Russell Ruderman

Born and raised on U.S. Army bases, Russell Ruderman attended Penn State University and holds a B.S. in biology. He began working in the natural food business in 1975, and was among the pioneers of the modern natural foods industry. In 1998 Ruderman founded Island Naturals Market and Deli in Hilo. Now with three stores including Pahoa and Kailua-Kona and over 200 employees, Island Naturals is committed to supporting local farmers and producers. He served as state senator for Puna district on the Big Island from 2012 to 2020. His focus was on the environment, economic justice, and helping Puna recover from a series of disasters. Ruderman lives in Keaau.

Russell Ruderman: The Good, The Bad And The Ugly Of This Legislative Session Kevin Fujii/Civil Beat/2024

Russell Ruderman: The Good, The Bad And The Ugly Of This Legislative Session

Lawmakers have taken up everything from shakas and UH regents to stadium money and publicly funded elections.

Russell Ruderman: Maui Deserves The Spotlight In The Legislature But So Do These 3 Reforms Kevin Fujii/Civil Beat/2024

Russell Ruderman: Maui Deserves The Spotlight In The Legislature But So Do These 3 Reforms

We already know the corruption that the current system has produced and is perpetuating. Let’s try something different.

Russell Ruderman: Our Insurance Crisis Is About To Get Much Worse Kevin Fujii/Civil Beat/2023

Russell Ruderman: Our Insurance Crisis Is About To Get Much Worse

It's not just the risk of volcanic eruption that is driving insurers from the market and costs up for the rest of us.

Russell Ruderman: Quick Fixes Exist For Hawaii’s Housing Crisis. Let’s Make Them Happen Courtesy: Paradise Tiny Homes

Russell Ruderman: Quick Fixes Exist For Hawaii’s Housing Crisis. Let’s Make Them Happen

Tiny homes and ohana units could help provide more housing quickly. Barriers must be removed to address what is, indeed, an emergency.

Russell Ruderman: This New Program Could Help Cut Food Costs In Hawaii Cory Lum/Civil Beat/2017

Russell Ruderman: This New Program Could Help Cut Food Costs In Hawaii

Reusing glass bottles and other food containers will help reduce waste and lower the cost of food.

Russell Ruderman: Dispelling The Disinformation On Electric Vehicles Cory Lum/Civil Beat/2022

Russell Ruderman: Dispelling The Disinformation On Electric Vehicles

Recognize oil industry propaganda for what it is and join the ranks of satisfied EV drivers.

Russell Ruderman: Bury The Power Lines. It’s A No-Brainer PF Bentley/Civil Beat/2014

Russell Ruderman: Bury The Power Lines. It’s A No-Brainer

Utilities complain about the cost but the cost of not undergrounding electrical lines is often even higher.