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Big Island Mayor
*Denotes incumbent
Jon 'New Possibility' Adler
NONPARTISANWhat are the unique qualifications you bring to this job?
Did not respond.
What are the top three issues facing Hawaii County (from most pressing to least)?
Did not respond.
How will you assure voters that you and your administration will act in an ethical manner?
Did not respond.
What, if anything, needs to be done to foster economic growth in East Hawaii?
Did not respond.
With West Hawaii economy on an upswing, is there a need for land-use and growth controls there?
Did not respond.
Keiko Bonk
GREEN
Age: 45
Job: Former county councilwoman
Years here: 25What are the unique qualifications you bring to this job?
For nine years I've led our island's movement for long-term planning and government reform. I've twice been elected councilwoman (and was chairwoman), without taking donations from developers. I received the Torch Light Award from the Press Association for fostering open government and standing up for the Sunshine Law.
What are the top three issues facing Hawaii County (from most pressing to least)?
Creating a sustainable economy that provides quality jobs, while restoring our unique culture and environment. Implementing community-based land-use planning to reverse the two-decade-old policies that have led to our huge infrastructure and service shortages. Reform government and eliminate conflicts of interest among elected officials.
How will you assure voters that you and your administration will act in an ethical manner?
I will abide by the conflict-of-interest legislation I have been fighting to pass, even if the Council doesn't pass it. I don't take donations from developers or county contractors. I will have outside professional organizations certify that all administrative departments meet the highest ethical and professional standards.
What, if anything, needs to be done to foster economic growth in East Hawaii?
We need economic development, not just economic growth in East & West Hawaii; i.e., economic investment that improves the quality of our lives and communities, rather than providing temporary jobs and making a few people wealthy. To attract this kind of investment, we must clean up and modernize local government.
With West Hawaii economy on an upswing, is there a need for land-use and growth controls there?
Growth controls are a Band-Aid approach to a long-term problem. If we are to solve this problem and prevent others, we need islandwide, resource-based community planning in order to solve our current infrastructure and service problems, protect our environment, and develop our economy in a sustainable manner.
Stuart Gregory
REPUBLICANWhat are the unique qualifications you bring to this job?
Did not respond.
What are the top three issues facing Hawaii County (from most pressing to least)?
Did not respond.
How will you assure voters that you and your administration will act in an ethical manner?
Did not respond.
What, if anything, needs to be done to foster economic growth in East Hawaii?
Did not respond.
With West Hawaii economy on an upswing, is there a need for land-use and growth controls there?
Did not respond.
Robert N. 'Bob' Herkes
DEMOCRAT
Age: 69
Job: State representative and retired business executive
Years here: Over 27What are the unique qualifications you bring to this job?
I have the administrative experience to manage the county. In the hotel business, I was responsible for seven hotels on three islands with over 2,000 employees. I have been a small business owner. I have extensive legislative experience in the Hawaii County Council, state Senate and House of Representatives. I have lived and worked on both sides of the Big Island.
What are the top three issues facing Hawaii County (from most pressing to least)?
East Hawaii needs jobs, West Hawaii needs infrastructure and the whole island needs ag and potable water development.
How will you assure voters that you and your administration will act in an ethical manner?
During my business and legislative career, I have had a reputation for ethical conduct.
What, if anything, needs to be done to foster economic growth in East Hawaii?
The high-tech bill that passed out of my committee in the last session provides many opportunities for East Hawaii. I am also working with my contacts in Washington on new federal initiatives for tax and investment opportunities that will provide business incentives for East Hawaii.
With West Hawaii economy on an upswing, is there a need for land-use and growth controls there?
West Hawaii needs attention to infrastructure and a comprehensive land use development plan.
Fred C. Holschuh
DEMOCRAT
Age: 59
Job: Emergency physician
Years here: 33What are the unique qualifications you bring to this job?
As an emergency physician for 28 years on the Big Island, I understand how interrelated individual, community and societal health are with a strong economy. I bring no political connections or obligations to this race and have only one goal: the very best future for our island and its children.
What are the top three issues facing Hawaii County (from most pressing to least)?
a) Need for fair, equitable, environmentally sensitive and sensible planning for growth and development. b) Economic stagnation and need for jobs of all types. c) Crime and fear of crime --substance abuse.
How will you assure voters that you and your administration will act in an ethical manner?
I will create a blue-ribbon volunteer panel to review applications for administrative appointments. We will ensure conflict-of-interest screening and disclosure.
What, if anything, needs to be done to foster economic growth in East Hawaii?
Government, both state and county, must be less intrusive and more facilitative with businesses. We must start by training our own people for "new economy," high-tech jobs. These businesses will come if we have the people infrastructure.
With West Hawaii economy on an upswing, is there a need for land-use and growth controls there?
Yes. All one has to do to understand the need is to talk with most Hawaii residents, read their letters to the editor, or better yet, drive Kona roads during commuter times. We don't have to stop land use and growth, but we certainly have to do good, balanced planning.
Wendell J. Kaehuaea
REPUBLICAN
Age: 57
Job: U.S. Navy veteran and owner of an agri-business in Paneawa, Hawaii
Years here: 57What are the unique qualifications you bring to this job?
As a private citizen for 57 years, I feel nothing has been done to serve the island population. I have work experiences in the trades and professional field and the educational background from Hawaii Community College and University of Hawaii at Hilo. I have a positive, industrious, decisive, grass-roots attitude and have shown this with successful activities.
What are the top three issues facing Hawaii County (from most pressing to least)?
The first major issue facing the island of Hawaii would be to change or remove the negative attitude of those in positions of authority and special-interest groups. Second, all county departments must cooperate with local organizations. "Government by the people and for the people," to be the judge on county plans ... Finally, voters must not be influenced by the "status quo."
How will you assure voters that you and your administration will act in an ethical manner?
I am a video producer for Na Leo O Hawaii Inc., an islandwide, public access TV station. I have built public awareness of community news, events and activities for individuals, groups and organizations. My ethical manner is never in question; I exist to serve, with support from others with the same purpose in life.
What, if anything, needs to be done to foster economic growth in East Hawaii?
It has been found when government is less involved with restrictive regulations in private business affairs, the business and economy will be stimulated with positive growth. Other than tourism, new industries should be supported. In agriculture, development of kava, hemp and nonie to replace historical known crops.
With West Hawaii economy on an upswing, is there a need for land-use and growth controls there?
West Hawaii economy is on an upswing because of positive and decisive population and communities, as compared to the "old boy network" of East Hawaii. The model for success has always settled with the west side. Land-use and growth limitation should be considered for areas lacking county water, road imperfection. Agriculture land should not be upgrade.
Harry Kim
REPUBLICAN
Age: 61
Job: Retiree
Years here: 55What are the unique qualifications you bring to this job?
Experiences of past occupations as a teacher, coach, Law Enforcement Assistance Agency's director and Civil Defense administrator. These have provided opportunities to work closely with the federal, state and county governments and the island people of business and community organizations.
What are the top three issues facing Hawaii County (from most pressing to least)?
a) Public safety issues; b) Inadequate infrastructure (West Hawaii); and c) Economic opportunities (East Hawaii).
How will you assure voters that you and your administration will act in an ethical manner?
The commitment to do the job as mayor with the same code of ethics as demonstrated in the past 33 years.
What, if anything, needs to be done to foster economic growth in East Hawaii?
Several viable economic projects were stopped in various stages because of conflicts with the community. A high priority by county government to provide a positive atmosphere must be worked toward. County government has even a greater responsibility to mitigate differences.
With West Hawaii economy on an upswing, is there a need for land-use and growth controls there?
I believe East and West residents of Hawaii would not want to lose that specialness of a place called home due to poor land-use and growth controls. There will always be a need for good land-use planning and growth controls. County government must strive to work closer with the community to develop land-use plans that reflect their goals.
Myron A. Nachbar
REPUBLICAN
Age: 55
Job: Retired classroom teacher
Years here: 52What are the unique qualifications you bring to this job?
The Honokaa native with a fresh vision of communication, I want to be the first education mayor of Hawaii County. A facilitator by nature and necessity, I have worked with thousands of students for their parents. I travel worldwide and speak eight major languages plus "pidgin" to insure reaching for international potential.
What are the top three issues facing Hawaii County (from most pressing to least)?
1) Education: From preschool to seasoned citizens, knowledge is power. 2) Budget: I am an advocate of home rule to prioritize for ... 3) Public image: "Hawaii is the best" is sometimes given only lip-service.
How will you assure voters that you and your administration will act in an ethical manner?
Let the sunshine in. I'll surround myself with a great staff in order to drive out into the neighborhoods island-wide for scheduled input and feedback. This will help the council and administration stay on the same page.
What, if anything, needs to be done to foster economic growth in East Hawaii?
The mayor can get more involved with local artisans. I love the arts and sports. A personal campaign of involvement will stimulate more pride and more local investment, i.e. corporate grants.
With West Hawaii economy on an upswing, is there a need for land-use and growth controls there?
There very well may be, as the aina is sacred as well as limited. Drilling down through the a'a for water must be considered. Density, quality, and location of living units are other considerations. Hawaii isle no ka oe!
Gery Navarro
DEMOCRATWhat are the unique qualifications you bring to this job?
Did not respond.
What are the top three issues facing Hawaii County (from most pressing to least)?
Did not respond.
How will you assure voters that you and your administration will act in an ethical manner?
Did not respond.
What, if anything, needs to be done to foster economic growth in East Hawaii?
Did not respond.
With West Hawaii economy on an upswing, is there a need for land-use and growth controls there?
Did not respond.
Mike Peacock
NONPARTISANWhat are the unique qualifications you bring to this job?
Did not respond.
What are the top three issues facing Hawaii County (from most pressing to least)?
Did not respond.
How will you assure voters that you and your administration will act in an ethical manner?
Did not respond.
What, if anything, needs to be done to foster economic growth in East Hawaii?
Did not respond.
With West Hawaii economy on an upswing, is there a need for land-use and growth controls there?
Did not respond.
Dan Roudebush
REPUBLICAN
Age: 65
Job: Retired
Years here: 10What are the unique qualifications you bring to this job?
I bring to the table a background on a par with most, with some unique financial qualifications. First, I am retired and unobligated to any person or organization. Second, professionally I have the background [MBA emphasis finance/ten years controller/treasurer]... Third, I have long-term vision. Fourth, I think you will find my preliminary platform very specific.
What are the top three issues facing Hawaii County (from most pressing to least)?
a) Long-term economic well-being. b) Sociological and environmental problems of urban sprawl. c) Efficient county government empowered to do its job.
How will you assure voters that you and your administration will act in an ethical manner?
As a Rotarian, I subscribe to the Rotary four-way test: a) Is it the truth? b) Is it fair to all concerned? c) Will it build good will and relationships? d) Is it beneficial to all concerned?
What, if anything, needs to be done to foster economic growth in East Hawaii?
Forget temporary .COM land dollar purchases from the mainland. Jolt the local and state economy $1 billion. Scrap or relocate the proposed West Hawaii Community College. Give away the current 400 state-owned acres allocated for a "future" UH site to an entity that will establish another Stanford ... There are areas, such as health care, we have possibilities of expanding.
With West Hawaii economy on an upswing, is there a need for land-use and growth controls there?
Controls are definitely needed and not only in West Hawaii. End unchecked random growth without adequate infrastructure in both Kona and Hilo (Shipman project). Citizens are tired of traffic, bad streets, no water systems, or "da kine." A cure means long-term planning with landowners and developers, not confrontational piecemeal development.
Harvey S. Tajiri
REPUBLICAN
Age: 56
Job: Retired
Years here: 56What are the unique qualifications you bring to this job?
Harvey has experience at the state and county level -- '76-'80 served on the Hawaii County Council as chairman and Finance Committee chairman -- '84-'94 served in the state Legislature where, as a member of the House Finance Committee, he directed approximately 30 percent of the state CIP budget to an island that had only 10 percent of the population. ...
What are the top three issues facing Hawaii County (from most pressing to least)?
a) Integrating the various segments of our community so we can best utilize all ideas and assets for better efficiency in government and to make a better Hawaii. b) Developing the economy to provide satisfactory job and career opportunities ... c) Preserving our environment and further enhancing Hawaii through beautification ...
How will you assure voters that you and your administration will act in an ethical manner?
... The administration will adhere to: 1) Administrators are human and they do make mistakes, and such mistakes should be freely admitted without excuses. 2) Responsibility is not transferable, delegable or expungeable; thus a department head is responsible for his (her) actions ... 3) A responsibility, once given and accepted, must be executed ...
What, if anything, needs to be done to foster economic growth in East Hawaii?
I would strongly support present industries through assistance and training programs. I would expand the "knowledge" industry by inviting other universities to establish campuses on the Big Island and by developing the "think-tank" industry, digital communication centers and computer centers. I would en-courage the development of medical facilities ...
With West Hawaii economy on an upswing, is there a need for land-use and growth controls there?
Yes.
