Representative Matthias Kusch (D)

• 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