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House District 15
Kalama Valley, Hawaii Kai, Portlock
*Denotes incumbent
Roy L. Benham
DEMOCRAT
Age: 77
Job: Retiree
Years here: 67What are the unique qualifications you bring to this job?
I have been active in the community; i.e., neighborhood board member, working with the Department of Education elementary schools, as a grandparent, participating in children's recreation programs in the community, working with former Sen. Donna Ikeda and former Rep. Dave Stegmaier, and working with groups for the preservation of our environment. ...
What are the top three issues facing Hawaii (from most pressing to least)?
Education, economy and substance abuse.
Are changes needed to the civil service system? If so, what are they?
a) Closer examination in the position establishment system. b) Review the system utilized for establishing supervisory and management positions. c) Review method utilized for describing and assignment functional responsibilities. There appears to be an overlapping of responsibilities between state departments as a result of the lack of coordination between departments.
Adrienne S. King
REPUBLICAN
Age: 52
Job: Attorney
Years here: 28What are the unique qualifications you bring to this job?
a) Have also been a government employee (prosecutor, corporation counsel's office). b) Been on both sides of various issues (crime, personal injury, tort issues). c) Presently a family law attorney. I see how the destruction of drugs, low self-esteem, lack of education and job opportunities impact Hawaii's families.
d) I am experienced at listening and working with others ...
What are the top three issues facing Hawaii (from most pressing to least)?
Education, economy, environment.
Are changes needed to the civil service system? If so, what are they?
Yes. I support Gov. Cayetano's efforts.
Greg Knudsen
DEMOCRAT
Age: 49
Job: Department of Education director of communications
Years here: 22What are the unique qualifications you bring to this job?
I have a record of personal achievement and professional accomplishment in challenging public and private sector positions. At mid-career, I have a depth of experience in education and international and intercultural relations. By raising a family and making a living in Hawaii, I can relate to and best represent the people of District 15.
What are the top three issues facing Hawaii (from most pressing to least)?
Three E's: Education, economy and environment. Education must focus on high standards and accountability, and must be adequately funded. The economy must diversify by pursuing knowledge-based industries and Hawaii's potential in Asian/Pacific and intercultural relations. The environment must be protected to preserve Hawaii's special quality of life and fragile ecosystem.
Are changes needed to the civil service system? If so, what are they?
All systems must adapt and modernize. The state's workforce can and should change to promote efficiency and productivity and reduce bureaucratic practices. Retraining is necessary to acquire appropriate job skills that are relevant and best serve public needs. Public workers and retirees should not lose benefits they have already earned.
Mike Marques
REPUBLICAN
Age: 55
Job: None given
Years here: 55What are the unique qualifications you bring to this job?
Thirty years of public service background and knowledge of the operations and functions of government offices. I have been Rep. Jim Rath's chief of staff, for the past two years. I have learned the legislative system and have become familiar with the issues that face Hawaii. 15th District resident for 24 years.
What are the top three issues facing Hawaii (from most pressing to least)?
High taxes for people and businessmen; health concerns; and poor education.
Are changes needed to the civil service system? If so, what are they?
Hawaii needs a government that we can afford, be it collective bargaining or civil service. Unions are aware that Hawaii is facing a recession. Civil service reform was the answer; however, the majority voted against it. Government workers are hard-working people, and they know what needs to be done.
Charlie Thomas Rodgers
democrat
Age: 62
Job: Executive director for Ironworkers Stabilization Fund
Years here: 34What are the unique qualifications you bring to this job?
Served Hawaii Kai as a 12-year member of the neighborhood board, the last eight years as its chairman. As chairman of the Honolulu Planning Commission, I supported the East Honolulu Development Plan. Serving on various boards, commissions and task forces, I have learned to "get things done" for Hawaii Kai.
What are the top three issues facing Hawaii (from most pressing to least)?
a) The exodus of our young people due to lack of a good job and the cost of living. b) Civil service reform would be a good start to getting costs and efficiencies under control. c) Revamp the educational system through use of vouchers for all schools, creating competition for quality education.
Are changes needed to the civil service system? If so, what are they?
Yes. Arbitration should be eliminated, as it takes the responsibility for hard decisions away from legislators. Raises should be considered as a budget item, and the budget should be based on priorities, not whether money is "available." Taxes should be cut, and the truly needy must be helped.
William Stonebraker
REPUBLICAN
Age: 28
Job: Pastor
Years here: 28What are the unique qualifications you bring to this job?
As a father, pastor and community leader, I am able to listen and understand the needs of Hawaii's citizens. I can, therefore, stand for their rights with empathy and compassion. My ability to decipher what is right and wrong assures that those I represent will have a voice for truth.
What are the top three issues facing Hawaii (from most pressing to least)?
1) We must strengthen our economy by reducing taxes and overregulation, enabling small businesses to thrive. 2) Our greatest resource is our environment. We have to preserve it. 3) Education must be a priority in our state. Our future depends on it.
Are changes needed to the civil service system? If so, what are they?
There is an inequity in pay scale between men and women in Hawaii. Ben Cayetano vetoed a bill (2061) to reform this problem, saying it was not necessary. This problem (inequality is always a problem) needs to be reviewed.
Mark Terry
REPUBLICAN
Age: 62
Job: Small-businessman and investor
Years here: 11What are the unique qualifications you bring to this job?
Of the candidates in Hawaii Kai, I have the best community involvement in east Honolulu. Elected and re-elected vice chairman of neighborhood board. Helped Ka Iwi action council, East Honolulu Community Coalition, and Mayor's Vision Team.
What are the top three issues facing Hawaii (from most pressing to least)?
The economy, including better jobs; less government and lower taxes; and better education.
Are changes needed to the civil service system? If so, what are they?
Yes. By attrition, decrease the size of government. Review and improve procedures to reward good performance and remedy poor performance. Remove collective bargaining with state government employees.
Kerrie 'Lane' Woodall
REPUBLICAN
Age: 40
Job: Sales rep for Vanguard Medical/owner of Building Maintenance Services of Hawaii/piano teacher
Years here: Not givenWhat are the unique qualifications you bring to this job?
As a former purchasing agent, I have a strong background in negotiation skills. As a parent, I understand the concerns of raising children: safe communities, quality public schools, high cost of living ... As a concerned citizen (I was a founding member of the East Honolulu Community Coalition and served as its first facilitator), I care about preserving Hawaii from overdevelopment.
What are the top three issues facing Hawaii (from most pressing to least)?
As a parent of children in public schools, I understand the concerns regarding education. As a founding member of the East Honolulu Community Coalition, I know that Hawaii Kai residents don't want another Waikiki in East Honolulu. Crime is of high concern as well -- especially as the number of gun-related incidents continues to rise. Welfare reform is long overdue -- we can't wait until Nov. 2001 to get recipients jobs.
Are changes needed to the civil service system? If so, what are they?
I would need to study this issue further before commenting.
Kelly Zane
DEMOCRAT
Age: 30
Job: Accountant
Years here: 30What are the unique qualifications you bring to this job?
Due to my extensive education and work experience, I am able to provide the leadership and business acumen necessary to bring Hawaii into the new millennium. It is time for younger legislators to bring new and innovative ideas to public office.
What are the top three issues facing Hawaii (from most pressing to least)?
a) Due to the lack of job opportunities, residents have left our islands for the mainland. Hawaii needs to nurture and develop knowledge-intensive industries such as technology. These industries will generate challenging and fulfilling job opportunities for Hawaii's younger generation. b) To support these new industries, we need to strengthen the public education system.
Are changes needed to the civil service system? If so, what are they?
The civil service system needs a compensation structure that rewards diligent and hard-working employees. Under the present system, all employees receive the same pay-raise percentage regardless of performance. A pay-for-performance compensation structure will encourage teamwork, boost morale, and increase productivity.
