[ STATE HOUSE ]
47
Laie-Kahaluu
Colleen R. Meyer
Republican
Age: 63 Job: Realtor Past: State representative; former member, Kahaluu Neighborhood Board
What qualifies you to be a state representative?
My experiences as a successful wife, mother and small businesswoman, coupled with invaluable knowledge of the legislative process gained during my eight years serving as the state representative to my diverse constituency.
What is the most pressing issue facing your district and what would you do about it?
Good paying jobs, cost of living and quality education. I will continue to fight against new taxes and larger fees, increased regulations and unnecessary legislation. The standard deduction must be raised, and the tax credit to offset the 4 percent excise tax on food and household goods should be re-instated. ...
What is the best way to stimulate the state's economy?
Removing the heavy tax and regulatory burdens on business and the individual taxpayers. Requiring accountability from all state departments and put an end to criminal and unethical practices. Let people and businesses keep more of the money they earn.
D. Keala Naluai (Dottie)
NonpartisanAge: 51 Job: Graduate student, Chaminade Past: League of Women Voters; Faasamoa 2000 conference
What qualifies you to be a state representative?
Being a native Hawaiian and American citizen. Willingness to serve the people in our community and society. Ability to initiate, organize and accomplish tasks important to the health, safety, welfare and prosperity of our people. Knowledge and skills gained as a working class single parent and student of higher learning.
What is the most pressing issue facing your district and what would you do about it?
Community concerns for basic quality educational knowledge and skills - to afford children and adults the competitive advantage for good paying jobs. I would advocate restructuring funding disbursements to provide for improvement in facilities, technology, equipment, materials, supplies and quality educators' salaries ...
What is the best way to stimulate the state's economy?
Providing better avenues for new businesses to start. Providing better avenues for existing businesses to thrive and compete. Generating and increasing capacity for production (manufacturing) of quality goods and services in Hawaii ...
George Okuda
DemocratAge: 58 Job: Retired engineer Past: Hawaiian Electric Co.; Kahaluu Neighborhood Board
What qualifies you to be a state representative?
My five years as a volunteer legislative aide and three years as a session legislative aide have provided me with invaluable experiences in the workings of the Legislature. I have worked with other legislators and community leaders to help resolve community issues.
What is the most pressing issue facing your district and what would you do about it?
There are a number of issues that have been brought up: Education; the economy (jobs); affordable health care; traffic.
What is the best way to stimulate the state's economy?
There are a number of ways. However, we need to look at each island to determine how best the economy (creation of jobs) can be stimulated on that island. In some areas it may be improved agriculture (niche crops) while in other areas it may be other commercial ventures.
Charles Y. Tanouye Jr.
DemocratAge: 49 Job: Construction business Past: Former member, Kahaluu Neighborhood Board
What qualifies you to be a state representative?
Education, work, life experience, community services and professionalism.
What is the most pressing issue facing your district and what would you do about it?
Economy. Team work.
What is the best way to stimulate the state's economy?
To have government, businesses, labor unions and non-profits working together with community vision.
