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House District 23
Manoa
*Denotes incumbent
Ed Case*
DEMOCRAT
Age: 47
Job: Attorney
Years here: 47What are the unique qualifications you bring to this job?
1) A commitment to preserving Hawaii's best while changing what just doesn't work; 2) a diverse background in the public and private sectors, both in Hawaii and elsewhere; 3) a belief in the grass-roots wisdom of my community; and 4) proven leadership experience and the ability to make tough decisions for the common good.
What are the top three issues facing Hawaii (from most pressing to least)?
First, the long-term fiscal stability of state government, where currently projected expenses far exceed currently projected revenues. Second, economic revitalization, because without it, citizens can't hold jobs and provide for their families and government can't provide core services. Third, civil service/collective bargaining reform, because we can't afford an inefficient government.
Are changes needed to the civil service system? If so, what are they?
Yes, because we have an antiquated system which is unaffordable, not performance-driven, unmanageable and unresponsive to change. Key reform components include: management by county, according to each's unique needs; affordable benefit levels; incentive/performance-based pay and advancement; and returning the scope of collective bargaining to that originally envisioned.
Jason Katsuji Iwai
DEMOCRAT
Age: 58
Job: Equine consultant
Years here: Not givenWhat are the unique qualifications you bring to this job?
I have substantial experience (30 years) in the thoroughbred horse industry to include: a) thoroughbred horse jockey; b) auditor; c) agronomist; d) operations manager; e) veterinary assistant; f) marketing; g) arbitrator; and h) consultant to the U.S. Olympic Committee.
What are the top three issues facing Hawaii (from most pressing to least)?
a) The economy is still our most pressing problem. We must provide more, better paying jobs; pay is too low; people need a living wage. ... b) Education is next on the list because our children do not have the necessary skills and education to get better paying jobs. c) Finally, we must provide for our elderly. The cost of caring for our seniors who can no longer care for themselves is too high...
Are changes needed to the civil service system? If so, what are they?
We need a system that is a more caring environment for our civil servants. When we underpay our government workers and threaten their benefits we only shoot ourselves in the foot. Most of us would not take a civil service job because it pays so poorly. We need a better civil service system, which will encourage the civil servant to perform their jobs without having to worry about bills to pay.
