District 01 – Kaloa R.N. Robinson (D)

Full name: Kaloa R.N. Robinson

Name on ballot: Kaloa R.N. Robinson

Age: 51

Political Party: Democrat

Running for: State Senate

District: 1

Email address: kaloa4senate@gmail.com

Current job:

Housing specialist, planner, Hawaii County Office of Housing and Community Development

Place of birth: Honolulu

Campaign website: kaloa4senate.org

Job history past 10 years:

Hilo Medical Center, marketing and community development (assisted with funding of residency program)

North Hawaii Community Hospital, marketing and community development

Puna Geothermal Venture, plant operator

HMSA, community liaison

Hui Malama Ola Na ‘Oiwi (Native Hawaiian Healthcare System), CEO

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

Other civic experience or community service?

Akaka Falls Lions Club, 1st vice president (current)

Boy’s and Girl’s Club of the Big Island, board member (current)

Hawaii County Fire Commission, vice chairman and member

Hawaii Island Chamber of Commerce, member

Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Hawai’i, member

South Hilo Rotary, member

Hawaii County Police Commission, member

Hawaii Island United Way, board member

Workforce Development Board, board member

Weinberg Fellow, Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Leadership Fellows graduate

Pacific Century Fellows Program, participant

PONO Fellows Program, Hawai’i Community Foundation nonprofit leadership training program; participant in 1st inaugural class

Gallup University Program, leadership training participant

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

Staffer, U.S. Sen. Daniel K. Akaka

Staffer, U.S. Rep. Akaka

Staffer, Lt. Gov. Benjamin J. Cayetano

Staffer, state Rep. Terrence Tom (Kaneohe)

Volunteer, Honolulu Councilman Gary Gill

Member, Kahaluu Neighborhood Board

Damien Memorial School

Whittier College; (B.A.)

George Washington University; (M.A.)

What makes you qualified to be a state senator?

I am qualified due to my extensive background in politics and government (I resided and worked in Washington, D.C., for seven years), my community involvement in the Lions Club, and other nonprofit boards and commissions in Hilo. I acquired a graduate degree from George Washington University in political management.

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?

Expansion of roads and infrastructure on Hawaii island are critical. It was announced that numerous projects currently in the pipeline for the Big Island will not be addressed within the next 20 years due to limited funding in our state government. I do not support the governor’s proposals.

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 support alternative means of transportation on Oahu, and believe that rail is a critical need for the city. I was an avid user of the D.C. Metro System, and believe that the city needs to commit wholeheartedly to completing this project as proposed. This issue began in D.C.

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

Yes, illegal vacation rentals need improved oversight by the state. Rental property owners need to pay their expected share of taxes. It is a burden to the neighbors of these properties and impacts the hotel industry as well. Hotel workers need to be paid fair, live-able wages.

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

The counties cannot afford the additional costs for body cameras, SHOPO has not determined if this equipment will help or hinder current police operations, and additional storage and maintenance of these devices have not been completely monetized yet. Although it may protect officers, more analysis needs to take place.

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?

Oversight of rank-and-file officers are under the purview of the police administration and the department. The police commission in the various counties hold the department administrators, and the chief, accountable for their actions. Citizens are able to file complaints and document their experiences through the police commission.