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24
Manoa

Kirk Caldwell

Democrat

Age: 52 Job: Attorney and partner of Ashford & Wriston, LLP Past: Waipahu-born, Hilo-raised, worked in Washington, D.C.

What qualifies you to be a state representative?

More than 20 years of working in the private sector as a partner in a major Hawaii law firm provides me with a solid understanding of the challenges facing business and a balanced perspective when considering critical legislative issues. ...

What is the most pressing issue facing your district, and what would you do about it?

Preserving and enhancing our community's special lifestyle. We must (1) crack down on crime, (2) better fund our schools, (3) enforce speed limits, (4) support Paradise Park's transition to an ecological center. ...

Do you support or oppose Gov. Linda Lingle's plan to break up the statewide Board of Education? Explain.

After listening to experts, teachers, parents and students, I concluded that breaking reduced class sizes for early learners, provided more textbooks, empowered teachers and principals and further enhanced community input.

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Nadine Nishioka

Republican

Age: 39 Job: International relations and communication consultant Past: Legislative analyst

What qualifies you to be a state representative?

I am currently in my 13th year as a volunteer for the Manoa youth and other programs. I am serving on the Manoa Neighborhood Board, and a director on the boards of Moiliili Community Center and Hawaii Literacy. ...

What is the most pressing issue facing your district, and what would you do about it?

Many Manoa residents are unaware that recent arrests in our community have shown that we too are vulnerable to the "ice" epidemic. I would take a comprehensive approach that funds treatment and prevention. ...

Do you support or oppose Gov. Linda Lingle's plan to break up the statewide Board of Education? Explain.

I support separate school boards for each county, which would allow for changes at the classroom and district levels in a timely manner. Unfortunately, our public school system has become more and more centralized. ...

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