District 43 – Andria Tupola (R)

Full Name: Andria Tupola

Name on Ballot: Andria Tupola

Age: 35

Political Party: Republican

Running For: State House

District: 43

Email Address: andriatupola@gmail.com

Current Job: State House representative

Place of birth: Kahuku

Campaign website: andriatupola.com

Job history past 10 years:

Professor, Leeward Community College; professor, University of Hawaii at West Oahu; music teacher, Kamehameha Schools

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

I ran in 2014 and won with 56 percent

Other civic experience or community service?

I served on the neighborhood board, in community organizations throughout Hawaii, and at Leeward Community College

Anything else you’d like voters to know about you?

I am a wife and mother of two girls ages 8 and 7 who attend Hawaiian Immersion. I have a master’s degree in Music Education from University of Hawaii. I did a service mission in Venezuela and speak Spanish fluently. I graduated with honors from Kamehameha Schools.

What makes you qualified to be a state representative?

I have served as the state House Representative for two years and have been able to understand issues, work with the community, and produce results. I have increased communication for our district, increased resources with support from local businesses, and increased results through community collaboration.

Gov. Ige says he will once again propose increases to the state gas tax, vehicle weight tax and state registration fees to help pay for state road projects. Do you support his proposal?

I do not support tax increases. I have surveyed my community in regards to this proposed gas tax, weight tax, and registration fee increase and they are opposed to this proposal.

If the Legislature is again asked to extend Oahu’s half-percent excise tax surcharge to finance construction or operation of the rail system, would you support such an extension?

I do not support tax increases or extensions. The cost of living in Hawaii is very high and has led to increased homelessness. There have been initiatives to address the cost of living but they are always off set by numerous tax increases.

Should the state play a role in cracking down on illegal vacation rentals in Hawaii?

Yes. The outer island residents and communities, as well as Oahu residents and communities, have experienced many issues with illegal vacation rentals. The Legislature needs to come up with more effective legislation to address the issue.

Should the Legislature require that police officers in Hawaii use “body cameras,” and help to fund the use of those cameras?

I support what the police departments on all islands are currently doing with body cameras currently and support any initiatives that increase public safety.

Dozens of police officers in Hawaii are disciplined each year for committing crimes or violating departmental policies, but little information is released about the officers or their cases. Do you think there needs to be greater public disclosure?

I believe there needs to be greater public disclosure across the board in all departments and throughout the state not just in the police department.