[ STATE SENATE ]
8
Diamond Head-Hawaii Kai
Frances K. Kagawa
DemocratAge: 70 Job: Retired public employee Past: Legislative assistant, Sen. Colleen Hanabusa
What qualifies you to be a state senator?
My life experiences and work experiences in both the private small- business sector and as a public service employee. My nearly 30 years of political involvement and most of all my ability to bring people together to work as a team.
How would you improve Hawaii's public schools, and how would you pay for it?
Build stronger parent, teacher, community-based organization to improve, support the spirit and strength of each school. If all public school PTA's band together, they will be a stronger voice. This group needs representation on the Board of Education, which sets policies. Form partnerships. Tax incentives for businesses that support schools, institute fees ...
What should be done to improve Hawaii's business climate?
Encourage local businesses through reasonable tax incentives which will help them to compete with the large mainland businesses.
Samuel M. Slom
RepublicanAge: 60 Job: Consulting economist Past: President, Small Business Hawaii; state senator
What qualifies you to be a state senator?
My background as a business owner, educator and public finance analyst, as well as involved parent of public school children and our community qualifies me to continue to serve the public in the state Senate.
How would you improve Hawaii's public schools, and how would you pay for it?
The public schools must be decentralized with local, elected control and maximum parental input. Emphasis must be on achievement and measurable goals. Meaningful support for charter schools. We have enough financing with current revenue sources; we just don't prioritize and implement the recommendations of the state auditor. ...
What should be done to improve Hawaii's business climate?
Listen to the business risk-takers who have begged for a level playing field; the end to political favoritism and elimination of political retribution. Forbes is right, and we should correct our clearly defined problems instead of killing the messenger. Taxes, regulations and the nation's costliest employer mandates stifle business investment. ...
