2018 Primary Election Candidates

Click to select a candidate

Name on ballot:

MATSUSHITA, David

Running for:

State House

District (if applicable):

District 33

Political party:

Democrat

Campaign website:

www.davidmatsushita.org

Current occupation:

Financial Advisor

Age:

Previous job history:

N/A

Previous elected office, if any:

N/A

What qualifies you to represent the people of Hawaii?

I believe that the people of Hawaii need someone who will be a voice for them. Too many career politicians are in office for the wrong reasons. I'd like to represent what the everyday person needs. With my corporate management and financial background, I believe I have the communication skills and the foresight necessary to help get our state back on track.

What are the top three challenges facing the voters you seek to represent?

When talking with my neighbors while canvassing the district, here are some of the concerns that have been brought to my attention.
1. Aging in place - Aiea is an older community, and many families are having to adjust to the needs of aging relatives.
2. Crime - Crime seems to be more and more prevalent with criminals being bolder and more dangerous for the community.
3. Traffic - The rail project has created a traffic nightmare right through the heart of our community. Also, street parking seems to become more and more of an issue with new homes that are being developed.

If elected, what will be your highest legislative priority?

My top priorities would be as follows.
Putting Education First:
Education is the most important thing that will get our state back on track. We need to be able to hire and retain the best teachers for our students. We also need to give our children the opportunity to attend pre-school as well as college, without it causing their family an exorbitant amount of financial strain. We also need to make sure that funding for education is going to where it’s needed most; into the classrooms, and towards increasing the pay of our teachers.
Caring for Our Kupuna:
More and more families are having to drastically change the way we live in order to provide care for grandma and grandpa. These families need education about what type of various services are being offered, and what to expect when the time comes for the care of a loved one. We should maintain these services that are available as well such as Kupuna Care and Meals on Wheels. We also need to protect our elders from being targets of criminal activities. These offenders that specifically target the elderly should be penalized with additional sentencing.
Spending Responsibly:
We all pay our fair share in taxes. Instead of increasing taxes, I’d like to see government run in a more efficient manner. People have lost faith in government because no one is willing to be accountable. We need to roll up our sleeves and get back to work. Only then will we be able to ensure that your tax dollars are being well spent.

If elected, what can you do to improve the lives of your constituents?

I would work hard to continue having conversations with my constituents to find out what they really want from their representative. Then, I will diligently fight for their concerns. I will fight for elder care, I will fight for the safety of our neighborhoods, and I will fight for a better solution to the traffic problems we currently face.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about you?

I'm a local boy, born and raised on Maui, and I've been living on Oahu for almost 20 years. I'm a father of 2 (my daughter Ryleigh who is 11, and my son Carter who is 9). I'm a financial advisor by trade and not a career politician. The reason that I'm running for office is because I'm concerned about Hawaii politics, and I feel it's time for a change. If you also want a change, please consider voting for me on August 11.