Full name: Charles Kaui Jochanan Amsterdam

Name on ballot: C. Kaui Jochanan Amsterdam

Age: 72

Political Party: Republican

Running for: Senate

District: District 11

Email Address: shaloha1@yahoo.com

Current Job:

Educator

Social, cultural activities specialist

Place of birth: Alameda, Calif.

Campaign website:

Job history past 10 years:

King Lunalilo Home, nine years; Coronado Investment LLC, 1.5 years.

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

State representative, District 24, through the primary, not elected.

Other civic experience or community service?

Neighborhood Board member, Makiki-Tantalus-Lower Papakolea

Member, Committee for Health, Fitness and Safety

Community disaster control leader and trainer

Shaloha Quest or Bringing Hawaii to Israel Project director

Director of Peace and Culture Day in Haifa University, Israel.

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

Service and leadership experience locally, nationally and internationally as previously presented. Also, educated at eight universities in education, health sciences and law advancing education, advancing Native Hawaiian self-determination and a “governing entity,” advancing relationships with Israel, world class in agriculture, also advancing Hawaii’s agricultural and economic independence.

What makes you qualified to be a state senator?

My numerous and diverse experiences and service as previously described contribute toward qualifying me to be a state senator.

Additionally, such variety enables me to provide for important changes urgently needed in Hawaii. Since the status quo will only perpetuate our problems, I humbly ask for your vote for change.

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?

I support the governor’s proposal and also with the possibility of such increase in consideration also with coordination of those having more than one car.

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. Presently, enough is enough. Our citizens don’t need such additional taxation on this project. Other creative alternatives can be provided such as shortening the rail route, which still can be extended in the future, enlisting business support and establishing other forms of funding. Citizens must have a say.

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

The existing regulations and enforcement of vacation rentals is presently suitable. Accordingly, more serious regulations and enforcement of vacations rentals is needed. Otherwise, suitable amendments may be integrated into the present system.

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

Presently, the audio system used by police officers can be used and “body cameras” are not presently needed. The standard funding approach for equipment acquisition is satisfactory even for if and when such cameras would be suitable.

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?

Public disclosure of crimes or violations of departmental policies by police officers should be treated as they are for others such as they relate to court cases and the general public. Additionally, disclosure of information should be available according to the Freedom of Information Act.