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47
Laie-Kahaluu
Colleen R. Meyer
RepublicanAge: 63 Job: Realtor Past: State representative; former member, Kahaluu Neighborhood Board
What qualifies you to be a state representative?
My experiences as a successful wife, mother and small-businesswoman, coupled with invaluable knowledge of the legislative process gained during my eight years serving as the state representative to my diverse constituency.
How would you improve Hawaii's public schools, and how would you pay for it?
Decentralizing the public school system into smaller local districts would create a more efficient student-oriented educational environment instead of the present bureaucratic one. Money appropriated by the Legislature would then be controlled at the school level, and more accountability would result in more bang for the educational buck.
What, if anything, should be done to improve Hawaii's business climate?
We need to encourage and cultivate the entrepreneurial spirit responsible for generating most jobs and incomes in Hawaii. We need a well-educated work force. We must reduce taxes in order to encourage business creation. Reduce the size of government; large numbers of government regulators and bureaucrats raises the cost of doing business. ...
George Okuda
DemocratAge: 58 Job: Retired engineer Past: Hawaiian Electric Co.; Kahaluu Neighborhood Board
What qualifies you to be a state representative?
My five years as a volunteer legislative aide and three years as a session legislative aide have provided me with invaluable experiences in the workings of the Legislature. I have worked with other legislators and community leaders to help resolve community issues.
How would you improve Hawaii's public schools, and how would you pay for it?
I would like to review the Department of Education structure and work with the DOE and Board of Education to determine if restructuring is necessary. Any restructuring should be of minimal cost or of a one-time cost only.
What, if anything, should be done to improve Hawaii's business climate?
Reduction of taxes alone will not improve Hawaii's business climate. There must be greater collaboration between government and businesses.
