Makani Christensen (D)

Full Name: Paul Makani Christensen

Name on Ballot: Makani Christensen

Age: 36

Political Party: Democrat

Running For: U.S. Senate

Email Address: makani@makanichristensen.com

Current Job: Business owner

Place of birth: Wailuku

Campaign website: www.makanichristensen.com

Job history past 10 years:

Business owner of Keawe Consulting LLC dba Keawe Adventures, June 2008 – present (8 years 2 months); Keawe Adventures is a private island tour and activity guide service specializing in unique leisure and sports activities of Hawaii. Professional consulting in strategic planning and implementation for ocean sport related, ocean and marine resource related and culturally sensitive issues (specifically of Native Hawaiian concern) of Hawaii.

Project Manager, 3rd Marine Regiment, Marine Corps, June 2007 – July 2008 (1 year 2 months); Served as the liaison between regiment and construction/development management for a 10-year construction project to supply housing, offices, and infrastructure for the growth of Marines arriving from Okinawa.

Liaison Officer, (USMC) Multi-National Force Iraq, Strategic Effects Division, October 2006 – May 2007 (8 months)Iraq. Provided nightly executive level operational briefs on strategic operations throughout Iraq to the Media Operations Center, effectively bridging the gap between the operators, the media monitors, and military spokespersons. Initiated and developed an innovative plan to transform Iraq’s Al-Shaab stadium, in the heart of Baghdad, into a safe, secure, and economically viable market for the Iraqi people. Based on the Oahu Stadium market, my idea was received well by the Strategic Economic Working Group and when implemented will increase stability in Baghdad to provide much needed employment opportunities and boost confidence in the Government of Iraq.

Supply Officer, First Battalion, Third Marines, June 2005 – October 2006 (1 year 5 months); Researched and created a 6 month budget in excess of 1.5 million dollars in order to prepare the battalion for deployment to Iraq. Managed and tracked over 300 thousand dollars of military contracts to support 1,000 Marines for a one month training exercise at Pohakuloa Training Area. Led and managed 17 Marines in supply chain management, fiscal tracking, and logistics operations for 6 months with a superb accountability record. Responsible for tracking and maintaining 37 million dollars of government assets.

Supply Officer, Third Marines, Marine Corps, May 2004 – January 2005 (9 months); Supervised and tracked more than $28 million of replenishment supplies while deployed to Afghanistan. Lead Marines in combat while deployed to Afghanistan. Responsible for the fiscal budget, equipment procurement, and contracts for the Marine Corps first Revised Combined Arms Exercise in California in support of the Battalion’s Training prior to deploying to Afghanistan, which was valued in excess of $3 million. Coordinated and established a supply chain between 5 Forward Operating Bases using fixed wing assets, local moving companies, and local vendors. Supervised and trained 22 Marines in supply chain management, fiscal tracking, and logistics. Responsible for tracking and maintaining $66 million of government assets at five different locations while deployed to Afghanistan. Helped construct a FOB in Jalalabad, Afghanistan by procuring building materials and equipment from multiple areas and agencies.

Ever run for public office? If so, when? Outcome?

Other civic experience or community service?

>> Hunting, Farming & Fishing Association, also known as HFFA, Makani.

Started this nonprofit in the spring of 2015. As noted at www.hffahawaii.com, its mission is: “To protect and promote the freedom of hunting, farming, and fishing in Hawaii, through education, collaboration, and advocacy.” Concerned with the growing strain on those providing agriculture of both land and sea, addressed the lack of protection for this industry by giving them a support system, connecting them together, across all islands, in shared search for solutions.

>> Find Our Marines

On Jan. 14, 2016, twelve Marines went missing in the devastating crash of two US Marine helicopters during their night training. As the crash occurred on Oahu’s rugged coastline of the North Shore, the bodies and any pertaining evidence, were lost. After a week of officials searching without success, officials declared the missing dead, despite the hopes of family and community members. Understanding the need for closure, I organized a community search party within three days. On Jan. 23, over 300 volunteers joined in the efforts to find any remains of the crash and gave respects at the blessing performed. More can be found on the project’s Facebook Page.

>> Chairman Aha Moku Council of Oahu, Aha Moku Advisory Committee, November 2012 – Present (3 years 9 months)

The Aha Moku Advisory Committee was appointed by the governor to the Department of Land and Natural Resources in July 2012. Aha Moku is the traditional Hawaiian system of natural resource management that has been handed down in oral tradition and practice for over 10 centuries. Asked to join as a Native Hawaiian Fishing Practitioner, I help to: monitor projects in the best interest of Native Hawaiian culture, history and rights; provide expert information in regards to ocean resources; organize and provide leadership for Moku Council.

>> Sponsor Honolulu Community Action Program, 2012 – Present (four years) for Children

>> Current Democratic Delegate – 2016

What makes you qualified to be a U.S. senator?

My core values and work ethic.

1) Placing the needs of the people before the ideologies of oneself.

2) Seek truth in all matters that effect the rights and opportunity of the people.

3) Honor country, honor Hawaii, and honor family.

4) Hard work

5) Lead by example

Do you support the use of United States combat troops in Syria to defeat ISIS, or to end the rule of President Bashar al-Assad?

If we were to end the rule of President Bashar al-Assad, the country would spiral into more chaos. How do you win a war without fighting? If we cannot win a war through politics, then we must first develop a sound plan that ensures victory.

Do you support the continued use of U.S. troops in Iraq, or should those troops be withdrawn?

Our service men and women fought and sacrifice to protect the freedoms we have today, which we cannot forget. We went to Iraq to give hope and restore a government. If we leave now, how do we justify the sacrifice that our brave men and women endured?

Do you support the continued use of U.S. troops in Afghanistan, or should those troops be withdrawn?

The troops should be withdrawn as soon as our experts determine that the country’s government is intact and stable.

Should the United States recognize a Native Hawaiian government through an administrative rule or an act of Congress?

If there is any hope in setting up a Native Hawaiian government, then it has to be consideration of all the people of Hawaii. Until we can agree on our definition of Hawaiian, our values, and our objectives how can we expect the federal government recognize us as a people.

What changes should be made to the federal Affordable Care Act?

We should not require individuals to pay high cost for medical insurance and then, penalize individuals if they cannot afford it. We need to make medical care more accessible to both the individual and businesses.

Should the federal government legalize marijuana?

I’d be in favor of possible legislation when we get a better grasp on the current process to legalize marijuana. Legalizing marijuana creates more jobs and generates revenue, but we cannot lose sight that marijuana if abused, is dangerous.