[ STATE HOUSE ]
24
Manoa
Kirk W. Caldwell
Democrat
Age: 49 Job: Attorney Past: Congressional assistant; Manoa Neighborhood Board
What qualifies you to be a state representative?
As someone born and raised in Hawaii, who worked in Washington for Senator Inouye, clerked for Hawaii Chief Justice William Richardson and House majority leader Russell Blair, and has 18 years in private legal practice, I can hit the ground running and make a difference for Manoa.
What is the most pressing issue facing your district and what would you do about it?
Preserving and enhancing Manoa's unique character, including preventing overbuilding, protecting green space, controlling traffic congestion and noise pollution, reducing crime, and further nurturing its public schools.
What is the best way to stimulate the state's economy?
By further supporting our tourist industry, creating a cabinet level department of tourism, improving our tourism infrastructure such as our airports, beautifying our tourist destination areas, protecting our natural beauty, encouraging low-impact eco-tourism and Hawaiian cultural appreciation.
Tom Heinrich
DemocratAge: 47 Job: Attorney Past: Chairman, Manoa Neighborhood Board; former state Senate staff attorney
What qualifies you to be a state representative?
My extensive community involvement and public service in leadership team roles, 8 years experience as a State Senate staff attorney, openness and fairness in dealing with all people, integrity, commitment to long-term planning and responsible governance, and 43 years as a Manoa resident.
What is the most pressing issue facing your district and what would you do about it?
Role of the University of Hawaii in district land use and economic development issues. Be a strong advocate for public-private partnering opportunities that respect and benefit the community at large (create "university town center" & gain Paradise Park), and help promote UH as one of the Pacific region's greatest resources.
What is the best way to stimulate the state's economy?
Teamwork through public-private partnering, federal-state-county resource coordination, investment in infrastructure projects now, and promotion of educational and cultural assets to the world.opportunities, attract new research and investment capital, and continue tax reforms to reduce excise tax "pyramiding" effect.
Jason Katsuji Iwai
DemocratAge: Not given Job: Professional jockey Past: Manoa Neighborhood Board; director, Hoomaukeola
What qualifies you to be a state representative?
I have been an active participant in Manoa community organizations for over 20 years. During this time, I have worked actively with legislators and City Council members to accomplish community goals. I believe this interaction provides me with a strong experience base on which to represent Manoa's needs in the House of Representatives.
What is the most pressing issue facing your district and what would you do about it?
We need to protect our seniors. If elected, I will work to ensure that long term care remains a top agenda priority in the legislature.
What is the best way to stimulate the state's economy?
We need to continue our diversification efforts in the areas of high technology, agriculture, aquaculture, and scientific and medical research.
Phil Fuji Lee
DemocratAge: 49 Job: Attorney Past: Former city deputy corporation counsel; International Red Cross
What qualifies you to be a state representative?
I have worked at the state House of Representatives and Senate for almost a decade as a chief of staff, chief legal counsel and committee clerk-attorney advocating for the public interest in public policy making, community service, constituent and district advocacy especially for the Manoa, McCully and Moiliili district.
What is the most pressing issue facing your district and what would you do about it?
Preserving the natural and historic beautiful of our district through the use of managed and planned urban developments that prevent over-crowding and over building in already dense urban areas of our district. Restrict and abate governmental and private entities from destroying the historical beauty of our district.
What is the best way to stimulate the state's economy?
Promote value-added, high paying and high tech industries through developing a well educated and highly trained work force to support high tech industries. Diversify Hawaii agriculture and tap abundant oceanic resources through research and development ...
Nadine Nishioka
RepublicanAge: 37 Job: International communication consultant Past: Board, Manoa Girls' Athletic Club
What qualifies you to be a state representative?
As a fourth generation resident of Manoa, I understand that education, the environment, business and family are integral parts of a balanced community. It is my intent to address these concerns and work with our community and legislative leaders to provide a strong foundation for future generations.
What is the most pressing issue facing your district and what would you do about it?
Our economy and education are important issues facing our entire state. We need to boost our economy without raising taxes by allowing small businesses to flourish. We must maintain quality education by working with our teachers and parents instead of against them.
What is the best way to stimulate the state's economy?
1. We need to create a climate for local and small businesses to flourish.
2. Eliminate the excise tax on food and medical services.
3. Develop marketing strategies to energize and enhance our tourist industry.
