Governor & Lieutenant Governor
DEMOCRAT
GOVERNOR
Randy Iwase
Democrat
Age: 58
Job: Attorney
Past: City councilman, state senator, chairman, Labor Appeals Board
Why do you want to lead Hawaii for the next four years?
We need real leadership and vision if we are to control our destiny in the global economy. A citizen of this precious place understands that we must care for each other and provide leadership by example, and by ... determination to do what is right.
What can the state government do to improve Hawaii public schools?
Public education is the backbone of our society, and we have a duty to provide a first-rate education system. We must 1) fix and maintain our schools ... 2) ensure that preschoolers have access to quality early childhood educational experiences; 3) support our teachers ...
What should be done to help make housing more affordable in Hawaii?
Build or refurbish affordable rentals; develop "incentive strategy" for developers who build affordable homes ; permit greater density in affordable housing projects. Government should absorb cost of off-site infrastructure for affordable housing projects ...
LT. GOVERNOR
Malama Solomon
Democrat
Age: 55
Job: Owner, small business, agribusiness, cattle, hydroponics lettuce
Past: Educator Ph.D., college professor, legislator
What qualifies you to serve as lieutenant governor for the next four years?
I pledge to keep Hawaii a special place so we can live and raise our families in a state that understands the meaning of aloha and ohana. I have the legislative record and work ethic to bring people together ...
What can be done to make the state better prepared for a natural disaster or terrorist attack?
Work with congressional team to restore funding cuts to "Homeland Security Act" made by Republican administration affecting state and county programs. Recall our National Guard troops to protect our state - Hawaii. Continue funding for our state's "Emergency Response Plan."
What role, if any, should the government have in regulating gasoline prices? Please explain.
None -- commodity is best controlled by supply and demand, we need to fast track development of alternate energy such as hydrogen fuel, fuels made from natural seed crops. Provide tax incentives for fuel efficient cars, electric and solar vehicles.
GREEN
GOVERNOR
Jim Brewer
Green
Age: 66
Job: Full-time political-economic educator and advocate for Hawaii's employee families
Why do you want to lead Hawaii for the next four years?
I have a vision, political will and solutions which address unsolved problems -- housing, health care, income security, public education, energy, the environment, development, big money politics -- to protect Hawaii's democratic system, economic and environmental sustainability, shared prosperity and cultural heritage.
What can the state government do to improve Hawaii public schools?
First let's fix them up to a minimum standard; then improve. That means immediately adequately financing public education--universal pre-school through 4-year university. ... I would also establish a school brain-sports program statewide on equal footing with athletic sports.
What should be done to help make housing more affordable in Hawaii?
Implement a comprehensive plan giving priority to land acquisition, affordable housing financing and construction, including a housing department overseeing a drive to build adequate numbers of affordable housing. Other places have affordable housing for all their residents -- so can we.
LT. GOVERNOR
Renee Ing
Green
Age: 61
Job: Retired city parks and recreation director
Past: Since 1993 Public Access TV producer
What qualifies you to serve as lieutenant governor for the next four years?
A 33-year retired government worker, I am familiar with government structures and protocols. I am an experienced supervisor of all ages and backgrounds. I am fourth generation "local"; since 1975 active in the community for affordable housing, universal health care ...
What can be done to make the state better prepared for a natural disaster or terrorist attack?
Ensure that the best people for that job are on the job, at all levels throughout Hawaii. Work with them and FEMA; and communicate with the public to make sure that Hawaii's people are in a constant state of readiness.
What role, if any, should the government have in regulating gasoline prices? Please explain.
Cayetano administration studies showed an uncompetitive gasoline market in Hawaii yielding super-profits. Elsewhere gas prices followed the ups and downs of a barrel of oil on the world market. Here price charts just went up, seldom down. Regulate 'um!
LIBERTARIAN
GOVERNOR
Ozell Daniel
Libertarian
Age: 35
Job: Stand up comic- part time, mechanic/ sign maker-full time
Past: I'm a voting tax-paying citizen disenfranchised with the two major parties
Why do you want to lead Hawaii for the next four years?
I want to reduce the size of government, cut taxes, and ease restrictions for small businesses.
What can the state government do to improve Hawaii public schools?
Create local school districts to expedite decision implementation of the ideas that relate to the specific districts.
What should be done to help make housing more affordable in Hawaii?
Repeal the conveyance tax, and a freeze on property tax assessments.
LT. GOVERNOR
Li Zhao
Libertarian
Age: 48
Job: Teacher, Iolani School
Past: Having experienced China's Cultural Revolution, I am suspicious of the power of politicians
What qualifies you to serve as lieutenant governor for the next four years?
The best qualification for this position is a determination to reduce the power of government. I don't see this in the other candidates.
What can be done to make the state better prepared for a natural disaster or terrorist attack?
It is a mistake to believe that we must turn to politicians to save us from all that we fear. It is healthier to fear the power that we place in the hands of politicians who claim to protect us.
What role, if any, should the government have in regulating gasoline prices? Please explain.
The government should not play any role in the price of fuel. Politicians have long manipulated the supply and demand of fuel with caps, taxes, highways, and subsidies for the oil industry abroad. ...
REPUBLICAN
GOVERNOR
Linda Lingle
Republican
Age: 53
Job: Governor
Past: Mayor of Maui (eight years); Maui County Councilmember (10 years)
Why do you want to lead Hawaii for the next four years?
I believe Hawaii is destined for greatness as a model of a multi-ethnic community that overcomes problems by turning them into opportunities. Through creativity, boldness and hard work ... I want to lead our state to achieve its full potential.
What can the state government do to improve Hawaii public schools?
We need to ensure that 90% of all funds go directly into the classroom. I continue to support community control of schools via locally elected school boards. We need to restore order ... and find ways to hold parents accountable ...
What should be done to help make housing more affordable in Hawaii?
Government needs to fund infrastructure for affordable housing, e.g. water development. Also, the overall entitlement/permitting process needs to be further streamlined. Partnerships are needed with non-profits to construct permanent affordable rental housing on state land.
LT. GOVERNOR
James R. "Duke" Aiona
Republican
Age: 51
Job: Lieutenant governor
Past: Former Circuit and Family Court judge
What qualifies you to serve as lieutenant governor for the next four years?
For the last four years, Gov. Lingle and I have worked to strengthen the economy, restore trust and integrity to government, and improve public education. Additionally, I have focused on reducing crime, underage drinking, and drug abuse in our community.
What can be done to make the state better prepared for a natural disaster or terrorist attack?
Our administration has made disaster preparedness a top priority. We obtained $9 million to harden emergency shelters, stockpile emergency supplies, add sirens and early warning systems, and upgrade emergency communications systems.
What role, if any, should the government have in regulating gasoline prices? Please explain.
The gas cap proved that regulating gasoline prices does not lower costs for consumers. Instead, government should encourage more transparency in the petroleum industry by requiring petroleum companies to report information, and implement a petroleum database and parity pricing benchmark.
