[ HONOLULU CITY COUNCIL ]
2
Mililani Mauka-Ahuimanu
Donovan Dela Cruz
Age: 29 Job: Director of marketing, Watermark Publishing Past: Chairman, Wahiawa Neighborhood Board
What makes you qualified to be a City Council member?
I serve as the Wahiawa Neighborhood Board chair and participate in various community projects, volunteering service as a communications specialist. My private-sector experience has been primarily in the visitor industry, the backbone of our economy. I value honesty and openness, and vow accessibility as a member of the City Council.
Do you support the city's Bus Rapid Transit project? Explain your support or objections.
Affected landowners and businesses must be consulted to ensure the success of BRT. I support affordable, convenient and accessible alternatives to cars. To reduce traffic congestion and pollution, we also need to implement Transportation System Management Initiatives ...
If the city budget has a shortfall, would you favor raising taxes, cutting programs or a combination? Explain what taxes or programs would be affected.
I do not support raising taxes. We need to consider increasing revenues: Prioritize basic services, ensuring that the health and safety of the community is protected; review user fees for city services; increase revenues at city facilities, such as golf courses ...
Gerald Hagino
Age: 52 Job: Research Oceanic Institute Past: Former state representative, senator
What makes you qualified to be a City Council member?
I have 14 years of legislative experience in the state House and Senate, plus two years working as an executive assistant in the Managing Director's Office. I have an understanding of how government works and where to go to get things done or for information.
Do you support the city's Bus Rapid Transit project? Explain your support or objections.
This project is currently under way, and I would support it to give it time to see whether it will work. I believe it is one component in alleviating traffic problems. Other traffic management systems will have to be initiated to work along with this project to make an impact on easing traffic congestion.
If the city budget has a shortfall, would you favor raising taxes, cutting programs or a combination? Explain what taxes or programs would be affected.
I believe the city will be facing a shortfall and would need to study what the mayor's plan would be to address this problem. A combination of raising taxes, going to the Legislature for authority, for broader taxing authority and streamlining departments and programs will probably be necessary.
