[ STATE HOUSE ]
41
Waipahu-Waikele
Jon Riki Karamatsu
Democrat
Age: 27 Job: Attorney Past: Administrative assistant, Sen. Carol Fukunaga; Teacher, Kyoiku Juku Ltd.
What qualifies you to be a state representative?
I enjoy working with people and will hear all sides of an issue before making a decision that is best for Hawaii. I will utilize my legal education and my experience at the legislature to carefully enact laws that will diversify our economy and improve our public education system.
What is the most pressing issue facing your district and what would you do about it?
As I walked throughout my district, many neighbors were concerned about the quality of life in Hawaii. I will push for a strong economy, thus jobs and services can be provided. In addition, I will see to it that government is efficient and responsible in its spending.
What is the best way to stimulate the state's economy?
Remove barriers that discourage trade and the creation of jobs, tax incentives to stimulate other industries such as technology, biotechnology, health, and film, revitalize the tourism industry by making Hawaii a business and visitor destination, eliminate government waste and increase efficiency, and ensure accountability of your tax dollars.
Rito Saniatan
DemocratAge: 42 Job: Insurance agent Past: Board member, AYSO West Oahu Soccer
What qualifies you to be a state representative?
I work and live in our district since 1986. I am involved in community service: Royal Kunia Community Association and AYSO West Oahu Soccer. I graduated from Waianae High and University of Hawaii with bachelor of business administration. I have worked for various financial institutions locally: International Savings, United Mortgage & Allstate Insurance.
What is the most pressing issue facing your district and what would you do about it?
Schools and Traffic. My district is growing rapidly. We need elementary, middle and high school. We need to incorporate schools into the vision planning. The on/off ramp from H-1 freeway needs to be widen to eliminate traffic congestion.
What is the best way to stimulate the state's economy?
Creations of jobs through diversifications. We cannot depend on tourism as our sole major industry. We need to look into housing and commercial development, perhaps small level of agriculture.
Nathan H. Takeuchi
DemocratAge: 31 Job: Office Manager, Rep. Roy Takumi's office Past: Moiliili Community Center, Children's Program
What qualifies you to be a state representative?
Nathan has a combined total of six years working experience getting tough bills passed in the State House. He is actively involved in Waipahu as a senior legislative aide and office manager to Rep. Roy Takumi (Waipahu/Pearl City). Graduated with an MA in Public Administration.
What is the most pressing issue facing your district and what would you do about it?
Nathan believes that we cannot grow our economy without protecting our environment. Sustained economic development is not possible without clean air, drinkable water, detoxified waste dumps, protected natural areas and streams, with the sensible development and use of our lands, waterways and ocean resources.
What is the best way to stimulate the state's economy?
Nathan supports developing athletic, cultural and artistic events, and the film industry to generate new revenue, jobs and industry growth, which enhances our quality of life without significant burdens to our environment or infrastructure. These events also promote the tourism industry ...
Annette Yamaguchi
DemocratAge: 61 Job: Owner, daycare facilities Past: State "Volunteer of the Year"; Waipahu Neighborhood Board
What qualifies you to be a state representative?
As a 40-year resident of Waipahu, I believe I truly know the issues and sentiment of our community. I have made it a priority to be involved in numerous community activities which support the betterment of our community. This includes services which directly benefit our youth, educational needs, crime ...
What is the most pressing issue facing your district and what would you do about it?
The most pressing issue in Waipahu is the lack of economic diversity in Waipahu. The closing of the sugar mill and businesses dependent upon the sugar mill workers hurt our community. We need to attract businesses into Waipahu which can motivate our economy, such as training facilities, manufacturing ...
What is the best way to stimulate the state's economy?
We need again to diversify and use creative thinking. Think out of the box on how we can attract businesses here which can take advantage of our time zone and climate. ... businesses that can take advantage of time zones between the U.S. mainland and Asia ...
