Name on ballot:

Joelle Seashell

Running for:

State House – District 21

Political party:

Republican

Campaign website:

www.voteseashell.com

Current occupation:

Realtor

Age:

35

Previous job history:

Retail

Previous elected office, if any:

na

Please describe your qualifications to represent the people of Hawaii.

I have 11 years of business operations management which is underpinned by in depth training in listening to people. There is a disconnect between We the People and those representing us in office. I am not a politician, but I know all too well the struggles of trying to survive on this island. I love country and I love our state, I will stand behind the oath I took to uphold the Constitution and the Bill of Rights.

What is the most pressing issue facing residents in your district and how would you address the problem?

The rise in crime is one of the most pressing issues. We need to be tough on crime and introduce legislation that discourages people from breaking the law. An example of the disconnect between We the People and the Lawmakers is bill HB 1567 which passed the state house and senate. This bill has law enforcement officials imploring Governor Ige to Veto it. If passed it would eliminate the requirement that defendants accused of nonviolent crimes post cash bail. This would allow them to be released on their own recognizance to await their court dates. This bill should have never passed the house or the senate, let alone end up on the Governor’s desk. Did your representative vote to pass this bill?

Rising inflation has significantly worsened Hawaii’s already high cost of living. What can be done at the state level to help Hawaii residents cope with high consumer prices?

The state should lower the taxes residents have to pay with broad-based sales tax relief similar to what has been implemented in Florida. Putting short term tax freezes on things like backpacks, shoes, clothing, school supplies and learning aids during “back to school” preparation is one example of how the legislature could help to ease the pain of inflation for those who are most affected.

Hawaii’s rising gasoline prices are among the highest in the nation. Should Hawaii lower or temporarily suspend state taxes on gasoline to help ease the pain at the pump?

Absolutely. Everyone should look into bill HB 134 which was proposed by our lawmakers in 2021. While we are fortunate bill HB 134 did not pass this last session, we are very much in danger of having it come back next round for the lawmakers to try and push through. Below is a snippet of the bill.

“A carbon tax offers the most cost-effective lever to reduce carbon emissions at the scale and speed that is necessary.
In addition to any other taxes provided by law, there shall be a fee on each barrel or fractional part of a barrel of petroleum product sold by a distributor to any retail dealer or end user of petroleum product, other than a refiner, pursuant to the carbon fee program established by section 243-A. The fee on each barrel shall be paid by the distributor as follows:
(1) $3.50 in the taxable year beginning in 2022;
(2) $14.00 in the taxable year beginning in 2023;
(3) $18.00 in the taxable year beginning in 2024;
(4) $22.00 in the taxable year beginning in 2025;
(5) $26.00 in the taxable year beginning in 2026;
(6) $30.00 in the taxable year beginning in 2027;
(7) $34.00 in the taxable year beginning in 2028;
(8) $38.00 in the taxable year beginning in 2029; and
(9) $42.00 in the taxable year beginning in 2030 and every taxable year thereafter.”

Do you support or oppose efforts to slow or limit the number of tourists to Hawaii? Please explain.

No answer submitted

Can Hawaii’s tourism-dependent economy be diversified, and, if so, what can state government do to support the effort?


Yes, Hawaii used to be the agricultural powerhouse of our nation. We spend 3 billion annually to import 90% of the food we used to produce back in the 70’s. In 2019 alone around 100 million dollars of our tax money went to advertise for the tourism industry. Are there not better ways to manage our budget and spend our money? It is time that we become self-sufficient in regard to feeding the islands. It goes against logic, is unsafe and contributes to the unbearable cost of living for us not to grow our local food industry.

What is your plan to increase affordable housing in Hawaii, and to help the counties deal with homelessness?

No answer submitted

What would you propose to help protect Hawaii residents’ health during the continuing COVID-19 pandemic?

I propose that bodily autonomy is paramount and that every person should maintain sovereignty over their being. People know what is best for themselves, they should have the freedom to choose how they take care of their own health. The Government should not intervene.

Hawaii isn’t likely to see a repeat of this year’s $2 billion revenue surplus which allowed higher-than-normal spending on state programs and projects. If elected, what will your top spending priorities be?

If elected my top priority in regard to spending would be to cut spending and lower taxes so that the People of Hawaii, our small businesses and the middle class can have an opportunity to thrive.

What, if anything, should state government do in response to the decision by the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn Roe vs Wade?

No answer submitted

What should state government do to support and improve public education in Hawaii?

The State should have and elected board of education for each county. There should be school choice and the money should follow the child.

What reforms, if any, would you propose to make local government more transparent to the public?

1. Clean out the voter roles
2. Ball all electronic elections equipment
3. Voter ID with paper ballots only
4. Ban mail-in voting
5. Ban early voting
6. Create smaller precincts
7. Ban ballot harvesting
8. Make election day a holiday
9. New reporting requirements for transparency
10. Heavy prison sentences for all who commit fraud

Do you support or oppose the construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope on the Big Island and why?

No answer submitted

Is there anything more that you would like voters to know about you?

I believe in Liberty and Justice for all. We should all be free to live our lives as we see fit, free of Government intervention. Our country was founded on the idea that Government was in place to protect our freedom. I want to remind to everyone that We the people hold the power and our rights come from God and not Government.