Matthias Kusch
Matthias Kusch (Democratic) Official legislative biography notes: Matthias Kusch is a retired Hawaii Fire Department captain and farmer who has lived on Hawaii Island for more than 35 years. He served as president of Hilo Bayfront Trails, a member of the Windward Planning Commission, and a member of the Hawaii County Cost of Government Commission before his appointment to represent House District 1 in 2024.
Campaign site
“As a retired HFD battalion chief, farmer, and affordable housing advocate, I've spent decades solving problems on the ground, on Hawai'i Island. That's what I bring to the Legislature.”
(Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey) “The number one threat to our community is people leaving. They can't afford to stay and because good jobs are hard to find. I'm working to change that through practical housing policy, investment in local industries that fit our State well, and building the kind of economic opportunity that lets families build a future here instead of somewhere else.”
(Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey) “During my first full legislative term, I hit the ground running. Voters in HD-1 deserve a representative who shows up, does the work, and delivers results — and I have a record that shows I do exactly that.”
(Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey)