Advertisement - Click to support our sponsors.
House District 33
Red Hill, Halawa Heights, Pearlridge, Aiea
*Denotes incumbent
Randall T. 'Randy' Kusaka
DEMOCRAT
Age: 52
Job: Public information officer for HGEA AFSCME Local 152 AFL-CIO
Years here: 52What are the unique qualifications you bring to this job?
District 33 resident for five years; married with a child in public school; longtime Democratic Party member, precinct president, District 33 newsletter editor; supported by District Democrats; proven advocate for working people and families; Vietnam veteran; and formerly employed by HSTA, HMSA, REHAB Hospital, and Leeward Sun Press.
What are the top three issues facing Hawaii (from most pressing to least)?
Continuing the state's economic recovery, continuing to improve our public schools, and improving health care programs and services for our elders.
Are changes needed to the civil service system? If so, what are they?
No. The Legislature reformed the system, including repealing overlapping and conflicting statutes; replacing the statewide civil service system with nine jurisdictional systems; creating the Merit Appeals Board to replace the Civil Service Commission; allowing jurisdictions to conduct experimental modernization projects; and giving employers flexibility to exempt positions from civil service.
Blake K. Oshiro
DEMOCRAT
Age: 30
Job: Attorney
Years here: 30What are the unique qualifications you bring to this job?
Volunteering with Hawaii's youth and environment, and practicing as an attorney, I now realize I must seek a more active role to achieve the changes necessary for our community and state. I believe I have the integrity and ability to think independently to ensure the public's best interests are served.
What are the top three issues facing Hawaii (from most pressing to least)?
a) We must put more resources into quality education, as an investment in our children, Hawaii's future. b) We must foster a diversified economy (high-tech, renewable energy production), while not encouraging mainland corporations to displace locally owned business. c) We must maintain environmental laws/regulations to ensure "Our Hawaii" is passed on the future generations.
Are changes needed to the civil service system? If so, what are they?
Government has become too large, utilizing resources that could go to the public. Through continual audits, working with the departments, unions and employees, we must find alternatives that provide more efficient, yet still effective services to the public. However, employee benefits should not be sacrificed in the name of attrition/downsizing.
