2018 General Election Candidates
Name on ballot:
RIVIERE, Gil
Running for:
State Senate
District (if applicable):
23
Political party:
Democrat
Campaign website:
GilRiviere.com
Current occupation:
Senator
Age:
58
Previous job history:
Mortgage Lender
Previous elected office, if any:
State House of Representatives
What qualifies you to represent the people of Hawaii?
As your current Senator, I have been extremely successful in holding government agencies accountable for their oversight responsibilities, and in preventing developers from working around the permit process to avoid public scrutiny. As President of Keep the North Shore Country, I learned firsthand how to work within our communities to stand up against big business and government bureaucracy. Together, we have been successful in maintaining the truly unique qualities of our rural district, while still managing the opportunities that produce appropriate economic growth.
Our campaign motto is “Honesty, Integrity and Respect.” I assure all voters that no candidate will be more honest, have higher integrity and show more respect than I will in fulfilling the duties and responsibilities of your Senator. I humbly ask for your continued support and your vote on August 11th.
What are the top three challenges facing the voters you seek to represent?
Tourism gives Hawaii an important economic base; however, the rapid expansion of tourism can strain our society, resources, and the goodwill of our residents. This explosion of visitors contributes to the overloading of our two-lane highway, recreational facilities, beaches, trails and parks. It also takes thousands of long-term housing units off of the market by virtue of illegal vacation rentals. This affects our neighborhoods and significantly increases the cost of living for all of us. We have to, and we will, find a sustainable balance between visitors and visitor impacts on our everyday lives.
The second issue is related to the first in that we must begin to improve our poor highway infrastructure and minimize the frustrating traffic jams that result. Rail is not going to solve the problems in our district. By working together over the last four years, some movement is finally occurring within the Department of Transportation to complete the long delayed Laniakea Traffic Alternatives Study. We, all of us, must remain engaged to keep the DOT moving forward on critical infrastructure upgrades.
The third top issue is to preserve the rural district and quality of life we all love some much. I am confident we will continue to succeed, but it is an ongoing challenge and of utmost importance. After all, Oahu’s natural beauty, and our friendly communities are one of the main reasons we all choose to live here.
If elected, what will be your highest legislative priority?
My highest legislative priority has always been, and will always continue to be the protection of our rural district while balancing important economic growth opportunities. In the next legislative session, my priority will be to support the Departments of Agriculture and Land and Natural Resources, because they have been vastly underfunded for many years. During my four years in the Senate, we have successfully brought attention to this issue and substantially grown DLNR’s budget to protect our watersheds, natural resources, beautiful beaches and recreational facilities that enhance our lives.
If elected, what can you do to improve the lives of your constituents?
One of the most gratifying responsibilities I have experienced as Senator is travelling across our large, diverse district to speak with constituents. I attempt to be at EVERY community meeting available to me as Senator so that I can listen, understand and respect the concerns of all of our communities. It is my belief that truly understanding resident needs and concerns is the most important aspect in addressing them.
As Senator, I improve the lives of constituents by helping resolve issues they have with government bureaucracy, following up on their concerns and finding ways to help resolve them. I proactively get involved in all important issues, even when other politicians might sit out of the controversial ones. Of course, I actively engage in the legislative process to protect the interests of our residents and I have no hesitation in standing up to powerful forces when needed.
My door is always open, and I work tirelessly and faithfully to understand and represent the will of our residents.
Is there anything else you would like voters to know about you?
I believe the reason that the Star Advertiser and so many community leaders, activists, and residents are endorsing my campaign is because they know that I listen with respect, I work well with everyone, I find creative solutions to work around obstacles, and I truly and deeply care about the quality of all of your lives.
I am not running for governor or some higher office. I don’t drift in and out with each election cycle. I am always here, always with you, and always respond to your concerns.
Our communities are strong because we unite to defend what we love, and we are always willing to work together. I encourage everyone to watch and listen to the video testimonials at GilRiviere.com/testimonials. Thank you for taking time to look into the candidates in this important election. I hope you will then confidently vote for me, Gil Riviere. Mahalo.