In Hawaii being a newcomer to political office is a plus, not a detriment.  

Some other considerations:

1.  Living with adversity...based upon a cancer diagnosis as a young child.  This probably translates to surviving when conditions are not optimal; i.e., setting up an office without political favoritism, and living with the subtle and blatant racism  especially when one's ethnic roots are not understood in Hawaii.
2.  Social consciousness:  Being from a minority group provides an understanding as to how other minorities may be targeted with questionable application of laws.
3.  Born and raised here and attended Iolani.  Therefore there is understanding of assimilation and diversity, and an appropriate application based upon individual rights and justice for citizenry.
4.  Mr. Yaqoob meets minimum qualifications to run for office.