

David Tarnas
- House: 2018-present
- House: 1994-1998
News coverage of David Tarnas
David Tarnas is chair of the influential House Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs Committee. He is co-author of the Hawai’i Ocean Resources Management Plan (1990), co-founding board member of Malama Kai Foundation, a former UH Sea Grant extension agent for West Hawai’i and author the 1998 law that created the West Hawai’i Regional Fishery Management Area.
First elected in 1994, Tarnas served two terms then left the Legislature, returning to the House after 20 years. He’s worked as a planning consultant and meeting facilitator on projects in Hawaiʻi to develop harbors, highways, farms, ranches, fishponds and forest plantations, as well as scientific research facilities and renewable energy projects. He represents Niuli‘i, Hāwī, Kapa‘au, Kawaihae, Waimea, Waiki‘i and Waikoloa.
Bill Activity
0
Of 69 bills:For this session year, this legislator initiated 69 bills: 6 passed, 0 failed, and 63 are currently pending.
Alignment Meter
See all-time percentage of this legislator’s alignment with any organization based on total votes.
Financials
This feature tracks sources of money intended to help a candidate win election.
Election
This display shows money given directly to the incumbent’s campaign committee (NOTE: The industry categories for donors come from Open Secrets, a nonpartisan research organization for campaign finance. Some contributions are “uncoded,” meaning they have not been assigned to an industry sector. As a result, the total for each sector is also an estimate).
Agriculture
Candidate Contributions
Communications & Electronics
Construction
Energy & Natural Resources
Finance, Insurance & Real Estate
General Business
Health
Ideology/Single Issue
Labor
Lawyers & Lobbyists
Transportation
Uncoded
Candidate Donations
Individuals, corporations, organizations and committees are limited to a maximum donation to candidates of $4000 for the Senate and $2000 for the house.
4.0% higher than the average legislators
Independent Expenditures
Money from Independent Expenditure Committees (IEC) for advertising or grassroots activity targeting a candidates run for office is unlimited, but it cannot be spent in coordination with the candidate or the candidate's campaign.
65.0% higher than the average legislators
Grand Total for Elections
4.0% higher than the average legislators
This is a total of the money targeting this legislator's campaign(s) including direct donations to the candidate, money spent by Independent Expenditure Committees and money from political parties.
Influence
There are two categories of donations to legislators after they are elected that encourage a working relationship between the donor and the legislator. The categories are: 1-Gifts, 2-Travel.
Policy
Bills Authored by David Tarnas
Committees
Most of the policy work in the Hawai’i state Capitol is done in “Standing” committees.
Hearings
Featured Comments
Below are links to the video and transcript of recent, substantive comments by this legislator in committee hearings or floor sessions.
District
Previous Election (2024):
Census Data
Median age