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House District 40
Wahiawa, Whitmore Village
*Denotes incumbent
Marcus R. Oshiro*
DEMOCRAT
Age: 41
Job: Attorney
Years here: 41What are the unique qualifications you bring to this job?
Leadership. Experience and effectiveness. Six years of public service in the state House. From 1994-96, as a member of the Finance, Water and Land Use, and Energy and Environmental committees. From 1996 through 1998, I served as the majority floor leader. Today, I serve as the vice speaker of the House.
What are the top three issues facing Hawaii (from most pressing to least)?
There are more than three top issues facing Hawaii, and a simple ranking of "most pressing to least" devalues the importance of each issue and its constituency. Most proposals require thoughtful choices, informed citizenry and monetary commitments. Top issues include the economy, education, jobs, health care and government services.
Are changes needed to the civil service system? If so, what are they?
Yes. Both employees and employers need to implement the recent civil service amendments that are necessary to ensure a system that rewards performance and preempts a spoils system. Objective performance measurement tools must also be implemented without bias or prejudice.
Allan Tomas
REPUBLICAN
Age: 32
Job: Owner and administrator of Aloha Friendsh Center at LLC
Years here: 9What are the unique qualifications you bring to this job?
Having the experience and opportunity to serve in the medical field primarily as a counselor, for over 12 years, I am aware of the necessity and urgency that needs to be placed on our families. Legislation that focuses on the health and safety of our children and elderly should always be top priorities.
What are the top three issues facing Hawaii (from most pressing to least)?
My first priority is to help create a two party system to bring fairness and honesty back to our government. Secondly, the DOE needs to be restructured into smaller units with greater input from the individual districts. Thirdly, I will eliminate the four percent state tax burden on food, residential rent, and medical services.
Are changes needed to the civil service system? If so, what are they?
I would applaud the governor's reform package being a necessary first step. Both parties agree that changes need to take effect to provide a healthier atmosphere for civil servants. Retirement pay not being computed into overtime and privatization of state services would be some of the issues I would revisit. Each county should negotiate separately for civil service contracts.
