District 28 – Ikaika Lardizabal Hussey (D)

Full name: Ikaika Michael Lardizabal Hussey

Name on ballot: Ikaika Lardizabal Hussey

Age: 38

Political party: Democrat

Running for: House

District: 28

Email address: campaign@ikaikahussey.com

Current job: Publisher, investor

Place of birth: Honolulu

Campaign website: ikaikahussey.com

Job history past 10 years:

Archipelago Inc., chairman, 2008-present, content strategy and boutique publishing firm; publisher of Summit magazine. Clients include Reyn Spooner, Tori Richard, Whole Foods, Kahala Mall.

Hui for Hauoli Lofts, investor, capital investor in boutique loft-style development in Moiliili.

University of Hawaii at Manoa, lecturer, 2013-2014, media and communications faculty.

Kokua Kalihi Valley, community capital coordinator 2012-2013, charting the economic development strategies of Kokua Kalihi Valley, a federally qualified health center serving 30,000 people in Kalihi Uka.

Ka Welina Community-Based Host Visitor Program, business development adviser, 2009 to 2012, developed business plan for cooperative entity comprising native cultural groups engaged in small-scale, community-based tourism activities.

Hawaii Pacific University, adjunct professor, 2010 to present, media and communications faculty.

The Hawaii Radio Project, chairman, 2006 to 2009, a partnership of local educational institutions to develop a network of community-owned FM radio stations. Successfully raised $140,000 for the project, which will include four non-commercial full-power FM radio stations throughout the Hawaiian Islands. Responsible for overseeing project; fundraising; working closely with technical and legal consultants; communicating with Federal Communications Commission; and building community support.

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

Yes. In 2000 I was a Democratic candidate for the state House in District 50, a Republican district encompassing portions of Kailua and Kaneohe. I was unsuccessful.

Other civic experience or community service?

Domestic Violence Action Center, board of directors, 2013-present

Hawaii Alliance for Progressive Action, board of directors, 2014-present

Hanahauoli School, board of trustees, 2001-present

Media Council Hawaii, board of directors, 2009-present

Local Independent Online Publishers, board member, 2013-2014

KAHEA: The Hawaiian–Environmental Alliance, board member, 2012-present

Friends of the Makiki Community Library, board member, 2012-2013

Hawaii Peace and Justice, board member, 2010-2015

MANA: Movement for Aloha No Ka Aina, founding member, 2010-present

Kalihi Business Association, member

Kaneohe Business Group, member

Hui Pu, member

DMZ Hawaii/Aloha Aina, member

Native Hawaiian Chamber of Commerce, member

American Friends Service Committee – Hawaii Area Program Committee, clerk, 2001-2009

Native Hawaiian Convention, delegate, 1999-2001

Hawaii Democratic Party – Native Hawaiian Caucus, chairman, 2000-2002

Waikalualoko Fishpond Preservation Society, board of directors, 2001-2002

Ha Hawaii, board of directors, 1997-1999

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

What makes you qualified to be a state representative?

For 20 years I’ve devoted my time and energy toward strengthening Hawaii and its people. My values are grounded in the progressive Catholicism of my Filipino and Hawaiian parents, and I’ve carried out those values within electoral and grassroots politics, as well as in business and nonprofits.

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?

Yes. However, I’d work with the administration to reduce the regressivity of these taxes, and to ensure that our development is on a long-term path away from automobile dependency and toward mixed-mode transport.

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?

The GET is highly regressive, so I would urge my colleagues to consider other revenue approaches (carbon tax in particular).

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

Yes

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

Yes

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?

Absolutely