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THE HOT LEGISLATIVE RACES
WITH a solidly Democratic, blue-collar Palolo Valley anchoring one side of the district and the rich Diamond Head and Kahala areas on the other, those running for the Senate's 9th District must represent widely different interests. Economy, schools,
crime are top issuesThe post is held now by Democratic Sen. Matt Matsunaga. He is being challenged by first-time Republican candidate Theresa Chun, a retired educator and city administrator.
"My community needs more," she said. "Small businesses are dying, kids aren't getting an education. ... I'd like to see Kaimuki become more economically feasible. I think there is a place for mom and pop stores, and they need support."
Matsunaga, however, takes a broad view and sees in the district the same concerns of education, economy and crime as are echoed across the state.
As co-chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Matsunaga sees the community's concern about crime addressed in new laws passed under his direction.
"Four years ago, the number one issue in my district was crime; I was fortunate in a position to do something about it," Matsunaga said. "We took an aggressive active stance. We passed tough, smart laws and our crime rate dropped 35 percent in four years," he said.
For her part, Chun, who worked as a legislative analyst for the City Council and administered city social programs, said she wants to "bring the community together and focus on the problems."
She's a former Democrat, running as a Republican because she thinks the state and her district need more choice. "We need to be pro-active and create partnerships with both unions and business groups," she said.
Matsunaga is the son of former U.S. Sen. Spark Matsunaga and is one of a half-dozen possible candidates for Senate president when the Senate reorganizes next year.
When walking the district, Matsunaga said, he's stressing education and if elected wants to funnel state funds to the schools to upgrade computer equipment.
Richard Borreca, Star-Bulletin
Matt Matsunaga (D) Senate District 9
Waialae, Palolo
Occupation: Attorney
Background: First elected to the Senate in 1992Theresa Chun (R)
Occupation: AXA Advisors, registered representative
Background: Past president of Waikiki Community Center
Starbulletin.com Election Results
State Office of Elections
