U.S. Senate
Daniel K. Akaka
Democrat
Age: 82
Job: United States senator
Past: WWII active duty, decades in education, state-level leadership
What qualifies you to serve in the U.S. Congress?
I have built significant seniority after 30 years in Congress, earning leadership positions including being ranking member on the Veterans' Affairs Committee, and subcommittees on the Armed Services, Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, and Energy and Natural Resources Committees.
Do you support immigration reform? In what form?
I support the Senate's comprehensive immigration reform, which puts stronger controls on illegal immigration, while providing pragmatic initiatives to help those already in the country as undocumented alien workers. We cannot forget our country was built through immigrants' backbreaking work.
Should Congress continue efforts to pass a native Hawaiian sovereignty bill? Explain.
It is imperative to continue advocating parity for native Hawaiians, not because it's the popular thing to do, but because it's the right thing to do. Hawaii's indigenous people must be accorded recognition already enjoyed by America's other indigenous populations.
Lloyd Jeffrey Mallan
Libertarian
Age: 62
Job: President, Artful Expressions
Past: Photographer, writer, musician, Web development, merchant services
What qualifies you to serve in the U.S. Congress?
My deep insight into political and social issues along with my Libertarian orientation.
Do you support immigration reform? In what form?
I support open immigration. Every human being contributes a unique and valuable resource. Abolish the INS and border patrols, along with cruel and tyrannical legislation.
Should Congress continue efforts to pass a native Hawaiian sovereignty bill? Explain.
Those that have had title to Hawaiian lands before the annexation should be honored rather than establishing government bureaucracies to administrate the ceded lands that were stolen from the prior owners after annexation.
Cynthia Thielen
Republican
Age: 73
Job: Environmental attorney (retired); legislative leader
Past: Winner of Small Business Hawaii Legislator of Year
What qualifies you to serve in the U.S. Congress?
I have served for four decades as community leader, legislator and attorney for environmental groups and the Protect Kahoolawe Ohana. I have a record of accomplishment and independence, working with both parties wherever possible, but standing up for principle ...
Do you support immigration reform? In what form?
Our immigration policies must continue our rich heritage of encouraging legal immigration, while discouraging illegal aliens who take jobs away from legal residents and who drive down wages for everyone. I support policies that allow legal immigrants to the United States.
Should Congress continue efforts to pass a native Hawaiian sovereignty bill? Explain.
Yes. Given the failure of the Democratic efforts to achieve this goal, the most effective strategy now is to have a Republican member of Congress educating the administration and the members of the majority on the justice and history behind the quest for sovereignty.
