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25
Makiki-Tantalus

Tracy Hanayo Yuk Lan Okubo

Republican

Age: 25 Job: Policy analyst/legislative liaison, Department of Human Services; program coordinator, Hawaii Rx Plus

What qualifies you to be a state representative?

I have a proven track record for working together with all parties involved in order to achieve results for the community. I listen to their needs and am responsive in action. I also have a very good understanding of the Legislature. ...

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

Crime and drug use. Improving public safety by focusing on legislation that would toughen up on crime, and drug use is my No. 1 priority because I want our residents to be able to feel safe in their own homes. ...

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

Support. Our children deserve to go to school to receive a quality education, and principals and communities deserve to have control over their own schools without the bureaucratic red tape that forces our system to be inefficient. ...

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Brian Schatz

Democrat

Age: 31 Job: CEO, Helping Hands Hawaii Past: Founder, Youth for Environmental Service; Founder, small technology business, Hubris Online

What qualifies you to be a state representative?

Over six years, I've worked with the community to provide needed improvements to our local schools, Makiki Library and other community assets. My experience as a businessman, environmental advocate, nonprofit executive ...

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

The renovation of the Makiki Library building will regenerate civic pride and give our young people a place to learn, play and interact positively. Our neighborhood has thousands of young people. ... We need to give them opportunities. ...

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

I oppose it, because most experts believe this plan will create additional confusion, bureaucracy. ... We must give resources directly to principals, and get bureaucrats, politicians ... out of the way. ...

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