[ STATE HOUSE ]

28
Kakaako-Downtown

Kenneth Hiraki

Democrat

Age: 44 Job: State representative, attorney, real estate associate

What qualifies you to be a state representative?

As the incumbent, I know our community and its needs. I have a proven legislative record and have delivered on improving education, reducing crime ...

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

Crime. Our community has experienced a 70 percent drop in crime thanks to the Weed and Seed program. I was successful in obtaining the state funding for Weed and Seed that will be used to continue our crime-fighting efforts. ...

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

I support plans to reform the Board of Education but am opposed to creating additional boards of education if it means additional funding and bureaucracy. Available education dollars should be sent directly to the schools and used in the classroom to educate our children.

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Collin Wong

Republican

Age: 25 Job: Computer consultant Past: Church volunteer, former high school tutor and chess coach

What qualifies you to be a state representative?

I'm a local boy who graduated from Iolani and Boston University. I am a small business owner and computer consultant. My service to the Army Reserves, the citizen's patrol and church has instilled in me a desire to serve my community. ...

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

We must keep our neighborhoods safe. Prostitutes, drug dealers and unsafe schools plague our neighborhood. I support more police on the streets and tougher penalties for convicted criminals.

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

I support the governor's proposal to let the people decide. Ninety percent of DOE funding needs to reach teachers and students at the classroom level. Local school boards ensure greater accountability and measurable results.

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