District 14 – Carl Campagna (D)

Full Name: Carl Campagna

Name on Ballot: Carl Campagna

Age: 46

Political Party: Democrat

Running For: Senate

District: 14

Email Address: carl@votecampagna.com

Current Job: Business owner

Place of birth: Honolulu

Campaign website: www.votecampagna.com

Job history past 10 years:

Project manager, University of Hawaii Applied Research Lab, May 2016 to present

Business owner, Kamaka Green, LLC, June 2011 to present

State of Hawaii, legislative session staff, February 2015-May 2015

Allied Building Products, region manager, October 2014-February 2015

Conergy, region manager, March 2010-October 2014

Independent contractor, August 2009-March 2010

Sopogy, project manager, October 2008-August 2009

KHS&S Contractors, project manager, February 2006-October 2008

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

I ran for neighborhood board in 2015 and won.

Other civic experience or community service?

My family and I have always helped people as friends, neighbors, advocates, volunteers and foster parents. We believe in volunteerism and building strong communities.

My wife and I have strong local ties and are engaged in the community we live in. We have five children ages 18, 15, 10, 8 and 2. Our children attend KCC, Myron B. Thompson Academy, Kamehameha Elementary School, Maemae Elementary and a wonderful day care near our home on Alewa. I have a degree in history and have worked for 25 years in the engineering and construction industries managing and developing projects. We are also local business owners in the construction management, renewable energy and environmental industries, where we take seriously our stewardship of the land and natural resources. As licensed foster parents and co-founders of a nonprofit organization which provides a support structure for children and young adults leaving the foster care program, family and community are very important to us. We live what we believe.

I am an active member of several community service groups including Moanalua Lions Club, Rotary Club of Honolulu, Prince Kuhio Hawaiian Civic Club, YWCA of Oahu, Alpha Phi Omega service fraternity, the League of Women Voters, the Kalihi Business Association and the Filipino Chamber of Commerce.

As a member of the Democratic Party of Hawaii, I serve as chairman of Region 3 (serving House Districts 24-27 & 29), chair of the Energy and Climate Change Committee for the Environmental Caucus, and am a member of the Labor Caucus.

I have worked as legislative session staff, in legislative working groups including Energy Policy, Keiki Caucus, Farm2School+, Housing and Homelessness, and Transit Oriented Development. Through these groups, I have helped shape resolutions and bills that have passed and become law.

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

I’m a husband, father, foster parent, business owner, volunteer, nonprofit founder. I believe in hard work, responsibility, strong families, cultural ties and community investment.

What makes you qualified to be a state senator?

I have been working issues important to the district and state for many years and have served the public in several capacities, including as neighborhood board member, legislative session staff, in legislative working groups including Energy Policy, Keiki Caucus, Farm2School+, Housing and Homelessness, and Transit Oriented Development.

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?

Our roads need help. However, I would avoid raising taxes if possible. We should look to increase state revenues through business and economic development. We have opportunities to grow our agricultural and manufacturing industries through pursuit of local food hubs, food processing plants, and alternative fuel production and distribution.

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 am concerned by the cost overruns and believe an assessment of the project and procurement practices are in order. I would first want to be assured that the construction management is being handled correctly and with appropriate value engineering and other cost-saving measures.

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

Yes, I believe that DBEDT as well as the tourism and lodging agencies should participate in the process. Furthermore, we should assess the HRS as well as the HAR (rules) to determine extent of the violations and if modifications are needed. We must protect our local businesses as well as lands.

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

I am in favor of body cameras. It is important that the public respect our police officers and trust that they are doing their jobs appropriately, and transparency is an important tool in that effort. It could also be useful as for training as well as provide checks and balances.

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?

Yes, as the actions leading up to and after the recent Houston shootings attest, we do not live and exist in silos and in order for the general public to maintain the appropriate and deserved level respect for our officers, we must utilize transparency and community-building techniques.