U.S. House
U.S. HOUSE: 1ST DISTRICT (URBAN OAHU) / U.S. HOUSE 2ND DISTRICT (RURAL OAHU -- NEIGHBOR ISLANDS)
U.S. HOUSE - 1ST
Neil Abercrombie
Democrat
Age: 68
Job: Congressman
Past: Hawaii Legislature, 1974-86; Honolulu Council, 1988-90; Congress, 1986, 1991-now
What qualifies you to serve in the U.S. Congress?
I've used my seniority in Congress, relationships on both sides of the aisle and teamwork as a member of Hawaii's congressional delegation to represent our state effectively. One example: $3 billion in Hawaii military construction projects since 1991.
Do you support immigration reform? In what form?
Increased border security and enforcement must be matched with realistic and humane policies toward the millions of undocumented aliens already in the country. I support the bill passed by the Senate which establishes a path to citizenship and legal status.
Should Congress continue efforts to pass a native Hawaiian sovereignty bill? Explain.
Native Hawaiians should be given the authority to administer lands and other resources set aside for their benefit. We will be back with revised legislation reflecting additional input from the Hawaiian community and the community at large.
U.S. HOUSE - 1ST
Richard Noah Hough
Republican
Age: 35
Job: Defense analyst (Army Transformation)
Past: Veteran, 16 years military service
What qualifies you to serve in the U.S. Congress?
An in-depth modern military knowledge! The absence of these skills in Congress account for their historically high levels of delegated responsibility and record defense costs. ...
Do you support immigration reform? In what form?
Yes. At 1/10th the expense of the social benefit costs attributed to illegal immigration I have a non-troop related plan that secures our borders by using (military) base security and aerial reconnaissance technology ... In short, the form I choose is implementing a plug-the-leaks method that facilitates subsequent detainment of those already here illegally. I do not support amnesty; nor most visa programs ....
Should Congress continue efforts to pass a native Hawaiian sovereignty bill? Explain.
No. Such legislative efforts have distracted Hawaii, its legislators, and its people, for too long. It is time to look towards a unified future together as one people ...
U.S. HOUSE - 2ND
Mazie K. Hirono
Democrat
Age: 59
Job: Attorney
Past: Former Hawaii lieutenant governor (1994-2002) and state representative (1980-1994)
What qualifies you to serve in the U.S. Congress?
Twenty-two years of legislative experience and a record of accomplishments on behalf of the people of Hawaii. I've fought to lower auto insurance premiums, build preschools, provide better training for teachers, and create a new workers' compensation insurance company.
Do you support immigration reform? In what form?
Our legal and illegal immigration policies should be reviewed. Reform must include policies that help families reunify more quickly. I'm against punitive, inhumane measures ... I favor a combination of rational increase in border security and a path toward citizenship.
Should Congress continue efforts to pass a native Hawaiian sovereignty bill? Explain.
Yes. I also support legislation such as proposed by Sen. Inouye to ensure that the programs we have currently can continue to support Native Hawaiians without resources being used to fight multiple lawsuits.
U.S. HOUSE - 2ND
Bob Hogue
Republican
Age: 53
Job: Writer / coach / legislator
Past: Former television sportscaster
What qualifies you to serve in the U.S. Congress?
I have served the public of Hawaii continuously since 1988, first as a member of the broadcast and print media, and then for the last six years as a member of the Hawaii state Senate.
Do you support immigration reform? In what form?
We should recognize immigrants who honorably serve in our military services by granting them citizenship, but not allow illegal workers to move to the head of the line in the immigration process. We must secure our borders.
Should Congress continue efforts to pass a native Hawaiian sovereignty bill? Explain.
I support Gov. Lingle's efforts to ensure that a Recognition bill be heard in Congress. But we must also recognize the flaws in the Akaka Bill, resolve those flaws, and put the final bill to a vote in Hawaii.
