Full Name: Tiare Lawrence

Name on Ballot: Tiare Lawrence

Age: 34

Political Party: Democrat

Running For: House

District: 12

Email Address: votetiare@gmail.com

Current Job: Self-employed

Place of birth: Wailuku

Campaign website:

www.votetiare.com

Job history past 10 years:

Otaheite Hawaii, owner/designer, 2011-2016

Makena Resort Services, outdoor director, 2008-2009

Ever run for public office? If so, when? Outcome? No

Other civic experience or community service?

Aloha ‘Aina Project, community organizer, 2015-2016

Malama Olowalu, community outreach, 2015-2016

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

I want to protect our high-quality Upcountry lifestyle and ensuring that our Upcountry families are able to get affordable housing and employment opportunities. I will support diversified farming, creating more sustainable jobs, and empowering small business opportunities.

What makes you qualified to be a state representative?

I’m honest and hard working. I am community engaged, people driven, and ‘aina based. I have no loyalties to developer or special interests.

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. Our working families are struggling as is.

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?

No, I would support an audit instead. Obviously funds are being mismanaged and overspent. The project is millions over budget. Our working families shouldn’t be burdened with more taxes. The cost of living in Hawaii is a crisis.

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

No. The counties have enforcement abilities and illegal vacation rentals are a county responsibility. The state has enough enforcement responsibilities.

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

Yes. Body cameras protect the police and the offender. They provide valuable evidence which assists in justice being rendered.

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?

Absolutely, police officers are public servants who wear the power of life and death at their hips. We must be certain that officers who lose their jobs for misconduct or other offenses do not just go to another jurisdiction where they may carry on their crimes and policy violations.