[ STATE SENATE ]
8
Diamond Head-Hawaii Kai
Frances K. Kagawa
Democrat
Age: 70 Job: Retired public employee Past: Legislative assistant, Sen. Colleen Hanabusa
What qualifies you to be a state senator?
My life experiences and work experiences in both the private small business sector and as a public service employee. My nearly 30 years of political involvement and most of all my ability to bring people together to work as a team.
What is the most pressing issue facing your district and what would you do about it?
The most pressing issue is the economy. Senior citizen residents need to know that their "fixed incomes" will be able to pay their living expenses. Eliminating taxes on prescription drugs will help to stretch the seniors' tight budgets. Working families need to have confidence in their job security and income levels.
What is the best way to stimulate the state's economy?
Keep people working. Keep the money here. With job security and decent wages, more people will have the disposable income available to spend. People spending money within the state is ultimately what keeps the local economy going.
Samuel M. Slom
RepublicanAge: 60 Job: Consulting economist Past: President, Small Business Hawaii; state senator
What qualifies you to be a state senator?
My background as a business owner, educator and public finance analyst, as well as involved parent of public school children and our community qualifies me to continue to serve the public in the state Senate.
What is the most pressing issue facing your district and what would you do about it?
The most pressing issue facing my district and the state is economic vitality, diversification and relief from a high and unfair tax burden. All other issues - education, health, personal safety - depend on a vibrant economy producing jobs and economic opportunities.
What is the best way to stimulate the state's economy?
The best way to stimulate the economy is to 1) reduce oppressive taxation (especially the GET on food, drugs and low income rentals; 2) reduce government spending; 3) lower government debt, and 4) improve the business climate by rewarding individuals for WHAT they know rather than WHO they know.
