Jamie Wataru for State House District 18
Jamie and Regina Wataru with their five sons Jamie Wataru, State House, District 18

Aloha, I’m Jamie Wataru!

My Life of Service

Hawaiʻi Kai has been home since I was eight. It’s where I grew up, raised my family, and learned what it means to show up for others.

My Roots and My Family

I attended Hahaione, Koko Head, Niu Valley, and Kaiser High School. Regina and I have been married for 34 years and have five sons: Jonah, Justus, Josiah, Jace, and Joey.

For more than two decades, we’ve also welcomed medically complex infants into our home through foster care. Caring for keiki is an important part of our family’s life.

A Career in the Trades

My 35-year plumbing career began with an apprenticeship through Plumbers Union Local 675. Since 1998, I’ve worked as a journeyman plumber for the State of Hawaiʻi, maintaining infrastructure across Oʻahu. I also serve as a Safety Representative for my fellow public employees.

Giving Back

Service has taken me from the job site to community boards, labor organizations, and Kaiser’s athletic fields.

Civic and board service

  • Chair & Trustee, Hawaiʻi Employer-Union Health Benefits Trust Fund (EUTF)
  • Board Member, Blood Bank of Hawaiʻi, Hawaiʻi Food Bank, and Goodwill Industries of Hawaiʻi
  • Former Chair, Honolulu Fire Commission
  • Former Member, Honolulu Zoning Appeals Board
  • Vice President, Hawaiʻi State AFL-CIO; former State President, United Public Workers

Supporting Kaiser High School

  • Football and powerlifting coach
  • Volunteer sports announcer
  • Kaiser High School Athletic Foundation supporter
  • Ten years of concession stand fundraising for student-athletes

I’m running for Hawaiʻi State House, District 18, with a commitment to practical leadership, transparency, and listening to our community.

Jamie Wataru wearing leis with family at a celebration

Why I’m running…

Rising costs, neighborhood safety, and slow government action affect daily life in our district. I want to bring steady leadership to the Capitol, with clear priorities and follow-through.

My Priorities

  • Public safety

    Support effective policing and clear consequences that protect residents and businesses.

  • Accountable government

    Make public spending transparent, set clear timelines, and hold projects to their budgets.

  • Protecting our natural landscapes

    Preserve shorelines and open spaces, enforce existing rules, and keep growth responsible.

I’d like to hear from you as I shape these priorities. Please share your thoughts in the two-minute community survey.

TAKE SURVEY
A man smiling at a political event inside a convention center with an American-themed sign that says 'Hawaii DNC 2024' and flowers in the foreground.
Three people taking a selfie on the beach near a white fence, with a beach area, children, and people in the background.
A person holding a sign that reads 'HARRIS WALZ' at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, August 2024, with an American flag, surrounded by a large crowd and multiple flags, inside a brightly lit stadium with a large screen displaying the DN
Crowd at a political event with balloons, flags, and banners, celebrating at a rally for DNC 2024, with a man in the foreground making a hand gesture and smiling
A smiling man in a pink patterned shirt with a blue lanyard, standing in front of a large sign that says 'HAWAII' with the American flag and 'DNC 2024' at a convention or event venue.
Three men posing together indoors, decorated with string lights hanging from the ceiling.
A smiling man and woman taking a selfie in front of a Japanese pagoda surrounded by trees, with a clear blue sky overhead.
Three people standing in front of Senso-ji Temple in Tokyo, Japan, with colorful autumn trees and a clear blue sky in the background.
Two men shaking hands in front of a wall with an insignia and a banner for IBEW Local 1260.
Group of six people, three women and three men, standing outdoors in front of large tropical plants with lights, smiling.

Endorsements

Hawaii State AFL-CIO
University of Hawaii Professional Assembly
ILWU Local 142 Hawaii
IBEW Local 1260
IUEC Local 126
Hawaii State Teachers Association
IBEW Local 1357
Cement Finishers and Plasterers Local 630
LiUNA Local 368
Hawaii Local 293
Painters Union Local 1791
United Public Workers Hawaii
Tapers Union Local 1944
Operating Engineers Local 3
Glaziers, Architectural Metal and Glass Workers Local 1889
IBEW Local 1186
Iron Workers Local 625
Hawaii Ports Maritime Council
UA Local 675
HGEA AFSCME Local 152
IUPAT District Council 50 Hawaii
Carpet, Linoleum, and Soft Tile Local 1926
Hawaii Firefighters Association Local 1463