2018 Primary Election Candidates

Click to select a candidate

Name on ballot:

SHIMABUKURO, Maile

Running for:

State Senate

District (if applicable):

Political party:

Democrat

Campaign website:

electmaile.com

Current occupation:

attorney

Age:

Previous job history:

law clerk at State District Court; paralegal; research assistant; reporter; waitress; newspaper carrier; fast food worker

Previous elected office, if any:

State House of Representatives 2003-2010

What qualifies you to represent the people of Hawaii?

I have served in elected office for the past 15 years, and have gained in-depth knowledge and experience during this time. I have also formed valuable relationships with key policy-makers and my constituents.

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

1) Traffic
Traffic will continue to be my top priority since it is the number one quality of life issue for my constituents. I have been able to obtain funds for the following major projects: Nanakuli Turn Lane, from Haleakala Avenue to Nanakuli Avenue; and Parallel Route Phase 1, from Paakea Road to Nanakuli Avenue. If I am re-elected, I pledge to continue to fight for critically needed projects, including: Parallel Route, Phase 2, from Nanakuli Avenue to Piliokahi Avenue; Extension of the 5th lane on Farrington Highway to Hakimo Road; and Rush Hour Contraflow Lane through the Nanakuli bottleneck.

2) Housing/Homelessness
To help address the problem of homelessness and the lack of affordable housing in my district, I have championed the following initiatives: Ohana Ola O Kahumana transitional shelter training kitchen grant in aid, transfer on death deeds for homes; and inclusion of legal non-conforming homes for Section 8 eligibility.

3) Education
To improve education in my district, I have obtained funds for the following initiatives: Leeward Community College-Wai`anae Moku purchase of the Tycom Building in Maili; Searider Productions building expansion at Wai`anae High; Wai`anae Elementary School administration building; Makaha Elementary School ADA improvements; and DOE Alternative Learning Center for at-risk students on the Wai`anae Coast.

If elected, what will be your highest legislative priority?

Stabilizing and hopefully increasing funding for Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center's emergency room.

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

I will continue to make traffic improvement my top priority, by pushing for the following projects:

· Parallel Route, Phase 2, from Nanakuli Avenue to Series 7

· Extension of the 5th lane on Farrington Highway to Hakimo Road; and

· Rush Hour Contraflow Lane through the Nanakuli bottleneck

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

I am very proud of what I have accomplished while I have been in office. Some of the major transportation projects I have championed include the:

· Nanakuli Turn Lane, from Haleakala Avenue to Nanakuli Avenue; and

· Parallel Route Phase 1, from Paakea Road to Nanakuli Avenue

Some of the major education projects I have championed include the:

· Leeward Community College-Wai`anae Moku purchase of the Tycom Building in Maili

· Searider Productions building expansion at Wai`anae High

· Wai`anae Elementary School administration building

· Makaha Elementary School ADA improvements; and

· DOE Alternative Learning Center for at-risk students on the Wai`anae Coast

Some of the major agricultural initiatives I have championed include the:

· HI Farmers Union United distribution hub for the Wai`anae Coast; and

· MA’O Organic Farms’ Youth Leadership Training Program

Some of the major job training initiatives I have championed include the:

· Ohana Ola O Kahumana transitional shelter training kitchen

· Wai`anae Coast Community Foundation grant for Toys for Tots, Sunset on the Beach, food distribution, vocational training, and other programs; and

· Hospitality Training Program for Leeward Coast residents

Some of the major economic development and capital projects I have championed include the:

· E Ala Voyaging Canoe A-Frame Halau Wa`a at the Wai`anae Boat Harbor

· Wai`anae Coast Comprehensive Health Center ER and dental buildings; and

· Na Kama Kai’s ocean education center at the Army’s Herbert K. Pilila`au Recreation Center

In addition to obtaining much-need funding for the Leeward Coast, I am very proud of the bills I have gotten passed. Some of the major social justice bills I have championed include:

· Extending the civil statute of limitations for child sex abuse cases

· Direct payment of marital share of state retirement benefits in divorce cases; and

· Waiver of publication requirement in all family court abandonment cases for low-income persons

Some of the major Hawaiian culture bills I have championed include:

· Legalization of pa`i`ai, or hand-pounded poi

· Aha Moku Advisory Committee structure and funding; and

· Legalization of indigenous architecture for residential structures

Some of the major environmental protection bills I have championed include:

· Prohibition on removing sand from public beaches

· Ohikilolo preservation resolution; and

· 10-Day removal requirement for abandoned vehicles

Some of the major children and youth bills I have championed include:

· Lifting the cap on DOE commercial enterprises; and

· Kawailoa Youth and Family Wellness Center at the Hawaii Youth Correctional Center

Some of the major housing bills I have championed include:

· Transfer on Death Deeds for homes; and

· Inclusion of legal non-conforming homes for Section 8 eligibility

Some of the major kupuna care bills I have championed include:

· Allowing disabled persons to claim both physical and mental disability when seeking welfare; and

· Good cause exception for medical treatment plans for disabled welfare recipients