District 03 – Ainoa Alexander Naniole (D)

Full Name: Ainoa Alexander Naniole

Name on Ballot: Ainoa Alexander Naniole

Age: 36

Political Party: Democrat

Running For: House

District: 3

Email Address: naniole@gmail.com

Current Job: Attorney

Place of birth: Honolulu

Campaign website: www.ohanaainoa.com

Job history past 10 years:

Legislative aide, office of state Sen. Russell Kokubun

Legislative aide, office of state Sen. Gilbert Kahele

Attorney, business office of Abigail K.K. Kawananakoa

Attorney, Alcain & Naniole, Attorneys at Law, LLLC

Ever run for public office? If so, when? Outcome? No

Other civic experience or community service?

10 years of experience at the state Legislature in both the House and Senate.

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

Generations of my family (Ruddle ohana) are from the Big Island, where I was raised. I attended Honokaa Elementary, Waiakeawaena Elementary, Waiakea Intermediate, Waiakea High (ninth grade), and graduated from Kamehameha Schools-Kapalama. I obtained my undergraduate degree from UH-Hilo and my law degree from UH-Manoa.

What makes you qualified to be a state representative?

I have roughly a decade of employment at the state Legislature, mostly working for former state Sen. Russell Kokubun, whose district included much of the same communities as House District 3. I possess a keen working knowledge of the legislative process as well as the issues facing my community.

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 would likely support such an increase to improve state roadways. However, until the state Department of Transportation fully utilizes all the federal money at its disposal for highway repairs from the Federal Highway Fund, there should be no increase. Increased accountability from the state DOT in this regard is imperative.

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?

Only as a last resort. There should be negotiation on decreasing or eliminating the state’s share of the surcharge. The rail must mitigate traffic congestion in Honolulu, improving the quality of life for many residents. It must be done right. Ending rail transit service at Middle Street is unacceptable.

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

Yes. This is essentially a county enforcement issue. The state must increase resources and implement policies that will facilitate the counties doing a better job to address illegal vacation rentals. These establishments should pay their fair share to offset the costs of maintaining our public infrastructure, which their clientele utilize.

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

Yes. Body cameras will ensure a more accurate accounting of the facts surrounding police contact. These devices could dramatically reduce litigation costs and increase judicial economy. It will also help to engender greater public trust in our police officers, as a video of an encounter would be readily available.

Dozens of police officers throughout the state 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?

Yes. Increased public trust of law enforcement officers is essential. Our officers must be held to the same standards faced by ordinary citizens disciplined for committing crimes or departmental policy violations. Confirmed misconduct that reflects negatively on an officer’s ability to uphold their trust responsibility should be publicly disclosed.