Kyle Yamashita

Kyle Taka Yamashita was born on September 2, 1959, in Pukalani, Hawaii. He is a longtime Democratic member of the Hawaii House of Representatives, having served since 2004. Throughout his tenure in office, Yamashita has been actively involved in his community, serving as a member of the Parent Teacher Student Association at multiple schools and as a scoutmaster for Pukalani Troop 75.

Education

Yamashita attended Leeward Community College on Oahu.

Political Experience

Yamashita represents House District 12, which encompasses Pukalani, Makawao, Olinda, Pulehu, Kula, Ulupalakua, and Sprecklesville .

Before his election to the House in 2004, Yamashita began his political career as a legislative staffer for the late Representative Bob Nakasone. His first campaign came in 2002, when he ran against incumbent Republican Representative Kika Bukoski to reclaim the seat for Democrats.

Yamashita has held several significant committee positions, including serving as Chair of the House Finance Committee beginning in 2023. In this role, he navigated complex budget challenges including calls for increased affordable housing, homeless services, preschools, and healthcare funding. He is currently a member of the House Committee on Finance and the House Committee on Tourism.

Notable achievements during his legislative career include securing $172 million in funding for various Maui projects, including expansion and improvement of Kahului Harbor and construction and renovation of elementary and high schools. As head of the capital improvement projects subcommittee in the House Finance Committee, Yamashita helped allocate resources for public facility development throughout the state. During Hawaii's economic crisis, he also assisted in crafting a balanced state budget without raising the general excise tax or reducing Maui's portion of the state hotel room tax.