid for mayor.
The House seat includes Kahakuloa, Waihee, Waiehu, Puuohala, Wailuku and Waikapu.
Kane said he’s lived, worked and raised his family in the district for 33 years.
“I offer a candidacy that has strong ties to, and an understanding of, our district, along with proven legislative experience,” he said.
Kane said he’s committed to “being your voice that bridges the issues of our communities to the chambers of our state Capitol.”
He cited the major campaign issues as “improving public school education, strengthening our commitment to help our most vulnerable citizens, aggressively pursuing affordable housing options for working families, raising the quality of life for our Native Hawaiian communities, and preserving, protecting, and sustaining our natural and cultural resources.”
As a council member, he served as council chairman and chairman of the Budget and Finance Committee.
He also was president of the Hawaii State Association of Counties, a member of the board of directors for the National Association of Counties Western Interstate Region, a NACO presidential appointee to the Justice & Public Safety Steering Committee and a delegate to the Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies in Washington, D.C.
Later, Kane served the council as its legislative liaison at the state Legislature. He said he worked closely with House and Senate members and their staff members to advocate for Maui County.
He then started a consulting business to assist clients with navigating the processes of state and county government.