Filing alleges Schatz not living in district

Advertiser Staff

Tracy Okubo, a Republican running against state Rep. Brian Schatz, D-25th (Makiki, Tantalus), filed a complaint yesterday questioning whether Schatz lives in his district.

Although the deadline for filing an election challenge has passed, Okubo asked the state Office of Elections to investigate. She claims that Schatz is renting an apartment in Makiki to maintain residency while owning a home in St. Louis Heights.

"In walking my district and talking to several members in my community, there were several people who expressed concerns that Brian Schatz no longer resided in the district and could no longer represent their interests," Okubo said.

Schatz said he and his wife live in the Makiki apartment and that his wife's parents live in the home he owns on St. Louis Heights. He called Okubo's claim "silly and desperate and untrue."

His landlord, Joy Turbeville, said, "It's very clear to me that he (Schatz) lives there."

Okubo also filed a complaint with the Ethics Commission alleging Schatz filed incorrect information on financial statements in 2002. Schatz said Okubo timed the complaints to try to influence voters before the election.