Voters can learn more about Travis Gyldstrand and the party at VoteAloha.org and AlohaAina.com.

WEST MAUI – Aloha ‘Aina candidate Travis Gyldstrand is running for the Hawaii House of Representatives “to spark solutions and legislation that protects the land, water and people of Hawaii, while creating a bridge for the next generations to thrive righteously.”

He will face off against incumbent Democrat Rep. Angus McKelvey, Democrat Leonard K. Nakoa III and Republican Kanamu Balinbin in the race for the Tenth District House seat representing West Maui, Maalaea and North Kihei.

Gyldstrand, 31, added that he is running “because I think there needs to be more accountability in a system that clearly just hasn’t worked.”

This election season, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Gyldstrand said the top issues here include West Maui’s record high unemployment, affordable housing and homelessness, food and water security, and healthcare.

If elected, he will advocate for food sovereignty, hemp cultivation, water and land rights, affordable housing, renewable energy, improved healthcare facilities and protecting reefs and beach access.

A worker at Maui Brewing Company and The Club Maui Gym, Gyldstrand said he would bring a youthful and resolute type of leadership to state government.

This is his first run at political office in the Aloha ‘Aina Party, which “reaffirms the belief in a government of the people, by the people and for the people,” he explained.

“AAP is guided by five Foundational Principles: Recognize the Divine, Aloha the People, Malama the ?Aina, Demand Government Accountability and Transparency, and Advocate to Make Right What is Wrong, as it relates to the overthrow of the Kingdom of Hawaii in 1893.”

A hemp entrepreneur, Gyldstrand has worked in the airline, food and beverage, sales and hospitality industries.

Upon graduation from high school, he attended community college in Northwest Georgia for two years.

Gyldstrand said he will listen to citizens if he is elected.

“I compare Hawaii’s State Government to that of someone wearing a home team jersey at a home game, but they don’t cheer for the home team. Time and time again, they have ignored the will of the people,” he concluded.