Full Name: Patrick Kamakanianu Shea

Name on Ballot: Patrick Kamakanianu Shea

Age: 43

Political Party: Democrat

Running For: House

District: 49

Email Address: friendsofpatrickshea.com

Current Job: Attorney

Place of birth: California

Campaign website: friendsofpatrickshea.com

Job history past 10 years:

Attorney, Dwyer Schraff Meyer Grant & Green;

Attorney, Shea & Kamiya LLLC;

Attorney, Miller Shea LLLC.

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

Other civic experience or community service?

Past president, Outrigger Duke Kahanamoku Foundation; past director, Lanikai Canoe Club; director, Native Hawaiian Bar Association; member, Koolaupoko Hawaiian Civic Club, youth paddling coach.

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

I am a Native Hawaiian. I am married, and I have two young sons.

What makes you qualified to be a state representative?

I grew up in Hawaii. My parents were high school-educated, hourly wage earners whose discipline and industriousness enabled them to put me through college. My professional experience as an attorney has equipped me to understand the application of our laws in our lives and in court.

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?

Since a small percentage of Hawaii residents rely on public transportation and most Hawaii folks need to drive to work, the gas tax, vehicle weight tax and registration fee increases constitute a regressive tax, and therefore I do 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?

No. GE tax is too regressive, and shifts the burden to those who spend the majority of their income on simply surviving in Hawaii — those who are least able to afford it.

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

Yes. Illegal vacation rentals commercialize our neighborhoods, increase the cost of housing for locals, and detract from the regulated hotel industry which provides important jobs and tax revenue to Hawaii.

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 public but also protect our officers from false charges of incompetence and malfeasance. They are the most direct and effective way to determine the true facts of police interaction, and cut through false accusations.

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. We have a right to know how those we trust to enforce our laws conduct themselves, and if after all due process has been afforded an officer, discipline was appropriately meted out, there is no reason not to let the people know about it.