2018 Primary Election Candidates

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Kelly Takaya King
Name on ballot:

Kelly Takaya King

Running for:

Maui County Council

District (if applicable):

South Maui

Political party:

Does not apply/Nonpartisan race

Campaign website:

www.kellyking.org

Current occupation:

Maui County Councilmember

Age:

58

Previous job history:

Director of Marketing & Communications, Pacific Biodiesel Technologies

Previous elected office, if any:

HI State Board of Education (1994-98)

What qualifies you to represent the people of Hawaii?

I have a broad experience in the issues facing Maui County having served as an active member on many non-profit and trade organization boards, including PTA, Hui Malama Learning Center, Hawaii Renewable Energy Alliance, Hawaii Energy Policy Forum, Hawaii Technology Dev. Corp, Maui Farmers Union, AKAKU, UHMC Advisory Committee to the Sustainable Sciences Mgmt Program, and many other. My business background has given me a clear vision of how to accomplish strategic goals, communicate with employees and the public, and how to make decisions that support the greater good. I also have a journalism background which has helped tremendously with knowing which questions to ask and being able to obtain clear answers. My style is perhaps best described by the "Coffee Party" slogan: Incite Civility and Reason!

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

Lack of: 1) Affordable Housing 2) Infrastructure (especially roads and wastewater treatment) and 3) Integrity, Transparency and Responsiveness in local government

If elected, what will be your highest legislative priority?

Supporting sensible and truly affordable housing development projects

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

I have been getting great support in my first term from folks across the island who seem to greatly appreciate the questions I am asking in council chambers and the openness of my office. It is my job to disseminate as much information as possible, create collaborations between citizens and the county, and include residents in efforts to find solutions so they feel enabled to help solve their own issues.

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

I have lived in Kihei for almost 40 years, in the same house where my two children were born and raised through college. My husband and I have created, owned and operated two successful local businesses (King Diesel and Pacific Biodiesel) and have been involved, concerned citizens since we became parents 32 years ago. We believe in leaving every place we touch better than it was when we arrived, and that is a big part of why I decided to respond to my community's request that I run for the office of county council.

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