[ STATE SENATE ]
11
Makiki-Punchbowl
Casey K. Choi
Republican
Age: 42 Job: Marketing and sales Past: Hawaii millennium commissioner; real estate commissioner
What qualifies you to be a state senator?
I have many experiences with the travel and tourism industry. We need someone who has tourism as their specialty in the state Senate.
What is the most pressing issue facing your district and what would you do about it?
Litter and trash in the streets are building up day by day. To protect the environment, and our home, we need to clean up after ourselves.
What is the best way to stimulate the state's economy?
Looking for more investors, not only from mainland USA but also from other nations, to be the center of Pacific Business in the World.
Carol Fukunaga
DemocratAge: 55 Job: Attorney Past: State senator; former state representative
What qualifies you to be a state senator?
I'm committed to community-driven decision-making, and assuring access to information that assists residents in making thoughtful decisions. I have ... community and legislative experience on such issues as public access, high-tech, government spending ...
What is the most pressing issue facing your district and what would you do about it?
Urban stress: traffic congestion, crime prevention, aging infrastructure (schools, roads). The most effective solutions require well-coordinated efforts between citizens, all levels of government, neighborhood businesses, community leaders. For example, community mobilization at all levels made the difference in fixing aging schools. ...
What is the best way to stimulate the state's economy?
Invest in upgrading the skills of Hawaii's workforce. Hotels invested in upgrading their inventory when visitor counts were low. UH offered free tuition to those laid off after last year's Sept. 11th tragedy. A comprehensive effort to upgrade workforce skills towards high-demand industries and professions makes good economic sense.
Jake Wurthner
RepublicanAge: 28 Job: Realtor associate Past: Fraternal Order of Masons; Elks Youth Activities
What qualifies you to be a state senator?
If elected, my personal and business backgrounds are the qualifications I bring to the state Senate. As a husband and soon-to-be-father, as well as a businessman, I understand the hardships that we face to succeed in a declining economy. I'd take it as my personal responsibility to bring about positive change ...
What is the most pressing issue facing your district and what would you do about it?
We must improve our economy to provide for our families. My district ... is struggling during these slow economic times. We must work together to stimulate the economy, change the way we treat business, and run a more efficient government.
What is the best way to stimulate the state's economy?
Our government needs to make both financial and behavioral changes toward businesses to help them grow. Lowering taxes and giving tax credits as well as establishing business-friendly attitudes and policies will promote growth. Allowing for more competitive markets will create jobs, lower prices to consumers and give us more money to invest and spend locally.
