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STATE SENATE DISTRICT 9 / DIAMOND HEAD-KAHALA-HAWAII KAI
Kurt Lajala (D)
Age/marital status: 50, married Residence: Niu Valley Education: University of Hawaii, BA-sociology Years in Hawaii: 50 Political/civic/volunteer experience: Niu Valley Playground Assn. Youth baseball and basketball coach. Polynesian Voyaging Society volunteer. Office of state Rep. Mark Hashem volunteer. Work background: Employed as Dept. of Defense civilian contractor providing simulator-based flight instruction to Air Force and Army National Guard in Hawaii, Alaska, Singapore. Retired USAF and Hawaii Air National Guard officer-pilot with 28 years service. Retired United Airline pilot with 21 years service. What issues in your district motivate you to seek this office, and what solutions are you offering? The near absence of capital improvement funding in District 9 has prevented needed repairs and modernization of our public schools, highways, boating areas, etc. I will build immediate rapport with fellow senators to bring long overdue funding to the district. Traffic congestion along H-1 that backs ups to Hawaii Kai needs to be addressed as part of Oahu’s master plan. What issues in the state of Hawaii motivate you to seek this office, and what solutions are you offering? The high cost of living in Hawaii is not met with jobs that pay a living wage. The answer begins with our public schools graduating students with the skills to go directly into sustainable careers. Curriculum should prepare students for employment as well as entry to college.
(R) Republican // (D) Democrat // (G) Green // (N) Nonpartisan DISTRICT 10 / MOIILILIDISTRICT 11 / MAKIKITANTALUS-MANOA KAIMUKI-PALOLO
Eric Marshall (R) Age/marital status: 37, married Residence: Moiilili Education: B.S.-business management Years in Hawaii: 34 Political/civic/volunteer experience: 2010 candidate for state Senate District 10. 2011 candidate for McCully and Moiilili Neighborhood Board. ASUH senator; UH football video team; director, WBC Hawaii Theatre concert series; various ministries at New Hope; Bridge of Hope. Work background: Info technology/compliance officer, Hawaiian Electric Employees Federal Credit Union, 2009present. What issues in your district motivate you to seek this office, and what solutions are you offering? Problems of dilapidated infrastructure, overtaxed families and overburdened businesses. Kaimuki, Kapahulu and Palolo are great historical communities that are in dire need of new ideas and vision to bring them back to their splendor of yesteryear. What issues in the state of Hawaii motivate you to seek this office, and what solutions are you offering? Change is needed to 1) Provide innovative thinking and solutions, 2) Be free of special interests, 3) Break the status quo, 4) Fight for poor and overtaxed. 5) Impose term limits. Additionally, rail needs to be stopped. It is a Ponzi scheme to make the poor pay wealthy land owners. More than 75 percent of Oahu’s population will never use rail but will pay for it. Rail is ancient linear technology.
Larry Fenton (R)
Age/marital status: 36, married Residence: Waikiki Education: Masters — business administration Years in Hawaii: four-anda-half Political/civic/volunteer experience: Member, School Community Council; president-founder, Jefferson Elementary School PTO. Various children/family support programs at church, schools and Kakaako Next Step homeless shelter. Work background: Created successful property-management company in Waikiki. Previously, worked as senior investment analyst for insurance firm. What issues in your district motivate you to seek this office, and what solutions are you offering? Divide large school districts into smaller, more localized units that encourage more participation from parents and citizens. Support programs on state level that encourage people to work while still receiving partial assistance as they return to productive lives. What issues in the state of Hawaii motivate you to seek this office, and what solutions are you offering? No new taxes on businesses. Change existing laws to help lower the cost for businesses and create new jobs. Support affordable healthcare plans for local businesses. Economic diversity must be pursued to address Hawaii’s vulnerability in having tourism and military as our main revenue producers.
DISTRICT 20 / KAPOLEIMAKAKILO
DISTRICT 17 / WAIPAHUPEARL CITY
DISTRICT 18 / MILILANIWAIKELE-KUNIA
Mike Greco (R)
Alex M. Sonson (D)
Michael Yadao Magaoay (D)
Age/marital status: 52, married Residence: Waipahu Education: Post-graduate, Illinois Institute of Technology, College of Law Years in Hawaii: 41 Political/civic/volunteer experience: State House of Representatives 2002-2008. Waipahu Neighborhood Board 1996-2002. Volunteer Legal Services 1994-2011. President-director, Waipahu Elderly & Youth Center, 2008present. Filipino Lawyers Assn. Candonians of Hawaii legal adviser. Work background: Newspaper carrier 1971-75. U.S. Marine Corps 1978-82. Scruples Waikiki 1982-86. American Hawaii Cruises 1986-87. Marriott’s Disneyland Hotel 1988-90. Private law practice 1993-present. What issues in your district motivate you to seek this office, and what solutions are you offering? Education: funding higher education through a state lottery. Agriculture: ease land use laws to allow farming subdivisions; increase loans to farmers. Economy: Increase development and production of alternative energy by easing agricultural land use. Elderly: Increase quality of life services through grants to local nonprofits. Labor: increase support for unions, revamp HRS 386, increase mandated job security. Health: Support alternative medicine. What issues in the state of Hawaii motivate you to seek this office, and what solutions are you offering? I support a constitutional amendment to end political tenure.
Liz Larson (R)
Age/marital status: 48, divorced Residence: Makiki Education: Associate degree, vocational Years in Hawaii: six Political/civic/volunteer experience: First political experience was phone banking for Ronald Reagan in 1980. Enlisted in the Army and received honorable discharge after serving four years of active duty in the 82nd Airborne Division. Ran for Congress in 2000 as member of Reform Party. Ran in a nonpartisan election for City Council in 2010 (6th District-Honolulu). Work background: Member of Ironworkers union since 1989. What issues in your district motivate you to seek this office, and what solutions are you offering? Two most important issues are our infrastructure and the influx of homeless population into residential neighborhoods. I would work to provide long-term solutions to address water, sewer and road use. I would assist with programs designed to get homeless off the streets and into shelters. What issues in the state of Hawaii motivate you to seek this office, and what solutions are you offering? Two most important issues are the economy and budget. Work to streamline the regulatory process at the state level and cut back spending to live within our means. Introduce new bills to provide adequate funding for running the state government.
DISTRICT 16 / PEARL HARBOR-PEARL CITY-AIEA Age/marital status: 36, married Residence: Aiea Education: B.A.-finance, University of Hawaii, Chaminade University MBA program Years in Hawaii: 13 Political/civic/volunteer experience: Treasurer, Aiea Neighborhood Board. Hanauma Bay beach cleanup volunteer. Work background: President-founder, Greco Construction Inc. a. Reserve officer, Hawaii National Guard 29th Infantry Brigade Combat Team; U.S. Army captain at defense intelligence agency and at Guantanamo Bay; five years in U.S. Navy as naval aircrew at Marine Corps Base Hawaii; two Western Pacific deployments; Operation Desert Fox. What issues in your district motivate you to seek this office, and what solutions are you offering? Cost of basic necessities is rising faster than incomes, particularly for those on fixed incomes. I support immediate individual and corporate state income tax relief, including tax exemption for tips and gratuities earned in the service and tourism industries. More liberty and less government is the solution to cost of living and persistent unemployment numbers. What issues in the state of Hawaii motivate you to seek this office, and what solutions are you offering? The quality of our state’s education is a major concern. I support tax credits for homeschooling, private schools and charter schools. A fresh perspective on problems would help make the education system stronger, and inspire students and teachers to take education to the next level in Hawaii.
DISTRICT 12 / KAKAAKOMCCULLY-WAIKIKI
Age/marital status: 58, married Residence: Mililani Education: B.S.-electrical engineering, UH-Manoa Years in Hawaii: 58 Political/civic/volunteer experience: Representative, House District 46, 2000-2010. Boards of Catholic Charities Hawaii Corporation, March of Dimes, Hale Kipa, Pacific Health Ministry, St. John Apostle & Evangelist Church, Mililani Lions Club, UH Engineering Alumni Assn. Work background: MYM Services, electrical consultant, 2009-present. Past engineering management positions with A-1 A-Lectrician, American Electric Co., American Technologies Inc., Queen’s Medical Center, George S. Okano Electrical Contracting Corp. What issues in your district motivate you to seek this office, and what solutions are you offering? Strengthen education by securing funding for schools, reducing overcrowding, supporting teachers and administrators, nurturing families. Value our kupuna by cherishing their contributions to our community, helping them stay in their homes or have access to quality living choices, improving health care and lifestyle needs. What issues in the state of Hawaii motivate you to seek this office, and what solutions are you offering? I bring wealth of experience as former legislator for 10 years and as a businessman.
election 2012
Dean Kalani Capelouto (R) Age/marital status: 46 Residence: Makakilo Education: Master’s — information systems Years in Hawaii: 32 Political/civic/volunteer experience: Involvement in political candidate campaigns in Illinois and Hawaii. Hawaii Regional Robotics sponsor, CAN JAM sponsor, American Cancer Society, American Red Cross, Salvation Army, Leeward YMCA,. Work background: Self-employed. Owner, Oahu Express. Previously, Booz Allen Hamilton senior consultant. U.S. Navy senior operations specialist/defense/reconnaissance positions. What issues in your district motivate you to seek this office, and what solutions are you offering? Our politicians ignore what the people are telling them, and instead favor special interests and developers at the expense of taxpayers. Case in point is the $9 billion rail project that will not solve the traffic problem. Our precious resources — land, water, food supply — are in jeopardy. What issues in the state of Hawaii motivate you to seek this office, and what solutions are you offering? As a small-business owner, the challenges are many. We need to shift the state from a development phase to sustain-and-maintain phase. The incumbent is not being respectful or responsive to the people in this district. Bring back integrity to this position that belongs to the people, not to special interests.
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DISTRICT/AREA: 21ST / WAIANAE
Dicky Johnson (R) Age/marital status: 80, divorced Residence: Makaha Education: Bachelor of Police Science, Long Beach State College Years in Hawaii: 28 years Political/civic/volunteer experience: Policeman. Huntington Park, Calif.; District attorney investigator. Los Angeles; Special agent in charge, Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms; Chief investigator for Hawaii Attorney General Child Support Enforcement. What issues in your district motivate you to seek this office, and what solutions are you offering? I want to give the people of Waianae a chance to have a Republican instead of Democrat representation in the Senate. Not an election if only one name on the ballot. Let the people select their representatives in government, not the Democratic Party. What issues in the state of Hawaii motivate you to seek this office, and what solutions are you offering? Are we better off now than we were four years ago? Cut the size of the state government and let the counties determine what is needed. The state does not know how to solve problems. For instance, why do we need a state department of transportation when there are no state roads crossing county lines? Why does the state tell the counties how much to pay their employees? Too much state government doing things bad and inefficiently.
Fred Hemmings (R) Age/marital status: 66 Residence: Pali Education: Punahou Years in Hawaii: 66 Political/civic/volunteer experience: State Senator, 2000-2010; State Representative, 1986-1990; trustee, Le Jardin School, 2011-2012; Director, Children’s Advocacy, 1991; Trustee, Outrigger Duke Kahanamoku Foundation. 1990-1991; Board of Directors, Denver Broncos, 1984-2012; Founder/producer, Triple Crown Surfing, 1983-1988; Founder and president, International Professional Surfing, 1976-1983. Work background: Created, owned and produced Hawaii’s first major pro surfing events. Network television sports, commentator. Talk radio show host, author. What issues in your district motivate you to seek this office, and what solutions are you offering? Problems include a gamut of economic woes, from excessive and regressive taxes to failing government programs. Solutions include: privatization of government services that could be done better and cheaper by private sector, eliminate fraud and exploitation from alleged entitlement programs thus helping the truly needy by eliminating the greedy and able-bodied. Education failure is an ongoing problem. Solutions: Adequately fund and increase charter schools, downsize DOE management, put more resources in classrooms. Keeping Kailua Kailua — conservation. Solution: Stop the change from residential neighborhood into commercial district.
(R) Republican // (D) Democrat // (G) Green // (N) Nonpartisan DISTRICT 22 / WHEELERDISTRICT/AREA: 23RD / WAHIAWA-SCHOFIELD HEEIA-LAIE-WAIALUA
Charles (Bo) Aki (R) Age/marital status: 57, married Residence: Mililani Mauka Education: MBA Years in Hawaii: 57 Political/civic/volunteer experience: Public board member, state Board of Physical Therapy and director, Hawaii Transportation Assn., Hawaii Humane Society, American Cancer Society, Kamehameha Alumni Assn., Elks Club. Work background: Vice president-GM Sunvan Hawaii, subsidiary of Atlas World Group/American Red Ball Intl. What issues in your district motivate you to seek this office, and what solutions are you offering? Agriculture: not being preserved, contributing to our dependence on outside food sources. Development should not be at the expense of irreplaceable agricultural land. Our schools in Mililani are completely saturated. Rail is ineffective, unaffordable and will not alleviate congestion. Support urban renewal in Wahiawa. Mililani High Tech Park is under-utilized. Infrastructure before housing development. What issues in the state of Hawaii motivate you to seek this office, and what solutions are you offering? 1Stop raiding of special funds. Funds should be used for what they are intended. For instance, the highway fund is constantly being depleted for expenses other than fixing and maintaining our roa Balance and representation. We hear a lot of talk but nothing improves. What legacy will we leave our children, a mountain of debt or a better quality of life?
Colleen Meyer (R) Age/marital status: 72, married Residence: Kahaluu Education: A.A. degree, College of San Mateo. Years in Hawaii: 72 Political/civic/volunteer experience: State House of Representatives 19942008. Kahaluu Neighborhood Board 1993-1995. Member, Junior League of Honolulu. Chairwoman, SelfHelp Housing Corporation of Hawaii. Work background: Past employment as dental assistant, psychiatrist, real estate sales associate-broker, small-business operator; owner Paradise Properties. What issues in your district motivate you to seek this office, and what solutions are you offering? I am concerned about traffic in this very large district. I plan to work with the state Dept. of Transportation and push for improvements, such as having a roundabout at the intersection of Kamehameha and Kahekili highways. The Laniakea Road project needs to be addressed urgently. Streams must be regularly cleared of vegetation to avert flooding. What issues in the state of Hawaii motivate you to seek this office, and what solutions are you offering? High cost of living — housing, food, utilities — is a key issue. Our 4.5 percent general excise tax adds mightily to our tax burden. It’s time to eliminate the tax on food. Current regulations and mandates must be reassessed. We cannot attract new business and industry with our bad reputation.
Laura Thielen (D)
HOUSE OF
Age/marital status: 51, married Residence: Waimanalo Education: University of Colorado. Case Western Reserve law school. Georgetown Public Policy Institute (finished law degree at UH)
DISTRICT 18 / HAHAIONE VALLEY-AINA HAINAKAHALA
Years in Hawaii: 46 Political/civic/volunteer experience: Currently UH volunteer master gardener. Served on Board of Education, Kailua Neighborhood Board, Hawaii Women Lawyers. Work background: Chairwoman, state Dept. of Land & Natural Resources. Director, state Office of Planning. Managing attorney, Legal Aid Society of Hawaii. Owner of small business LHT Services. Attorney, Gerson Grekin Wynhoff & Thielen. Agricultural liaison, City & County of Honolulu. What issues in your district motivate you to seek this office, and what solutions are you offering? Quality of life for residents in our communities. State continues to favor developments that enrich a few and place the cost of development on communities. What issues in the state of Hawaii motivate you to seek this office, and what solutions are you offering? Diversifying economy. Require changing state laws, regulations to support diversified small businesses and start-up ventures. Drive resources to the classroom, rather than to the central DOE. 2) Addressing future growth.
REPRESENTATIVES
Jeremy Low (R) Age/marital status: 49, single Residence: Waialae Iki Education: M.A. — political science, University of Hawaii. Years in Hawaii: 49 Political/civic/volunteer experience: Member of Kuliouou Kalaniiki Neighborhood Board, Hawaii Republican Party, NRA. Volunteer for local and presidential Republican candidate campaigns. Work background: Researcher/analyst for state Office of Language Access, Dept. of Labor; Kamehameha Schools; UH School of Travel Industry Management. Government relations associate for Pacific Basin Economic Council. What issues in your district motivate you to seek this office, and what solutions are you offering? I want to help improve our economy and create new private sector jobs . As a fiscal conservative, I oppose tax increases and support tax cuts. What issues in your district motivate you to seek this office, and what solutions are you offering? Small and large businesses will invest, expand and create more jobs when their tax burden is low. We must raise more revenue for government without raising taxes. We must have the backbone and political will to be creative.
election 2012
DISTRICT 25 / HAWAII KAIWAIMANALO-KAILUA
Levani Lipton (D) Residence: Kailua Education: Master’s-public health, UH; Master’s-public administration, Havard University. Years in Hawaii: 30 Political/civic/volunteer experience: Kailua Elementary School Community Council. Chairwoman, Bolder Giving. Volunteer, Castle Medical Center, Bayanihan Homeless Clinic, Aloha Medical Mission, City & County Honolulu, Little Brothers Friends of the Elderly, Pohai Nani. Work background: Executive director, Ananda Foundation. Worked with nonprofit organizations in 14 countries to empower individuals and families living in poverty through education, vocational training, agricultural initiatives and small business. Student mentoring and public speaking through local Lions and Rotary clubs. What issues in your district motivate you to seek this office, and what solutions are you offering? Our district has seen dramatic increases in development and tourist activities. Both need to be balanced and regulated. While change is inevitable, we need to protect the residential character of our towns. Funding must be committed to repair roads for the long term. Support a stronger police presence to keep our communities safe. What issues in the state of Hawaii motivate you to seek this office, and what solutions are you offering? I am deeply concerned about the disparities in our education system and the impact on ours state’s future.
Lori Wingard (R) Age/marital status: 38 Residence: Aina Haina Education: California State University, political science and business Years in Hawaii: 12 Political/civic/volunteer experience: Aina Hina Elementary PTA, Friends of Waialae School, Honolulu Board of Realtors, Filipino Chamber of Commerce, Children’s Alliance of Hawaii Angel Project, Hawaii Meals on Wheels, Holy Trinity Church, AYSO Region 48 soccer mom. Numerous beach and environmental cleanup projects. Work background: TV co-host, ThinkTech Hawaii. Sandwich Isles Realty. Staff of Honolulu City Councilman Charles Djou. National Rural Elec. Coop Assn. (Va). Congressional aide (Washington, D.C). United Airlines flight attendant. What issues in your district motivate you to seek this office, and what solutions are you offering? High taxes, and regular maintenance of Kalanianaole Highway. Government should be more concerned about people rather than politics. Our children should not be burdened with high taxes and a lack of well-paying jobs. What issues in the state of Hawaii motivate you to seek this office, and what solutions are you offering? High taxes. I will oppose any and all tax increases. Introduce significant tax cuts to reduce the size of government and push for a balanced budget. Introduce laws supporting small business, agriculture, environment and education.
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(R) Republican // (D) Democrat // (G) Green // (N) Nonpartisan DISTRICT 19 / DIAMOND HEAD-KAIMUKI-KAPAHULU
Bertrand (Bert) Kobayashi (D)
Age/marital status: 68, married Residence: Kaimuki Education: Ph.D. — political science, Michigan State University Years in Hawaii: 59 Political/civic/volunteer experience: State representative and state senator, 19781994. Currently active with Hawaii Heritage Center, United Japanese Society, Fukuoka People’s Club. Previously with YMCA, March of Dimes, American Lung Assn., Waikiki Aquarium, Kapahulu Senior Center, Boy Scouts. Work background: Deputy director, State community hospital system; reorganized into Hawaii Health Systems, independent state agency. Staff aide to Sen. Brickwood Galuteria (2011), Rep. Karl Rhoads (2010), late Rep. Duke Bainum (2009), Rep. Kirk Caldwell (2007). What issues in your district motivate you to seek this office, and what solutions are you offering? District issues include health, especially elderly care, and education, the state’s biggest budget item. Better education and prioritization and more decentralization like at Waialae Elementary School, Hawaii’s first School Community-Based Management and first charter school. In 1990, I wrote the SCBM law. What issues in the state of Hawaii motivate you to seek this office, and what solutions are you offering? I’m interested in many big, long-term issues like watershed protection, directed growth of UH system, huge unfunded deficits for state pension and health insurance.
Julia E. Allen
(R) Declined to provide personal information. What issues in your district motivate you to seek this office, and what solutions are you offering? Our district has been represented for nearly four decades by the same person. This is contrary to the principle of participatory self-governance and undermines our society by perpetuating a permanent ruling class. There is relentless growth of government and progressively diminished productivity of government institutions, of which public schools are prime examples. What issues in your district motivate you to seek this office, and what solutions are you offering? High levels of taxation and concomitant government waste are harming our people. The development of a permanently dependent population weakens us immeasurably. An enormous unfunded liability for giveaways to government workers at the behest of powerful union bosses threatens future generations and the economically productive sectors of our economy.
Brian Yamane (D) Age/marital status: 65, married Residence: Kaimuki Education: University of Hawaii graduate Years in Hawaii: 65 Political/civic/volunteer experience: Six years as 19th District state representative. Kaimuki Neighborhood Board, Kaimuki-Waialae YMCA board, Neighborhood Justice Center, Hawaiian Lodge of Masons, Diamond Head Lions, Independent Order of Oddfellows, Hawaii Hurricane Relief Fund board. Work background: 35 years as an insurance agent. What issues in your district motivate you to seek this office, and what solutions are you offering? Crimes against seniors should be addressed with tougher laws. Seniors also need to be protected from the eroding of their earned benefits. Improve our community schools with better facilities. What issues in the state of Hawaii motivate you to seek this office, and what solutions are you offering? As a moderate, I believe the state needs to look at the priorities for expenditures. In this economy, each tax dollar’s value should be scrutinized.
Darrell Young (R) Age/marital status: 49, single Residence: Kaimuki Education: B.A.-business, University of Hawaii Years in Hawaii: 49 Political experience: Staff support for City Council members and state legislator. What issues in your district motivate you to seek this office, and what solutions are you offering? The cost of rail mass transit and service cuts in bus mass transit conflict with each other. Rail will not serve the East side of the island, yet bus service on East side is being reduced. Bus services should remain at past levels. Rail cost management should be more transparent and efficient, or we will see abrupt increases to government fees and taxes. What issues in the state of Hawaii motivate you to seek this office, and what solutions are you offering? Biggest issues are budget deficits and job creation. Government needs to streamline operations with efficiency and transparency in mind. Job creation needs to be encouraged in private sectors. The state is trying to tax, borrow on future taxes and spend its way into economic recovery.
DISTRICT 22 / WAIKIKIALA MOANA-KAKAAKO
DISTRICT 24 / MOIILIILIMAKIKI-TANTALUS
Marcus Hester (R)
Isaiah Sabey (R)
Age/marital status 54, married Residence: Waikiki Education: Ph.D.-Theology, Word Theological Seminary, Wisconsin. Years in Hawaii: 5 Political/civic/volunteer experience: Local pastor counseling homeless. Obama U.S. Senate candidacy; economic development-small business; APEC; mayoral campaign volunteer. Work background: Medical, business owner, author. What issues in your district motivate you to seek this office, and what solutions are you offering? Maintain, protect, and preserve families of Hawaii. Keep Hawaii a major family destination for visitors. Emphasis on strong fiscal management and decisions. Get Hawaii out of its more than $30 billion debt with a shortfall this year of more than $772 million. What issues in Hawaii motivate you to seek this office, and what solutions are you offering? Put balance back in government to steer in a new direction. Time for a shift in government. The state does not know how to solve problems. Let the counties do what is necessary. For instance, why do we need a state department of transportation when there are no state roads crossing county lines? Why does the state tell the counties how much to pay their employees? Too much state government doing things bad and inefficiently.
Age/marital status: 45, married Residence: Makiki Education: Med-secondary education Years in Hawaii: 45 Political/civic/volunteer experience: Makiki Neighborhood Board. Coalition to meet needs of homeless since 2008. Spearheaded projects for Hawaii Jaycee Adopt-a-School program at Roosevelt High and Puuhale Elementary. Work background: Employed with state Dept. of Education as teacher of music and English Language Learner (ELL) students at Puuhale Elementary School for past five years. What issues in your district motivate you to seek this office, and what solutions are you offering? Provide job network programs with the university to prepare and enable students to remain in Hawaii with jobs in our local businesses. Address high taxes and excessive regulations that impede growth and job creation. Continue adult education services for immigrants. Hawaiian community in Papakolea. Foster awareness of needs for Hawaiian community by working together to meet educational, social and family enrichment. Utilize educational and social services that specialize in native culture to accomplish this.What issues in the state of Hawaii motivate you to seek this office, and what solutions are you offering? Homeless. Create public-private partnerships in work skills training, jobs and off-street housing. 2Education. Manage and operate schools at the community level. Develop alternate energy resources.
election 2012
DISTRICT 20 / PALOLO-ST. LOUIS HEIGHTS-KAIMUKI
Dwight Synan
(D) Residence: Palolo Education: Graduate research fellow, Osaka University of Law Political/civic/volunteer experience: Member, Palolo Neighborhood Board; . Volunteer lacrosse and soccer coach. Board member of church. Civic organizer and community volunteer. Work background: Licensed real estate broker 20052012. New business development for Seattle’s Best Coffee Japan 1997-2003. Small-business owner 19932005. What issues in your district motivate you to seek this office, and what solutions are you offering? Homeownership protection and parity in affordable housing. Promote legislation to protect primary homeowners and increase the responsibility for absentee off-island landlords. 2) Community safety. Introduce legislation that would require a police substation in all Hawaii statefunded housing complexes. This would lessen the burden in neighborhoods that have a high concentration of crime. What issues in the state of Hawaii motivate you to seek this office, and what solutions are you offering? 1) Environment. We must secure our environment for generations to come. Simple platforms must be adopted such as having all state facilities install photo-reflective roofing, PV panels and water-catchment systems. This will increase jobs in eco construction as well as decrease energy costs. Encourage redevelopment over rapid expansion. Address critical traffic, agricultural land use, and infrastructure issues. 2) Term limits for legislators. 3) Open primaries. Encourage plurality in our democratic process.
Kimberly Case (D) Age/marital status: 49, married Residence: Manoa-Makiki Heights Education: Post graduate studies. B.A.-sociology, UCLA Years in Hawaii: 43 Political/civic/volunteer experience: Worked at Legal Aid Society for two years. Member of Manoa Neighborhood Board for two years. Work background: Paralegal for six years; wine sales five years; Legal Aid Society two years; stay-at-home mom of twin boys seven years. What issues in your district motivate you to seek this office, and what solutions are you offering? After watching the in-fighting, do-nothing U.S. Congress and state Legislature, it is time for all incumbents to be replaced with hard-working, compromising go-getters who put people’s needs ahead of their own egos. My votes will be representative and not based on personal positions on issues. What issues in the state of Hawaii motivate you to seek this office, and what solutions are you offering? Need to make the saving of farmland a priority. Need to rezone residential highrise codes to allow for more residential high-rise condos instead of adding additional homes in the Ewa Plain. Prioritize early education and mandatory preschool for all keiki. Lower rates of taxation for insurance companies that want to enter the Hawaii market. Provide tax incentives for high tech, optic, robotics.
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(R) Republican // (D) Democrat // (G) Green // (N) Nonpartisan DISTRICT 26 / DOWNTOWNLILIHA-KAKAAKO
Lei Ahu Isa (D) Age/marital status: 68, divorced Residence: Ala Moana Education: Ph.D.-Ed Psychology, University of Hawaii. Years in Hawaii: 68 Political/civic/volunteer experience: Former state representative, state Board of Education, Palama Settlement trustee, United Chinese Society trustee, OHA Native Hawaiian Revolving Fund, UH homecoming chairwoman, Organization of Chinese American Women president. Work background: UH director of disbursing/payroll; director of small business management programs; Hawaii Institute of Geophysics fiscal officer. Managing director, professional development, Pannell Kerr Forester CPA. VPMaketing/PR, American Movers. What issues in your district motivate you to seek this office, and what solutions are you offering? Kakaako is primed for development after 40 years of state control. We should bring together public/private resources as well as residents to be part of the future development of Honolulu’s urban core. What issues in the state of Hawaii motivate you to seek this office, and what solutions are you offering? Our communities, state and nation are changing, and we need to plan accordingly. With my experience in the public and private sectors, I can bring fresh solutions to the table. We need activities for seniors and an educational system that prepares our children for 21st century jobs.
DISTRICT 28 / KAMEHAMEHA HEIGHTSKALIHI VALLEY
Carole Kauhiwai Kaapu (R) Age/marital status: 50/single Residence: Kapalama Heights Education: Post-graduate work in communications, Drexel University. Years in Hawaii: 50 Political/civic/volunteer experience: Neighborhood Board 14, Lanakila Senior Center, 2010 candidate for state House, community/school cleanups. Work background: State legislative aide, 2011-2012. Owner, Pure Rain Productions. Missionary coordinator, Life Ministries, Japan. Store manager-Oahu distributor, HaagenDazs. What issues in your district motivate you to seek this office, and what solutions are you offering? Kalihi Valley and Kapalama Heights are in need of basic services and repair/upgrading of our infrastructure. The community works very hard to make ends meet, and our government continues passing laws that make it very hard for small businesses. What issues in the state of Hawaii motivate you to seek this office, and what solutions are you offering? Hawaii has a very difficult business climate that makes it hard for small businesses to grow and provide more jobs. What I bring is a common sense vision for public service without the distraction of being indebted to special interests. My basic values: hard work, don’t spend more than you make, quality education, and encourage small business as the backbone of our economy.
Tiffany H.Y. Au (R) Age/marital status: 26, single Residence: Kakaako Education: B.A.-political science, Grinnell College Years in Hawaii: 26 Political/civic/volunteer experience: Legislative aide to Rep. Corinne Ching, 2012. Goodwill ambassador for Chinese Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii, 2012. VFW Voice of Democracy contest winner. U.S. Dept of Labor national archives researcher. Henry Clay Center for Statesmanship Student Congress. Work background: Various media internships; freelance editor, Persian Analytics LLC; PR director for Chinese Chamber of Commerce. What issues in your district motivate you to seek this office, and what solutions are you offer? District 26’s potential as a unique and diverse urban area is being realized. It is envisioned as a “Live, Work and Play” community, to which I’d like to work toward a parallel vision of “Enjoy, Thrive and Stay.” We can achieve this with: infrastructure improvements, crime deterrents, urban green spaces, support of mom-and-pop small businesses, attract emerging tech and green companies that create jobs. What issues in the state of Hawaii motivate you to seek this office, and what solutions are you offering? 1Reform education. Allocate a higher percentage of tax dollars toward classroom learning. 2Support small business with lower tax burdens, less intrusive regulations, and policies that encourage the entrepreneurial spirit. Grow Chinese tourism.
DISTRICT 27 / NUUANULILIHA-ALEWA HEIGHTS
Takashi Ohno (D) Age/marital status: 28, married Residence: Liliha Education: M.Ed, Chaminade University Political/civic/volunteer experience: Liliha/Puunui/Alewa Heights Neighborhood Board 14. Kamehameha Lions Club. Chairman, Fern Elementary School Community Council. Teach for America Hawaii. Work background: Third grade teacher at Fern Elementary. What issues in your district motivate you to seek this office, and what solutions are you offering? Most pressing issues I hear from my district are safety and senior needs. Safety: Encourage neighbor watches and facilitate the practice with the cooperation of Honolulu Police Dept. Address legislative law enforcement breakdowns dealing with repeat offenders. Seniors: Gear up services that allow seniors to age in their homes, and address future activities, medical care, and housing needs. What issues in the state of Hawaii motivate you to seek this office, and what solutions are you offering? With education a statewide priority, teachers have a place in the Legislature. Our state needs to create a comprehensive system for children to attend preschool. Research shows that preschool education among low-income children leads to high-earning adults, lower incarceration rates, higher rates of home ownership, among other benefits.
Nicole Velasco (D)
DISTRICT 30 / SAND ISLAND-KALIHI-AIRPORT
Romy Cachola (D) Age/marital status: 74, married Residence: Kalihi Education: Bachelor (Juris Doctor), M.L. Quezon University, Manila. Years in Hawaii: 41 Political/civic/volunteer experience: Friends of Hickam, Filipino CofC, Kalihi Business Assoc., Oahu Council of Filipino Catholic Clubs, Ohana Medical Mission, Kalakaua Lions Club, Kalihi Knights of Columbus. Work background: Current Honolulu City Councilman. State House of Rep 1984-2000. What issues in your district motivate you to seek this office, and what solutions are you offering? Affordable housing, unemployment and crime are major problems. Government promotion of public-private partnerships to create jobs; eliminate red tape and fast track improvement projects; create incentives and make state lands available for affordable housing. What issues in the state of Hawaii motivate you to seek this office, and what solutions are you offering? 1) Unfunded liability. Stop the yearly increase of the state’s unfunded liability, such as the state health fund (about $13 billion) and state employees retirement fund (about $8 billion). 2) Fully fund the Hawaii Hurricane Relief Fund. 3) Performance evaluation of teachers, and commit to for the welfare of our students.
Age/marital status: 26 Residence: Kalihi Education: BA, Princeton University. Master’s candidate, UH College of Education. Years in Hawaii: 21 Political/civic/volunteer experience: Coach, Farrington High School water polo. Kuhio Park Terrace kupuna group exercise volunteer. Lanikila Meals on Wheel. Neighborhood Board 15. Filipino Chamber of Commerce. Work background: Analyst, state Office of Auditor. Analyst, Hawaii state House of Representatives-Finance Committee. Social media consultant. What issues in your district motivate you to seek this office, and what solutions are you offering? Growing up in Kalihi, I know that one of the biggest issues we face is that we are often overlooked. I am motivated to provide strong representation of the community and to effectively articulate its needs. My active engagement in the community and my vision for a technology-based info hub will increase awareness of the services and opportunities available for the people. Education: We need more after-school and enrichment programs based around our schools. What issues in the state of Hawaii motivate you to seek this office, and what solutions are you offering? I will work with DOE’s Office of Curriculum to explore options for teachers to develop updated curricula tailored for their studentd. State Audits: Many recommendations are not implemented.
election 2012
Brian Kim
(R) Age/marital status: 41, single Residence: Alewa Heights Education: B.F.A., College of Notre Dame Years in Hawaii: no response Political/civic/volunteer experience: Active with Diamond Head Lions Club for more than 10 years. Work background: Sales with Allstate Insurance Co. since 1993. Sports, fashion and commercial photographer since 1993. What issues in your district motivate you to seek this office, and what solutions are you offering? The issues facing my district are the same issues facing the rest of the state. The current representative from my district is a Republican incumbent, and I feel that as the minority in the state, Republicans have a responsibility to be the squeaky wheel and whistle blower when things are not being done correctly. While I appreciate her service, I think our current representative should be more active and perhaps more verbal about what is going right, but more importantly, what is not in the Legislature. What issues in the state of Hawaii motivate you to seek this office, and what solutions are you offering? Government in general is far too cumbersome. We need to streamline spending and be more productive. We need to stop rail; there are far better ways we can spend the money being earmarked for it. I think Hawaii should join a multi-state lottery system with money put in a fund strictly for education, rather than the general fund. The main thing we need in government to make the country more productive is common sense.
DISTRICT 31 / FORT SHAFTER-MOANALUA GARDENS-ALIAMANU
Lynn Gutierrez (D) Age/marital status: 61, married Residence: Foster Village Education: MA degree. Years in Hawaii: 42 Political/civic/volunteer experience: HSTA 1988-present. Community affiliations: Organ Donor Center of Hawaii, Asian American Network for Cancer Research & Training, Domestic Violence Action Program, Institute for Human Services, Student Equity Excellence & Diversity, Oahu Filipino Community Council, Filipino Chamber of Commerce, Filipino Community Center, American Cancer Society. Work background: Retired elementary special education teacher with 35 years of service. What issues in your district motivate you to seek this office, and what solutions are you offering? 1) Make Aloha Stadium and related 100 state-owned acres for rail transit from park-and-ride into Transit Oriented Development. 2) Widening of Salt Lake Boulevard to ease traffic and open access to Leeward Coast. 3) Implement needed social services needed for senior citizens and provide related language access for nonEnglish speakers. What issues in the state of Hawaii motivate you to seek this office, and what solutions are you offering? Education: Support early childhood education with parent involvement and school-community partnerships. Support bills that promote construction and tourism.
42 MidWeek July 18, 2012
(R) Republican // (D) Democrat // (G) Green // (N) Nonpartisan
Danny Villaruz (D) Age/marital status: 61, married. Residence: Aliamanu Education: Masters — business administration Years in Hawaii: 36 Political/civic/volunteer experience: Volunteer, Institute for Human Services, Hawaii Foodbank, local church, medical and educational missions in Philippines. Work background: Senior tax auditor, Compliance Division, state Dept. of Taxation. Formerly accountant with Maternal & Child Health Branch, State Dept. of Health; and auditor, Office of Inspector General, U.S. Dept. of Housing & Development, San Francisco. What issues in your district motivate you to seek this office, and what solutions are you offering? Improve our public education system. Create jobs to improve the economy. Improve our healthcare system, particularly ensuring there is access to high quality, low cost health care for all citizens. What issues in the state of Hawaii motivate you to seek this office, and what solutions are you offering? Public service is my professional foundation. I have been a public servant for more than 30 years. I support the importance of a strong, well-structured and flexible educational system for the state of Hawaii.
DISTRICT 34 / PEARL CITYWAIMALU-PACIFIC PALISADES
Gregg Takayama (D) Age/marital status: 59, married Residence: Pearl City Education: B.A.-journalism, University of Hawaii-Manoa Years in Hawaii: 59 Political/civic/volunteer experience: First-time political candidate. Former board member of Pearl City Foundation and Pearl City Community Assn. Work background: Former director of public affairs, UHManoa and John A. Burns School of Medicine 2005-2012. KHON-TV news reporter 1997-2005. Communications director, state Dept. of Public Safety 1995-97. Spokesman for Gov. Ben Cayetano 1992-95. Press secretary to U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye 1978-91. What issues in your district motivate you to seek this office, and what solutions are you offering? 1) Elderly care in Pearl City because of our large senior population, many of whom live in multi-generational homes. Renew discussion of long-term care programs and possible funding sources, and seek more aging-in-place services and elderly care facilities. 2) Mass transit alternative to Leeward Oahu commuters without diminishing current bus services and funding. What issues in the state of Hawaii motivate you to seek this office, and what solutions are you offering? Fully fund public education from preschool to UH to prepare an educated work force; supporti research that benefits society. Pprotecte public safety and maintaini a safety net for working families.
Garner Shimizu (R)
DISTRICT 32 / SALT LAKE-MOANALUA VALLEY
Linda Ichiyama (D) Age/marital status: 26 Residence: Salt Lake Education: JD-Law, University of Hawaii Years in Hawaii: 26 Political/civic/volunteer experience: State representative, District 31. Volunteer with Moanalua Lions Club, Honolulu Chinese Jaycees, Lanakila Meals on Wheels, Japanese American Citizens League, and Friends of Salt Lake/Moanalua Public Library. Work background: State representative, District 31. Planned Parenthood of Hawaii event coordinator. Cronin Fried law clerk. Faith Action for Community Equity (FACE) assistant organizer. What issues in your district motivate you to seek this office, and what solutions are you offering? Public safety is an increasing concern in Salt Lake and Moanalua. We need safe streets and neighborhoods, based on proactive steps. I support neighborhood watch programs. What issues in the state of Hawaii motivate you to seek this office, and what solutions are you offering? Local families are struggling with the high cost of living and the effects of the economic recession. During my tenure as state representative, I helped pass legislation to reduce taxes and burdens on small and local businesses. I also supported tax credits for affordable housing, and renewable energy choices to encourage the use of solar, wind and other clean energy technology.
Eloise Yamashita Tungpalan (D) Age/marital status: Married Residence: Pacific Palisades Education: Master’s-public administration, University of Hawaii. Years in Hawaii: Life Political/civic/volunteer experience: 14 years of state House experience. Led or served Pearl City Neighborhood Board, Leeward School Advisory Council, Pearl City Community Assn, Palisades PTA, VISTA Educator, Pacific Palisades Community Assn. Work background: State House of Representatives seven years, state Senate seven years. Former management analyst at Hawaii State Budget & Finance. What issues in your district motivate you to seek this office, and what solutions are you offering? My decision to seek office in the newly reapportioned 34th District was influenced by two dedicated Leeward teachers who asked for my help in changing a no-textbook policy at their school. I was made aware of other concerns, including cultural differences among immigrants who do not view education as a quality of life issue. What issues in the state of Hawaii motivate you to seek this office, and what solutions are you offering? 1Next to investing in education, our economy should be a top priority. Make Hawaii more sustainable, especially in food production. Assist small businesses by providing tax incentives for local investments. 2Support our law enforcement system with tough laws to fight crime and reduce domestic violence. Address Hawaii’s cost of living.
Age/marital status: 53, married. Residence: Moanalua Valley Education: University of Hawaii graduate, College of Engineering. Years in Hawaii: 53 Political/civic/volunteer experience: President, Moanalua Valley Community Assn., Hawaii Jaycees, Adopt-A-School cleanup projects. Youth, homeless and hospital outreach support. Youth basketball coach. Work background: Vice president for family-owned sheet metal subcontractor Master Sheet Metal Inc., 1985-present. Past president and director, Sheet Metal Contractors Assn. What issues in your district motivate you to seek this office, and what solutions are you offering? Eliminate waste and reduce spending before raising taxes. Conduct regular audits and other comprehensive review of government systems and processes. Require economic impact analysis and public disclosure before any new law or regulation is enacted. 3) Government should not be in business to compete with private enterprise. Establish campaign spending for elected officials and term limits for legislators. What issues in the state of Hawaii motivate you to seek this office, and what solutions are you offering?Simplify, clean up and update current regulations and laws that discourage business. Define the balance and partnership between protecting our environment and promoting business. Become self-sufficient by committing to alternative energy sources, internal food sources, water reclamation.
Beth Fukumoto (R) Age/marital status: 29, married Residence: Mililani Education: M.A.–English, Georgetown University Years in Hawaii: 29 Political/civic/volunteer experience: Currently director of research for House Republican Caucus. Served as interim chair of Hawaii Republican Party. Served community as Cub Scouts chair of recruitment for Kaala District,. Work background: Various research capacities, Hawaii State Legislature. What issues in your district motivate you to seek this office, and what solutions are you offering? We’re sensing a general frustration among young people towards the way government is being run. Increases in car registration fees, higher taxes, attempts to eliminate public hearings, etc., all frustrate people in the community. If elected, I would advocate for more prudence in the way we spend taxpayer dollars and insist on increasing efficiency within government agencies as well as eliminating bureaucracies so government is more userfriendly for citizens and businesses. What issues in the state of Hawaii motivate you to seek this office, and what solutions are you offering? We can re-engage people in the legislative and political process if we elect new leaders with whom constituents can identify. The election is not just about issues; it’s about giving the next generation of leaders a chance to address those issues.
election 2012
DISTRICT 33 / HALAWA-AIEANEWTOWN
Sam Kong (R) Age/marital status: 52, married Residence: Aiea Education: High school Years in Hawaii: 42 Political/civic/volunteer experience: Attended Aiea and Pearl City neighborhood board meetings for the past 20 years. Spent the past 14 years on the Webling Elementary School Community Council. Member of the American Legion. Work background: Navigational aids technician in the U.S. Air Force. Computer technician for Servco Pacific and Software Plus. Owner of Aiea Florist. What issues in your district motivate you to seek this office, and what solutions are you offering? The high cost of living our residents face in their daily struggle to survive. To repeal enormous tax increase legislators enacted last year would be asking too much, but we can start small. Eliminate the HI-5 bottle tax. Repeal the $1 tax increase on a barrel of oil. What issues in the state of Hawaii motivate you to seek this office, and what solutions are you offering? Combine the City and State to form one roads department. Adjust university hours so they will not coincide with rush hour traffic. If rail is stopped, we can extend the airport viaduct to exit at Waiakamilo, instead of just the top of Nimitz Highway. (Already engineered by the state.) Ensure completion of the Middle Street merge as planned.
DISTRICT 37 / MILILANIWAIPIO-WAIKELE
Emil Svrcina (R) Age/marital status: 50, married Residence: Mililani Education: Masters — nuclear science and computer technology, Prague. Years in Hawaii: 14 Political/civic/volunteer experience: City Council candidate, 2008. Active in community, political and educational causes. Work background: Escaped from Czechoslovakia to U.S. in 1988. Employed as computer consultant for various companies on Mainland and in Hawaii. Computer specialist at UH Cancer Center past 12 years. What issues in your district motivate you to seek this office, and what solutions are you offering? I would like to encourage people to take responsibility for their lives and choose to change their justifiable negativity, complacency and apathy toward the election process and the way the arrogant and increasingly tyrannical ruling class abuses power and governs the majority of us. What issues in the state of Hawaii motivate you to seek this office, and what solutions are you offering? Tax and spending policies benefit few at the expense of majority. Reduce the size of inefficient, wasteful government spending and focus on the most efficient products for increasing the true wealth of this state and nation. Encourage creativity of talented people on projects with long-term benefits for sustainable and abundant life for all.
MidWeek July 18, 2012 43
(R) Republican // (D) Democrat // (G) Green // (N) Nonpartisan DISTRIC 39 / WAIPAHUROYAL KUNIA-MAKAKILO
Carl Wong Sr. (R) Age/marital status: 66, married Residence: Village Park, Waipahu Education: Bachelor’s-Police Science/Psychology, Chaminade University. Years in Hawaii: 66 Political/civic/volunteer experience: Community association board member, 15 years. Football coach, Pop Warner and high school, 27 years. Work background: Insurance fraud investigator, First Insurance, 10 years. Retired police major, Honolulu Police Dept. What issues in your district motivate you to seek this office, and what solutions are you offering? Frustration over tax-and-spend mentality of -Democrat politicians and their failure over the last 40 years to control spending and ease the burden of the taxpayer. What issues in the state of Hawaii motivate you to seek this office, and what solutions are you offering? The key issue is the increasing of fees, taxes and charges while services, roads, education decline.
DISTRICT 41 / EWA BEACHWEST LOCH ESTATES
Matt Lopresti (D)
Age/marital status: 38, married Residence: Ewa Beach Education: Ph.D.-Philosophy, UH-Manoa Years in Hawaii: 12 Political/civic/volunteer experience: Executive committee, Sierra Club. Ewa Neighborhood Board. City Council District 1 special election candidate 2010. Volunteer with various organizations and clubs. Advocate for taxpayer, environmental, government reform. Leading the fight to save planned marina resort in Ewa Beach that will bring longterm quality jobs to our district while increasing home values and quality of life. Work background: Assistant professor-philosophy/humanities and chair-Asian Studies, Hawaii Pacific University. Cofounder/executive VP, Kokua Renewable Energy. Aloha Consulting principal. Adjunct professor, UH-Manoa, Chaminade, KCC. What issues in your district motivate you to seek this office, and what solutions are you offering? We need quality high-paying jobs in Ewa Beach, our schools need to be provided with the support they need, and we must improve police and medical services in our community. Jobs: Fight to keep the marina project on track, encourage greater commercial development that our community desperately needs, and work hard to restore the full pay and benefits for public sector workers in our district. Schools. The fastest growing community in the state desperately needs a second high school. Also Ewa Makai Middle School needs an additional wing to accommodate another grade of students.
Rose Martinez (D) Age/marital status: 54, married Residence: Ewa Beach Education: Masters-public health, University of Hawaii Years in Hawaii: 27 Political/civic/volunteer experience: Participated in several medical missions in remote areas. Organized drug/alcohol prevention programs with Keola O Hawaii and FACES with Pacific Health Research Institute. Advocacy/community involvements: American Cancer Society, Aloha Aina Earth Day, Lions Club, Hawaii Jaycees, Neighborhood Watch. Work background: Medical technologist, Smithkline/Accupath Laboratory 15 years. Public health administrative duties, three years. Elementary school teacher, six years. Legislative aide, House of Representatives, three years. What issues in your district motivate you to seek this office, and what solutions are you offering? I will support legislation that mandates developers to build infrastructure before any development occurs; find reasonable solutions to our traffic problems. Community services:Inaccessibility of a close proximity medical treatment facility because the closing of Hawaii Medical West is a concern. Facilitating reopening of the hospital would be a legislative objective. 3) Public safety. Calls for a collaborative approach with the community and HPD in solving problems, including more frequent neighborhood watch monitoring and restricting activities in public places that makes the environment unsafe.
Adam Reeder (R) Age/marital status: 35, married Residence: Ewa Beach Education: Masters-public policy, Michigan State University Years in Hawaii: Three Political/civic/volunteer experience: Worked as legislative analyst during 2012 session in House Minority research office. Work background: Housing specialist, Institute for Human Services, 2009-present. Foreclosure prevention program director, Community Action House (Mich.), 2007-2009. What issues in your district motivate you to seek this office, and what solutions are you offering? I will work with my fellow Republicans in the House to fight against high fees and taxes that continue to be levied on businesses and working people. What issues in the state of Hawaii motivate you to seek this office, and what solutions are you offering? Job loss and income reduction continue to hit residents. Government has the responsibility to facilitate job growth by lowering business fees and taxes, allowing local job streams to flow freely. Legislators also have the responsibility to ensure our keiki get the best education possible, regardless of political party alliances and special interest influence. A government dedicated to the highest standards for all interested parties is what we need.
Romy Mindo (D) Age/marital status: 75, married Residence: Ewa Beach Education: College Years in Hawaii: 42 Political/civic/volunteer experience: Hawaii state representative, 20032005. Police Commissioner, 1985-1991. City Commissioner, Housing and Urban Development, 1979. Work background: Currently management partner, R&R Ohana; Mid-Pacific Investment 808; officer, Hawaii Deputy Sheriff Assn.; past president, Hotel Workers Union; past director, Hawaii Job Corps, Kahuku Hospital. What issues in your district motivate you to seek this office, and what solutions are you offering? Traffic infrastructure and neighborhood safety. My record of public service and civic leadership will bring people together to focus on most important issues in our community. What issues in the state of Hawaii motivate you to seek this office, and what solutions are you offering? Wasteful spending of tax money, including rail. Building a better and more useful infrastructure for Hawaii’s traffic including better maintenance of roads, better synchronization of traffic lights, and repairing waste water systems. Emphasis on government fiscal responsibility and transparency.
DISTRICT 42 / KAPOLEIMAKAKILO
Marissa Capelouto (R)
Bob McDermott (R) Age/marital status: 48, married Residence: Ewa Beach Education: MBA, Chaminade University Years in Hawaii: 30 Political/civic/volunteer experience: The last two years I have been active in trying to find a solution to our waste ash and sludge, providing the city with private sector options for disposal; City Commissioner, 2010-2011; state representative, 19962002; Neighborhood Board, 1992 to 1995. Work background: Executive director of Navy League for the last eight years. Prior to that, served in the state legislature and was part-time college instructor. Previously, distribution manager for two local companies. What issues in your district motivate you to seek this office, and what solutions are you offering? First, schools are older and in desperate need of renovation, repair and maintenance. Second, infrastructure continues to be a priority for our fast-growing community. Roads, schools, libraries impact people every day. The leeward area needs to stay ahead of the curve or suffer like we did before Fort Weaver Road was finally widened. What issues in the state of Hawaii motivate you to seek this office, and what solutions are you offering? Education must be a top priority, highlighting the need for repair and maintenance. Federal aid should go to the DOE, not the General Fund. This is still a challenge. I’ve dealt with it before, and I will again. Environmental challenges can be addressed through simple regulatory reform.
DISTRICT 43 / KALAELOA-KO OLINA-MAILI
Hanalei Aipoalani (D)
Age/marital status: 33, married Residence: Nanakuli Education: B.S.-Business management/psychology, Age/marital status: 50, UWW-Skidmore. Executive MBA/DBA, Stanford-Suffield married co-op UOP. Residence: Kapolei Years in Hawaii: 23 Education: B.S.-customs Political/civic/volunteer experience: Staff assistant to administration late Patsy T. Mink. Chairwoman, Nanakuli-Maili Years in Hawaii: 25 Political/civic/volunteer Neighborhood Brd 36. Vice chairwoman, Waianae Coast experience: Sponsor for Neighborhood Brd 24. Vice chairwoman, District 44 HawaiiaRegional Robotics and CAN JAM-Kapolei Democratic Party of Hawaii. Volunteer, Valley of Rainbows, Skateboard competitions, Kapolei Rotary Club Employer Helping Hands-Community Clearing House, Waianae of Year 2011, Smart Business Hawaii Success All-Star Coast Comprehensive Health Center, Easter Seals. 2011, City Council Outstanding Community Service Work background: Currently employed at Olelo recognition, Hawaii Mapua Institute Alumni, Intl. Exec. Community Media as human resources manager. 12-plus Housekeeping Assn. years in executive human resources mgmt in start-up Work background: Small-business owner-president, Oahu biotechnology and nonprofit sectors. Express (acquired in 2006). 25 years in shipping-transWhat issues in your district motivate you to seek this portation industry, including EmeryWorldwide, Menlo office, and what solutions are you offering? Disparity in Logistics, UPS SCS. Handled logistics, transportation housing, social programs, funding of priority programs to needs for 2001 Iraq and Afghanistan military missions. include traffic and flood mitigation, agriculture/farming What issues in your district motivate you to seek this office, and what solutions are you offering? I spoke out incentives for farmers and subsidies for consumers all compel me to seek office. The public has lost confidence to strike down Senate Bill 754 related to general excise tax on shipping containers that would have been passed in government and our elected officials. It’s time to restore fair, balanced, objective representation to the demographon to consumers. What issues in the state of Hawaii ically and socially diverse reapportioned House District motivate you to seek this office, and what solutions 43. are you offering? Seek to bring business expertise and common sense solutions to Hawaii’s economic crisis and What issues in the state of Hawaii motivate you to seek this office, and what solutions are you offering? mounting public workers’ entitlements. Work with our Congressional delegates and Army Corps of Engineers to This is an opportunity to improve living conditions of tap federal tax surplus to improve and revitalize Barbers Hawaii’s residents through effective monetary policy, pubPoint-Kalaeloa Harbor to become a hub of trade and lic policy and programming. commerce.
election 2012
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