Full name: Alex Haller

Name on ballot: Alex Haller

Age: 28

Political Party: Democrat

Running for: House

District: 13

Email address: alexhaller.hawaii@gmail.com

Current job:

Hawaii Department of Education substitute teacher

Place of birth: Wailuku

Campaign website: www.hallerforhawaii.com

Job history past 10 years:

Program director, Boys & Girls Clubs of Maui (2014-15)

Invasive species field associate, Maui Invasive Species Committee (2014)

Landscaper at Haller Landscapes (2013)

Accounting coordinator, Marriott Vacations Worldwide (2011-12)

Ever run for public office? If so, when? Outcome?

Yes, I ran for Maui County Council in 2014. My appendix ruptured in the middle of my campaign and I lost.

Other civic experience or community service?

Eagle Scout, 2006

Haiku Community Association board member, 2015-16

Maui County Arborist Committee, 2015-16

Hawaii Farmers Union United member, 2015-16

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

California Polytechnic State University, 2010, degree in finance

St. Anthony High School, 2006

I am fortunate to be born and raised on Maui. I have lived in our canoe district my entire life. I hope I can represent the residents of Lanai, Molokai and East Maui at our capital. I believe our community can work together to solve all of our islands’ problems.

What makes you qualified to be a state representative?

I am qualified to be a state representative because I have a degree in finance. I understand theories of finance such as “time value of money.” Theories of finance within our government could help eliminate wasteful government spending. We need to reduce our islands’ risk to ensure a successful future.

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, the state gas tax, vehicle weight tax and state registration fees should not increase. Hawaii has the highest cost of living in the nation, therefore I do not support an increase in these taxes. Our infrastructure is very important but it should not be reliant on these taxes.

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?

I would support an extension because the cost of construction is increasing, therefore any future project will be more expensive. Our government needs to be more transparent and accountable because all our residents work hard to pay this tax. Public transit in Honolulu is important and it can reduce traffic.

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

I believe counties should crack down on illegal vacation rentals not the state government. Zoning and enforcement is more efficient at the local level. It is important for our government to be responsive to concerns. Every illegal vacation rental that exists takes one unit away from the long-term housing market.

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

Body cameras could improve transparency and accountable within our police force. Changes could be implemented to improve community relations with the police. We all have rights that need to be protected and it is important to protect our privacy. The county government should fund body cameras, not the state government.

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?

Transparency within any government or department is important because it builds trust amongst residents. Police officers are held to a higher level of professionalism and they are very important members of our community. I do not think police officer misconduct records should be exempt from public disclosure.