[ STATE HOUSE ]
50
Kaneohe-Kailua
Avis Alokele Jervis
DemocratAge: 55 Job: Paralegal Past: Former state representative; Honolulu Liquor Commission
What qualifies you to be a state representative?
Being a lifelong resident of Hawaii. My background includes public and community service and doing business in Hawaii. I previously served in the state House and as a liquor commissioner, and I helped found the Windward Spouse Abuse Shelter. In addition, I have managed small businesses ... and served on the Kailua Chamber of Commerce.
How would you improve Hawaii's public schools, and how would you pay for it?
Decentralize the Board of Education by creating regional boards of education and encouraging the development of charter schools. Direct funds to classrooms and decrease classroom size by reducing the wasteful educational bureaucracy. Provide a good learning atmosphere by working to eliminate drugs from school campuses.
What, if anything, should be done to improve Hawaii's business climate?
Cut state taxes and regulations. Legalize, better regulate and aggressively market bed-and-breakfasts and short-term rental properties to increase tourism in areas throughout the state. Encourage the diversification of our economy ...
Cynthia Thielen
RepublicanAge: 69 Job: Attorney Past: State representative; former vice chairwoman, Kailua Neighborhood Board
What qualifies you to be a state representative?
As experienced member of Judiciary Committee and co-chair of House Women's Caucus, I successfully shepherded bills through the Legislature to strengthen our criminal code and prevent domestic violence. Using my experience as an environmental attorney on House Environmental Committees, I worked to preserve Hawaii's natural resources.
How would you improve Hawaii's public schools, and how would you pay for it?
It costs too much to maintain our expensive, top-heavy Department of Education. Adequate funding simply doesn't get through the bureaucracy to classrooms to teach children to read, write and learn mathematics. Decentralize. Create regionally elected school boards ...
What, if anything, should be done to improve Hawaii's business climate?
Hawaii's business climate ranks lowest in nation. Government must stop competing with small businesses, the backbone of our economy. We need an honest government that operates on merit, not on favoritism. Departmentwide audits will show how we can reduce cost of government. ...
