Meet Elijah
Raised in ʻEwa Beach
Dr. Elijah Pierick was raised in ʻEwa Beach in a family dedicated to education, military service, and Hawaiʻi. His mother taught for 24 years, and his father a Master Chief, Master Diver at Pearl Harbor.
Two of Elijah’s siblings moved away because Hawaiʻi became too expensive for their families. Their experiences motivate his work to make Hawaiʻi affordable for local people.
Elijah values spending time with family and friends, sharing local food, reading, and enjoying Hawaiʻi’s outdoors. He stays active through hiking, biking, paddleboarding, surfing, and his regular gym exercises.
Connections to the Philippines and Japan
Elijah has traveled to the Philippines three times for missionary and humanitarian service, including work following Typhoon Yolanda. The Filipino families and communities he encountered left a lasting impression on him through their warmth, generosity, hospitality, and kindness. Elijah loves practicing his Tagalog with phrases such as salamat po (“thank you”), walang anuman (“you’re welcome”), and mabuhay—a joyful expression of welcome and goodwill. His favorite Filipino food is halo-halo.
Tagalog: Nawa’y pagpalain ng Diyos ang lahat ng ating mga Pilipino-Amerikano.
English: “May God bless all our Filipino Americans.” -Elijah Pierick
Elijah lived in Sasebo, Japan, for two months while his father served there along the Japanese Navy. The experience deepened Elijah's appreciation for Japanese life, food, cleanliness, and order. He enjoyed studying Confucius, the ancient philosopher whose teachings strongly influenced Japan—especially: “Do not impose on others what you do not wish for yourself” (Analects 15:24). Elijah can often be heard using the Japanese he learned while living in Sasebo when speaking with his Japanese friends on Oʻahu—including konnichiwa (“hello”), dōmo arigatō gozaimasu (“thank you very much”), and dō itashimashite (“you’re welcome”). His favorite Japanese food is sushi.
Japanese: 伝統を大切にしながら、共に地域をより良くしていきましょう。
English: “While honoring tradition, let us work together to strengthen our community.” —Elijah Pierick
Serving Our Community in the Legislature
Elijah is serving his second term as the state representative for District 39. He has served as Assistant Minority Floor Leader and Minority Whip and service on the Committees on Transportation, Housing, Consumer Protection, Economic Development, and Tourism.
He believes public service begins with listening and treating people of every background, faith, and political affiliation with respect.
Counselor, Professor, and Educator
Elijah is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and owner of Better Counseling Center, where he counsels individuals, couples, and families. He has also served as a university counselor, education director, teacher, and adjunct faculty member at several Hawaiʻi schools and colleges.
Elijah has developed and taught university-level curriculum at four institutions. Outside the classroom, he has officiated OIA and ILH soccer games for Pearl City, Waipahu, Campbell High, and Kapolei High Schools.
Military, Chaplain, and Ministry Service
Elijah formerly served as a U.S. Air Force Reserve Officer and as a Chaplain with Bristol Hospice. Within the medical community, he provided care to patients and families and served on the hospice Ethics Committee.
He is an ordained Foursquare (New Hope) pastor and has served as a church planter, religious education director, teacher, and president of a multi-congregation council.
These experiences taught Elijah to listen carefully, respect different perspectives, and remain present with people during difficult times.
Community Service
Elijah volunteered as a counselor at the Kapolei Juvenile Detention Facility and mentored young people through the Hawaiʻi Youth Challenge Academy. He also organized a back-to-school backpack drive for children in Papakōlea.
His nonprofit service has included assisting people experiencing homelessness, participating in environmental beach cleanups, and serving as a board member of Empowering Women Hawaii & International, a 501(c)(3) faith-based nonprofit.
Why Elijah Is Running
"I beleive God has called me to serve, protect, and advocate for the people of Hawaii. I love Hawaii and everyone here. Several people asked me to run for State Representative, and many have asked me to subsequently run for Senate. I hope to be able to serve our people with humilty, empathetic listening, and eagerness to serve."
-Elijah Pierick
Education and Credentials
Elijah brings disciplined study and professional preparation to his community service. He holds four college degrees, including a Doctor in Pastoral Counseling, and earned 4.0 honors throughout his bachelor’s and master’s programs. He is a Board-Certified Chaplain, published author, and created and taught curriculum at four universities.