[ STATE HOUSE ]
49
Maunawili-Kaneohe
Clyde Ben "Kupono" Morita
Democrat
Age: 58 Job: Environmental/business consultant Past: U.S. Public Health Service on inactive reserve
What qualifies you to be a state representative?
I am educated, experienced, and ethical. I have demonstrated in my career and years of community service that I have the maturity and commitment to effectively serve the people of Kaneohe and Kailua.
What is the most pressing issue facing your district and what would you do about it?
What troubles all of us is that there is nobody we can count on anymore, especially in government. We need to bring back performance, accountability and ethics in government and get what we deserve from our hard-earned tax dollars. I would make sure that my staff and I maintain the highest of standards, encourage others to do the same, and speak out when there is unethical behavior.
What is the best way to stimulate the state's economy?
Provide smart tax credits for big businesses to encourage revenue enhancing and/or job-creating initiatives. Create a climate that helps and rewards (not penalizes) small businesses. Provide quality educational opportunities ... from pre-school through university.
Michael Masao Ng
DemocratAge: 29 Job: Former budget analyst Past: Finance, sales, education; state Senate budget analyst
What qualifies you to be a state representative?
I have spent the past three legislative sessions as a budget analyst with the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. While I have no political experience as far as campaigning goes, I hope that my previous experience in the Legislature will convince voters that I am worthy of their vote.
What is the most pressing issue facing your district and what would you do about it?
Our schools are in a sorry state as far as their physical condition goes. If we really want our children to learn, we must let them know that we put them and their facilities first. We must spend more efficiently and wisely for our children.
What is the best way to stimulate the state's economy?
We must strengthen our primary economic source, tourism. At the same time, we must seek to diversify our economy. I believe that making Hawaii attractive for technology companies will help us in this effort.
David A. Pendleton
RepublicanAge: 35 Job: Pastor and lawyer Past: State representative; former university administrator
What qualifies you to be a state representative?
I have a passion for problem solving, helping people, and making a difference. I bring my training in teaching, law, religion, and politics to bear on challenges facing this Windward community where I grew up. I have four children and understand the difficulties families in Hawaii face.
What is the most pressing issue facing your district and what would you do about it?
Asking what is most pressing is like asking which blade of the scissors is most important. We have to work on both education and the economy. Not one before the other but both together. Our keiki deserve the best schools and a vibrant economy in which to work when they graduate.
What is the best way to stimulate the state's economy?
I firmly believe that you cannot tax and spend your way to prosperity. That is why I oppose tax increases. The ever-growing cost of government is too great a burden for Hawaii's families. We must prioritize and streamline - and with the savings fund tax reductions.
