Our list reflects candidates committed to building a better future for our keiki

Posted: Sept 24, 2024

The Hawaiʻi State Teachers Association recommends candidates who are strong supporters of public education, educators, and labor, and are committed to creating a better future for our keiki.

Voting these candidates into office ensures we have allies who will champion public education, working families, and our freedom to teach and learn. Protect the rights of our students, our fellow educators, and our families by casting your vote in this year’s primary and general elections.

Here’s everything you need to know.

Get ready to vote!

The general election takes place Tuesday, Nov. 5. In Hawaiʻi, elections are conducted by mail. All registered voters automatically receive their ballot in the mail approximately 18 days prior to the election. Return your voted ballot by mail (be mindful of USPS delivery times) or in person at a ballot drop box within your county. Voted ballots must be received by your County Elections Division by 7 p.m. on Election Day to be counted. Limited voting service centers will be open 10 days prior and on Election Day for same-day registration and in-person voting.

Learn more from the Office of Elections:

Step 1: Register to vote or check your registration status.

If you’re not registered to vote, sign up now! It’ll take two minutes. If you’re not sure or it’s been a while, make sure your registration is up to date with your current name and mailing address. You’ll need your Hawaiʻi driver’s license or Hawaiʻi state ID and your Social Security number.

Confirm your registration

Step 2: Note the HSTA-recommended candidates for your ballot.

The HSTA Board of Directors recommends candidates based on research, membership input, interviews, and discussions to determine which candidates would be the strongest advocates for teachers, students, and public education in policies and legislation.
Download a printable flyer (pdf)

Use interactive maps to find your:

HSTA Recommended Candidates

As a state affiliate of the National Education Association, the HSTA supports the NEA’s recommendation of Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as the Democratic nominees for election. The Biden-Harris leadership team has proven to be the most pro–public education and pro-union presidential administration in modern history whose actions include expanding access to free school breakfast and lunch, providing $167 billion in debt relief for 4.75 million borrowers, and addressing mental health parity and care.

The HSTA and NEA also jointly recommend candidates looking to represent Hawaiʻi at the national level. Learn more here.

Congress

Website: MazieforHawaii.com

Either the HSTA Board of Directors took no position on this race or candidates did not ask for recommendations from the HSTA.

HSTA President Osa Tui, Jr. says U.S. Rep. Tokuda has a proven record of supporting public education. She’s a “public school parent, proud public school graduate, and also a strong supporter of labor. We need her in Congress now more than ever considering everything that’s going on.” Learn more here.

For the following races, HSTA invited recommended candidates to submit a brief statement describing their accomplishments and/or reasons for running for office. Expand on a candidate to view their submission.

Hawaiʻi Senate

Aloha, I am Angus L.K. McKelvey, and I humbly ask for your support in continuing to serve you as State Senator for District 6. Born and raised here, my commitment is to the betterment of our state and its people. My priorities include fighting for affordable housing, expanding middle tax relief, and advancing sustainable practices to protect our environment. I have challenged decisions made by distant powers and will continue to demand a transparent, inclusive government. I am dedicated to addressing the ongoing struggles from the Lahaina Wildfires and am committed to ensuring the same doesn’t happen again in any other part of our state. Together, we can ensure a brighter future for Hawaii. Mahalo Nui loa for your support!

I am running to continue my commitment to serving all of Senate District 7, mauka to makai, on each island and ensuring that all of my constituents have access to services and resources no matter where they live.
I am always concerned about funding and support for our schools. Making sure our students are getting the materials and programs they need to thrive and that our teachers have the support they need to assist our students is a top priority of mine. That is why I focus on CIP funds for our HiDOE schools and for our Kaiapuni programs for the schools across the state.
I am committed and willing to work with EVERYONE in our communities to ensure a better future for all of Hawaiʻi Nei.

As senator, I have addressed district priorities: 1) to reduce homelessness/increase affordable housing: helped create a statewide homelessness & housing solutions office building kauhale statewide using $50 million, building a triage/medical detox program serving homeless with mental illness and drug problems, and providing $250 million to build affordable housing; 2) to help our keiki remain here by entering careers through paid internship programs in high school that advance them toward health care, toward state government, and toward technical education jobs and careers, and reduced teacher shortage by increasing teacher compensation to address the compression problem and hard-to-fill special education and rural areas, and; 3) to attack crime by passing bills to increase penalties for driving without a license and/or insurance and treating habitual violent offenders as felons.

Aloha! I’m Brandon Elefante, current member of the Hawaiʻi State Senate, District 16 (‘Aiea, Pearl City, and Hālawa). It has been my life’s great honor to serve in public office for the last 10 years. This past year, I diligently worked alongside my colleagues in the state legislature to address critical issues, from improving access to affordable housing, supporting critical infrastructure projects, and advocating for a cleaner environment. Together, we have achieved significant milestones, but there is still much more we must accomplish. Throughout my years of public service, I have learned the importance of listening to your concerns, collaborating across party lines, and working tirelessly to find common-sense solutions to our most pressing challenges. I believe that my experience, dedication, and passion for our community make me the best choice to continue representing your interests in the State Senate. Mahalo.

Vice President of the Hawaiʻi State Senate, Senator Michelle N. Kidani was first elected to the Hawaiʻi State Senate in 2008 and has served as its Vice President since 2017. She is Chair of the Senate Committee on Education and Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Higher Education and member of Ways and Means Committee. As the Chair of the Senate Committee on Education, her priority remains supporting teachers and an education system that meets the needs of all of Hawaii’s students through the recruitment and retention of highly-qualified teachers, continue quality early learning education and career pathways or CTE programs for students plan, and strong local leadership.

As a lifelong resident of the Leeward Coast, I am honored to take this step toward representing District 22 in the Hawaii State Senate, I am committed to serving with integrity and prioritizing the needs of our community.

I’m an alumnus of Kamaile Elementary, Wai’anae Intermediate, Wai’anae High School, YouthBuild Honolulu, and Leeward Community College-Wai’anae Moku. Recognizing the importance of collaboration and inclusive governance, I’m committed to creating an environment where diverse community voices actively contribute to policymaking. My vision for the Leeward Coast centers on reducing the cost of living, promoting community-driven economic development, reducing crime, ensuring equitable access to quality education and healthcare, and preserving natural resources.

Aloha HSTA,
Successfully lobbied the Hawaii State Legislator’s for the film tax credit from its infancy for the 10+ years.
Successfully lobbied Linda Lingle to veto a cut to the film tax credit bill passed by the State Legislature.
As a current member of the Oahu Island Burial Council, I was successful in sharing counsel to descendants of the Mokapu Iwi reburial project, on how to proceed on military lands. They were successful after 20 years of negotiations to get what, where, how the iwi is to be reinterred and the military pays for it.
Sorry, this is on my phone as I am on the road.

Respectfully submitted,
Ben Shafer
8083885777
bdshafer@gmail.com
52.210 Kamehameha Highway
Hauula, Hawaii 96717

Hawaiʻi House

I’ve done my best over the past eight years to reform our tax code to be friendlier to working class people in our state. Alongside my colleagues, we have significantly decreased the tax burden for middle class families in Hawaii. In addition to supporting pay and quality of life improvements for educators, I am committed to working directly in our schools as a coach and volunteer and will continue to advocate for our schools and working families.

Either the HSTA Board of Directors took no position on this race or candidates did not ask for recommendations from the HSTA.

Rep. Jeanné Kapela is a passionate defender of working families and our keiki. A graduate of Konawaena High School, Jeanné works tirelessly to uplift our state’s education system, support our hardworking teachers, and empower our children to achieve their highest potential. She is also a steadfast champion for labor rights, environmental preservation, economic fairness, climate resilience, and quality healthcare. As the Chairperson of the Working Families Caucus at the Hawai’i State Legislature, Jeanné is dedicated to providing leadership with aloha to all who call Hawai’i home.

Keeping Hawaiʻi a place that families can proudly call home drives my efforts to create a community with sustainability and aloha as our focus, so that our people, our ʻāina, and our economy can thrive together. In my first two years in office I was able to secure funding to improve our Kona schools and our local hospital as well as fund the Da Bux Program so that SNAP recipients have access to healthier local fruits and vegetables. I passed legislation that will strengthen our biosecurity efforts, grow more entrepreneurs that start in home kitchens, and enhance labeling laws for macadamia nuts and coffee. I plan to continue advocacy efforts for farm to school so our students, teachers, and staff have access to healthier school meals.

I am running for reelection to continue serving my community and to be a voice for West Hawaii on important issues like education, healthcare, affordable housing and the environment. As a former early childhood educator, I understand first hand the importance of education and of supporting educators with adequate pay and resources, and this will remain a top priority for me. One of my accomplishments during my tenure in office since 2012 includes funding the construction of HCC Palamanui, and continuing to grow and support this campus as well as all of our public schools, is something I will continue to work for at the legislature.

Aloha. I am David Tarnas, running for re-election as State Representative for House District 8 where I have lived and worked as a professional environmental planner for nearly 38 years and where my wife and I raised our two children. I just completed my fifth term in office and serve as Chair of the Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs Committee. This broad range of experience helps me serve effectively.

Reducing the cost of living, supporting affordable housing, public education, public safety and environmental protection, and reducing wildfire risk were top priorities this past session. To address these, we significantly reduced income taxes, exempted Medicare, Medicaid and Tricare-funded medical and dental care from GET, increased the supply of affordable housing and reduced wildfire risk. I also secured funds for the new Waikoloa Library, expand North Kohala healthcare facilities, repair Kawaihae North Small Boat Harbor, replace Waiaka Bridge, and improve Waimea’s roads. There’s more work to do and I ask for your vote so I can continue this work.

Representative Terez Amato (T.Amato) said, “As a huge union supporter, I’m deeply honored and grateful that our teachers, the people to whom we entrust our keiki, indeed our future, trust me, endorse me and are again supporting me.”

We must all together stand up and fight for our community, and never allow opponents to be elected who will vote against food for students, against pay raises for teachers and other union members, and give anything less than 100% effort to supporting teachers, unions and education.

You deserve a Representative who refuses all corporate and lobbyist money and is #WorkingForThePeople, one like me who has stood up and vocally supported and voted for every single education and teacher bill, obtained affordable workforce teacher housing, CIP school improvement funds, new DOE positions and 100% consistently supported pay and step increases for all teachers.

Representative Terez Amato (T.Amato)

Aloha, my name is Kyle Yamashita and I humbly ask for your support in the upcoming election. It has been a privilege to represent upcountry Maui in the State House since 2004 and I will continue to work hard to support our local families. As Chair of the House Finance Committee, my top priority is helping our community to recover from the devastating 2023 wildfires. I am also working to keep our State in a strong financial position so that we can continue to provide core government services, such as education, health care and public safety. Please feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions or concerns, I’m happy to connect with you.

Aloha! As the State House Representative for District 13, I am running for reelection in order to continue my commitment to ensure that the quality of life for our residents and the health of the environment are brought to the forefront of decision making. I believe that a strong public education system is the foundation on which thriving and inclusive modern societies are built, and that public education policies must aim to address the needs of the whole child. During my first term I introduced or supported numerous measures proposing investments in our education system including a bill to provide housing assistance vouchers for teachers, and a bill for a constitutional amendment to create a new funding source for public education by taxing investment properties. I look forward to continuing my strong advocacy for teachers and education in Hawai’i. To learn more about me visit VoteMahina.com. Mahalo nui, Mahina

Either the HSTA Board of Directors took no position on this race or candidates did not ask for recommendations from the HSTA.

I’m running for reelection to help improve the quality of life for Hawaii’s residents. By building more workforce housing, addressing the root causes of homelessness, supporting universal preschool education and public education, diversifying our economy, and caring for our natural resources, Hawaii’s residents can grow and thrive. Thank you for your support.

I’m committed to doing all that I can to make housing affordable and improve our quality of life. By simplifying regulations, encouraging residential development in and around our existing towns, enhancing pedestrian infrastructure, and supporting multigenerational households, we can build vibrant, sustainable communities. This will lower housing costs, keep families together, preserve agricultural land, reduce carbon emissions, and decrease inequality.

On the Kaua’i County Council, I passed dozens of bills related to affordable housing, including legislation eliminating permitting fees for Additional Rental Units, allocating 2% of property tax revenue towards affordable housing, and providing over $1 million in annual rebates for cesspool conversion.

In the legislature, I passed significant statewide zoning reform bills, aiming to make it easier for families to build multigenerational housing, reduce permitting fees, legalize residential development in all commercial areas, and facilitate the conversion of commercial buildings to residential.

14 years ago, I ran for office with the commitment to protect worker rights and benefits. With 36 years of HGEA involvement, I respected and appreciated union workers and valued their commitment to the public. Educators especially, make the greatest contribution to society. They are the key to future success, and for that I am extremely grateful and I will continue to support them.

Born and raised on Oahu, Tina Nakada Grandinetti, PhD., is running to help build a future where local families can afford to stay in Hawaii and raise our keiki to care for our precious lands and waters. She has dedicated her career to understanding Hawaii’s housing and homelessness crisis, and as a postdoctoral fellow working at a national policy institute, she brings valuable experience advancing equitable housing policies that meet the needs of working families. Previously, she managed the office of Representative Perruso, where she worked closely with advocates to draft & advance policies on housing, food systems, education, and tax fairness. Tina also has a demonstrated record of community organizing, having worked to educate youth, prevent the displacement of local families, Shut Down Red Hill, and protect ʻāina for future generations. She strongly believes that good governance brings us all together to work toward the common good.

As a fourth generation Japanese American born and raised in this district, I am proud to call District 21 my home and am honored to serve as its representative for four years. Driven by a vision to create a Hawaii where local families can stay and thrive, I’ve advocated for legislation to grow affordable housing for locals, increase funding for public education programs and infrastructure, and eliminate bureaucratic inefficiencies. If elected to serve another term, I hope to work on these issues as well as healthcare workforce development, condominium governance, and converting underutilized state properties to affordable housing.

As a proud product of Hawaii’s public schools (Mililani Waena Elementary, Wheeler Middle School and Mililani High School), Andrew knows a high-quality education is within grasp for every child in Hawaii. He is committed to ensuring that fully-qualified, well-compensated educators are present in every classroom throughout the state, and believes every student deserves to learn in 21st century facilities. In his first term, he advocated for and secured capital improvement funding for the public schools within House District 22, including Mānoa, Noelani and Hōkūlani elementary schools.

I’m humbled and lucky to represent District 24 and I’m excited to seek re-election once again for another term. My biggest accomplishment was securing critical CIP funding for schools in my district, advocating for LGBTQ+ rights, and for a better quality of life for my constituents. I’m also proud of the working relationship that I have with the members of HSTA.

This year I was proud to secure funding to expand a student mental health and wellness pilot program for public school students. The YMCA will implement voluntary screenings, help youth identify moods or emotions to be self-aware of their mental health, and teach coping strategies or communication techniques. With reports of stress, sadness, and overall poor mental health hitting a critical point, it is more important than ever we ensure keiki maintain a healthy body and mind to give them the best chance at success.

Bio coming soon.

Bio coming soon.

Aloha! My name is Linda Ichiyama and it has been an honor to serve as your State Representative since 2010. I was born and raised in Salt Lake and I am proud to call it home. I graduated from Salt Lake Elementary School, Moanalua Middle School, Moanalua High School, then Georgetown University and UH Manoa William S. Richardson School of Law. I work closely with our area legislators to improve our schools, like the new MoHS Performing Arts Center and baseball/softball field. I humbly ask for your support in this 2024 election. Please feel free to contact me at repichiyama@gmail.com with any questions or concerns.

I am running for elected office because I believe in the power of community-driven change. Throughout my life, I have seen the positive impact that dedicated individuals can have when they work together to address challenges and create opportunities for everyone. My mom, Senator Donna Mercado Kim, is my role model. I am running to be a voice for those who feel unheard, to advocate for policies that promote equity and justice, and to ensure that our government works for the people, not special interests. I am running because I believe that our community deserves leadership that is honest, transparent, and accountable. I will work tirelessly to build trust with the people I serve and to ensure that their voices are heard in every decision I make.

I am seeking reelection to the State House, where I have served for 12 years, after a career as a journalist and communications director for the late U.S. Senator Dan Inouye and UH Manoa.

My legislative accomplishments include authoring laws for State assistance to family caregivers (the first in the nation), creation of the corrections oversight commission to improve prisons and jails, and reduction of illegal aerial fireworks through a State task force.

I am especially proud of helping secure more than $60 million for improvements to Pearl City schools for new classrooms, modern education technology and air-conditioning. With support of the HSTA, I hope to continue my advocacy for education.

I have also helped increase State funding for senior programs that enable frail elderly to live safely at home, with delivered meals, home care services and transportation.

Bio coming soon.

It has been a privilege serving Mililani as in the Hawai‘i State House for the past 12 years. Born and raised in Mililani, this community is my heart. Since being elected in 2012, I have worked to gain the experience necessary to be an effective representative in the legislature. Open communication with you remains my top priority, ensuring your voices shape policy on important issues such as the high cost of living, housing, education, homelessness, and government transparency. Mililani is where I was raised, and where my husband and I have chosen to raise our children. I know that the decisions we make today will impact generations to come. I am dedicated to our state and I humbly thank you for your continued support.

Corey Rosenlee is a dedicated public servant who cares deeply about the well-being of our children. As a lifelong teacher and former President of HSTA, Corey is devoted to delivering the schools our keiki deserve and championing our state’s hardworking teachers. He also strongly supports efforts to make Hawai’i more affordable for working families, reduce homelessness, and combat climate change. A tireless advocate for the labor community, Corey is committed to producing real solutions to the problems faced by Hawai’i’s residents.

I am currently the State House Representative of District 40 (Iroquois, Ewa Gentry and Westloch Fairways), serving as the Vice Chair of Culture, Arts and International Affairs, Member of Committees in Education, Higher Education & Technology and Labor & Government Operations. In the legislature, I am proud to author the Malama Puuloa license plate bill restoring abundance to Pearl Harbor, the primary program of Hui o Ho’ohonua (HOH808) in hosting workdays, educating local youth through aina based programs and creating a lei of partnerships to support local collaborative goals.
I am seeking re-election to continue serving the community and to continue projects I have started in my district, specially the Capital Improvement Projects I secured funding for James Campbell High School on going construction of the track and field and girl’s locker room; Ilima Elementary School planning and design for parking lot; Pohakea Elementary for the reconstruction of the fence and parking lot; Holomua Elementary for the planning and design for classroom and Iroquois construction of the fence and sewer system.
Having healthy relationship with city and county departments, I was able to provide solutions to my constituents concerns.

Either the HSTA Board of Directors took no position on this race or candidates did not ask for recommendations from the HSTA.

Aloha: I’m Anthony Makana Paris. Raised in Nānākuli and now a homeowner in Kapolei, I come from a labor family, and I have worked with the ironworkers for the last 13 years. I have degrees in engineering, theology, and law from MIT, Santa Clara, and UH’s Richardson School of Law. I serve our community as Chair of the Makakilo/Kapolei/Honokai Hale Neighborhood Board, First Vice President of the Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs, and Board Member for the Waiʻanae Coast Comprehensive Health Center.

Our communities struggle with grueling traffic, unaffordable housing, crime, disappearing jobs, aging and climate-vulnerable infrastructure, and underfunded education. Addressing these means building a place for local families by addressing food security; expanding shoreline parks and protecting watersheds; repairing infrastructure; finishing Honolulu Rail; and funding OHA and DHHL as part of a statewide solution for affordable housing.

Together, we can leave Hawaiʻi better for future generations. Mahalo.

My experiences in our schools and living in our community, particularly during these unprecedented times, have fueled my desire to run for office. We need strong advocates who understand our unique challenges and can bring positive change. I am committed to ensuring that our children, families, and community have the support and resources they need to thrive.

I am running for reelection to continue advocating for quality education, regenerative agriculture, and robust civic engagement in Hawaii. My tenure has been marked by significant strides in these areas, including advancing education policies that prioritize our students’ future and promoting sustainable farming practices that support local farmers. My endorsements from the public workers’ unions reflect my commitment to workers’ rights and fair labor practices. Together, we can build a stronger, more resilient community for all.

Either the HSTA Board of Directors took no position on this race or candidates did not ask for recommendations from the HSTA.

I have had the honor of serving my hometown on the Windward side since 2018 and I would like to continue collaborating with the community to bring about positive change. Since being elected to office, I have been able to support my district by introducing and passing legislation that supports our community’s schools and protects our natural resources, as well as advocated for approximately $240 million in operating and capital improvement project funding for my communities. I have also addressed community issues, such as our growing homeless population, concerns over cesspools, and little fire ant infestations.

I am a former 7th grade science teacher (Nanakuli High and Intermediate School) and am currently Chair of the Labor and Government Operations Committee, where I seek to fill vacant state positions to improve government services, set labor policy to balance both public and private interests, and improve government efficiency. I have brought in over $145 million in district projects since I took office, the majority of that for my district’s schools. I have been active in my district, organizing drive thru flu shot clinics, war memorial restorations, ewaste recycle drives, stream cleanups, and Castle Complex school supply drives. During the pandemic, I brought the Farm to Car program to Windward Mall, allowing farmers to safely sell produce boxes directly to residents. I also passed Farm to State legislation, requiring the State to purchase an increasing percentage of its produce from local sources, which includes school cafeterias. I always seek to bring my experiences teaching in the classroom to the State Capitol.

Bio coming soon.

Aloha teachers. I ran to become a State Representative four years ago because I wanted to have a vote on the many issues I was already working on as a community resident. These include environmental education (in collaboration with our schools!), conservation, energy policy, homelessness and health care. Now as Chair of Human Services I am able to dig in deeper to issues of mental health, homelessness, and poverty. I have a Doctorate in Public Health and decades of work experience that I am happy to put to good use shaping policy.

Constitutional Amendment

A constitutional amendment will be on the general election ballot this year that will protect marriage equality in Hawaii. Voting “YES” on the Constitutional Amendment Question #1 will help remove the discriminatory language in our State Constitution that gives the Legislature the authority to reserve marriage for opposite-sex couples.

Please remember that a blank vote is a “no” vote. Be sure to vote “YES” on your ballot and help end discrimination in our State Constitution.

Related posts:

  1.  HSTA releases 2024 primary election recommendations
  2.  Bill advances with $185M for teacher housing at Mililani, Waipahu and Nānākuli campuses
  3.  Housing committee advances proposals for teacher housing projects, Maui pilot program
  4.  State awards first contract to build 100+ educator rentals in Mililani