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Senate District 15
Fort Shafter, Aiea
*Denotes incumbent
Donna Mercado Kim
DEMOCRAT
Age: No age given
Job: City Council member/on contract with KUMU radio as the public affairs director
Years here: LifetimeWhat are the unique qualifications you bring to this job?
Experience in state and city government and in the private sector. I served in the state House of Representatives from 1983 to 1985 and on the City Council from 1985 to July 25, 2000. Prior to elective office, I ran a small business and have continued to work part-time in the private sector.
What are the top three issues facing Hawaii (from most pressing to least)?
Stimulating the economy, solutions to the traffic, improving public education.
Are changes needed to the civil service system? If so, what are they?
The civil service system needs to be reviewed and true reform is needed in the area of job classifications, enhancing recruitment training and increasing efficiency. We must continue to ensure that government will be able to attract and retain good employees for long-term careers.
Ed Mina
REPUBLICAN
Age: 69
Job: Enforcement investigator for Liquor Commission
Years here: 7What are the unique qualifications you bring to this job?
I am a lawyer and have engaged in lawmaking while working for the Philippine Senate. I was also an officer of the Judge Advocate General Service, and I retired as colonel. I was a freedom fighter at age 13 and a communist fighter from 1972-1987, but most of all, I have dedicated my entire life to serving the common man.
What are the top three issues facing Hawaii (from most pressing to least)?
a) Economic hardship. b) Hawaiian sovereignty. c) Poor business climate.
Are changes needed to the civil service system? If so, what are they?
Yes, because some laws are already unenforceable, having been declared by the judicial authority as unconstitutional. Example: Section 281-17(5), which prohibits employees of a commission to engage in political activity except for the right to vote. Similar laws have been declared unconstitutional.
