[ STATE HOUSE ]
38
Mililani
Gary M. Ishikawa
RepublicanAge: 54 Job: Board of Water Supply chief of operations Past: Ex-deputy director, Maui Water Department
What qualifies you to be a state representative?
From my drinking-water background, I have a deep appreciation of one of Hawaii's most precious resources -- water. It's easy for me to translate that appreciation to the most precious resource: "our children." From my 30 years of military service in the Army Reserves, I have strong core values of dedication ...
How would you improve Hawaii's public schools, and how would you pay for it?
The current system of a centralized Board of Education with coordination required with the state departments of Health and Accounting and General Services is not working. I believe that a return of education to the community is the answer. ... Citizens need to feel that the education system is a part of the community. ...
What, if anything, should be done to improve Hawaii's business climate?
Cut government regulations that would create a more business-friendly environment.
Marilyn B. Lee
DemocratAge: 62 Job: Registered nurse, manager Past: State representative; Mililani Waipio Neighborhood Board
What qualifies you to be a state representative?
The only practicing health professional in the Legislature, I am able to provide valuable input related to our second-largest industry, health care. My experience in the private sector as a manager is a valuable skill, which I have put to use in my present position of majority floor leader.
How would you improve Hawaii's public schools, and how would you pay for it?
Enlarging the school board; creating single member districts; giving more power to the complex as the basic organizational unit; upgrading the level of instruction by making use of our community colleges; building schools for multiple future use; investing in teacher education; and increasing our share of federal funding.
What, if anything, should be done to improve Hawaii's business climate?
I agree with Mike Fitzgerald, of Enterprise Honolulu, an economic development organization: "We must initiate a collaborative process to build trust among companies, organizations and agencies that make up Hawaii's economic development community." We must work together to make things better for our communities and our state.
