[ HONOLULU CITY COUNCIL ]
6
Makiki-Kalihi Valley
Isaac K. Hokama
Age: 49 Job: City management analyst Past: City Council aide; ex-trustee, Hawaii Okinawa Center
What makes you qualified to be a City Council member?
Of the candidates running for City Council District 6, I believe that I have the most experience working in the City and County of Honolulu - as both a legislative aide in the Council and currently as a management analyst with the Managing Director's Office. ...
What is the greatest problem facing Honolulu and what would you do about it?
Improving the quality of life in Honolulu should be our main concern. Public safety, water, refuse, parks and roads deserve equally high consideration. The greatest problem we currently face is financing these programs. The city should create an independent auditor's position that will give accurate and objective reports so we can control spending.
Do you support Mayor Jeremy Harris' vision team program? Why or why not? How would you improve it?
I support the vision program because it keeps the administration in touch with the people's concerns. I feel, though, that more emphasis should be placed on long-term planning ...
Brian Kessler
Age: Not given Job: Vice president, Broadbus Technologies Past: University of Hawaii, Pami InstituteWhat makes you qualified to be a City Council member?
I bring a diverse background both educational and professional to the position. I have lived and traveled and worked throughout the world, which enables a unique and fresh perspective on issues facing all our Islands citizens.
What is the greatest problem facing Honolulu and what would you do about it?
1) Transportation issues of parking and municipal and private vehicle flow patterns will put an increasing strain upon usability and sustainability of all services within our community. 2) Housing issues for the homeless, mentally ill, working poor, new families and the ever-increasing elderly population will put an increasing burden upon government ...
Do you support Mayor Jeremy Harris' vision team program? Why or why not? How would you improve it?
Yes I support the vision team program as long as it produces results and not endless meetings without any specific recommendations to be acted upon.
Dennis M. Nakasato
Age: 55 Job: United Airlines Past: Former state representative, senatorWhat makes you qualified to be a City Council member?
My extensive legislative experience plus my desire to serve. With my years of government service, I have an understanding of the challenges ahead and the reality of the job. During my tenure in office, I owed no special interest group or no one person, only the people who elected me.
What is the greatest problem facing Honolulu and what would you do about it?
Every aspect of our lives is controlled by our traffic problems. We need to seriously implement some sort of mass transit system.
Do you support Mayor Jeremy Harris' vision team program? Why or why not? How would you improve it?
I think its a great idea because it gets the local communities involved. We need more residents to attend and participate in meetings and not so many city, consultants and private planners.
John A. Steelquist
Age: 62 Job: Business professor Past: Chairman, Makiki Neighborhood BoardWhat makes you qualified to be a City Council member?
Experience, integrity and aloha. I have the right kind of experience. I am a trained and experienced leader. I understand modern business practice such employee empowerment and quality improvement. I believe in leadership, partnership and stewardship. ...
What is the greatest problem facing Honolulu and what would you do about it?
The looming squeeze on our city finances. Debt service, sewer replacement, curb cuts, garbage disposal and highway resurfacing all will strain our budget for the next 20 years. We must reduce costs through elimination of duplication, continued technological innovation and continuous education of our public workers. We are a good place to live ...
Do you support Mayor Jeremy Harris' vision team program? Why or why not? How would you improve it?
Yes, it allows for public input to the capital improvement process. Funds are reallocated based on citizen preference. The implementation phase after the projects are decided is somewhat slow and unclear. ...
Rod Tam
Age: 49 Job: State senator Past: Businessman; former state representativeWhat makes you qualified to be a City Council member?
Strong desire to service my constituents in resolving their city problems and obtaining community needs. My family is rooted in the 6th City Council District through four generations. I have the knowledge and experience in the city's organizational structure and process in servicing my fellow neighbors.
What is the greatest problem facing Honolulu and what would you do about it?
At present, the city's finances has no accountability in the spending of public funds and lacks revenues. Remedy: The City Council needs to conduct financial and managerial audits on the city administration and increase city's revenues through a concrete economic development plan involving the international business area.
Do you support Mayor Jeremy Harris' vision team program? Why or why not? How would you improve it?
I support having the public participation in creating community vision projects. The process needs to be clearly formulated to involve public participation.
