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House District 35
Pacific Palisades, Pearl City Highlands
*Denotes incumbent
Chris Hart Kessell
REPUBLICAN
Age: 36
Job: Freelance advertising executive
Years here: 36What are the unique qualifications you bring to this job?
I can quickly find solutions to our community concerns and implement them right away. I will represent what our community wants -- Isn't that what a representative is supposed to do? For the most part, people in Wailuna have very different concerns and lifestyles from people in Manana. I will tie our neighborhoods together.
What are the top three issues facing Hawaii (from most pressing to least)?
Economy: We need to catch up with the rest of the mainland! Although some feel it is getting better, we still have a ways to go! Education: Parents and the community need to have more say in what goes on in our schools. Small Business: We need to continue to help small business prosper in Hawaii!
Are changes needed to the civil service system? If so, what are they?
Changes to the civil service system? This is something that I would bring to the Pearl City community to get their feel for this. If elected to the Legislature, I would bring the issue to the "streets" and vote accordingly.
Nathan H. Takeuchi
DEMOCRAT
Age: 29
Job: Child care coordinator
Years here: 29What are the unique qualifications you bring to this job?
I was raised in Pearl City and offer a strong commitment to the community, energy, and new ideas for the 35th District and the State of Hawaii. My efforts will focus on affordable long-term care, lowering the cost of prescription drugs, improving public education, strengthening the economy, and reducing crime.
What are the top three issues facing Hawaii (from most pressing to least)?
a) Lowering the cost of living
b) Providing quality public education
c) Improving the economy
Are changes needed to the civil service system? If so, what are they?
I support any changes that result in a more effective and efficient system. However, I do not believe "civil service reform" should be used to take away benefits. Any inclusion or exclusion of benefits should be negotiated between the unions and the state Office of Collective Bargaining.
Noboru 'Nobu' Yonamine*
DEMOCRAT
Age: 65
Job: State representative
Years here: 65What are the unique qualifications you bring to this job?
I have served in the Legislature for 10 years as a member of the House of Representatives. The experience has allowed me to advocate for increased public participation and a stronger voice for the community in government. I have always been actively involved in community affairs, and bring more than two decades of experience in youth services and community organizing.
What are the top three issues facing Hawaii (from most pressing to least)?
a) Education: commit more funds to recruit and maintain DOE personnel; assure educational accountability is in place and working. b) Economic development: continue seeking incentives to attract new industries, businesses, research and educational endeavors. c) Civil service reform: continue to make sure provisions in the bill are being implemented such as management rights, without eroding Chapter 89.
Are changes needed to the civil service system? If so, what are they?
Chapter 89 (collective-bargaining law) is an effective and fair law which protects the autonomy of the employer and the unions to negotiate in good faith. I believe that the Legislature cannot come in at the end of the signed or agreed upon settlement, and refuse to fund the proposed financial package. The Legislature has to be part of the review ... prior to involvement of arbitrators.
