Full Name: Randy Aaron Gonce

Name on Ballot: Randy Gonce

Age: 27

Political Party: Democrat

Running For: State House

District: 40

Email Address: friendsofrandygonce@gmail.com

Current Job: Graduate student

Place of birth: Newark, Del.

Campaign website: www.randygonceforhawaii.com

Job history past 10 years:

Legislative aide and researcher, 2016 session

Hawaii Pacific University English tutor, 2015

Heating ventilation and air conditioning installer, 2013-2014

CrossFit fitness coach/nutritional consultant, 2012-2013

U.S. Air Force, enlisted, 2006-2012

Ever run for public office? If so, when? Outcome? This is my first race!

Other civic experience or community service?

Student Veterans of America; Veterans of Foreign Wars; Young Democrats of Hawaii; Oahu Young Democrats; Kapolei Inline Hockey Association; Armed Services Hockey Association; Intercultural Teachers Organization; Aerobics and Fitness Association of America

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

I have worked my whole professional career bringing people together from all backgrounds and cultures. With so much hate and judgment in the world today we need more leaders who realize we are stronger together and not divided. ‘Love thy neighbor’ is a value I promote each and everyday.

What makes you qualified to be a state representative?

My time in the military serving my country has instilled in me a global citizen mindset, the leadership skills necessary to tackle problems, and the ability to approach each issue with an open mind. Hawaii’s Legislature is very unique and is in need of new ideas for old problems.

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?

As a legislative aide for Rep. Matt LoPresti , vice chairman of the House Transportation Committee, and a resident of Ewa Beach, which requires many hours of driving to town for work, our office played a key role in killing this triple tax increase. We did not support it.

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 Legislature had already extended the excise tax with the understanding that the entire project would be completed in full. Already a tough decision, as the GET is regressive and imposes great burden on our lower income earners, I believe the city should come up with alternative ways for funding.

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

Absolutely. The cost of living is rising, the opportunities for local residents are dropping, and local jobs are being impacted. All the while the owner of the vacation rental is making large sums of profit not following the law. The state should make sure the rules are upheld.

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

Yes. Our office authored House Bill 1738 in the 2016 Session that required body cameras for officers in Hawaii. That language was incorporated into the final Senate bill that unfortunately did not pass through the Senate. This is an important issue that needs attention and diligence until passed.

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. Police are public officials and we trust them with certain authorities for our safety. The majority of our officers are fantastic that take great pride in their integrity and selfless service. Public oversight and knowledge of disciplinary actions only reinforce the great officers and helps keep everyone accountable.