GOVERNOR GREEN REAPPOINTS MATTHIAS KUSCH TO REPRESENT HOUSE DISTRICT 1

News Release from Office of the Governor, November 27, 2024

HONOLULU — Governor Josh Green, M.D., today announced the reappointment of Matthias Kusch to serve a full two-year term as the State Representative for House District 1. Kusch has been serving in this capacity since his initial appointment in August following the passing of Representative Mark Nakashima. Kusch was one of three candidates recommended to the Governor by the Hawai‘i Island Democratic Party in accordance with state law.

“Matthias Kusch has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to the residents of House District 1,” said Governor Green. “His experience as a community advocate, retired fire department Battalion Chief, farmer and active leader in local initiatives, ensures that the values and priorities of Hawai‘i Island will be well represented in the Legislature.”

Representative Kusch expressed gratitude for the opportunity to continue serving the district, which encompasses Hāmākua, a portion of Hilo, and Kaūmana. “I am deeply honored to be entrusted with this responsibility by Governor Green and the Democratic Party,” he said. “I will continue to advocate for the issues that matter most to our community, from affordable housing to sustainable agriculture and public safety.”

Speaker Nadine K. Nakamura said, “In recent months, working alongside Representative Kusch, we have seen his dedication and readiness to serve his island home. We look forward to the ideas he’ll bring to the Legislature in the 33rd General Session.”

Kusch brings a wealth of experience to the Legislature, including a distinguished career as a Hawai‘i Fire Department Battalion Chief and over two decades of farming expertise. He has been a vocal advocate for affordable housing, a founding member of Hilo Bayfront Trails and an active participant in the Windward Planning Commission.

With his reappointment, Representative Kusch will continue his work to honor the legacy of his predecessor, Mark Nakashima, and address the needs of Hāmākua, Hilo, and Kāumana residents with integrity and dedication.

Photograph – Courtesy Hawai‘i House of Representatives

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CB: Matthias Kusch Reappointed To Hawaii State House Seat - Honolulu Civil Beat

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GOVERNOR GREEN NAMES HOUSE DISTRICT SUCCESSOR
Additional Boards and Commission Appointments Announced

News Release from Office of the Governor, August 30, 2024

HONOLULU — Governor Josh Green, M.D., today announced the appointment of Matthias Kusch to fill the House District seat left vacant by the untimely passing of Representative Mark Nakashima, who also was unopposed in the recent primary election. Kusch was among three candidates sent to the Governor by the state Democratic Party, in accordance with state law.

Kusch is a retired Hawaiʻi Fire Department Battalion Chief, a coffee and citrus farmer, affordable housing advocate, President of Hilo Bayfront Trails, Windward Planning Commission member and maintains a variety of other business and volunteer ventures.

In making the announcement, Governor Green extends “a special appreciation to former Representative and Senator Dwight Takamine for his extensive history of service and his willingness to serve once more. We are considering asking him to serve in a different and perhaps more fitting role.” After interviewing all three candidates, the Governor selected Kusch given his experience as a firefighter and the state’s need to have someone with that experience and voice in the legislature. Kusch will represent House District 1 (Hāmākua, a portion of Hilo, Kaūmana).

“I am grateful to Governor Green for appointing me to this seat and will do my utmost to uphold the values and deep respect that the late Rep. Nakashima brought to our district. As a former PTA and SCC president of EB deSilva Elementary School in Hilo, our team worked closely with Rep. Nakashima and Sen. Inouye in their successful effort to secure nearly $3 million for classroom and related improvements and design. I have served my community during my career, and this is the next step to continue that service, on a larger canvas,” Kusch said.

Governor Green has also re-appointed Karen Ono to the Kaua‘i seat on the Board of Land and Natural Resources for another four-year term. Ono served as executive director of the Kaua‘i Board of Realtors for 42 years; she also served on the Kaua‘i County Open Space Commission and worked closely with the County Planning Department in the revitalization of Rice Street in Līhu‘e.

Additional appointments to state boards and commissions are being announced.

Hawai‘i Teachers Standards Board

Phillip Bossert

Hawai‘i Technology Development Corporation

Gregory Uehara

Merit Appeals Board reappointments

Nora Nomura
Sean Sanada

School Facilities Authority

Logan Okita
Kimo Unten

Photograph – Courtesy Matthias Kusch

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