[ STATE HOUSE ]
45
Waianae-Makua
Emily J. Auwae
RepublicanAge: 59 Job: State representative Past: Retired, Bank of Hawaii; West Oahu Credit Union
What qualifies you to be a state representative?
Integrity, dedication and the courage to do what is right. A lifelong Waianae resident, I am deeply committed to improving our community. With commonsense leadership and financial experience, I am careful with how government spends our hard-earned tax dollars. I work hard, listen to and fairly represent my community.
How would you improve Hawaii's public schools, and how would you pay for it?
Funding priorities should focus on results in the classroom -- our goal must always be to improve student achievement. We need to increase the emphasis on choice and accountability. In addition, there needs to be serious reform of our education system, such as creating local elected school boards.
What, if anything, should be done to improve Hawaii's business climate?
Reduce taxes and eliminate unnecessary rules and regulations to help small businesses, which are the backbone of our economy, succeed. We must provide incentives for growth and job creation, and target growth industries like high tech and diversified agriculture.
Maile Shimabukuro
DemocratAge: 31 Job: Attorney Past: Legislative analyst, House majority leader; Wai'anae Weed & Seed
What qualifies you to be a state representative?
I have a long history of commitment to public service, expertise in the particular problems facing Wai'anae, and strong roots in the community. I am one of Hawaii's few attorneys specializing in public benefits, e.g., Medicaid, welfare, Social Security. I am ready to affect positive change from the policy-making level.
How would you improve Hawaii's public schools, and how would you pay for it?
Increase funding of public education through, e.g., giving the BOE fund-raising power, lobbying Congress to fund the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act at not less than the 40 percent level, applying additional federal funds, and ensuring that all public money is dedicated to public education ...
What, if anything, should be done to improve Hawaii's business climate?
Support legislation to study the prepaid health care act, and whether revisions, i.e. increases in proportionate shares, are appropriate. Possibly exempt proprietors of small businesses from having to pay unemployment insurance, since by federal law, they are unable to receive benefits in the event their company fails.
