Meet James Hustace
Growing up in Waimea I have always valued the guidance and care our community leaders have demonstrated. Working alongside kūpuna and community leaders through numerous organizations, I have learned much from those that have served before, and I see an opportunity to represent my fellow residents of North and South Kohala to a greater extent as we work together on the challenges before us.
James Hustace was born on O‘ahu and grew up on a small farm in Waimea. After graduating from Hawai‘i Preparatory Academy, he obtained his Bachelor’s from Lawrence University in Appleton, Wisconsin. He subsequently attended the University of Redlands in Redlands, California as he carried out graduate studies in Geographic Information Systems. During the pandemic, James returned to school and obtained a Master of Public Administration from Hawai‘i Pacific University.
James is a certified art appraiser, working with his father in their family business. He has worked as a teacher and as a substitute teacher through the years in Waimea. You can often find James at Isaacs Art Center helping as a gallery assistant. He and his wife, Alexandra, an elementary and community art teacher, reside in Waimea.
I have always held a strong sense of kuleana and dedication to my community. I am eager to become more involved, helping and supporting the community at large. I am committed to listening and learning from community members as I begin this journey and seek your support.
James has served as the President of the Waimea Community Association (WCA) for the past four years. During his tenure, he shifted the monthly town meetings of the Association to a virtual format during the beginning of the COVID pandemic. These virtual meetings created an opportunity to hear from medical professionals and elected leaders as the local community grappled with the changes brought on by the pandemic. That same year, James led the WCA as they hosted their election year candidate forums. In spearheading this effort, community members far and wide had the opportunity to hear from the 15 mayoral candidates, as well as candidates for other state and local offices representing the greater Waimea area. Providing this opportunity to the community awarded James and the WCA with the 2020 Big Island Press Club Torch of Light Award and subsequent acknowledgement from the Hawai‘i State House of Representatives.
Waimea Community Association efforts continued under his leadership, providing community members information on a regular basis. Meeting topics ranged from connecting with Waimea school administrators, learning about upcoming renewable energy projects, sharing County and State resources through conversations with administrators and elected officials, to name only a few, while also spotlighting partner community nonprofits in an effort to build collaboration and community understanding. In 2021, James helped to coordinate resources with fellow board members to support first responders during the Mana Road Fire. His skills were utilized again during the August 8, 2023 fires across the Kohala Districts as the community looked for ways to provide support and resources to crews and first responders protecting our people. Towards the end of each year, WCA provided the community an opportunity to give thanks to community first responders, recognizing their dedication and sacrifice. In 2023, WCA meetings transitioned to a hybrid format under his leadership as he guided efforts, providing determined consistency and opportunity for all community members to participate.
Beyond his years of serving on and leading the Waimea Community Association Board, James was the Chair of the South Kohala Traffic Safety Committee (SKTSC) for the past 7 years. The SKTSC is the last remaining district community organization formed under the guidance of the Hawai‘i County Traffic Safety Council. Holding monthly meetings, he provided greater access through virtual and hybrid formats for the community to attend and participate in conversations with elected leaders and Hawai‘i Department of Transportation and Department of Public Works administrators and engineers.
James has also dedicated his time to the Waimea Trails & Greenways initiative, assisting with the group’s recent effort before the Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources Preservation Commission (PONC). And in 2021, he represented Council District 9 on the Hawai‘i County Redistricting Commission and helped to lead the Commission as its Vice Chair. Serving on the 2021 Redistricting Commission precluded James from seeking local political office in 2022.