[ HONOLULU CITY COUNCIL ]
9
Kunia-Mililani Town
Guillermo S. "Guill" Colon
Age: 50 Job: U. S. Army 1972 to 1976; import traffic specialist, Harper Robinson in Chicago
What makes you qualified to be a City Council member?
What makes me qualified to be a Council member is my desire to help improve the quality of life in my community. Also my desire to create economic opportunities for our young people.
What is the greatest problem facing Honolulu and what would you do about it?
I feel the greatest problem facing Honolulu is our current economic condition and our dependence on tourism. I feel that we need to find ways to help our residents maintain more of their incomes for savings and investments. We also need to create economic stimulus to create quality businesses that will provide quality employment for our young college graduates.
Do you support Mayor Jeremy Harris' vision team program? Why or why not? How would you improve it?
Yes I do support the mayor's vision team program. I think it's a step in the right direction in getting the community involved in the planning and implementation process. I would add more programs to the vision team concept programs that can be integrated ...
Nestor R. Garcia
Age: 45 Job: Bank vice president Past: State representative; former television news reporterWhat makes you qualified to be a City Council member?
For the past 10 years, I have been serving the people of Hawaii, first as a senior aide to U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye, and then as a state lawmaker for the past eight years. Dealing with issues at all levels of government makes me well qualified to be a Council member.
What is the greatest problem facing Honolulu and what would you do about it?
Ensuring that we have the resources to continue and maintain essential city services - including the recruitment and retention of the staff to deliver these services. A top-to-bottom review of said resources, along with a city version of the state's Tax Review Commission, could help us make informed decisions.
Do you support Mayor Jeremy Harris' vision team program? Why or why not? How would you improve it?
I support the concept of grass-roots, collaborative, community-based decision-making. However, in this instance, I would review whether each vision team should instead be a committee of each respective neighborhood board ...
Mike Golojuch
Age: 58 Job: City administrative services officer Past: Retired, Air Force lieutenant colonelWhat makes you qualified to be a City Council member?
I have been an active member in the community working with a variety of state, city, nonprofit and private agencies, organizations and companies. I have worked in both the city and state governments, which will allow for a smooth transition to serve the citizens of Oahu.
What is the greatest problem facing Honolulu and what would you do about it?
We need to get a handle on our revenues and expenditures with pending shortfalls. We need to stimulate the economy, prioritize and streamline our public services. We must face the public to explain why taxes and/or fees may go up or what services need to be trimmed without jeopardizing our police force and fire fighters.
Do you support Mayor Jeremy Harris' vision team program? Why or why not? How would you improve it?
Having been a vision team member from the beginning, I do support the program. Projects have been approved, funded and completed. The process needs improvement. People cannot expect to show up on one night and get funding while others worked hard over 11 months ...
Michael S. Nakamura
Age: 55 Job: Retired chief of police Past: College lecturer; member state Board of EducationWhat makes you qualified to be a City Council member?
Understanding of the working operations of the City and County of Honolulu. Twenty-eight years of government service with the Honolulu Police Department, the last 7 1/2 years as chief of police overseeing a work force of 2,400 personnel. Tested, proven integrity via past public scrutiny.
What is the greatest problem facing Honolulu and what would you do about it?
The lack of fiscal accountability. Support the implementation of an independent city auditor.
Do you support Mayor Jeremy Harris' vision team program? Why or why not? How would you improve it?
I support the concept of citizens having a more direct impact on policies affecting their community.
Did not respond: Clifford Laboy (9th district)
