Nirvana O'Keefe
Nirvana O'Keefe (Democratic Party) ran for election to the Hawaii House of Representatives to represent District 12. He did not appear on the ballot for the Democratic primary on August 8, 2020.
O'Keefe completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2019. Click here to read the survey answers.
In August 2019, O'Keefe announced that he would run for the Honolulu City Council in 2020 instead of the Hawaii House of Representatives.
Biography
O'Keefe's professional experience includes working as an after school counselor and as a mental health technician. O'Keefe attended the McKinley school for adults and went on to study biology at the University of Hawaii Maui. O'Keefe is involved with the Rotary of Kahului.[1]
Elections
2020
See also: Hawaii House of Representatives elections, 2020
Democratic primary election
Democratic primary for Hawaii House of Representatives District 12
Incumbent Kyle Yamashita won election outright against Simon Russell in the Democratic primary for Hawaii House of Representatives District 12 on August 8, 2020.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | Kyle Yamashita | 58.9 | 4,126 | |
| Simon Russell | 41.1 | 2,881 | ||
| Total votes: 7,007 (100.00% precincts reporting) | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
- Nirvana O'Keefe (D)
Campaign themes
2019
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Nirvana O'Keefe completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by O'Keefe's responses.
What would be your top three priorities, if elected?
Education, Infrastructure, Spending
What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?
Education: I faced the horrible Hawaiian education system since Pre-K, and currently work in schools with children and see the system failing, buildings falling apart... teachers underpaid and underappreciated and horrible conditions. Infrastructure: With Hawaii approving the rail project our other infrastructure is crumbling. Spending: Hawaii throws our money down the drain
Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?
I really look up to Andrew Yang, he has risen from nowhere and is policy before party not party before policy.
Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?
1984 George Orwell.
What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?
Honesty, Integrity, and Respect
What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?
Honesty, Policy Before Party, and Independence.
What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?
I believe the core responsibilities are to Rep. District 12 and Hawaii as a whole, making sure citizens have what they need and are satisfied with their living conditions.
What legacy would you like to leave?
Someone who changed Hawaii for the better I don't expect or want huge publicity and massive fame, I just want to help Hawaiian citizens!
What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?
I remember my first time entering a public school, I was maybe 5 or 6 and was oblivious to the failing conditions that I now look back on and recognize.
What was your very first job? How long did you have it?
My first job was working at A+ an after-school program for children to stay with until their parents came to pick them up.
What is your favorite holiday? Why?
Christmas, as it is the season of perpetual hope and giving, and I love to give!
What is your favorite book? Why?
I love reading books from colleges that are required for my classes, currently my most interesting one was an ACLS study guide that required me to learn all about Advanced cardiovascular life support.
If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?
I would want to be Superman! Saving people and helping people when they need it most!
What is your favorite thing in your home or apartment? Why?
My phone, it keeps me connected to the rest of the world!
What is something that has been a struggle in your life?
The lack of a father figure in the first 12 years of my life, I understand the impact this can make!
Every state besides Nebraska has two legislative chambers. What do you consider the most important differences between the legislative chambers in your state?
Mainly the taxation stances, many (D) in HI agree taxes should be raised and services expanded whilst (R) believe both should be reduced, and the private sector will handle the issues.
Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?
It is beneficial for effectiveness but not for the peoples common interest.
What do you perceive to be your state’s greatest challenges over the next decade?
The Rail Debt
What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and the state legislature?
A gridlock free body!
Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.
I do, especially those of the opposing party so non-partisan problem solving bills can be passed.
What process do you favor for redistricting?
I believe the population to size ratio must be considered, California is not the largest state yet is very populated which is a reasonable explanation for it representing 55 electoral votes.
If you are not a current legislator, are there certain committees that you would want to be a part of?
I would love to be a part of budget and finance as I would most likely fit perfect in there as it is one of my most passionate sectors.
If you are not currently a member of your party’s leadership in the legislature, would you be interested in joining the leadership? If so, in what role?
Yes! Any role that will help me influence Hawaii for the better.
Is there a particular legislator, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?
A mix of Ron Paul and Andrew Yang, expanding freedom, liberty and happiness. Yet also believing companies should have to pay their fair share in taxes.
Are you interested in running for a different political office (for example, the U.S. Congress or governor) in the future?
Maybe, I'll just have to see where this journey takes me!
Both sitting legislators and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?
I have not had the chance to hear any stories yet, but when I do, I will make sure to post them here!
Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.
Ballotpedia biographical submission form
The candidate completed Ballotpedia's biographical information submission form:
| “ | What is your political philosophy?
I chose to run, to help make Maui and Hawaii what they used to be a haven for locals and residents to reside and prosper[2] |
” |
| —Nirvana O'Keefe[1] | ||
See also
2020 Elections
External links
Footnotes
