Aloha, I’m Jason Masters, a candidate for Hawai’i County Council District 6. 

                       My roots run deep here as I was born at Kona Hospital in the District of South Kona, and raised in Wai'ohinu in the District of Ka’u. I went to Elementary and High School in Na’alehu and Pahala-where my interest in our Aina and natural environment was sparked by UH led summer programs. 

                     After high school, I was fortunate to receive financial assistance to attend the University of Southern California where I obtained a Bachelors Degree in Environmental Studies (Public Policy and Management) and Masters Degrees in Planning and Public Administration.

                    I was a City Planner for local governments for almost 15 years, authoring or assisting with new laws and amendments related to:

• Housing Insecurity-Short term vacation rentals-Accessory dwelling units
• Telecommunications facilities
• Animal Control in residential areas
• Medical and Commercial Marijuana Activities
• Housing Element Updates 
• Local Coastal Programs
• Downtown Strategic Plans and Economic Development Best Practices Reports

              I produced and delivered oral and written reports to the Mayor’s Office, City Councils, Planning Commissions, and other government agencies and commissions. My work includes developing preliminary environmental impact assessments, reviewing various types of use permits, and enforcing National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) violations and assisting in managing cities Standard Urban Stormwater Mitigation Plans (SUSMP) and Water Quality Management Plans (WQMP). 

               I have strong working relationships with City Officials, Federal, State, County and other Local Agencies. I also reviewed Coastal Development plans and commercial and residential plan checks. As Acting Senior Management Analyst, I managed the City’s Traffic Engineer and oversaw millions of dollars in Federal and State funding related to Safe Routes to Schools, Highway, and Roadway Improvements. I also supervised millions of dollars in City Projects involving, but not limited to, New Library Construction and Pedestrian and Roadway Safety projects.

               I have enjoyed substitute teaching at both Na’alehu Elementary School, and Ka’u High and Pahala Elementary School for the past four years working with all grade levels and subject matter, from Pre-Kindergarten through 12th grade including:

• Fully Self Contained (special needs students)
• Advanced Placement and Honors Students,
• English Language Learners

             I have been a part-time commercial fisherman since high school, and have worked in Ka’u as a farm hand. I  also volunteer at the Na’alehu Resilience Hub (The Hub), from working in the Community Kitchen (feeding over 200 people per service) to Kaukau for Keiki Food Distribution. This work also includes grant writing which will help The Hub towards installation of a walk-in refrigerator and an upgrade to the kitchen.

           My family has been actively involved in the community since before I was born, and this tradition continues for all of our family members to the present day.

           As your councilperson, my primary duty is to focus on the safety and well being of all members of our community. To me, that means roadway safety, food security, economic growth, environmental and ecological sustainability as well as preserving cultural and historic traditions. 

          My unique blend of education, experience and local upbringing has best prepared me to serve as your councilperson for Hawai’i County Council District 6. 

                                      I am Jason Masters, from Wai'ohinu, and I would appreciate your vote, Mahalo Nui Loa.