District 46 – Marcus R. Oshiro (D)

Full Name: Marcus Robert Oshiro

Name on Ballot: Marcus R. Oshiro

Age: 56

Political Party: Democrat

Running For: House

District: 46

Email Address: moshiro2016@gmail.com

Current Job: Legislator; lawyer

Place of birth: Honolulu

Campaign website: n/a

Job history past 10 years:

State House of Representatives

Attorney at law, private practice

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

Yes, current incumbent. Elected since 1994.

Other civic experience or community service?

Wahiawa Homeless Alliance, Wahiawa Lions Club, Hawaiian Civic Club of Wahiawa, Wahiawa Hospital Association, Wahiawa Community and Business Association, Hawaii State Bar Association, Council of State Governments Legal Task Force

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

I believe all of us, rich or poor, strong or weak, have a mission in life to do good and speak for the disenfranchised and forsaken. That no man is an island and we are our brother’s keeper. And, to whom much have been given, much will be required.

What makes you qualified to be a state representative?

Martin Luther King, Jr. expresses it best — ” [A]nybody can serve. You don’t have to have a college degree to serve. You don’t have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.”

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? 

No. Not until I am persuaded that increased taxes and fees and expenditures will improve the driving conditions for families living in my rural community. Without clearly knowing how increased motorists’ costs will result in better roads and improved commute times it is unfair to ask legislators for this commitment.

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? 

Yes, but ensure better oversight of HART and an increase of tax credits for low income households. This is the best tax policy and realistic source of construction and operating funds. Ending rail at Middle Street is short sighted and regrettable. Rail keeps the “County Country” and promotes transportation equity.

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

Yes as the counties appear unable to enforce their laws and compel compliance. In the meanwhile, an underground illegal rental practice is prevalent and affects the availability of rental housing for local families while it does not pay its fair share of TAT, Income, and GET.

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

I tend to support “body cameras” as a recording tool for both police and citizens. But, as the former House Labor Committee chairman, I think it is an item for collective bargaining under both state laws and constitution. Consequently, I recommend the counties and police union seek resolution outside legislative fiat.

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?

Good question, but I must be clear about what “greater public disclosure” entails. What does that mean? I am honestly unsure at this time. However, I am interested in learning more about how and where other states and jurisdictions draw the lines between permissible and impermissible conduct and public disclosure.