[ STATE SENATE ]
21
Nanakuli-Makua
Colleen Hanabusa
Democrat
Age: Not given Job: Attorney Past: State senator; Advisory Commission on Gender Equity in Sports
What qualifies you to be a state senator?
Having served as the senator for the 21st District since 1998, I believe that I am qualified to serve. Practicing law for approximately 20 years before running for office assisted in my preparation. The most critical qualification is dedication to the community and the issues we are facing.
What is the most pressing issue facing your district and what would you do about it?
The most pressing issue is education. This represents the future for all of the children as well as their quality of life. I have worked to combat environmental challenges such as the air conditioning needs of Mai`li Elementary and encouraged programs such as the media program at Waianae High School. ...
What is the best way to stimulate the state's economy?
In this difficult economic time, we must look at those industries, which are established and stimulate them now. That is why I proposed the Ko`Olina tax credit for the construction and the tourist industries. We need to be creative and to give tourists new reasons to come to Hawaii.
Dickyj Johnson
RepublicanAge: 71 Job: Retired law enforcement official Past: Retired, federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms
What qualifies you to be a state senator?
My 40 years of professional law enforcement as a novice policeman up to a special agent in charge in ATF, and the chief investigator for the Child Support Enforcement Agency qualifies me to be a senator. I don't think a person has to be a lawyer to be a lawmaker.
What is the most pressing issue facing your district and what would you do about it?
The most pressing issue facing Hawaii is the state Board of Education and its state Department of Education. I would vote to give the supervising power to a county school board instead of a state bureaucracy. The current system has failed miserably to educate most of the children in Hawaii.
What is the best way to stimulate the state's economy?
The best way to stimulate the economy is cut state taxes, reduce the size of state government, and make laws more favorable to small businesses. I would not raise taxes and increase the size of state government as the democrats have done for 40 years.
