2018 Primary Election Candidates

Click to select a candidate

Name on ballot:

Hannibal Starbuck

Running for:

Maui County Council

District (if applicable):

Upcountry (Pukalani, Kula, Ulupalakua)

Political party:

Does not apply/Nonpartisan race

Campaign website:

hannibalstarbuck.com

Current occupation:

High School Science Teacher

Age:

Previous job history:

N/A

Previous elected office, if any:

N/A

What qualifies you to represent the people of Hawaii?

I am a keiki o ka 'āina. Besides 2 years on Kaua'i after high school, and 4 years on O'ahu for college, I have lived on Maui for my entire life. I have deep knowledge and respect for Hawaiian culture, heritage, and language. I am educated and have a profession that promotes interaction with the community. I have natural leadership skills that allow me to take charge when necessary as well as be a valuable part of a team. I understand the challenges of life today in Hawai'i because I face many of these same challenges.

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

Maui is in desperate need of relief in housing, whether in the form of affordable houses to buy or units to rent. Local families who work decent jobs are struggling to find affordable housing of any type. Infrastructure needs to be maintained and improved. The rising population of Maui, coupled with increasing numbers of tourists, has pushed the limits of our roads, water systems, parks, and schools beyond what is necessary for the quality of life that Maui residents deserve. Maui County needs to facilitate the needs of existing farmers and provide opportunity for new farming operations to be successful. This includes all types of farming, whether for food, ornamental, or other uses of agricultural products. Water and land should be provided at reasonable cost to farmers with good ideas and the results would benefit the entire community by providing jobs and supplying local produce for consumption.

If elected, what will be your highest legislative priority?

If elected, my highest legislative priority would be to see if it is in the best interest of Maui County to implement the 0.5% temporary GET to fund large infrastructure projects; specifically, I would promote the community chosen path for the Pa'ia Relief Route, finishing the Lahaina Bypass and working toward moving Honoapi'ilani Highway mauka from the Pali to Cut Mountain (north of Olowalu), and completing the KIhei North South Collector road. I would be part of a team to research, compile and put out all the facts to the community, with a sufficient discussion on the pros and cons, and then vote according to the will of Maui Nui on this matter.

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

I strive to represent the best interests of the entire Maui Nui community, including Moloka'i and Lana'i. I want to make the quality of life better for the working class, the struggling, the long term residents, the kanaka with ancestral ties to the land, and most of all, for the keiki o ka 'āina, the children who deserve to have a better Maui Nui. I will work for the community as I do now in my role as a teacher.

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

I am married, and have a daughter in grade school and step-children who are out of the house. I earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Physics from UH Mānoa, a Master of Science in Geoscience from Mississippi State, Hawaii DOE teaching certification, and a National Board of Certification in Teaching (NBCT) for professional teaching standards. I like to surf, fish, dive, paddle canoe, and hike. All the islands are beautiful and unique, but in my humble opinion, Maui no ka oi.