February 8, 2025


WEST MAUI — In the long retirement of Sen. Roz Baker in the Sixth District, has a crowded field vying for her seat.

The race includes Democrats Shaina Forsyth, Tamara Goebbert and Tenth District Rep. Angus McKelvey; Republicans Philip Raya and Sheila Walker; and Green Party candidate Melissah Shishido.

The new senator will represent South and West Maui (Makena, Wailea, Kihei, Maalaea, Lahaina, Kaanapali, Napili and Kapalua).

The Lahaina News invites candidates involved in the August 13 Primary Election face-offs to share information about themselves and their goals.

Lahaina resident Forsyth is running because he believes it’s time for a new chapter in the Hawaii State Legislature.

“Some longtime senators are retiring, including the District 6 senator, and this is the perfect opportunity for a new candidate to be elected. I want to see more people of my generation in office. I was born and raised on Maui, I love the people of Maui, and I want to serve the communities of West and South Maui,” he explained.

Forsyth listed housing, the environment/sustainability, and infrastructure (especially roads and water) as the top three issues concerning the state this election season.

If elected, his top priority will be housing.

“Many West and South Maui locals are struggling to find anywhere to rent, let alone buy,” Forsyth announced.

“Another big focus is sustainability and preservation of our environment. District 6 has unique, but fragile, coral reefs, and some of the most unique wildlife areas, such as the West Maui Mountains and the Kealia Pond National Wildlife Refuge in Kihei. We must protect the rare and special plants and animals found in these ecosystems,” he continued.

“Finally, infrastructure is important for our district. The Honoapiilani Highway will need to be relocated from sea level rise, and the Lahaina Bypass will need to be widened to the north to ease Lahaina traffic. Kihei needs an overpass so children can safely cross the highway to get to school.”

Forsyth believes that the Hawaii State Government can take better care of Native Hawaiians.

“Many Native Hawaiians have been on the Department of Hawaiian Homelands waiting list for years. This year, the legislature and the governor budgeted a record 600 million dollars to the Department of Hawaiian Homelands. If elected, I will work to ensure that these funds are used in an efficient and timely manner to help build homes and move Native Hawaiians into them,” he explained.

Forsyth, 37, works as the Director of Residences.

After attending King Kamehameha III Elementary School, Lahaina Intermediate School and Lahainaluna High School, he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering Geology from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and a Master’s Degree in Environmental Science and Management with an emphasis in Conservation Planning from the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB).

A political newcomer, Forsyth has volunteered with Hearts of Montage and the Maui Forest Bird Recovery Project.

He felt that his background and education set him apart from other candidates.

“I hope the voters choose me, as I grew up in Lahaina, and I have a deep connection to our island and our community. I love our special place here in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, and I want to serve our residents,” Forsyth stated.

“I have an educational background that sets me apart from other candidates. My graduate studies in science gave me an analytical approach to problem solving, and I can bring these skills to the legislature.

“Ultimately, I have a strong moral compass and am driven by my passion to do the right thing. I am not running to serve any special interest. I will fight to do what is right for our community, and I will not be swayed by any of the temptation or corruption that has tainted state legislators in recent years. It is time for new people in the legislature. If elected, I will put my Oath of Office to heart and work hard to serve the people of West and South Maui, “ he concluded.

Lahaina resident Raya, 48, also wants to bring change to the Hawaii Legislature.

“I’m running because we need to revitalize our seats today with new elected officials who truly represent the community and bring new ideas and new solutions to the table,” he explained.

The small business owner of Swell Life Shop at Aston Kaanapali Shores Resort (retail clothing) and managing partner of Round Table Pizza in Kihei and Kaanapali said the top three issues this year are “Blooming Housing Crisis,” tourism management, and supporting small businesses.

If elected, his primary goals for legislation include lowering the blood quantum level below 50 percent for Native Hawaiians to reclaim their land; higher teacher salaries and better retirement plans for teachers; more targeted funding for small businesses; and require a designated percentage of new affordable housing communities to guarantee our essential workers and teachers.

Raya felt that the state should be more transparent in each province.

“There’s a huge disconnect between elected officials and the people. Mandatory town halls; mandatory live, in-person visits by our officials. Closing that gap and getting personal with the people create more confidence,” he noticed.

He previously volunteered and served on a winning mayoral candidate team in Northern California.

Raya attended Chaminade University of Honolulu and studied psychology at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.

He is involved with the Ke’eaumoku Kapu and the Na ‘Aikane O Maui Foundation “to better understand Native Hawaiian issues and better represent our Native Hawaiians in government and law,” Raya stated.

His community involvement also includes serving on the Board of Directors for the Kahana Ridge Homeowners Association and Financial Board of Directors for Harvest Kumulani Chapel.

If elected, Raya promised to put the people first.

“The voters should choose me because I am not a career politician. I am a leader in our community and a small business owner who puts Hawaii first and people first,” he concluded.

Kihei resident Walker said he is running because he cares about Maui and loves the people who live here.

“We’ve been a ‘one-party’ state for too long, and it’s time to restore balance and prosperity to Hawaii,” he explained. “I am a #Hawaiifirst, #Mauifirst, #Godwins candidate!”

According to Walker, the main issues related to the state this election season are infrastructure (hospitals, schools, roads), corruption (drug addiction, high crime, government scandals) and housing issues (affordable housing, homelessness and homelessness, and vacation rentals).

If elected, Walker said he would pursue the completion of the Lahaina Bypass, breaking ground on a West Side hospital and realizing the Upcountry Connector Road from Lipoa to Halimaile.

Walker, 58, said he will continue “an endless list of benefits for local residents, starting with lower taxes, fewer permits, fewer regulations and a $25 flat annual vehicle registration fee.”

Walker is a former New York City clothing manufacturing business owner. He earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree from Washington University in St. Louis in 1991 and Master of Fine Arts Degree from Cranbrook Academy of Art in 1999.

Her community service includes volunteering with the LahainaTown Action Committee, Kihei Community Association, Maui Meadows Neighborhood Association, Next Door App (moderator), Non-Violent Communication (facilitator), Global Covid Summit Maui (executive director), Mandate Free Maui ( lead organizer) and Calvary Chapel South Maui.

Walker has never held political office. He wants to join the Hawaii Senate to continue progress for Hawaii.

“I am a common sense conservative who will stand up for our constitutional rights,” he noticed.

“I believe in bringing balance and prosperity back to Hawaii. I may not be Native Hawaiian, but I understand the meaning of Pono! I’m brave! I will do the right thing! And I have faith in God!”


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