[ STATE SENATE ]
23
Kahuku-Kaneohe
Melodie Williams Aduja
Democrat
Age: 42 Job: Attorney Past: Law degree, Golden Gate University School of Law
What qualifies you to be a state senator?
As a tax attorney with a master's degree in federal taxation, I feel qualified to address tough fiscal issues that undoubtedly will be the central concern of the Legislature. As a working mother of two young children, I also have the compassion to make decisions based on solid family values.
What is the most pressing issue facing your district and what would you do about it?
The economy continues to be a big concern in my community. I would advocate balancing our expenditures to meet revenue shortfalls. We must prioritize government spending based on health and safety needs along with providing quality public education. We must also be absolutely fair in allocating our tax dollars.
What is the best way to stimulate the state's economy?
Making bureaucracy work more efficiently will reduce the cost of government. This could free up money for tax incentives that can be powerful tools to stimulate the economy. Quality education is the single most effective long-term economic stimulus. An educated work force also improves the quality of life in Hawaii.
Bob Nakata
DemocratAge: 61 Job: Minister, instructor, administrator Past: State senator; executive director, KEY Project
What qualifies you to be a state senator?
Broad experience in the community on issues of water, land use, human relations, community development, administration, teaching, science, facilitation, and leadership.
What is the most pressing issue facing your district and what would you do about it?
Education is the most pressing issue. I believe that Dr. LeMahieu has put together a good set of standards and contents and that Ms. Pat Hamamoto can do well in implementing them, if given the resources in the classroom. To pull up the system again would be more harmful than helpful.
What is the best way to stimulate the state's economy?
Short term, continue CIP spending on school and University to eliminate the Repair and Maintenance backlog will put money into the economy. Coupled with it and in the long term, improve the education system. The first will stimulate the economy while tourism recovers and the second will provide long-term recovery.
Solomon D.K. Nalua'i
NonpartisanAge: 63 Job: Retired surgeon Past: Health planning consultant; executive, business administrator
What qualifies you to be a state senator?
Citizen, over 18, resident and registered voter.
What is the most pressing issue facing your district and what would you do about it?
Water issues; Supplement Leeward water by Waianae Mountain aquifers.
What is the best way to stimulate the state's economy?
Cut red-tape and GE taxes; Exempt Hawaii from the 1920 Jones Act; More fee-simple lands for business investors.
Lacene Terri
RepublicanAge: 32 Job: House GOP Caucus aide Past: Pacific Basin Economic Council; Aloha United Way
What qualifies you to be a state senator?
Nearly nine years working in both the state Senate and House, I am experienced with the legislative and budget process. Additionally, I continue to witness firsthand countless examples of government waste & inefficiency, bureaucratic traditions overriding basic commonsense solutions, and an endless re-hashing of old ideas that must be countered.
What is the most pressing issue facing your district and what would you do about it?
Government Reform. I would like to see government leaders who shy from action and accountability make way for leaders who have the courage to embrace a new and far-reaching vision rather than settle for riding the momentum of a bloated, status quo machine.
What is the best way to stimulate the state's economy?
Reduce taxes on consumers and businesses, eliminate state taxation of life's basic necessities (food, shelter and medical services), eliminate government waste and duplication of services, and minimize government costs to free substantial funds from government control and keep money circulating in the local economy.
