2018 Primary Election Candidates

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KOSSOW, Bronsten (Kalei)
Name on ballot:

KOSSOW, Bronsten (Kalei)

Running for:

Hawaii Island County Council

District (if applicable):

7

Political party:

Does not apply/Nonpartisan race

Campaign website:

bronstenkossow.com

Current occupation:

Flight Operations Coordinator - Manager

Age:

23

Previous job history:

Paradise Helicopters

Previous elected office, if any:

N/A

What qualifies you to represent the people of Hawaii?

As a 23-year-old who was born and raised in the Kona area, I have a deep love for the community and its culture. Kossow earned his Eagle Scout rank at the age of 17 and is a member of: the Rotary Club of Sunrise, Order of the Arrow, and currently the Game Management Advisory Commissioner for West Hawaii. He attended the University of Hawaii, at both the Hilo and Palamanui campuses, where he continues to study political science. Kossow currently works at Paradise Helicopters as a flight operations coordinator and has been with the firm for 4 years.
He believes that with the spirit of lokahi (unity), and ho`olohe (to listen) and kuka (discussion), that we can build a better community for ourselves and pave the way for a better future. He hopes with his experiences to be the voice that can bring the community together through lokahi (unity) by working collaboratively with all. We as a community continue to have “moving parts” and Kossow believes that he can be an asset and represent the best interest of my constituents with the values of aloha.

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

Some of the challenges we face in Kona are housing, homeless, and Kona water wells.
Although housing and homeless are linked we have to identify them as two separate issues. The first of which is we need affordable housing or low-income housing. I think that our community has a great example known as Ulu wini. We should be striving to provide families a place stay. Our homeless has changed rapidly within the last decade. I believe we need to create a task force to come together as a community to solve this issue, and work with our community partners. Moving forward I would like to see this be funded by block grants. The state has offered land to develop an area known as ‘Village 9’ to supply ‘Ohana Zones and ‘Safe Zones’ for those who are homeless.
Our other challenge will be the future of our Kona Water Wells. This affected agriculture, residents, and businesses across the board. I would like to see the Department of Water Supply Master Plan, Strategic Plan, and any Standard Operating Procedures so that we can update, and hold the board accountable.

If elected, what will be your highest legislative priority?

Our homeless is important because they affect our tourism, which equates to businesses. Also, safety becomes an issue for everyone in our community. That is why working with our community alliance, businesses, and non-profit organization to assist our homeless and houseless individuals, by providing adequate care and services they need.

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

Our main focus are our families. It is important to create an agriculture for food sustainability, I would like to create community gardens as a start for ag improvements. The other way we’re going to improve the quality of life is our roads. We need to ensure that quality projects are being funded through capital improvement projects or block grants for our roads.

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

I was born and raised in Kailua-Kona. I am a graduate of Makua Lani Christian Academy, and currently attending the University of Hawaii at Hilo pursuing a degree in political science. I’m an Eagle Scout, his project was to create an informational and interment directory for the West Hawaii Veterans Cemetery. I currently serve Boy Scouts Finance chair, Rotarian for Kona Sunrise, Club Public Relations, Kona Crime Prevention Committee member, and the Hawaii County Game Management Advisory Commissioner, and professionally work as a Flight Operations Coordinator for Paradise Helicopters.

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