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House District 39
Wheeler, Mililani
*Denotes incumbent
David Ellis
REPUBLICAN
Age: No age given
Job: None given
Years here: 25+What are the unique qualifications you bring to this job?
Twenty-five year resident of Mililani; vice chairman of neighborhood board 35; former chairman for City Council committee on emergency preparedness and response; member state advisory council on reapportionment 1991.
What are the top three issues facing Hawaii (from most pressing to least)?
1) Education: The foundation our community is built on and it needs shaping up. Educators need a substantial pay raise. 2) Job: Creation in agricultural and electronic areas. 3) Mass transit creation.
Are changes needed to the civil service system? If so, what are they?
We need to prioritize, cut useless programs. Make DOE the top priority and every other department will have to wait until we are flush with money again.
Charlotte L. Nekota
DEMOCRAT
Age: 51
Job: Educational assistant/real estate agent/former senior aide to Sen. Randy Iwase
Years here: 29What are the unique qualifications you bring to this job?
My years with Sen. Iwase give me the legislative experience and know-how. I have been very active in many different community organizations for the past 20 years. I know what the needs of our community are.
What are the top three issues facing Hawaii (from most pressing to least)?
a) Hawaii's sluggish economy.
b) Education: deteriorating buildings and programs need to be improved.
c) The environment.
Are changes needed to the civil service system? If so, what are they?
Yes. I think we need to look at the health insurance that we provide. I don't think we should take away benefits from employees and retirees already in the system. I know of private industries that have dealt with this problem without taking anything away from the employee.
Guy P. Ontai
REPUBLICAN
Age: 43
Job: Small business owner/teacher/retired U.S. Army officer
Years here: 26What are the unique qualifications you bring to this job?
As a small business man and former Army officer, I know how to achieve success, balance leadership with service, and manage public funds. I am a certified professional engineer, teacher, and physicist -- I understand the challenges of a 21st century education. I care deeply for open, constitutional government.
What are the top three issues facing Hawaii (from most pressing to least)?
The poor quality of public education compared with private education. The poor climate for entrepreneurs. The lack of high quality business and/or job opportunities for our youth raised in Hawaii.
Are changes needed to the civil service system? If so, what are they?
Yes. Reduce the number of vacation (21) and sick leave (21) days for new hires by state government. Eliminate duplication of state and county services. Seek other merits in addition to seniority to reward or promote state employees.
