Hawaii District 7 State Representative Candidates

State Representative, Dist 7
(R) BELEKANICH, Tom

Why I Running: I’m running as “Conservative Republican” to: – Preserve local cultural heritage, values, and ‘ohana spirit – Make my district thrive by implementing common-sense grassroots policies
Who Am I: I’m a conservative – not a career politician, I’ll work across the isle to: – Preserve the local character, Aloha spirit, ohana, and be a good environmental steward. – Support local businesses, agriculture, veterans, & address homelessness & affordable housing – Promote smaller effective government by eliminating wasteful programs, regulations, and ensuring your tax dollars are spent wisely
Skill Set: 43+ years of service to this great nation as an Intelligence professional known as effective problem solver and critical thinker capable of evaluating and implementing solutions to complex issues
Promises: I’ll work hard, be your voice & bring a fair & balanced discussion to the legislature I’ll be a humble, hardworking, honest, and effective “public servant” and represent the peoples interests
About Me: I’m from small northeast Pennsylvania mining town, married for 43 years to a South Korean immigrant. We have two sons, one a US Naval Officer/doctor, the other a Fortune 500 company Marketing Manager.
Education: Two undergraduate degrees – Mechanical Engineering and Sociology, a Graduate Certificate in China Intelligence Studies and a Master of Arts in National Security and Strategic Studies. Graduate of the US Navy Command & Staff College & US Army Sergeants Major Academy.
Experience: 43 years of experience & selfless service to this great nation, 21+ years at the executive level focused on analyzing/producing regional & national operational & strategic intelligence assessments & managing large & small, complex, government organizations, programs and resources.
My Hawaiian Roots: My wife and I have been coming here for 35+ years – she was naturalized in Honolulu. Living here for 14+ years has given both of us a deeply rooted passion…..FriendsOfTomBelekanich@gmail.com 

(D) TARNAS, David

Aloha, my name is David Tarnas. I am running for state office to be of service to the community that has been my home for over 32 years. My wife Carolyn Stewart and I have two children who were born and raised here, and are now studying at college. My experience as a parent, owner of a small business and as a public servant provides me a unique perspective on how things work and don’t work in our state. In the early ’90s, I was the UH Sea Grant Extension Agent for West Hawaiʻi and served as a two-term State Representative for Kona and Kohala from ’94-’98. For over 20 years, Carolyn and I have run our own business, a Waimea-based environmental planning firm. I have also been an executive with several local start-up companies in the marine biotech, aquaculture, forestry and agriculture sectors; and a director of several nonprofit organizations working in marine conservation, space science education, community health improvement, and primary school education. As an environmental planner and meeting facilitator, I have worked for established local industries including agriculture, tourism, ocean recreation, marine resources, astronomy, and education. I have also worked for new and emerging industries including renewable energy, distributed power generation, forestry, marine biotech, and environmental technology. And I have worked on public infrastructure projects including highways, harbors, and airports, and environmental management projects such as watershed protection, coastal park development, fisheries management, and marine protected areas establishment. My 32-year career in Hawaiʻi as a planner and state legislator gives me a solid track record of resolving conflicts in our community related to land use, natural resources, ecosystem protection, community health, and education. I am thoughtful and diligent, do my own research, and work collaboratively with stakeholders. My technical expertise and local experience will help me be an effective legislator. http://www.votetarnas.com