[ STATE HOUSE ]
36
Pearl City-Palisades
Charles Aono
Democrat
Age: 54 Job: GE Long Term Care Division Past: Board, Pearl City Community Association
What qualifies you to be a state representative?
[No response]
What is the most pressing issue facing your district and what would you do about it?
Crime.
What is the best way to stimulate the state's economy?
[No response]
Christopher A. Prendergast
RepublicanAge: 49 Job: Real estate agent Past: Airport manager positions with two airlines
What qualifies you to be a state representative?
I am making myself available to the people of my district to be their voice in the state Legislature on matters of concern to the constituency. As the name implies, the office holder should accurately represent the opinion of the community he/she represents. Too often, however, personal and partisan politics prevail.
What is the most pressing issue facing your district and what would you do about it?
The notorious "quality of education" is of major concern to my community, as supported by recent surveys. There is much finger-pointing as to who is to blame, whether it be administration, teachers, parents. I support efforts to establish local school boards, to allow more collaborative involvement (teachers, students, parents, businesses).
What is the best way to stimulate our economy?
Too much legislation and regulation stymies the economy and sends messages to industry that Hawaii restricts free enterprise and is inconducive to profitability. A diversified economy, less dependent on tourism, will attract more high-tech businesses. ...
Roy M. Takumi
DemocratAge: 49 Job: Hawaii State AFL-CIO communications director Past: State representative
What qualifies you to be a state representative?
A commitment to public service, a passion for public policy, and familiarity with the legislative process. Most importantly, the ability to build the necessary consensus to resolve tough issues such as my efforts this year to reduce the cost of prescription drugs.
What is the most pressing issue facing your district and what would you do about it?
In particular, traffic concerns especially with the planned Wal-Mart. In general, the economy and education. Any planned development must work in partnership with groups such as the PCCA and the Pearl City Task Force. I will continue to work closely with these groups to seek solutions to the growing traffic problem.
What is the best way to stimulate the state's economy?
First, continue to support and invest in the University of Hawaii and the Community College system. This was my priority as chair of the House Higher Education Committee the past two years. Second, encourage outside investment and new industries but not at the expense of local workers and businesses.
Noboru (Nobu) Yonamine
DemocratAge: 68 Job: YMCA youth director Past: State representative; former member, Board of Education
What qualifies you to be a state representative?
I have always been actively involved in the communities where I live and work both here and on the mainland. I get to know the people and their concerns about the issues and needs of the community. I come to the Legislature with this essential community-based experience.
What is the most pressing issue facing your district and what would you do about it?
As more development is contemplated for our community, adequate planning with neighborhood involvement is needed. Traffic flow control, noise abatement, survival of small businesses and preservation of residential areas are essential. Adequate resources for schools, drug prevention education and the development of community volunteers are vital needs.
What is the best way to stimulate the state's economy?
Offer companies incentives to do business in Hawaii. Support UH and affiliated agencies in developing research projects. Assess government services vs. privatization with legislative oversight. Do a comprehensive study of tax revenues and streamline spending without hurting education, social services ...
