[ STATE HOUSE ]

35
Pearl City-Waipahu

Henry Aquino

Democrat

Age: 27 Job: Assistant youth director Past: Former chairman of Agape Ministry of Hawaii-Pacific

What qualifies you to be a state representative?

I believe I'm qualified because of my experiences with youth and young adults in my community, and I'm college-educated. That combination of service and education, with the ears to listen to others, qualifies myself as a representative.

What is the most pressing issue facing your district, and what would you do about it?

There's a lack of community pride in Waipahu. If we can cooperate and work together, we can overcome this main issue. If we can get to the root of it, we will be able to deal with the issues of drugs, crime, improving schools. ...

Do you support or oppose Gov. Linda Lingle's plan to break up the statewide Board of Education? Explain.

I oppose our governor's plan because I support a single, elected statewide BOE. This provides clear lines of accountability and improves services for the students.

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John Nuusa

Republican

Age: None given Job: Sales executive-USA (Polynesian Airlines)

What qualifies you to be a state representative?

I am a good listener. In order for me to well represent the people, I must listen before I speak.

What is the most pressing issue facing your district, and what would you do about it?

Crime and education issues. Propose legislations that help create programs for those who are involved in criminal activities.

Do you support or oppose Gov. Linda Lingle's plan to break up the statewide Board of Education? Explain.

I totally support Gov. Lingle's plan. It is obvious a centralized Board of Education doesn't work. Let's try Gov. Lingle's plan, and I am certain it's a good plan.

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Alex M. Sonson

Democrat

Age: 44 Job: Attorney; state representative, District 35 Past: Volunteer legal counsel, several community associations

What qualifies you to be a state representative?

As a public servant, I offer myself to the people of Hawaii as a representative with a unique life experience. I am a first-generation immigrant with a long list of jobs since the age of 11, currently an attorney by profession. ...

What is the most pressing issue facing your district, and what would you do about it?

There are a lot of pressing issues that face my community, such as business and jobs, education, health care and crime. I intend to look for opportunities to increase tax collection without burdening Hawaii residents. ...

Do you support or oppose Gov. Linda Lingle's plan to break up the statewide Board of Education? Explain.

I agree with the governor that improving our public school system is a priority with the people of Hawaii. However, her slogan, "Let the people decide," does little to explain the governor's very complex plan to control education dollars. ...

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