[ LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR ]
James "Duke" Aiona Jr.
Republican
Age: 47 Job: Former Family Court and Circuit Court judge Past: Attorney, mediator, arbitrator
What makes you qualified to be lieutenant governor?
Twenty years public service; Honolulu deputy prosecutor, lead litigator for corporation counsel and 12 years Circuit Court judge. First administrative judge for very successful Drug Court Program. That program returned our fallen drug addicts to their families and clean productive lives while saving the taxpayer $25,000-$30,000 per year per prisoner. ...
What is the biggest problem facing the state and what would you do about it?
Trust in government must be restored with integrity and character in leadership. The economy must be corrected from the inside. Education is imperative to providing a talented workforce. We need to create a business-friendly attitude in state government and reorganize certain government agencies to focus on streamlining permit processes ...
Do you believe state government is too large? If no, why not? If yes, what would you do about it?
Without a complete audit it would be irresponsible to draw a conclusion. I do believe some government agencies should be re-tasked to assist rather than oppress business.
Cam Cavasso
RepublicanAge: 52 Job: Financial insurance and investments adviser Past: Former state representative
What makes you qualified to be lieutenant governor?
Served three terms in the state House of Representatives. Business owner, since the age of 14, (Hydro-Seed Hawaii) still exists today under the leadership of my two sons. Officer in the U.S. Army for five years. The training will be valuable in working with police, firefighters, civil defense and military.
What is the biggest problem facing the state and what would you do about it?
Failure of integrity and character in our government offices and communities. Encourage and motivate people at all levels to performance excellence by creating an atmosphere of trust and to educate people in strong moral values at all levels of society. My mission is to make Hawaii and the governor successful.
Do you believe state government is too large? If no, why not? If yes, what would you do about it?
No. There just needs to be creative leadership to make government services more efficient.
Marvin Franklin
DemocratAge: 46 Job: Radio show host Past: High school GED, two years college; U.S. Marines
What makes you qualified to be lieutenant governor?
I am most qualified because I am not be holding to anyone for anything.
What is the biggest problem facing the state and what would you do about it?
Crime.
Do you believe state government is too large? If no, why not? If yes, what would you do about it?
I would like online elections, so everyone can have more information about candidates.
Clayton H. W. Hee
DemocratAge: 49 Job: Office of Hawaiian Affairs trustee Past: Former state senator, representative
What makes you qualified to be lieutenant governor?
Effective public servants are well-rounded individuals. My experience as a public schools teacher, businessman, legislator, trustee, union employee, husband and father have given me the ability to work with all sectors of society. I can bring people together and find solutions. I am a man of action.
What is the biggest problem facing the state and what would you do about it?
A good public education system is our greatest need. I would look for creative and non-traditional ways to adequately fund all classrooms in the state. One idea would be to increase the transient accommodations tax (tourist tax) by 1/2 to 1 percent and dedicate that additional money to public education.
Do you believe state government is too large? If no, why not? If yes, what would you do about it?
Any entity-government or private-can always be improved and streamlined. But workforce reductions must be made with the full participation of the public employee unions (HGEA, UPW, HSTA, etc.) to ensure essential services are not threatened. I can work with all levels of government, from the executive to the rank and file.
Donna R. Ikeda
DemocratAge: Not given Job: Business consultant Past: Former state representative, senator; ex-BOE member
What makes you qualified to be lieutenant governor?
Experience and proven leadership are my top qualifications for the job. As chairwoman of Ways and Means, I've been out in front providing solutions during tough economic times, and as a member of the Board of Education, I've brought together diverse groups to tackle the issues that face our schools.
What is the biggest problem facing the state and what would you do about it?
Education is the biggest issue facing our state. If we don't change our education system and provide schools with the resources they need, we shut the doors of opportunity to our children. The long-term health of our community demands that we make this commitment.
Do you believe state government is too large? If no, why not? If yes, what would you do about it?
I'm the only candidate who's taken on the size of government and passed meaningful right-sizing. I don't think that across-the-board reductions and percentage cuts are either responsible or effective. We need to focus on providing the core functions of government and not try and be all things to all people.
Renee Ing
NonpartisanAge: 57 Job: City recreation director Past: Worked for A+ afterschool child care, affordable housing
What makes you qualified to be lieutenant governor?
I am used to government paperwork such as the Secretary of State functions, recordation/certification of documents, name changes. Due to community service work and familiarity with the issues facing our state and the close working relationship with Jim Brewer I feel that I can be an effective assistant governor.
What is the biggest problem facing the state and what would you do about it?
Hawaii's greatest problems - they're all connected - are education, the economy, and a lack of political will/guiding political vision of what to do. For long term strategic purposes, I'll help provide the political will to raise $500,000,000 annually to properly fund our underfunded public schools - the foundation of our economy.
Do you believe state government is too large? If no, why not? If yes, what would you do about it?
With downsizing and cuts in the last decade, I often hear government departments are now short-staffed and can't function optimally. The private sector's experience was similar - downsizing negatively impacted the functioning of businesses. Much of the increase in size of state government was because new, needed schools were opened.
Matt Matsunaga
DemocratAge: 44 Job: Attorney Past: State senator; founder, coordinator, Aloha Peace Week
What makes you qualified to be lieutenant governor?
Experience and effectiveness (10 years as a state senator with a proven legislative record and 19 years in the private sector as a business attorney and CPA); demonstrated leadership (in the Senate and community); a clear and achievable vision for Hawaii; commitment to restore ethics, trust, and collaboration in government.
What is the biggest problem facing the state and what would you do about it?
Strengthening our economy to increase opportunity; we must continue to provide adequate support to tourism while developing participation in technologically based niches like information services, renewable energy, and telecommunications/broadband through targeted incentives, tax credits, marketing and promotion.
Do you believe state government is too large? If no, why not? If yes, what would you do about it?
State government includes public schools and the UH; both require adequate resources. The new administration needs to review all state programs, prioritize the core functions of state government, and, where appropriate, consolidate programs so that limited resources can be targeted for the greatest needs.
Michael Kimo Medeiros
NonpartisanAge: 44 Job: State civil engineer Past: Former vice president, Weitzul Construction Inc.
What makes you qualified to be lieutenant governor?
Management, leadership and organizational skills gained from 16 years in the private sector; Understanding operations of executive branch agencies from five years in the public sector; eight years experience running a small business in Hawaii. My aloha for Hawaii, my determination to strengthen voter involvement.
What is the biggest problem facing the state and what would you do about it?
Lack of true accountability brought about by a disenchanted electorate. I would use the authority of the Lieutenant Governor's Office to revitalize the Office of Elections and commit to a continuous education and marketing program to maintain an informed, active, and concerned citizenry.
Do you believe state government is too large? If no, why not? If yes, what would you do about it?
Government is too large and inefficient. I would: Reduce number of appointed positions; allow agencies six months to fill currently vacant civil service positions and thereafter, eliminate those vacant for more than one year; Upgrade computer equipment providing agencies with the technological support needed for more efficient, effective work.
Arthur J. Powell
Free EnergyAge: 74 Job: Retired aerospace engineer Past: Tripler volunteer; massage; assisting homeless
What makes you qualified to be lieutenant governor?
Science background to solve a technical problem as well as an unbiased opinion. I personally was not interested, however Daniel of Revelation of the Ecclesia convinced me of the need and asked that I please help him transition our petroleum economy to a plutonium economy. Low level nuclear radiation is anti-aging.
What is the biggest problem facing the state and what would you do about it?
Lack of progress and progress has 3 stages: 1) ridicule 2) violent opposition 3) self-evident. The purpose of government is infrastructure and utilities for less cost due to improved technology. The state, due to a petroleum economy has stagnated with a dissolving middle class. Enron is only a symptom of the diagnosis.
Do you believe state government is too large? If no, why not? If yes, what would you do about it?
I believe a "promise to pay" private corporate power system makes our state government have the wrong priority and therefore placing the U.S. Navy on the grid would phase out the private corporate Federal Reserve and restore sovereignty with the people again instead of the state. See www.state.hi.us/elections.
Tom (Pohaku) Stone
Natural LawAge: 51 Job: Hawaiian cultural historian, preservationist Past: Sole proprietor, Wind and Wave Sports
What makes you qualified to be lieutenant governor?
I understand the issues that confront all of us as Hawaiian's, communities and individuals. By working closely with many community based organizations and educational agencies, I am truly connected to the aina, the people - aware of their economic needs and hardships in their effort to live fruitful lives as individuals and families.
What is the biggest problem facing the state and what would you do about it?
As I am pro-sovereignty, the issue of Hawaiian entitlements. Begin the process of public education, addressing the issues based on laws, to foster reconciliation. Once completed, we as an entire community can focus on the daily task at hand - economic stabilization, education, and reducing the growing tax burden.
Do you believe state government is too large? If no, why not? If yes, what would you do about it?
Yes! Consolidate, reorganize, and streamline various departments - government agencies need to be organized to function efficiently as one entity and these units need to be justifiable to the taxpayers.
Dalton Tanonaka
RepublicanAge: 48 Job: Former broadcast journalist Past: City Office of Economic Development
What makes you qualified to be lieutenant governor?
The only qualifications, by statute, are filling in during the governor's absence, and making name changes official. I plan to raise the value of this position by making it a proactive, project-oriented job. Otherwise, I believe this position should be abolished as we taxpayers support it with nothing to show for it.
What is the biggest problem facing the state and what would you do about it?
The economy. My international experience and contacts can help create new business opportunities in the Asia-Pacific region. That would build an economy not totally dependent on Japanese tourism. I would immediately work to secure direct air links to the greater China market. And I would lead a bid to move the headquarters of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum from Singapore to Hawaii ...
Do you believe state government is too large? If no, why not? If yes, what would you do about it?
Size is not the question, but rather efficiency. Departments must be examined for productivity. If employee numbers don't match output, then corrections must be made. I believe ethical leadership will inspire greater worker productivity and pride.
Kenneth L. Vaughan
LibertarianAge: 78 Job: Retired civil service electronics engineer Past: U.S. Marine Corps Reserve
What makes you qualified to be lieutenant governor?
I feel qualified to be lieutenant governor having most of my life successfully resolved problems, many of which when I started, I knew little about.
What is the biggest problem facing the state and what would you do about it?
Too much power has been attained, by taking county/city responsible functions into state control. Return functions such as schools and traffic court to county/city.
Do you believe state government is too large? If no, why not? If yes, what would you do about it?
Yes, state government is much too large. Return former city/county functions to the respective city/county. This would greatly reduce state budget.
