Legislative Members

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House District 1
Hāmākua, portion of Hilo, Kaūmana

Room: 311
Phone: 808-586-6680
Fax: 808-586-6684
repkusch@capitol.hawaii.gov

Proudly calling Hawaii home for 35 years, I have deep roots in District 1, where my wife and I have raised our three daughters, all of whom attended public schools. As a retiree of the Hawaii Fire Department, I have been honored with Sayar Awards for bravery and meritorious service. I am also a dedicated Union member with 29 years of service and a lifelong Democrat.

My extensive community service includes leadership roles with various organizations, over two decades of farming experience, and advocacy for affordable housing. Through these efforts, I have built strong relationships with our Hawaii Island House and Senate delegation. I believe that my unique experiences and commitment to our community position me well to advance the interests of District 1, Hawaii Island, and the future of our state.

• 1989-1995: Various jobs in the hospitality industry, managed commercial marina at Ke’ehi Lagoon, Management position at Ryan’s Grill, Honolulu, Hawai’i
• 1992-Present: MarineSource, LLC; wholly owned LLC providing marine logistics to various scientific research, Federal/State/County agencies, and film entities.
• 1995-2020: Hawai’i Fire Department: EMT, Rescue Specialist, USAR team leader, Retired as East Hawaii Battalion Chief. Significant geographic knowledge of Hawai’i Island. Active HFFA union member to the present.
• 1997-2003: Various jobs in hospitality including Kona Village Resort, Four Seasons Hualalai and Kukio.
• 1998-Present: Alakahiko Farm, owned coffee and citrus farm. Formerly: ‘Awa, native plant and avocado farm in Hamakua, as well.
• 2000-Present: Smart Growth, LLC; a wholly owned LLC primarily focused on affordable rentals on Hawai’i Island.
• 2013-2015: Board of Directors, Pacific Biodiesel Technologies, Inc (formerly, during my time on the BOD, Big Island Biodiesel, LLC).

• 1997-Present: Various volunteer efforts, primarily focused on native plant stewardship, trail building and cultural protection, e.g; Fishpond restoration. All on an as available basis.
• 1997-2000: West Hawaii Fisheries Council: Responsible for sustaining West Hawai’i’s fisheries for both sustenance and commercial fishing activities.
• 2008-2023: PTA president, SCC president of EB deSilva Elementary School. Led PTA from IRS quagmire and in debt to $55k balance in 3 years. Installed AC throughout school, bleachers and working with Representative Nakashima and Senator Inouye, secured >$3M for classroom and related improvements planning and design.
• 2011-Present: Hilo Bayfront Trails, Inc. Various roles, President since 2020. Lead, or co-lead on all grants written (~$3.5M), first nonprofit in the nation to receive a TA (Fed. Highways) grant, primary advocate in East Hawai’i for county led road rehabilitation projects to include pedestrian and bicycle safety measures/safe route to schools.
• 2022: Cost of Government Commission, working with department heads, employees and experience/background of members to reduce waste, create efficiencies and save taxpayer money.
• 2022-2023: Member of the Downtown Hilo Business Improvement District committee; Raised funds via grants, performed extensive outreach programs and worked to make Downtown Hilo a better place for residents, visitors and business owners. Was not passed by County Council.
• 2024-present: Windward Planning Commission, member. Review SMA’s, land use decisions, subdivision, special use permits and Council initiated bills related to planning or land use.
• 2023 -Present: District chairman for the Hawai’i Island Democratic Party

March 13, 2025

State House passes $21B biennium budget focused on core services, safety net : Big Island Now

Read the full article: https://bigislandnow.com/2025/03/13/state-house-passes-21b-biennium-budget-focused-on-core-services-safety-net/

February 2, 2025

Measures seek to bolster farmers and boost penalties for agricultural crimes Hawai‘i

Hawai‘i lawmakers are advancing two key agriculture-related bills this legislative session. One bill seeks to increase penalties for agricultural theft, aiming to protect farmers from financial losses. The second bill would allow farmers and ranchers to use deadly force against intruders under specific circumstances, enhancing their ability to defend their property. These measures are part of broader efforts to strengthen protections for the agricultural industry and support local farmers and food security.

Read the full article: Measures seek to bolster farmers and boost penalties for agricultural crimes - Hawaii Tribune-Herald

November 27, 2024

Matthias Kusch Reappointed To Hawaiʻi State House Seat

Governor Josh Green appointed Matthias Kusch to temporarily fill the House District 1 seat following Rep. Mark Nakashima’s passing. Since Nakashima was unopposed in both the Aug. 10 primary and Nov. 5 general election, Kusch will serve only until Nov. 5. Green selected Kusch from three candidates recommended by the Hawai‘i Island Democratic Party. Recognized for his community advocacy, firefighting career, and leadership, Kusch is expected to bring valuable insights to the 33rd General Session, beginning Jan. 15.

Read the full article: Matthias Kusch Reappointed To Hawaiʻi State House Seat - Honolulu Civil Beat

Midsession Newsletter
First Newsletter

2025 Committee Member of

2025 Allowance Report

Expenditure Report

Measures Introduced in 2025

Measure and Title
HB47 HD2 RELATING TO AQUACULTURE.
HB48 HD2 SD1 RELATING TO COFFEE LABELING.
HB85 HD1 RELATING TO THE LAND CONSERVATION FUND.
HB86 HD2 RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES.
HB87 RELATING TO SCHOOL MEALS.
HB102 HD1 RELATING TO TRANSPORTATION.
HB106 HD1 RELATING TO CONDOMINIUMS.
HB110 HD1 SD1 RELATING TO LOCAL AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS.
HB132 HD1 RELATING TO EXPUNGEMENT.
HB134 HD1 SD1 RELATING TO ELECTIONS.
HB136 RELATING TO FIREARMS.
HB137 HD1 RELATING TO FIREARMS.
HB138 RELATING TO FIREARMS.
HB145 HD1 RELATING TO EXPUNGEMENT.
HB156 RELATING TO TOBACCO PRODUCTS.
HB204 RELATING TO TOBACCO PRODUCTS.
HB209 RELATING TO WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT.
HB211 HD1 RELATING TO STREAM MAINTENANCE.
HB212 HD2 RELATING TO HOMELESSNESS.
HB236 RELATING TO LOW-SPEED ELECTRIC BICYCLES.
HB237 HD1 SD1 RELATING TO PEER SUPPORT PROGRAMS.
HB299 HD1 SD1 RELATING TO THE HAWAII INVASIVE SPECIES COUNCIL.
HB322 HD1 RELATING TO VOTER REGISTRATION.
HB346 HD1 RELATING TO ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING INFRASTRUCTURE.
HB347 RELATING TO GOATS.
HB352 RELATING TO RENEWABLE ENERGY.
HB420 HD3 SD1 RELATING TO REMEDIES.
HB422 HD1 SD1 RELATING TO SCHOOL IMPACT FEES.
HB427 HD2 SD1 RELATING TO BIOSECURITY.
HB428 HD1 SD1 RELATING TO FARM TO FAMILIES.
HB429 HD1 SD1 RELATING TO EARLY LEARNING.
HB430 HD2 SD1 RELATING TO INTERNSHIPS.
HB431 HD2 SD2 RELATING TO HOUSING.
HB432 HD1 SD2 RELATING TO THE RENTAL HOUSING REVOLVING FUND.
HB433 HD1 SD1 RELATING TO PUBLIC SAFETY.
HB461 HD1 RELATING TO COMMUTING.
HB467 HD1 RELATING TO FORECLOSURES.
HB472 HD1 SD1 RELATING TO DIGITAL IDENTIFICATION.
HB473 RELATING TO VOTER REGISTRATION.
HB474 HD2 SD1 RELATING TO FALL PREVENTION.
HB536 RELATING TO FRESHWATER WATERWAYS.
HB537 HD1 RELATING TO TWO-WHEELED MOTORIZED VEHICLES.
HB721 RELATING TO PUBLIC BANKING.
HB728 PROPOSING A CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE OF HAWAII TO PROTECT THE RIGHT TO REPRODUCTIVE FREEDOM.
HB729 HD2 RELATING TO MARRIAGE OF MINORS.
HB784 HD1 RELATING TO HEALTH.
HB817 RELATING TO HEALTH CARE.
HB818 HD2 RELATING TO THE WAIAKEA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT.
HB826 HD2 RELATING TO HOUSING.
HB833 HD1 SD1 RELATING TO COMMUNITY LAND TRUSTS.
HB839 RELATING TO THE PSYCHOLOGY INTERJURISDICTIONAL COMPACT.
HB840 HD1 RELATING TO THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII ATHLETICS.
HB843 HD1 RELATING TO THE COLLEGE OF TROPICAL AGRICULTURE AND HUMAN RESILIENCE.
HB847 HD1 RELATING TO HAWAII RETIREMENT SAVINGS ACT.
HB853 RELATING TO TAXATION.
HB856 RELATING TO THE COLLEGE OF TROPICAL AGRICULTURE AND HUMAN RESOURCES.
HB857 RELATING TO HEALTH INSURANCE.
HB858 HD1 SD1 RELATING TO AGRICULTURAL STATISTICS.
HB859 HD1 RELATING TO AGRICULTURE.
HB860 HD1 SD1 RELATING TO LIABILITY.
HB862 HD1 SD1 RELATING TO TRANSPORTATION SERVICES.
HB872 HD1 RELATING TO HEALTH.
HB877 HD1 RELATING TO ENCAMPMENTS.
HB879 HD1 SD1 RELATING TO CESSPOOL CONVERSIONS.
HB880 HD3 RELATING TO EARLY CHILD INTERVENTION.
HB890 RELATING TO CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATIONS.
HB893 HD1 RELATING TO FIREARMS.
HB894 RELATING TO GOVERNMENT.
HB902 HD1 RELATING TO EDUCATION.
HB904 HD1 SD1 RELATING TO CHARTER SCHOOLS.
HB906 RELATING TO RECYCLING.
HB928 RELATING TO INCOME TAX.
HB934 HD1 SD1 RELATING TO THE HAWAII BROADBAND AND DIGITAL EQUITY OFFICE.
HB935 RELATING TO DIGITAL EQUITY.
HB940 HD1 RELATING TO THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII AT HILO.
HB941 RELATING TO PEDESTRIANS.
HB943 HD1 SD1 RELATING TO HOMELESSNESS.
HB966 HD2 RELATING TO AGRICULTURAL TOURISM.
HB967 HD1 RELATING TO SUSTAINABLE FOOD SYSTEMS.
HB968 HD1 RELATING TO AGRICULTURE.
HB969 HD2 SD1 RELATING TO WASTE OR DISPOSAL FACILITIES.
HB971 RELATING TO STATE CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS.
HB972 HD1 RELATING TO IMPACT FEES.
HB973 HD1 RELATING TO TRANSIENT ACCOMMODATIONS.
HB975 HD1 RELATING TO CARBON SEQUESTRATION INCENTIVES.
HB976 HD2 RELATING TO RENEWABLE FUEL.
HB979 HD1 RELATED TO SUMMARY POSSESSION.
HB980 HD1 RELATING TO ANIMALS.
HB1177 RELATING TO TRANSPORTATION.
HB1179 HD1 SD1 RELATING TO RURAL EMERGENCY HOSPITALS.
HB1180 RELATING TO THE LANDLORD TENANT CODE.
HB1184 HD1 RELATING TO CONTROLLED-ENVIRONMENT AGRICULTURE.
HB1185 HD2 RELATING TO AGRICULTURE.
HB1202 HD1 RELATING TO TEACHER COMPENSATION.
HB1220 HD1 RELATING TO INVASIVE SPECIES.
HB1224 RELATING TO EDUCATION.
HB1229 RELATING TO FOSTER CARE.
HB1231 HD1 SD1 RELATING TO TRAFFIC SAFETY.
HB1234 HD1 RELATING TO WATER SAFETY.
HB1238 RELATING TO MANELE SMALL BOAT HARBOR.
HB1246 HD1 RELATING TO CANNABIS.
HB1259 HD1 SD1 RELATING TO TRANSPORTATION.
HB1269 RELATING TO TRAIL ACCESSIBILITY.
HB1272 RELATING TO A HAWAII TEACHER REGISTERED APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM.
HB1277 HD2 RELATING TO DIGITAL FINANCIAL ASSET.
HB1278 HD2 RELATING TO HAZARDOUS TREE REMOVAL.
HB1279 RELATING TO HEALTH.
HB1301 HD1 RELATING TO TRANSPORTATION.
HB1302 HD1 RELATING TO TRANSPORTATION DEMAND MANAGEMENT.
HB1306 RELATING TO HOUSING.
HB1307 HD2 RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF HAWAIIAN HOME LANDS.
HB1311 RELATING TO CONDOMINIUM PROXY VOTING.
HB1334 HD3 SD1 RELATING TO MEAT DONATION.
HB1335 RELATING TO TAXATION.
HB1340 RELATING TO CRIMES AGAINST ELDERS.
HB1342 RELATING TO OFFENDER REENTRY PROGRAMS.
HB1343 HD1 RELATING TO EDUCATION.
HB1345 HD1 SD2 RELATING TO TEACHER EDUCATION.
HB1346 HD1 RELATING TO EDUCATION.
HB1355 RELATING TO CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE ISLAND OF HAWAII.
HB1362 HD1 RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF HAWAIIAN HOME LANDS.
HB1380 RELATING TO ARBORISTS.
HB1398 RELATING TO PROPERTY.
HB1412 RELATING TO SUNSHINE LAWS.
HB1441 RELATING TO THEFT.
HB1444 RELATING TO MOTOR VEHICLES.
HB1445 RELATING TO EDUCATION.
HB1474 RELATING TO THE INSURANCE AFFORDABILITY ASSISTANCE PILOT PROGRAM.
HB1483 HD1 SD1 RELATING TO FIREWORKS.
HB1501 RELATING TO TREES.
HB1503 RELATING TO DISASTER RECOVERY.
HCR50 REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF LAW ENFORCEMENT, IN COLLABORATION WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, TO CONVENE A TASK FORCE TO ADDRESS NO-TRESPASSING POLICIES ALONG STREAMS ON OAHU AND IMPROVE COORDINATION BETWEEN STATE AND COUNTY AUTHORITIES TO ADDRESS ENVIRONMENTAL AND PUBLIC HEALTH CONCERNS.
HCR58 HD1 REQUESTING THE HAWAII STATE ENERGY OFFICE TO CONVENE A GEOTHERMAL ENERGY WORKING GROUP TO EVALUATE THE REGULATORY AND POLICY LANDSCAPE SURROUNDING GEOTHERMAL ENERGY IN HAWAII.
HCR86 HD1 REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO REPORT ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF ALOHA-BASED CIVIC EDUCATION INITIATIVES IN HAWAII'S PUBLIC SCHOOLS.
HCR87 URGING THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO ESTABLISH AN ANNUAL CLIMATE WEEK IN ALL PUBLIC SCHOOLS ACROSS THE STATE TO SPREAD CLIMATE AWARENESS, EDUCATION, AND PARTICIPATION IN SUSTAINABILITY INITIATIVES.
HCR97 URGING THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII TO IMPLEMENT A HOMELESS STUDENT STABILITY AND HOUSING RESOURCE PROGRAM TO ADDRESS THE ISSUE OF HOUSING INSTABILITY.
HCR101 REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION TO ESTABLISH A TAX AMNESTY DAY TO ALLOW BUSINESSES AND INDIVIDUALS TO PAY UNPAID TAXES WITHOUT PENALTIES OR FINES.
HCR105 URGING THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT TO DEVELOP A NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY.
HCR107 HD1 REQUESTING THE HAWAII STATE COMMISSION ON THE STATUS OF WOMEN TO CONVENE A WORKING GROUP TO DEVELOP MEASURES TO STRENGTHEN PROTECTIONS UNDER TITLE IX.
HCR110 REQUESTING THE AUDITOR TO CONDUCT AN AUDIT OF THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION'S CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT FINANCES.
HCR111 URGING THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO PROVIDE A DETAILED REPORT TO THE LEGISLATURE ON THE TRUE COST OF PRODUCING SCHOOL MEALS TO ENSURE TRANSPARENCY AND AVOID UNNECESSARY PRICE INCREASES.
HCR112 STRONGLY URGING THE HONOLULU CITY COUNCIL TO ADOPT A "PEDESTRIAN FIRST" POLICY VIA ORDINANCE.
HCR124 HD1 ENCOURAGING THE KAWAIHUELANI CENTER FOR HAWAIIAN LANGUAGE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII AT MANOA TO FURTHER PROVIDE LEARNING RESOURCES AND OPPORTUNITIES THAT PROMOTE HAWAIIAN LANGUAGE AND CULTURE.
HCR126 REQUESTING THE LEGISLATIVE REFERENCE BUREAU TO REVIEW ALL REPORTS REQUIRED TO BE SUBMITTED TO THE LEGISLATURE AND MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS ON WHICH REPORTS SHOULD BE DISCONTINUED.
HCR137 HD1 URGING THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION, DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION, AND CITY AND COUNTY OF HONOLULU TO IMPLEMENT VISIBILITY ENHANCEMENT MEASURES ON THE KUAHELANI AVENUE CROSSWALK AT KIPAPA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL.
HCR175 URGING THE ATTORNEY GENERAL TO INVESTIGATE THE EXTENT TO WHICH ALGORITHMIC PRICE-SETTING AND PRICE-FIXING PRACTICES ARE BEING USED IN THE STATE'S RENTAL HOUSING MARKET.
HR46 REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF LAW ENFORCEMENT, IN COLLABORATION WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, TO CONVENE A TASK FORCE TO ADDRESS NO-TRESPASSING POLICIES ALONG STREAMS ON OAHU AND IMPROVE COORDINATION BETWEEN STATE AND COUNTY AUTHORITIES TO ADDRESS ENVIRONMENTAL AND PUBLIC HEALTH CONCERNS.
HR54 HD1 REQUESTING THE HAWAII STATE ENERGY OFFICE TO CONVENE A GEOTHERMAL ENERGY WORKING GROUP TO EVALUATE THE REGULATORY AND POLICY LANDSCAPE SURROUNDING GEOTHERMAL ENERGY IN HAWAII.
HR80 HD1 REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO REPORT ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF ALOHA-BASED CIVIC EDUCATION INITIATIVES IN HAWAII'S PUBLIC SCHOOLS.
HR81 URGING THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO ESTABLISH AN ANNUAL CLIMATE WEEK IN ALL PUBLIC SCHOOLS ACROSS THE STATE TO SPREAD CLIMATE AWARENESS, EDUCATION, AND PARTICIPATION IN SUSTAINABILITY INITIATIVES.
HR87 REQUESTING HEALTH INSURERS AND MANAGED CARE PROVIDERS THAT PROVIDE HEALTH INSURANCE IN THE STATE TO PROVIDE INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR PROSTHETIC AND ORTHOTIC DEVICES.
HR93 URGING THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII TO IMPLEMENT A HOMELESS STUDENT STABILITY AND HOUSING RESOURCE PROGRAM TO ADDRESS THE ISSUE OF HOUSING INSTABILITY.
HR97 REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION TO ESTABLISH A TAX AMNESTY DAY TO ALLOW BUSINESSES AND INDIVIDUALS TO PAY UNPAID TAXES WITHOUT PENALTIES OR FINES.
HR101 URGING THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT TO DEVELOP A NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY.
HR103 HD1 REQUESTING THE HAWAII STATE COMMISSION ON THE STATUS OF WOMEN TO CONVENE A WORKING GROUP TO DEVELOP MEASURES TO STRENGTHEN PROTECTIONS UNDER TITLE IX.
HR106 REQUESTING THE AUDITOR TO CONDUCT AN AUDIT OF THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION'S CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT FINANCES.
HR107 URGING THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO PROVIDE A DETAILED REPORT TO THE LEGISLATURE ON THE TRUE COST OF PRODUCING SCHOOL MEALS TO ENSURE TRANSPARENCY AND AVOID UNNECESSARY PRICE INCREASES.
HR108 STRONGLY URGING THE HONOLULU CITY COUNCIL TO ADOPT A "PEDESTRIAN FIRST" POLICY VIA ORDINANCE.
HR120 HD1 ENCOURAGING THE KAWAIHUELANI CENTER FOR HAWAIIAN LANGUAGE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII AT MANOA TO FURTHER PROVIDE LEARNING RESOURCES AND OPPORTUNITIES THAT PROMOTE HAWAIIAN LANGUAGE AND CULTURE.
HR122 REQUESTING THE LEGISLATIVE REFERENCE BUREAU TO REVIEW ALL REPORTS REQUIRED TO BE SUBMITTED TO THE LEGISLATURE AND MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS ON WHICH REPORTS SHOULD BE DISCONTINUED.
HR131 HD1 URGING THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION, DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION, AND CITY AND COUNTY OF HONOLULU TO IMPLEMENT VISIBILITY ENHANCEMENT MEASURES ON THE KUAHELANI AVENUE CROSSWALK AT KIPAPA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL.
HR171 URGING THE ATTORNEY GENERAL TO INVESTIGATE THE EXTENT TO WHICH ALGORITHMIC PRICE-SETTING AND PRICE-FIXING PRACTICES ARE BEING USED IN THE STATE'S RENTAL HOUSING MARKET.

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Representative Matthias Kusch (D)

State House passes $21B biennium budget focused on core services, safety net : Big Island Now

Measures seek to bolster farmers and boost penalties for agricultural crimes Hawai‘i

Matthias Kusch Reappointed To Hawaiʻi State House Seat