I volunteered to deploy to Iraq. I was one of the few soldiers who were not on the mandatory deployment roster - close to 3,000 Hawaii soldiers were.

A military mindset is objectively analyzing a planned course of action and anticipating the likely consequences before you take that action.

As a soldier, I've served with the most brave people in an institution that's built on integrity, honor, and duty.

It makes no sense for us to consider going back there and getting involved in what truly is a religious civil war. What real difference would it make on the ground? And secondly, is it in the best interests of the United States to do that? I would say that those questions are not being answered in a compelling way that would cause me to support that.

Students are suffering under incredibly high tuitions and high student loan interest rates. They graduate from school, and they're having a very difficult time finding a job. They don't feel as though there are honest leaders who are listening to them, and who will be a part of the solution.

I've seen firsthand the high human cost of war.

I am privileged to be able to work for the people of Hawaii in whatever capacity.