[ STATE HOUSE ]
31
Moanalua-Salt Lake
Brad Sakamoto
Republican
Age: 32 Job: Managing consultant Past: Former aide, two state legislative sessions
What qualifies you to be a state representative?
I believe that my professional and legislative experience has given me a firsthand opportunity to see the problems that plague our Island home and identify specific solutions to solve them.
What is the most pressing issue facing your district and what would you do about it?
One thing that is brought up continually is the failure of the State to return contributions to the Hurricane Fund to homeowners. The fund should not be raided to pay for the State's shortfalls - the money should be returned or used only for its initial purpose.
What is the best way to stimulate the state's economy?
Eliminate the excise tax on food and medical care. People should not be taxed on basic necessities - such a tax is regressive and wrong. This would put money back in the pockets of our taxpayers and stimulate the economy.
Grant Tanimoto
DemocratAge: 50 Job: Deputy director of Taxation Past: Chairman, Aliamanu/Salt Lake Neighborhood Board
What qualifies you to be a state representative?
I've been a Salt Lake resident for over 20 years and my two children attend public schools in our community. Because of my work with various groups in the community and my work experience at the Legislature, I undertand the issues facing the district and state as a whole.
What is the most pressing issue facing your district and what would you do about it?
Completion of road improvements.
What is the best way to stimulate the state's economy?
We are in the midst of a global economic slowdown; position our economy and diversify the economy in anticipation of the economic rebound. Continue to reduce income tax rates and the pyramiding of the general excise tax.
How would you improve Hawaii's public schools and how would you pay for it?
Through reform, restructuring, and additional resources.
Glenn Wakai
DemocratAge: 35 Job: Former television reporter Past: Volunteer, Shriners Hospital for Children, Make-A-Wish
What qualifies you to be a state representative?
Tenacity. Integrity. Honesty. I built a career based on these attributes. As a television reporter, informed viewers about events in their neighborhoods or decisions affecting their lives. Being a journalist gave me insight into a broad range of issues and taught me how to reach solutions. This background is crucial to crafting laws ...
What is the most pressing issue facing your district and what would you do about it?
Protecting health and retirement benefits. Pending changes to state health funds threaten to derail retirement plans for many residents. We need to secure their future by creating trust funds that don't unfairly sap their fixed incomes. Our rapidly aging population needs affordable access to medical care. ...
What is the best way to stimulate the state's economy?
Promoting clean industries that pay kama'aina well. Let's lure high-tech companies and filmmakers to our shores with tax incentives. By the same token, let's turn the tide on Hawaii's balance of trade by exporting professional services. We have great expertise in such areas as resort development, telecommunications ...
