Gary Safarik announced he's running for the newly created Hawaii State Senate seat for District 2, saying he has the "same passion, same quality, as in his County Council days, along with
a desire to make a difference for the Puna community and the Big Island.
It's a job Safarik knows well.
The former councilman was first elected to the 5th District County Council seat, which represents Hawaiian Paradise Park, Orchidland, Ainaloa, Pahoa Village, Hawaiian Beaches, Hawaiian Shores, Nanawale Estates, Leilani Estates, Kapoho, Kalapana and Opihikao, in 2000, after he upset incumbent Councilman Al Smith in the Democratic Primary, serving on the council continously until 2006.
"I started receiving calls from people asking me if I was considering running," he said. "I got a few calls, just people in the community. Mostly, people who knew me. I was undecided at that point. When I lost in 2006, it was never my intent to run again. I felt that I had served and I was just going to move on to the next level of my life."
Safarik said in May 2007 he and wife, Debbie, took a month-long trip to Europe. The trip gave him a lot of time to think about what is important to him, he said.
"I think when you look at the overall issues of our Puna District, the issues are still the same if not more regarding Puna: infrastructure, transportation, health care, education," he said. "We have the fastest growing population in the state of Hawaii in Puna. There is still a lot more to do."
Safarik said he has the experience to best serve the district, but wants to give the community a chance to meet him and talk story with him. He wants to show them he's ready to listen to their concerns and take a new approach to leadership.
"Everybody comes in with the idea that they are going to help Puna," Safarik said. "I don't have to learn about the issues. I know what the issues are. I just feel like I have the experience and the heart and desire to serve Puna again. I love Puna. I want that place to be the best it can be."
Safarik said his main concerns are creating an alternate route in and out of Puna, public safety and addressing the lack of health care in the district.
We'll be posting updated information here as it's available... in the meantime, please contact with questions and concerns.
Safarik said people can call him at 443-1264 or e-mail him at westernpa001@hawaiiantel.net.
