Ian Ross

Ian Ross was born in Hawaii. He earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Hawaii at Manoa in 2014. His career experience includes working as a public policy advocate.[1]

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Professionally, I serve as the Public Affairs Director at Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center. Before that, I was the Public Policy and Advocacy Manager for the Alzheimer’s Association - Hawaiʻi. I’ve also worked at the state legislature for four years as an aide and bill drafter. In my personal capacity, I served as the Chair of Neighborhood Board #10 for five years, from 2019-2024.

Hawaiʻi is experiencing many challenges, from affordability to public safety to homelessness. I’m running because I want to fight for a Hawaiʻi that is healthier, safer, and more affordable for everyone.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Reducing homelessness with a comprehensive approach.Providing more housing that is truly affordable for local residents.Improving public safety by tightening firearm regulations and shutting down illegal game rooms.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Personally, I’m passionate about improving public health. Our state has high rates of chronic disease, especially among underserved demographics. I also lost both my grandmothers to Alzheimer’s disease. We need to be doing more to improve health and longevity for our people.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

A collaborative leadership approach, an ability to listen, and the experience necessary to act. In my experience as a community organizer and advocate, these are the most important characteristics to creating meaningful change.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

I started my first job at seventeen years old, working at a certified Apple repair shop. I held this job for a year and a half.

What is your favorite book? Why?

The Dark Forest, by Liu Cixin. It’s a creative story that experiments with a lot of unique ideas.

What do you perceive to be your state's greatest challenges over the next decade?

Homelessness and housing. People experience homelessness for a variety of reasons, and we need a comprehensive approach that addresses all of these underlying causes. Meanwhile, the lack of truly affordable housing is the main reason why our state’s population has been declining for years as people face financial pressure to leave their communities.

What is the first bill you would introduce if elected?

My very first bill would be to stabilize the cost of condominium insurance. Recent events have caused this insurance to skyrocket, which is a major threat to affordability for both owners and renters.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

I have so far been endorsed by multiple unions, including the Hawaii State Teachers Association and District Council 50. I’m also happy to be endorsed by the state chapter of Americans for Democratic Action, as well as Hawaii Children’s Action Network Speaks!

What committees interest you?

Due to the existential threat posed by climate change, I’m most interested in committees that have jurisdiction over Energy and Environment. I’m also interested in Human Services, Health, Economic Development, and Finance.

Ian Ross did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2022 Candidate Connection survey.