Name on ballot:
Loren Keola Doctolero
Running for:
State House – District 39
Political party:
Democrat
Campaign website:
www.votedoctolero.com/
Current occupation:
Development Manager – Special Olympics Hawaiʻi
Age:
32
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Previous job history:
Development Manager – Special Olympics Hawaiʻi, Director of Events – Bishop Museum
Previous elected office, if any:
Member, ʻEwa Beach Neighborhood Board
Job history
Development Manager – Special Olympics Hawaiʻi, Director of Events – Bishop Museum
Please describe your qualifications to represent the people of Hawaii.
I have dedicated my career to serving others. Through leadership roles at Special Olympics Hawaiʻi and Bishop Museum, I have built partnerships, led community initiatives, and worked to strengthen Hawaiʻi’s communities. As a track and field coach and former Neighborhood Board member, I have remained connected to the people I serve. I lead by listening, bringing people together, and working collaboratively to solve problems.
What is the top issue facing the people you would represent, and what would you do about it?
The top issue facing our community is Hawaiʻi’s high cost of living. There is no single solution. We need to build more housing, strengthen education and workforce pathways that lead to good-paying careers, and invest in the infrastructure our growing communities need. My goal is simple: people who work hard should have the opportunity to build a future in Hawaiʻi.
What can be done at the state level to help residents cope with Hawaii’s overall high cost of living, especially housing costs?
Making Hawaiʻi more affordable means lowering the cost of living while helping local families earn more. The state should increase housing supply, invest in the infrastructure needed to support growing communities, and remove unnecessary barriers that make it more difficult and expensive to build homes. At the same time, we need to strengthen education, apprenticeships, and workforce pathways that connect people to good-paying careers. Affordability isn’t just about lowering costs, it’s about making sure local families have the opportunity to build their future in Hawaiʻi.
In the aftermath of recent political corruption scandals, what would you propose to help restore public confidence in state government?
Public confidence is earned through transparency, integrity, and accountability. That means communicating openly with the public, explaining the decisions we make, and remaining accessible to the communities we represent. I support strengthening open government and public access so people have confidence that decisions are made in the public’s best interest. Trust is built one conversation and one decision at a time.
Do you believe Hawaii needs campaign finance reform? If yes, what changes would you propose?
Yes. Campaign finance laws should promote transparency, accountability, and public confidence. I support reforms that make it easier for the public to understand who is funding campaigns and how campaign money is spent, while ensuring candidates can effectively communicate with voters. Any reforms should strengthen public trust without creating unnecessary barriers to participation in the democratic process.
Do you think the state Legislature should have investigated an “unknown but influential legislator” who allegedly accepted $35,000 in a possible illegal campaign donation, or is the Hawaii Department of the Attorney General the proper agency to conduct the investigation?
Potential violations of campaign finance law should be investigated by the appropriate law enforcement agency. The Legislature’s job is to make sure our laws promote transparency, accountability, and public trust. If an investigation identifies weaknesses in our laws, then the Legislature should address them.
The Trump administration has singled out Hawaii as being weak on Medicaid fraud enforcement. Do you agree or disagree? If you agree, what should the state do to improve its enforcement?
Taxpayer dollars should be protected regardless of the program. If there are legitimate concerns about fraud, waste, or abuse, the state has a responsibility to investigate them and strengthen oversight where needed. At the same time, we should make sure efforts to improve accountability do not create unnecessary barriers for the people who rely on these services or the providers who deliver them.
What can the state government do to better support and improve public education in Hawaii?
Every student deserves access to a high-quality public education that prepares them for success, whether that means college, trades, military, or the workforce. Nearly one in ten of Hawaiʻi’s public school students attend schools in the Campbell and Kapolei complexes, making continued investment in West Oʻahu a statewide priority. As our communities continue to grow, the state must keep pace by building new schools and modernizing aging campuses. We should also strengthen career pathways through career and technical education, dual-credit programs, apprenticeships, and partnerships with local employers so every student graduates with a pathway to success.
Should members of the state Legislature have term limits like Honolulu’s mayor and City Council members?
Yes. I support reasonable term limits because they encourage fresh perspectives, and reinforce that public office is about service. Any limits should be long enough to allow legislators to become effective, build meaningful relationships, and see long-term work through to completion.
What role, if any, should the state government have in regulating the artificial intelligence industry?
Artificial intelligence has the potential to improve our lives, but it also presents real challenges that deserve thoughtful safeguards. The state’s role is to protect privacy, public safety, and consumers without unnecessarily slowing innovation. As AI becomes more integrated into our daily lives, we must ensure meaningful human judgment remains part of decisions that affect people’s lives. Technology should support people, not replace them.
What will be your top priority if elected?
My top priority will be making sure our community has a strong voice at the Capitol. I’ll focus on building relationships and working across different perspectives to deliver results that make Hawaiʻi more affordable, strengthen our public schools, and prepare West Oʻahu for the future.
Is there anything more that you would like voters to know about you?
I am a product of this community, and I believe I have a responsibility to give back to the people and places that helped shape me. If elected, I will work every day to earn your trust and make our community proud.