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Maunawili-Kaneohe
Clyde Ben "Kupono" Morita
DemocratAge: 58 Job: Environmental/business consultant Past: U.S. Public Health Service on inactive reserve
What qualifies you to be a state representative?
I am educated, experienced and ethical. I have demonstrated in my career and years of community service that I have the maturity and commitment to effectively serve the people of Kaneohe and Kailua.
How would you improve Hawaii's public schools, and how would you pay for it?
Coming from a family of educators, I have seen many excellent, hard-working teachers, whose only reward at times is the personal satisfaction of seeing their students learn and thrive. We have to let our teachers teach, and release them from the unnecessarily burdensome paperwork.
Absolutely all students should have books to take home and study - no student should have to share books or not be allowed to take them out of class.
What, if anything, should be done to improve Hawaii's business climate?
Take care of small business, which is the heart of our economy. Big businesses will continue to become more regionalized. Let us make sure that the cost of doing business is consistent with the quality of life for companies and its employees.
David A. Pendleton
RepublicanAge: 35 Job: Pastor and lawyer Past: State representative; former university administrator
What qualifies you to be a state representative?
I have a passion for problem-solving, helping people and making a difference. I bring my training in teaching, law, religion and politics to bear on challenges facing this Windward community where I grew up. I have four children and understand the difficulties families in Hawaii face.
How would you improve Hawaii's public schools, and how would you pay for it?
As the parent of a public school child, I believe we must decentralize the state Board of Education, thus bringing decision-makers closer to the people. As the spouse of a former BOE member, I have been taught that simply spending more money is not the answer.
What, if anything, should be done to improve Hawaii's business climate?
We must make Hawaii a place where business owners and entrepreneurs are welcome and job creation is encouraged. We must streamline our processes, cutting down on red tape and ensuring that we have an environment where businesses can thrive.
