[ HONOLULU CITY COUNCIL ]
4
Hawaii Kai-Waikiki
Michael K. Abe
Age: 49 Job: Attorney Past: Hawaii United Okinawa Association; hospital senior services advisory council
What makes you qualified to be a City Council member?
I've lived in my Council district for more than 10 years; serve on the Kaimuki Neighborhood Board, and have over 21 years of relevant city government and private law practice experience. I have the "life experience" of 48 years, of 21 years of marriage, of being a parent. ...
What is the greatest problem facing Honolulu and what would you do about it?
The greatest problem facing Honolulu is the loss of trust and faith in city government and the "environment of political fear and retaliation" that exists. It paralyzes city workers, contributes to the unfriendly business climate and discourages the public. Secrecy is the breeding ground for corruption. ...
Do you support Mayor Jeremy Harris' vision team program? Why or why not? How would you improve it?
I believe the "visioning exercise" was a good idea but I disagree with its implementation. Great ideas emerged and raised expectations but ignored budgetary constraints. The various neighborhood boards should have been the primarily vehicle with participation open to other residents. ...
Charles Kong Djou
Age: 32 Job: State representative Past: General counsel, KD ConstructionWhat makes you qualified to be a City Council member?
As a legislator, I am proud of my record challenging the status quo and making government accountable to taxpayers. I fought to make government more efficient at all levels. I will bring my enthusiasm for change and my philosophy of government reform to restore a sense of integrity to our Council.
What is the greatest problem facing Honolulu and what would you do about it?
We need to build a vibrant and thriving economy in Honolulu. Our government is mortgaging too much of our economic future to debt and budget decisions too often seem dictated by politics. I want to restore fiscal discipline to our budget and rid our city of wasteful corruption.
Do you support Mayor Jeremy Harris' vision team program? Why or why not? How would you improve it?
The vision teams are a good, if imperfect, idea to enhance public input. The vision team project, however, needs tighter fiscal review and enhanced coordination with the local neighborhood boards.
Robert Fishman
Age: 55 Job: Senior business development professional Past: Former city managing directorWhat makes you qualified to be a City Council member?
I have hands-on success in business, government and the military. My experiences as a 28-year resident of the district. My wife and I raised our family here. My concern for the future of our city needs mature and informed experience.
What is the greatest problem facing Honolulu and what would you do about it?
We need to build a new, collaborative way of doing business to build trust between city officials and the community. The biggest problems ahead are public safety, finances and budget and rebuilding trust in the democratic process.
Do you support Mayor Jeremy Harris' vision team program? Why or why not? How would you improve it?
Absolutely. It's the best example of community empowerment we have seen. It has brought people into the government process. It's a great idea. To improve the vision process we need to give the teams more tools so government can implement those ideas in a timely way.
Cameron Kealani Heen
Age: 43 Job: Former director of hotel catering Past: 16 years experience in hotel managementWhat makes you qualified to be a City Council member?
I have lived, worked and played in this district all my life. My father was Council chair and my grandfather was on the Council. I have been surrounded by politics for many years and feel that now is the time for the next generation of public servants to step forward.
What is the greatest problem facing Honolulu and what would you do about it?
The city budget is the most important issue facing Honolulu. There needs to be a better allocation of funds for basic city functions.
Do you support Mayor Jeremy Harris' vision team program? Why or why not? How would you improve it?
I support the vision team program in theory. However, I believe that the neighborhood boards can accomplish the same thing.
Terrence Teruya
Age: 43 Job: City telecommunications technician Past: Assistant business agent, Teamsters UnionWhat makes you qualified to be a City Council member?
My work experience and the desire to help others.
What is the greatest problem facing Honolulu and what would you do about it?
Our trash, I want to get the H-power on line and take action instead of just piling trash higher.
Do you support Mayor Jeremy Harris' vision team program? Why or why not? How would you improve it?
Any idea needs to be looked at closer and refined and prioritized.
