[ STATE SENATE ]
24
Kaneohe-Kailua
Pono Chong
DemocratAge: 32 Job: Department of Commerce & Consumer Affairs Past: Ex-senior analyst, Senate Ways & Means
What qualifies you to be a state senator?
My two years as a senior analyst at the Senate Ways and Means gave me an understanding of how legislative process and the state budget works. Also, my six years assisting in legislation at DCCA helps me to understand the impact of legislation to the public and business.
How would you improve Hawaii's public schools, and how would you pay for it?
I would focus on resources in the classroom. I will work to have safe and clean classrooms with enough textbooks and computers so that our children can learn. Also, we need to have fairly compensated certified teachers in the classroom. I would fund these improvements by restructuring the state budget.
What should be done to improve Hawaii's business climate?
I will work to reduce the cost of government regulation. At the DCCA we have reduced the time it takes to process registrations and other forms of licensing. This has greatly benefited the business community. Also, I will work to reduce the costs of mandatory employment costs.
Bob Hogue
RepublicanAge: 49 Job: Writer/ broadcaster Past: State senator; TV sportscaster; play-by-play announcer
What qualifies you to be a state senator?
Politics is about people. As a broadcaster and writer for 25 years, I've worked with thousands of people, hearing their stories, hopes and concerns. I've been involved in the community and dealt with issues unique to our way of life. I've tried to represent the people with respect and responsibility.
How would you improve Hawaii's public schools, and how would you pay for it?
The surest way to improve Hawaii's public schools is to get the community involved. This can be best accomplished through local decision-making. Building partnerships with local businesses will enhance this process. The ultimate in local control allows voters to make their own financial decisions through locally elected school boards.
What should be done to improve Hawaii's business climate?
The economy works best when government is a facilitator in the process, not a stumbling block.
