[ U.S. CONGRESS ]
2
Rural Oahu -- Neighbor Isle
James M. Donovan (The Ump)
Republican
Age: 54 Job: Accountant Past: Co-author, Hawaii Republican Party Platform, 2000; volunteer
What makes you qualified to serve in Congress?
Among the most important tasks that Congress performs is writing the tax laws, scheduled to be overhauled over the next few years. I am the most qualified candidate because I REALLY know how to simplify taxes. ...
Do you believe the United States should expand its war on terrorism to Iraq? Why or why not?
No, I have personally not seen evidence sufficient for me to take an aggressive position that would include attacks on Iraq or any other foreign nation. I believe in American military superiority and a strong national defense, but it is not up to Washington to police the world.
Do you support passage of the Akaka bill, which gives Hawaiians a process toward federal recognition similar to that granted native Americans? Why or why not?
I am very positively disposed toward the spirit and intent of the Akaka bill, but some of the document's wording is troubling. I believe that the native Hawaiian people deserve better than what has been provided to the American Indian (riches amassing to a few through casino operations).
Lawrence G. K. Duquesne
LibertarianAge: 46 Job: Hotel cashier Past: Bachelor's degree, physics, mechanical engineering; ex-staff sergeant, Air Force
What makes you qualified to serve in Congress?
United States Citizen over age 25, Resident of the State of Hawaii. See my Web site (www.citizenduquesne.org) for more details.
Do you believe the United States should expand its war on terrorism to Iraq? Why or why not?
The United States should not invade Iraq. Iraq does not constitute a credible threat to the security of the United States. The greatest threats to the security of the United States are the interventionist foreign policy of the federal government, and citizen disarmament.
Do you support passage of the Akaka bill, which gives Hawaiians a process toward federal recognition similar to that granted native Americans? Why or why not?
All citizens must stand equally before the law. I oppose the Akaka Bill. History is filled with the crimes of cultural expansion - genocide, slavery, dispossession - but nothing can be done about the past but to learn from it. Questionable property claims must be addressed without delay, but without needless rancor.
Lloyd Jeffrey Mallan
LibertarianAge: 58 Job: President, Artful Expressions Past: Master's, Carnegie-Mellon University; U.S. Peace Corps
What makes you qualified to serve in Congress?
I am a Libertarian. That is the best reason.
Do you believe the United States should expand its war on terrorism to Iraq? Why or why not?
The war on terrorism is an illegal war. No declaration of war has been declared by the Congress. The Bush administration has played directly into the hands of our enemies, continuing to upset the political balance in all "friendly" Muslim regions, while destroying our way of life, economy and liberties.
Do you support passage of the Akaka bill, which gives Hawaiians a process toward federal recognition similar to that granted native Americans? Why or why not?
I do not support the Akaka Bill. Passage will establish a destructive dependency for Native Hawaiians upon the federal government, as has happened with Native Americans and other indigenous peoples, while eventually destroying their inherent identity. Many Native Hawaiians already recognize the harm from this bill and oppose it.
Bob McDermott
RepublicanAge: 39 Job: College instructor Past: State representative; Marine Corps officer, Gulf War veteran
What makes you qualified to serve in Congress?
I have served in the state Legislature for six years. As a former Marine Corps Officer and Gulf War Veteran, I know how important the military is to our economy. Accordingly, I will work to increase military spending in Hawaii.
Do you believe the United States should expand its war on terrorism to Iraq? Why or why not?
Yes. America should invade Iraq before Saddam Hussein acquires Nuclear weapons. He is dangerous and does not care about his own people, let alone the rest of the world. You must realize, he is sponsoring state terrorism. Unlike Mrs. Mink who voted against the Gulf War, I supported our Country.
Do you support passage of the Akaka bill, which gives Hawaiians a process toward federal recognition similar to that granted native Americans? Why or why not?
Yes. I support the Akaka bill. We must maintain the Native Hawaiian health and education programs. In the long run, this benefits us all.
Patsy T. Mink
DemocratAge: 74 Job: U.S. House member Past: Attorney at law; American Association of University Women
What makes you qualified to serve in Congress?
My record of service over many years demonstrates my commitment to fairness, equity and opportunity. The power of the federal government is great; the use of that power must always be just. I seek service based on my experience, integrity and accomplishments ...
Do you believe the United States should expand its war on terrorism to Iraq? Why or why not?
President Bush must first inform Congress of any plan to attack Iraq. There is no doubt we can annihilate Hussein, but then what? As in Afghanistan, the aftermath is the bigger question. Any war against Iraq must be with the concurrence of our traditional allies and the UN.
Do you support passage of the Akaka bill, which gives Hawaiians a process toward federal recognition similar to that granted native Americans? Why or why not?
As a co-sponsor of the Akaka bill in the House, I strongly support its passage. Congress must pass it to define the rights of native Hawaiians as an indigenous people and thus protected under the Constitution. ...
Steve Tataii
DemocratAge: 53 Job: Independent conflict resolution consultant Past: Attended key social, cultural, environment meetings
What makes you qualified to serve in Congress?
An American citizen of Kurdish descent, Hawaii home for the past 26 years, run for office since '88, and this seat in '92 elections. ... Self-court filings to fight Hawaii's corruptions. Perhaps "the" most qualified candidate in U.S. Congress' history.
Do you believe the United States should expand its war on terrorism to Iraq? Why or why not?
For too long we've used wrong methods, causing death and destruction to innocent civilians. It's time that we should remove Saddam covertly ... Four million Kurds in North Iraq ... at least deserve a similar recognition East Timor received.
Do you support passage of the Akaka bill, which gives Hawaiians a process toward federal recognition similar to that granted native Americans? Why or why not?
Sen. Akaka has worked hard from the inception ... to getting consensus from Hawaiian communities. I support the passage of Akaka's bill. Remember how we lost the federal grant for rail system from procrastination? Any undesired part of the bill can be ironed out later.
Did not respond: Nicholas Bedworth (Natural Law party) for 2nd district
