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House District 46
Laie, Hauula, Punaluu, Waikane,
*Denotes incumbent
Kahaluu, Ahuimanu, Heeia Kea
Sunny Alonzo Greer
DEMOCRAT
Age: 28
Job: Legislative aide/graduate student
Years here: 28What are the unique qualifications you bring to this job?
Involved in Hawaii politics since 1991, and with a dual bachelor's degree in political science and American studies, I studied politics not only in academic theory and history but also in its practical application. (I also) worked for legislators who served this specific district -- former Rep. Ululani Beirne and Sen. Bob Nakata.
What are the top three issues facing Hawaii (from most pressing to least)?
a) Economy: government spending, dependency on tourism and imports;
b) Education: lack of funding, maintenance, infrastructure, teacher training/low morale;
c) Environment: depletion and lack of maintenance of resources for future generations.
Are changes needed to the civil service system? If so, what are they?
Attacking workers' rights (collective bargaining, etc.) in the guise of civil service reform is not the correct way to restructure government. There needs to be a collaborative/partnership solution by all impacted stakeholders rather than "top-down" mandates as depicted in this past legislative session.
Colleen Meyer*
REPUBLICAN
Age: 61
Job: Real estate sales & management/ owner of used equipment business and automotive service station
Years here: 61What are the unique qualifications you bring to this job?
Business acumen, common sense approach to government, experience meeting a payroll, mature out look with extensive life experience, understanding of Hawaii's history, and respect for all cultures and great regard for our unique Island state. Support for reduced taxes and regulations to stimulate business.
What are the top three issues facing Hawaii (from most pressing to least)?
Economy: Maintain the income tax reductions passed in 1998, make medical premium expenses deductible to small business. Education: Support higher standards, stop social promotions, hold elementary age students back if they cannot read. Drug addiction: Build medium-security drug treatment facility where drug offenders would be sent for treatment, education and vocational training.
Are changes needed to the civil service system? If so, what are they?
Yes. This is a very large body of law with many redundancies and contradictions. I believe that each government jurisdiction should be free to negotiate contracts independently, and new hires should not receive the present generous vacation and sick leave. They should earn it over time.
George Okuda
DEMOCRAT
Age: 56
Job: Hawaiian Electric Co. retiree
Years here: 56What are the unique qualifications you bring to this job?
Serving five years as a part-time volunteer legislative aide and as a full-time legislative aide this past session provided me with invaluable insight to the legislative process. My occupational opportunities provided me with an understanding of the need to enhance Hawaii's economy. I have been involved with Hawaii's public school system for over 20 years.
What are the top three issues facing Hawaii (from most pressing to least)?
a) Economy: Hawaii's dependence on tourism makes Hawaii vulnerable to any economic slowdown nationally and internationally. Hawaii needs to continually enhance its economic viability. b) Education: Continue to improve Hawaii's public education system through lower teacher/student ratios and improved facilities. c) Environment: Hawaii's limited natural resources need to be protected for future generations.
Are changes needed to the civil service system? If so, what are they?
There appears that some change to the civil service system needs to be initiated. However, what changes and how much change needs to be reviewed. Change for the sake of change should not be initiated.
Charles Tanouye Jr.
DEMOCRATWhat are the unique qualifications you bring to this job?
Did not respond.
What are the top three issues facing Hawaii (from most pressing to least)?
Did not respond.
Are changes needed to the civil service system? If so, what are they?
Did not respond.
