[ HONOLULU CITY COUNCIL ]
9
Kunia-Mililani Town
Nestor R. Garcia
Age: 45 Job: Bank vice president Past: State representative; former television news reporter
What makes you qualified to be a City Council member?
For the past 10 years, I have been serving the people of Hawaii, first as a senior aide to U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye, and then as a state lawmaker for the past eight years. Dealing with issues at all levels of government makes me well qualified to be a Council member.
Do you support the city's Bus Rapid Transit project? Explain your support or objections.
I am aware of a number of concerns voiced by the public, and suggest we diligently review each phase of the project. However, any alternative transit project has to be viewed as just one of a number of solutions, including redirecting Honolulu-bound traffic to other employment destinations such as Kapolei.
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.
We cannot cut the delivery of critical city services to Oahu residents. The administration and the Council must work together to prioritize programs in these financially challenging times. We also need to grow the tax base by creating the environment that will lead to well-meaning and well-paying jobs.
Michael S. Nakamura
Age: 55 Job: Retired chief of police Past: College lecturer; member, state Board of Education
What makes you qualified to be a City Council member?
Understanding of the working operations of the City and County of Honolulu. Twenty-eight years of government service with the Honolulu Police Department, the last 7 1/2 years as chief of police overseeing a work force of 2,400 personnel. Tested, proven integrity via past public scrutiny.
Do you support the city's Bus Rapid Transit project? Explain your support or objections.
No. I don't support the city's Bus Rapid Transit Project because I feel there are better options available to keep operational costs down.
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 would favor cutting programs or unnecessary expenditures. A review of the city's Capital Improvement Project contracts, to eliminate or minimize change orders, is in order and would save a substantial amount of tax dollars.
