HILO, Hawaii — Gov. Josh Green appointed retired Hawaii Fire Department battalion chief Matthias Kusch to fill the state House District 1 seat left vacant by the death of Rep. Mark Nakashima last month. 

What You Need To Know

  • Nakashima, who died on July 11 at the age of 61, ran unopposed in the Primary Election. House District 1 includes Hamakua, a portion of Hilo and Kaumana.
  • Kusch was among three nominees forwarded to governor by the state Democratic Party, in accordance with state law
  • In addition to his work with HFD, Kusch has experience as a coffee and citrus farmer and affordable housing advocate. He previously served as president of Hilo Bayfront Trails and was a member of the Windward Planning Commission
  • Kusch campaigned unsuccessfully for the Hawaii County Council District 2 seat in 2022, narrowly losing to Jenn Kagiwada in a General Election runoff

Nakashima, who died on July 11 at the age of 61, ran unopposed in the Primary Election. House District 1 includes Hamakua, a portion of Hilo and Kaumana.

“I am grateful to Gov. Green for appointing me to this seat and will do my utmost to uphold the values and deep respect that the late Rep. Nakashima brought to our district,” Kusch said in a statement issued on Friday. “As a former PTA and SCC president of E.B. deSilva Elementary School in Hilo, our team worked closely with Rep. Nakashima and Sen. Inouye in their successful effort to secure nearly $3 million for classroom and related improvements and design. I have served my community during my career, and this is the next step to continue that service, on a larger canvas.”

Kusch was among three nominees forwarded to governor by the state Democratic Party, in accordance with state law. Also recommended were former state representative and senator Dwight Takamine and Kristen Alice Apruzzese, director of community relations for Hope Services, a nonprofit organization that addresses homelessness.

In addition to his work with HFD, Kusch has experience as a coffee and citrus farmer and affordable housing advocate. He previously served as president of Hilo Bayfront Trails and was a member of the Windward Planning Commission.

Kusch campaigned unsuccessfully for the Hawaii County Council District 2 seat in 2022, narrowly losing to Jenn Kagiwada in a General Election runoff.

In an announcement released on Friday, the governor’s office said Kusch’s selection was based on “his experience as a firefighter and the state’s need to have someone with that experience and voice in the legislature.”

Green extended a “special appreciation” to Takamine for his willingness to serve again and said he is considering asking the former lawmaker to serve in another role.

Michael Tsai covers local and state politics for Spectrum News Hawaii. He can be reached at michael.tsai@charter.com.