[ STATE SENATE ]
23
Kahuku-Kaneohe
Melodie Williams Aduja
DemocratAge: 42 Job: Attorney Past: Law degree, Golden Gate University School of Law
What qualifies you to be a state senator?
As a tax attorney with a master's degree in federal taxation, I feel qualified to address tough fiscal issues that undoubtedly will be the central concern of the Legislature. As a working mother of two young children, I also have the compassion to make decisions based on solid family values.
How would you improve Hawaii's public schools, and how would you pay for it?
I would give teachers the financial and moral support they need to educate our children. I would fight for fair compensation from the federal government for mandates such as Felix-related expenses that drain our capacity to teach regular students. I would work for the repair and maintenance of the classrooms.
What should be done to improve Hawaii's business climate?
Government, business and labor form the base of the state's economic ladder. No one can get far without the support of the other two. I would advocate tax initiatives to foster growth, balance labor concerns with the needs of business and appeal to all three to help safeguard our environment.
Lacene Terri
RepublicanAge: 32 Job: House Republican Caucus aide Past: Pacific Basin Economic Council; Aloha United Way
What qualifies you to be a state senator?
Nearly nine years working in both the state Senate and House, I am experienced with the legislative and budget process. Additionally, I continue to witness firsthand countless examples of government waste and inefficiency, bureaucratic traditions overriding basic commonsense solutions, and an endless rehashing of old ideas that must be countered.
How would you improve Hawaii's public schools, and how would you pay for it?
Decisions should be made by local school boards because I believe local needs are best met by local control. To make local control work is to give the community more power, input and say in the way schools are run. Charter schools should be nurtured and protected. ...
What should be done to improve Hawaii's business climate?
Revamp our tax structure, lower taxes and fees across the board, and eliminate unnecessary regulations on business. We need to create a tax policy that encourages increased investment, spending and prudent savings so business can take the lead in doing what business does best: create jobs and stimulate the economy.
