[ STATE HOUSE ]
29
Kalihi-Kapalama
Felipe P. "Jun" Abinsay Jr.
Democrat
Age: 53 Job: Former bank branch manager Past: State representative; board, Kalihi YMCA
What qualifies you to be a state representative?
I have lived in Kalihi for over 25 years and am proud of my perfect attendance record during all of my seven legislative sessions that I serve from 1996-2002. If re-elected, I will continue to bring to the Legislature leadership, strong work and moral ethics, and deep personal commitment to Hawaii ...
What is the most pressing issue facing your district and what would you do about it?
Gang crimes and substance abuse among youth pose a grave danger to many communities statewide, but especially in Kalihi. I currently serve on the Hawaii Substance Abuse Advisory Committee. I have advocated prevention and intervention programs to educate and deter children from using drugs and alcohol.
What is the best way to stimulate the state's economy?
The Legislature enacted tax incentives to businesses aimed to help stimulate the economy such as - tax credits to residential and hotel construction and renovations, tourism and convention center promotion, agribusiness promotion and marketing, biotechnology, other business and educational opportunities ...
Maria-Violetta M. Becera
RepublicanAge: 57 Job: Resident manager Past: Former member, Kalihi-Palama Neighborhood Board
What qualifies you to be a state representative?
I possess tremendous concern in the general status of Hawaii, particularly of state House District No. 29, sincere interest in improving it, and strong desire to be a positive participant of action-oriented activities that will actually solve the problems instead of just talking about issues.
What is the most pressing issue facing your district and what would you do about it?
The most pressing issue facing my district is the need to change its over-all negative image.
What is the best way to stimulate the state's economy?
The best way to stimulate the state's economy is for elected public officials to spend more time with their constituents instead of their colleagues. This can be done by having frequent town meetings, informal gatherings, etc.
Lester L. Fung
DemocratAge: 45 Job: School educational assistant Past: Completing master's of art in business, University of Phoenix;
What qualifies you to be a state representative?
In 2001, I worked for the state House of Representatives as a committee clerk. I took excellent notes in committee hearings, pointed out key issues on how laws should be discussed, thus helping the Representative gain approval from the Senate to pass the law. This experience qualifies me to be a state representative.
What is the most pressing issue facing your district and what would you do about it?
The most pressing issue facing our district is improved roads and sidewalks fronting schools, parks and residential areas. Ownership of these roads and sidewalk areas are separately managed by the city and county and state. Strong negotiations between the two entities needs resolving and funding to implement change.
What is the best way to stimulate the state's economy?
The state's economy is in need of deregulation of business control by the government. I support a tax restructuring charged to businesses to open up the island of Oahu to increase growth of new businesses while improving current businesses.
