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Senate District 25
Kailua, Waimanalo
*Denotes incumbent
Whitney T. Anderson
REPUBLICAN
Age: 68
Job: Self-employed businessman/state senator
Years here: 68What are the unique qualifications you bring to this job?
Over 20 years of legislative experience in state House and Senate: leadership positions. Over 40 years of small business experience. Have lived and actively participated in the Waimanalo and Kailua communities for 54 years. Only state senator of Hawaiian ancestry.
What are the top three issues facing Hawaii (from most pressing to least)?
Education: I support the abolishment of a centralized school system, UH autonomy, and compliance with Felix decree. Economy: Elimination of the general excise tax to benefit all residents and resolution to issues regarding ceded lands and Hawaiian Homes. Health and Human Services: Programs to support our children and senior citizens.
Are changes needed to the civil service system? If so, what are they?
Yes, more changes are needed to reduce the size and cost of government and improve efficiency and effectiveness of government. The individual counties should be granted full autonomy for collective bargaining. Moreover, employees' pay should be based on merit.
Jay Friedheim
DEMOCRAT
Age: 50
Job: Attorney in admiralty and maritime law
Years here: 13What are the unique qualifications you bring to this job?
Personal experience of enduring the public education system, having four children in public schools. Knowledge of the maritime industry gained through a career as a maritime lawyer. Personal commitment to agriculture, a lifelong involvement with gardening and landscaping, including having been the past president of the Oahu Community Gardens Council.
What are the top three issues facing Hawaii (from most pressing to least)?
The top three issues facing Hawaii are education, education and education. We should accept nothing less than the country's best public school education. We need to pay our teachers the best and provide the best infrastructure for our schools. We have the money if we just stop wasting tax dollars.
Are changes needed to the civil service system? If so, what are they?
The civil service system exists to deliver government services. State government has grown too large. We need a top-to-bottom review of what services government should provide. More current government services should be provided by the private sector. Business judgments are often better made in the marketplace than the Legislature.
Fred Hemmings
REPUBLICAN
Age: 54
Job: President/owner of Sports Enterprises
Years here: 54What are the unique qualifications you bring to this job?
I am not part of the political dynasty that has absolute power in Hawaii. I have the courage and knowledge to stimulate reform.
What are the top three issues facing Hawaii (from most pressing to least)?
Education, economy and environment. Most of Hawaii's problems are politically induced; so must be the solutions. The incumbent political dynasty has demonstrated that they are the source of Hawaii's problems. "Experience is the oracle of truth," Madison said. I wish to be part of the solution as a member of the state Senate.
Are changes needed to the civil service system? If so, what are they?
The civil service system needs reform. Public employees should have parity with, not dominance over, the private sector. I support Gov. Cayetano's initiatives with civil service reform.
Leona Mapuana Kalima
DEMOCRAT
Age: 48
Job: Information and referral service supervisor
Years here: 48What are the unique qualifications you bring to this job?
I am a grass-roots candidate with no favors owed to any party or persons. I live by a Godly standard. I am very familiar with the legislative process, since I have reviewed legislation, testified and lobbied for the issues for over 25 years. I live or have worked amongst the very problem areas of society. I have compassion and understanding for people ... My job is to find workable solutions.
What are the top three issues facing Hawaii (from most pressing to least)?
a) Education and health: Everyone of all ages, from Pre to Ph.D, should have the resources to educate themselves. Everyone of all ages should have adequate medical care. The state should encourage more clinics ... b) Economics: Encourage entrepreneurship. Develop or entice telecommunications and all technologies. c) Hawaiian Issues: Assist the kanaka maoli in their endeavors for self-determination. ...
Are changes needed to the civil service system? If so, what are they?
Yes. Raises should be merit-based. Monitor workers' performance. Grandfather in benefits to longtime employees. (I believe this has been done.) New hires should have different benefits but allowed to invest funds for medical coverage and retirement. Orientation of state employees should include how to be helpful to the public. Encourage employees not to create barriers.
