[ STATE SENATE ]
9
Kahala-Palolo
Gladys Gerlich Hayes
RepublicanAge: 70 Job: Retired small-business person Past: B'Glad Corp.; Palolo Neighborhood Board
What qualifies you to be a state senator?
Serving the people of my district in the community (vice chair, Neighborhood Board, Palolo) for two terms. Being active in my party and running for other political offices has given me the experience and knowledge to serve in the state Senate 9th District.
How would you improve Hawaii's public schools, and how would you pay for it?
To improve Hawaii public schools will take working closely with the BOE to improve the curriculum for those who wish to go to college. Offer classes in shop, auto mechanics, working with business community in senior year so that jobs will be available upon graduation. Most importantly, supporting our teachers with a fair wage and benefits as they develop our children ...
What should be done to improve Hawaii's business climate?
Improving Hawaii's business climate ties in with stimulating the economy. Cutting down on taxes, looking to eliminate waste of the taxpayers money and rewarding new business and expanding business. Cutting down on the red tape to start and complete projects could be a good way.
Les Ihara Jr.
DemocratAge: 51 Job: State senator Past: Former state representative; Oahu Democratic Party ex-chairman
What qualifies you to be a state senator?
Eight years each in the House and Senate, extensive involvement and knowledge of communities in the district, partnership with citizen-based good-government groups, and much experience coordinating community-based networks dealing with issues such as the economy, education, crime prevention, long-term care and environment.
How would you improve Hawaii's public schools, and how would you pay for it?
I would move as much funding and decision-making authority from central control to individual schools as is necessary for success, and have parent and community-based groups hold each school accountable for educational outcomes, with new costs paid from cost savings in the educational system ...
What should be done to improve Hawaii's business climate?
Revise government's regulations and processes to reflect its shift in approach from regulator to facilitator of business activity, reduce paperwork required from businesses, reconfigure and update the system of taxes and fees, and provide an array of services that support businesses ...
