2018 Primary Election Candidates

Click to select a candidate

Name on ballot:

KIM, Donna Mercado

Running for:

U.S. House

District (if applicable):

1st District

Political party:

Democrat

Campaign website:

donnamercadokim@gmail.com

Current occupation:

State Senator

Age:

Previous job history:

Worked Ala Moana Hotel Catering Sales, Kahala Hilton Front Desk, Motorola Communications, Barbers Point Special Services, KIKI Radio, Executive Director of Models of the Century.

Previous elected office, if any:

State House of Representatives, Honolulu City Council

What qualifies you to represent the people of Hawaii?

Hawaii is a unique society. As a state composed of several islands separated by an ocean, our isolation has created a unique culture which requires all of us to work together; to respect one another; to seek out common interests; and above all to acknowledge our history of cultural originations and immigration.
As a student in public schools in Kalihi, I learned first hand the differences and similarities of the various cultures which make up our state. I know discrimination; I know struggle; I work diligently at learning how the people I represent feel on the issues. I know that I represent their views and not my own. So I don’t surround myself in the corporate boardrooms but in the alleys of Kalihi/Moanalua. Having spent years in the private sector on the front lines in the visitor industry and running a small business, it gives me a diverse perspective as a leader as everything we do requires balance.
I have spent much of my career as a public servant. And I have built a reputation as a tough protector of the state and county pocketbook. I have made enemies among the powerful because of my stance fighting for the common everyday person struggling to make ends meet.
I will bring this same down to earth view to the maze of DC. Many have promised to fight for Hawaii in DC; the people of Hawaii know that I will, based on my track record.
I vow to all the people that I will not seek any other office if afforded the privilege to represent you all in Congress. My only ambition is to fight for you.

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

The biggest challenge facing voters is making ends meet. I vow to fight to reduce your federal tax burden. I will not be satisfied with token concessions to personal income taxes; while multinational and Wall Street concerns pocket huge savings.
Equally important is fighting the destruction of the rule of law and the end of civility. I grew up in a time when the rule of law prevailed. Now it seems the end justifies the means. This is not the America I envision; nor is it the America which we should accept. The rule of law includes inherently, equal rights and equality of justice. The growing emergence of racial inequality and demeaning attitude towards those who have immigrated as well as the thought that those who are different from the mainstream of the past can somehow continue to be denied their equal treatment is unacceptable to me. I will fight to end this inequality.
Finally, as the baby boomers retire and live longer that their parents, the need to provide affordable health care is top of mind for everyone. We must be able to address the high cost, especially the outrageous cost for prescription drugs. Demands for senior living and care givers grow everyday, and it will take the Federal, State and local leaders to come together with real solutions.

If elected, what will be your highest legislative priority?

To keep our country free from violence by eliminating availability of automatic weapons, create stiffer penalties for domestic violence and abuse and strictly enforce civil rights laws. And require transparency in prescription drug pricing in order to reduce the high cost.

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

To initiate and pass legislation that will improve our quality of life through better education, health services, protecting women’s rights and equal rights for all and keeping our economy vibrant and moving forward. I will work to attract clean emerging industries to Hawaii to provide good jobs so our children can stay in Hawaii.

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

I have led a hard but honest life. My values are simple. When you grow up with only the basics, you appreciate dedication and perseverance. It gives one the character to take unpopular stands like challenging our government officials to reduce waste and corruption. We are the guardians of the people’s faith in government so we must be vigilant to keep their trust.