[ GOVERNOR ]
Jonathan Adler
Natural Law
Age: 50 Job: Executive director, Hawaii Medical Marijuana Institute Past: Owner, Big Island Steel
What qualifies you to run the state government?
I am not a lawyer, a politician, a pawn, or a puppet. I know the state budget and how to reduce its cost. I am not bought off or influenced at all. I know how to build schools, prisons, auditoriums and offices. For less. I will hold government accountable as governor.
What is the greatest problem facing Hawaii and what would you do about it?
Politics as usual. The political party power pundits and people behind the scenes who profit from oversize government, control us and our activities. Until we throw off the "old style" repression the people of Hawaii are hurting. As governor all appointments will not be political, but sensible.
What is the first thing you would do to improve Hawaii's public schools?
To improve schools I would immediately hire cost analysts to streamline construction costs and move the money to teachers salaries and new kid-conscious programs. I would start clinical cannabis studies at UH School of Medicine and profit from it. We must improve schools. Money is being wasted through state budgetary policy.
D. G. "Andy" Anderson
DemocratAge: 72 Job: Owner, John Dominis Restaurant Past: Former state representative, senator
What qualifies you to run the state government?
My decades of experience in business and government (in both the legislative and executive areas) have prepared me with the skills to deal with the problems of our state in a businesslike manner and to run state government the way a successful businessperson, not a professional politician, would run it.
What is the greatest problem facing Hawaii and what would you do about it?
Our deteriorating economy, which hurts every one. I'll thoroughly analyze the budget to cut waste while presenting the legislature bills that will begin the process of rebuilding, expanding and diversifying our economy - including a public education lottery and a measure to curb high gas prices through competition.
What is the first thing you would do to improve Hawaii's public schools?
Submit legislation for a public education lottery to provide an additional $40 million a year for use in the classrooms and go over the DOE budget to find ways of applying more of our education dollars directly to the education of our children.
Jim Brewer
NonpartisanAge: 63 Job: Grassroots political organizer Past: Educator for employee family issues: affordable housing
What qualifies you to run the state government?
I was intensively trained by the U.S. Navy in advanced personnel and office administration. I've worked in business in Hawaii. Substantively, I have been working in the community in Hawaii for 24 years - fighting the effects of budget cuts on the community, homelessness, lack of affordable childcare - and proposing workable solutions.
What is the greatest problem facing Hawaii and what would you do about it?
The economy, a lack of vision and political will. I'll provide the political will to raise "Invest-in-Hawaii" funding to fully develop Hawaii's natural energy richness, end our $15 billion dependency on outside fossil fuels, and provide energy abundance to replace lost wealth production from sugar and pine.
What is the first thing you would do to improve Hawaii's public schools?
Our schools are underfunded - I'd raise $500,000,000 annually to raise our public schools above the national average. The key to improving the schools is proper funding and governor leadership at the top, and funding university programs to educate more teachers, engineers, and experts for an expanded independent sustainable economy.
John Carroll
RepublicanAge: 73 Job: Attorney, substitute teacher Past: Former state representative, senator
What qualifies you to run the state government?
Hawaii needs experienced leadership, not more professional politicians. I have legislative experience in the state House and Senate, military experience, international business experience, and I have an education degree. I'm a retired pilot, practicing attorney, and a parent with children and grandchildren growing up in Hawaii. Experience is the difference.
What is the greatest problem facing Hawaii and what would you do about it?
Hawaii has the best of everything except government and education. Our government has no leadership, so changes needed are never debated. Professional politicians have experience in spending your money. Professional businessmen have experience in creating new jobs and opportunities. Businesses provide the fuel that powers our economy ...
What is the first thing you would do to improve Hawaii's public schools?
Introduce legislation restructuring the DOE by placing the bulk of taxpayer dollars into core educational programs at the classroom level and empower local school complex boards as outlined in my educational proposals. I would eliminate DAGS involvement and outsource payroll to reduce administrative costs ...
Ed Case
DemocratAge: 50 Job: Attorney Past: State representative; former legislative assistant, Sen. Spark Matsunaga
What qualifies you to run the state government?
Diverse background and experiences over a lifetime in Hawaii. Twenty years in the private sector including ownership and management of a large business. Over 10 years in federal and state government in the executive, legislative and judicial branches. Demonstrated commitment to inclusive, clean government and real change for our Hawaii.
What is the greatest problem facing Hawaii and what would you do about it?
The single most immediate challenge facing our next governor is balancing our state budget on a long-range, sustainable basis. I would control costs by rejecting new taxes, halting special fund raids, and setting priorities, cut waste, and adopt zero tolerance for procurement or other misconduct. ...
What is the first thing you would do to improve Hawaii's public schools?
Cut through the bureaucracy to spring loose hundreds of millions of dollars already authorized for school repair and maintenance statewide. Require the board and department of education to prioritize spending into the classroom. Pursue decentralization of governance to local districts to curb the central bureaucracy ...
Daniel H. Cunningham
Free EnergyAge: 50 Job: Curing my own cancer Past: Doctorate of chiropractic; license revoked for curing cancer
What qualifies you to run the state government?
Understanding the problem in the first place. A plutonium economy is energy independent and phases out a predatory power system, namely the Federal Reserve. JFK knew what a plutonium economy is. I would ask Linda/Mazie to stay on to help through transition. Governments work effectively for utilities, not the private sector.
What is the greatest problem facing Hawaii and what would you do about it?
The inequality of power due to a petroleum economy propped up by a religious cult. Enclosed are 50 questions about 9/11 I would hope to discuss. Without first understanding the problem, it will never be solved. The Educational Process is in grave jeopardy by this above example.
What is the first thing you would do to improve Hawaii's public schools?
Put the U.S. Navy/state of Hawaii on the grid. All other utilities will inadvertently become free also by utilizing decommissioned nuclear submarines. Free Internet/phone/ cable access would give immediate access to a homeschooling family environment. Why give your children to strangers?
Joseph Fernandez
DemocratAge: 47 Job: Polynesian Adventure Tours, truck driver Past: Glass glazier, night auditor, carpenter
What qualifies you to run the state government?
I'm just a simple, honest person. I'm fed up with what's happening to our home (the state of Hawaii).
What is the greatest problem facing Hawaii and what would you do about it?
[No response]
What is the first thing you would do to improve Hawaii's public schools?
[No response]
Kau'i Hill (Bu La'ia)
Natural LawAge: 36 Job: Taro farmer Past: School of hard knocks; military: pizza delivery to Marines
What qualifies you to run the state government?
My age. Being of native Hawaiian ancestry. My traveling experiences to 'Aotearoa (New Zealand), Indonesia, Japan, Australia, Canada, Mexico, and Bali have allowed my eyes to be open to see how independent countries operate and what great possibilities could happen if Hawaii was restored to its Hawaiian government.
What is the greatest problem facing Hawaii and what would you do about it?
Foreigners illegally governing Hawaii is the main problem. Foreigners that have illegal governing power to make life and death decisions over native people that they have no clue about what's best for the native Hawaiian people (kanaka maoli). My goal is to help unite the Hawaiian people to where they can govern themselves. ...
What is the first thing you would do to improve Hawaii's public schools?
Double the current wages and double the workforce. Happy teachers equal happy students, and happy students come to school. Also add mandatory curriculum, Hawaiian history and 'olelo Hawaii. I would visit each and every preschool, elementary, intermediate and high school to discuss and help their individual needs.
Mazie K. Hirono
DemocratAge: 54 Job: Lieutenant governor Past: Former state representative; ex-deputy attorney general
What qualifies you to run the state government?
My record of accomplishment based on a collaborative, results-oriented leadership style at both the executive and legislative branches. It's much tougher to get things done than to take positions or just talk about it. For over 22 years, I have made and followed through on many tough decisions, including unpopular ones.
What is the greatest problem facing Hawaii and what would you do about it?
Education and the economy go hand in hand and represent our greatest challenges. There is no quick fixes or silver bullets. I would bring government, businesses, and unions together to help existing businesses and target new ones. I would focus educational resources on those programs shown to positively impact student learning.
What is the first thing you would do to improve Hawaii's public schools?
I would call for a targeted program audit of the Department of Education to identify how the $1.4 billion currently going to our public schools is being used effectively to impact student learning and make changes based on the audit and discussions with the BOE, DOE and the community.
Linda Lingle
RepublicanAge: 49 Job: Political party leader Past: Former Maui mayor and Council member
What qualifies you to run the state government?
For eight years as mayor of Maui I worked successfully with council members of both political parties to adopt performance-based, balanced budgets that kept taxes low, while effectively addressing community needs. This qualifies me to run state government. My love for Hawaii motivates me to want to do it.
What is the greatest problem facing Hawaii and what would you do about it?
A lack of trust and integrity in government is Hawaii's greatest problem. To restore trust I would create an open selection process for appointments, implement an honest and transparent system for awarding contracts, live up to my campaign promises, and recommend mandatory prison time for public corruption and fraud.
What is the first thing you would do to improve Hawaii's public schools?
Conduct a complete, independent audit of the Department of Education while at the same time advocate returning control of our schools to parents, teachers and the community by creating seven, locally elected school boards that would receive fair and equal funding on a per pupil basis.
Paul Joel Mattes
NonpartisanAge: 55 Job: Self- employed Past: Army, two years; 35 years retail/wholesale/ paralegal
What qualifies you to run the state government?
I know how and the knowledge of organizing government. Half salary: Job as it is $95,000/year. or my pay $42,750/year. Hard economic times had four more, now - $326,000 plus. I would immediately put back for the school fund.
What is the greatest problem facing Hawaii and what would you do about it?
School. Above. Good will on half salary and voucher system plus work to improve Felix decree. Watch my show Sat. 9 p.m., Channel 52. Gov. Mattes
What is the first thing you would do to improve Hawaii's public schools?
My Aero-Lotto bill. Domestic and international puts billions into our system all Islands and on food drug no tax but it buys the purchaser atto-$5.00 ticket welfare $10 ticket.
Kenneth Mesker
NonpartisanAge: 60 Job: Not given Past: Born in suburban Chicago
[No responses to questions; supplied these comments only]
I contracted infectious spinal meningitis at age 15. Since age 16, I have endured the horrible underbelly of politics and corruption. I tell you Chicago was not bad but corruption here in Hawaii is like the USA lost World War II. If you aren't in the loop you suffer the worst indignities imaginable. These inhumanities must be stopped. Just as Mayor Giuliani stood tall, I will lead Hawaii to prosperity, pride and equality for all its citizens.
George Nitta
DemocratAge: 59 Job: Owner, Nitta's Auto Repair Past: Hawaii Community Development Authority
What qualifies you to run the state government?
I'm an established businessman, and would run the state government as a business would be run.
What is the greatest problem facing Hawaii and what would you do about it?
I would create more jobs and bring in more income by having a Waikiki Grand Prix race, and International Motorcycle Racing through Waikiki; rebuild Hawaiian fishponds to raise lobster and ahi; assemble Japanese cars on the Big Island.
What is the first thing you would do to improve Hawaii's public schools?
I would rebuild the school buildings using funds raised from racing, and give the teachers the pay they deserve.
George Peabody
LibertarianAge: 57 Job: Investigator of government corruption Past: Report government corruption
What qualifies you to run the state government?
I will govern Hawaii as no other elected governor has ever done: I will uphold and defend the Constitution and the Bill of Rights and the laws made accordingly in order to protect the unalienable rights of everyone in Hawaii to Life, Liberty, and Property. Just say no to the feds!
What is the greatest problem facing Hawaii and what would you do about it?
Hawaii's biggest problem is the cost of government and the subsequent enslavement of The People through taxation and federal intrusions, exacerbated by collusion by of State officials with feds to get grant money, all of which has led to a hostile business environment. I will use executive authority to cut and slash bureaucracy to restore a free market economy for peace and prosperity.
What is the first thing you would do to improve Hawaii's public schools?
Public Schools should be operated by private entities, not by government bureaucracy so I will (ask) Kamehameha Schools and HSTA to do that job for which they are trained and dedicated.
Art P. Reyes
DemocratAge: 50 Job: U.S. Navy, retired Past: Master's degree, Central Michigan University
What qualifies you to run the state government?
Governance belongs to the chosen few. Many will be called and only few will be chosen. The "people's will" is a mandate that will provide me with the People's Empowerment and Authority to govern. Article V of our State Constitution has provided my qualification to run the state government. I am efficient, and effective. I can lead. With People's Will, I will govern!
What is the greatest problem facing Hawaii and what would you do about it?
Economy. I have provided a press release ... to resolve this: (1) Assist in building marine infrastructures in all of the Hawaiian Islands; (2) Allow for the creation of H-4 freeways and interisland bridges that will connect the Hawaiian Islands; (3) Dredge all key ports in Kauai, Molokai, Lanai, Hilo, Kona into depths where huge maritime vessels can pull into ...
What is the first thing you would do to improve Hawaii's public schools?
Outsource, resource, and equip them with the Four Ms of management, i.e. Monies, Materials, Manpower, "Machines", and ensure that that they are quantified and qualified. Enhance, upgrade and enforce standards. Make people accountable.
Tracy Ahn Ryan
LibertarianAge: 47 Job: Public accounting Past: Former chairwoman, legislative liaison, Libertarian Party
What qualifies you to run the state government?
The only thing that qualifies anyone to run our state government is the support of the public. What is needed in Hawaii is effective leadership in the Governor's Office. Government experience isn't a substitute for this. Technical know how needed to operate various agencies will be hired by any Governor.
What is the greatest problem facing Hawaii and what would you do about it?
The lack of intelligent discussion on issues. Our drug policy costs millions of dollars, promotes crime, and hurts innocent people, but all you hear from the two big parties is more of the same. I want to replace the politics of hate, fear, and ignorance, with freedom, respect, and sovereignty.
What is the first thing you would do to improve Hawaii's public schools?
Copy what works in the home schooling movement. Small class size in grades one to six is the greatest indicator of educational achievement. We can cut the school day into two four-hour sections and bring in welfare moms as teachers aides to bring class size down.
Richard H. Sumiye
NonpartisanAge: 62 Job: Business consultant Past: Business start-up consulting/restructuring, marketing
What qualifies you to run the state government?
Although I have no formal political experience, I believe I possess the necessary personal qualities (honesty, integrity and vision) and analytical business skills that will enable me to create an honest and innovative atmosphere for government. There is no question that a major change in leadership is needed to effectuate ... results ...
What is the greatest problem facing Hawaii and what would you do about it?
The greatest problem facing Hawaii is our steadily declining quality of life. Why is it that every year Hawaii ranks in the top ten most expensive places to live in the United States? Worser still, Hawaii is viewed by the mainland and most of the world as being "anti-business" ...
What is the first thing you would do to improve Hawaii's public schools?
I would enact legislation to have Hawaii's public schools run like a nonprofit corporation. Each principal would be, in effect, the CEO of his appointed school, ultimately responsible for the bottom line profit and loss of his/her "educational corporation." It is important that each principal be held accountable for the success and/or failure ...
Van K. Tanabe
NonpartisanAge: 45 Job: Verizon Hawaii Past: Wife, Carolyn, and four children; Alvah A. Scott Elementary
What qualifies you to run the state government?
I have a genuine love for the land and its people, especially the "kanaka maoli," therefore I will not do anything to harm either one. As for running the state, no one person can do that job, however I will work in cooperation with others to achieve optimum results.
What is the greatest problem facing Hawaii and what would you do about it?
The inability to create new revenue reflects our inability to solve problems. Legalize the "Ohana Lottery" creating approximately $180,000,000.00 annually. This will be used to improve the salaries for teachers, policemen, and firefighters. The remainder could be used to reduce or eliminate the 4 percent tax on food and drugs.
What is the first thing you would do to improve Hawaii's public schools?
I would require a $300 donation for each child. This will give the schools the money to obtain the necessary tools to assist our educators. The principal and PTA together will prioritize the funds to be used. The state will match your donation with a rebate for a 3.0 GPA.
