[ STATE HOUSE ]

30
Alewa-Kalihi

Dennis A. Arakaki

Age: 56 Job: Health planning consultant; currently full-time legislator

What qualifies you to be a state representative?

Lived in the district for over 40 years. Worked in the field of health, recreation and social services for over 25 years. Served on the neighborhood board for five years. Served as elected representative for 18 years.

What would you do to combat the state's crystal methamphetamine abuse epidemic?

Consider expansion of Weed and Seed sites statewide with more funds and resources to high prevalence areas. Utilize strategy of prevention, intervention and treatment with enforcement and community and resident empowerment, requires coordination of federal, state and county resources and strategies.

What can the Legislature do to improve Oahu's traffic congestion?

Consider free bus service within city limits. Graduated fees on 2nd, 3rd and 4th cars owned. Require later school start times for high schools and colleges. Tax credit for single-car families.

Age: 62 Job: Queen's Hospital retiree Past: I previously ran in 1998 and am a Republican Party member.

What qualifies you to be a state representative?

I've lived in Kalihi for 30-plus years, and I'm disappointed in how our elected leaders are ignoring growing problems facing the community. I would ... like to add my voice to the ... Republicans demanding real change in the Legislature.

What would you do to combat the state's crystal methamphetamine abuse epidemic?

We need to increase our educational and treatment capacity for those who are at risk, to prevent substance abuse, and establish mandatory drug treatment and educational programs for those convicted of minor drug crimes.

What can the Legislature do to improve Oahu's traffic congestion?

Work to initiate strategies to address our traffic issues and possibly establish more alternative routes to avoid "bottlenecks" in traffic.