2018 General Election Candidates
Name on ballot:
NIKHILANANDA, Nick
Running for:
State House
District (if applicable):
13
Political party:
Green
Campaign website:
http://www.friendsofnikhilananda.com/
Current occupation:
Community Activist; DOE Substitute Teacher
Age:
67
Previous job history:
Substitute Teacher with the Hawai'i State Department of Education on Maui – 2017-18; 2002-05; 1990-91. Mathematics Teacher; Academic Instructor at Hawai’i Job Corps – Maui Site – 1991-1999. I was also an airport taxi drive, para-
Previous elected office, if any:
In college, I won a few elected offices. Since then, I have been elected numerous times as the co-chair of the Maui County Green Party, the Green Party of Hawai'i, plus was, and continue to serve, as one of two delegates from Hawai'i, on the National Com
What qualifies you to represent the people of Hawaii?
I am educated, have the critical thinking necessary for our current urgent challenges and have traveled around the world. I thus have a global vision not limited to a provincial perspective. I posses an M.A. In Public Law/Urban Affairs from The American University in Washington, D.C. plus a B.A. in Political Science from Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois. That is not all; I have additional education, training and certificates. I have a Hawai’i Facilitator Certificate, am a trained Mediator, completed the Legal Research and Lexis/Westlaw Certificate training at Maui Community College/OCET, plus have a Real Estate Salesman License from the Hawaii Institute of Real Estate, though have not practiced real estate. Finally, I have over twenty-five years of additional community activism and involvement.
What are the top three challenges facing the voters you seek to represent?
The quality of life is the significant issue facing the mostly secluded, remote and rural regions of this area of Maui County. It is patently unfair that the 13th State House District includes three of the most remote places in the State, on three different islands. Each community is unique and what impacts Moloka'i is not the same as the needs which East Maui requires. Access and expansion to medical facilities, government services and educational opportunities are areas which impact all three regions. The North shore of Maui is different than East Maui, where finally the taking of water from the streams is being curtailed, while the various areas of Molokai have their own unique challenges. Lanai is basically a privately owned island. Affordable housing and economic opportunities are other significant issues affecting the entire district. Only one percent of the Maui County operating budget, including CIP's, is directed toward the North-shore and East Maui. The State does basically the same, mostly ignoring and under funding these communities. An example is the Pa'ia Bypass, with funding once again being threatened by the state, yet urgently needed now. Though no one currently inhabits Kaho'olawe, it is part of the thirteenth district.
If elected, what will be your highest legislative priority?
As I mentioned above, this canoe district has three distinct inhabited islands plus numerous remote communities each of which have unique challenges. Thus it is impossible to say there is one specific priority. Access to medical facilities, affordable accommodations, defending the onslaught on our ecology and the indigenous culture, and being responsive to the residents covers much of what would be my major priorities. Nevertheless, I must mention also the appearance of corruption and too much influence of large, for profit corporations and the lack of transparency are items necessary to mention.
If elected, what can you do to improve the lives of your constituents?
Everything I have mentioned above would be items which will improve the lives of those living in District 13. For many of them to feel that their State government actually listens to them and is responsive to their needs. Too often this area is ignored for the most part. For over a hundred years, water was stolen from the North shore and East Maui streams, destroying livelihoods and cultural practices. This is horrendous and needs to stop. My commitment will be that I will be available to their needs, listen to them and communicate what can be done.
Is there anything else you would like voters to know about you?
I am educated, active, informed and passionate about Maui County. I possess both a Masters and a Bachelors degree, plus numerous other academic credentials and certificates, and have the critical thinking necessary to perform at a high level. We must move into the twenty-first century with excitement and a single-mindedness to do what is right for all of our residents; for the kupuna, for our keiki, for their keiki and all who will follow. Our decisions are incredibly important. We have to stop catering to the visitor industry and strike a more sustainable balance.
Accountability, Sustainability and Transparency; these are my goals. I can only promise to listen, do my best, keep my constituents informed and once again listen.