U.S. CONGRESS
U.S. Senate / U.S. House: 1st District (urban Oahu) / U.S. House 2nd District (rural Oahu -- Neighbor Islands)
U.S. House
U.S. House: 1st District (Urban Oahu) / U.S. House 2nd District (Rural Oahu -- Neighbor Islands)
Neil Abercrombie
Democrat
Age: 68
Job: Congressman
Past: Hawaii Legislature, 1974-86; Honolulu Council, 1988-90; Congress, 1986, 1991-now
What qualifies you to serve in the U.S. Congress?
I've used my seniority in Congress, relationships on both sides of the aisle and teamwork as a member of Hawaii's congressional delegation to represent our state effectively. One example: $3 billion in Hawaii military construction projects since 1991.
What should the United States do in Iraq? Explain.
Our troops have performed honorably and bravely. They've done everything we've asked of them. Now it's time for the president to set a timetable to bring our troops home so Iraqis themselves can assume responsibility for governing their own country.
What should the U.S. do to reduce its dependence on imported oil?
We need to develop sources of renewable energy. I've secured federal funds for sugar-to-ethanol, photovoltaic and wave energy projects here in Hawaii. I am also sponsoring bills to provide tax incentives for clean energy sources like solar ...
Richard Noah Hough
Republican
Age: 35
Job: Defense analyst (Army Transformation)
Past: Veteran, 16 years military service
What qualifies you to serve in the U.S. Congress?
An in-depth modern military knowledge! The absence of these skills in Congress account for their historically high levels of delegated responsibility and record defense costs. I have an in-depth understanding of the long-term effects of a depreciating dollar ...
What should the United States do in Iraq? Explain.
As a professional soldier, and commissioned officer, I understand that there is only one acceptable solution once hostilities commence -- victory.
What should the U.S. do to reduce its dependence on imported oil?
My opponent believes the answer lies in development of domestic oil production; I believe the U.S. should invest in natural, nuclear, and work-related alternatives. We should also seek development of viable electric cars and pursue long-term urban development schemes ...
Alexandra Kaan
Democrat
Age: 56
Job: Immigration attorney
Past: Deputy prosecutor; attorney adviser SBA; law of contracts educator
What qualifies you to serve in the U.S. Congress?
A strong desire to achieve meaningful immigration reform, and considerable education that is combined with real-life experience qualify me ... My immigration background both as a professional and as having actually walked across the U.S. border ...
What should the United States do in Iraq? Explain.
U.N. peacekeeping troops should maintain peace in Iraq and throughout the middle east after the U.S. troops are brought home. Syria and Iran backing Lebanon and its war with Israel are making the whole world a battleground ...
What should the U.S. do to reduce its dependence on imported oil?
The U.S. can develop solar and wave energy to reduce its dependence of fossil fuel in general. Ethanol can be made from sugar, which would make for cleaner air.
Mark Terry
Republican
Age: Not given
Job: Real estate agent
Past: Former neighborhood board chairman
What qualifies you to serve in the U.S. Congress?
Longtime political activist, with views that better represent the people than those of the incumbent.
What should the United States do in Iraq? Explain.
Remove the troops as quickly and safely and prudently possible. The insurgency can be better stopped by police than by troops.
What should the U.S. do to reduce its dependence on imported oil?
Develop and use alternate energy sources, such as wind, waves, solar and alcohol. Give tax breaks to encourage new energy-source use. Demand the Dept. of Energy do meaningful research.
Hanalei Y. Aipoalani
Democratic
Age: 27
Job: Biotech operations exec
Past: ForteBio Inc. operations director; GeneTrol Biotherapeutics
What qualifies you to serve in the U.S. Congress?
I meet the requirements -- must be 25 years of age, be a U.S. citizen, and a resident of the state in which office is sought at time of election -- set forth in the U.S. Constitution. Moreover, I have the passion (HEART) and competence to serve Hawaii's people ...
What should the United States do in Iraq? Explain.
The U.S. must set a tangible, measurable timetable for withdrawal from Iraq. Our continued occupancy is not a healthy practice of diplomacy nor democracy. We've lost too many young innocent lives to this unfounded war.
What should the U.S. do to reduce its dependence on imported oil?
The U.S. must invest time and money in alternative energy resources. Fuel cell technology, although novel, is one viable solution. Additionally, the U.S. must support technology advancements that don't require the use of oil, thereby reducing our oil dependency.
Nestor R. Garcia
Democrat
Age: 49
Job: Member, Honolulu City Council District 9
Past: State representative, City Bank officer
What qualifies you to serve in the U.S. Congress?
Experience in all three levels of government -- federal, state and local -- either as a lawmaker or a senior staffer. Demonstrated leadership when I spearheaded the effort last year that paved the way for a mass transit solution for Honolulu.
What should the United States do in Iraq? Explain.
With the country on the verge of all-out civil war, we should help Iraq secure some measure of stability by training and equipping its security forces, while reminding its leaders that our presence is not an open-ended commitment.
What should the U.S. do to reduce its dependence on imported oil?
We should move aggressively towards development and use of biofuels, encourage conservation by resorting to mass transit options and increase energy efficiency like raising CAFÉ standards on cars and light trucks to 40 miles per gallon by 2012.
Colleen Hanabusa
Democrat
Age: 55
Job: State senator and attorney
Past: Co-Chair of Felix Committee and Ice Task Force, labor attorney
What qualifies you to serve in the U.S. Congress?
My record as a proven leader and consensus builder. Fourth-generation roots in 2nd Congressional District. Ability to tackle difficult/complex issues and to take stands against special interests. Recognized advocate. Team player who gets the job done.
What should the United States do in Iraq? Explain.
We should have never gone to war in Iraq. We must faithfully adhere to the proposed withdrawal date of late 2007. This should provide us with adequate time to safely withdraw our troops and establish stability in the area.
What should the U.S. do to reduce its dependence on imported oil?
We must first admit our dependence and its costs in terms of lives, the environment, and future. Alternative energy such as cellulosic ethanol must be required. Future power generation facilities must be nonfossil fuel.
Clayton H.W. Hee
Democrat
Age: 53
Job: State senator Past: Teacher; former state representative, senator & OHA chairman
What qualifies you to serve in the U.S. Congress?
As a keiki o ka aina, former public school teacher and parent with 20 years of experience in elective office at the state level, I will bring courage, commitment and fearlessness in service to Hawaii and its people nationally.
What should the United States do in Iraq? Explain.
The U.S. should establish a timetable to withdraw our troops as soon as practicable. We entered the country on the basis of faulty intelligence and we should not continue to impose our government or way of life on the people.
What should the U.S. do to reduce its dependence on imported oil?
My top priority in Congress will be to enact legislation such as tax incentives and other funding to shift our reliance away from oil and fossil fuels, and toward other forms of energy (solar, hydro, electric, etc ...)
Mazie K. Hirono
Democrat
Age: 59
Job: Attorney
Past: Former Hawaii lieutenant governor (1994-2002) and state representative (1980-1994)
What qualifies you to serve in the U.S. Congress?
Twenty-two years of legislative experience and a record of accomplishments on behalf of the people of Hawaii. I've fought to lower auto insurance premiums, build preschools, provide better training for teachers, and create a new workers' compensation insurance company.
What should the United States do in Iraq? Explain.
We should get out of the quagmire that is Iraq with a phased redeployment of U.S. forces before the end of 2006. Our role should transition to a more limited mission focused on counterterrorism, training, and logistical support.
What should the U.S. do to reduce its dependence on imported oil?
Invest in development of renewable, alternative fuels; reward use and development of mass transit systems and fuel-efficient cars; and support emerging technology which weans our dependency on oil. I do not support drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.
Bob Hogue
Republican
Age: 53
Job: Writer / coach / legislator
Past: Former television sportscaster
What qualifies you to serve in the U.S. Congress?
I have served the public of Hawaii continuously since 1988, first as a member of the broadcast and print media, and then for the last six years as a member of the Hawaii state Senate.
What should the United States do in Iraq? Explain.
I believe in our troops and our mission in the war on terror, and strongly believe we should fulfill our commitment to liberty, freedom, and democracy.
What should the U.S. do to reduce its dependence on imported oil?
We need to find ways to support alternative energy, including diversified agriculture, biomass, biodiesel, HPOWER, wave and wind power, and other innovative ideas.
Gary Hooser
Democrat
Age: 52
Job: State senator (Kauai and Niihau)
Past: Served two terms on the Kauai County Council
What qualifies you to serve in the U.S. Congress?
Experience at both state and county levels of government: I have spoken out on issues that reverberate nationally: opposition to the war, sustainability, education, healthcare ... As the only N.I. candidate, I'm uniquely qualified to advocate for local needs.
What should the United States do in Iraq? Explain.
The United States must begin now bringing our troops home from Iraq. As long as we occupy the country, conditions will continue to deteriorate. Stabilization efforts must be led by the elected Iraqi government with support from the international community.
What should the U.S. do to reduce its dependence on imported oil?
The U.S. must aggressively invest in the development of renewable energy technologies, and be equally aggressive in efforts to reduce consumption. Hawaii could and should be the world leader in the development of renewable energy technology.
Quentin K. Kawananakoa
Republican
Age: 43
Job: Attorney
Past: Member of numerous nonprofit board of directors and Hawaiian Societies
What qualifies you to serve in the U.S. Congress?
My family history of public service to Hawaii, educational background at public and private schools, college in Hawaii and the mainland, two terms in the Hawaii state Legislature, continued service to numerous nonprofits as well as state and federal commissions.
What should the United States do in Iraq? Explain.
The situation in Iraq has evolved into a battle for democracy. The training of Iraqi citizens to maintain a police force and military must continue. The supporters of global terrorism do not want to see a free Iraq. ...
What should the U.S. do to reduce its dependence on imported oil?
We need to start now on seriously developing alternative energy resources in Hawaii. Hawaii should lead the world on Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC). As Hawaii's congressman, I would seek federal funding to continue to develop this energy source.
Matt Matsunaga
Democrat
Age: 47
Job: Business attorney
Past: State senator, CPA, congression-al page, community volunteer
What qualifies you to serve in the U.S. Congress?
Ten years in the state Senate and living in the 2nd District gave me an in-depth understanding of the unique challenges facing the district. Living and working in Washington, D.C., taught me effective ways to represent our islands ...
What should the United States do in Iraq? Explain.
U.S. foreign policy should have diplomacy at its core ... that means working with a U.N. or other multinational force to accelerate training of Iraqi forces so we can bring our troops home and let Iraqis govern Iraqis.
What should the U.S. do to reduce its dependence on imported oil?
Renewables. Renewables. We should extend production tax credits for wind and solar power; raise fuel-efficiency requirements; and invest in hydrogen vehicles, ethanol, biodiesel and Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion. Diversifying energy resources is key to weaning ourselves off foreign oil.
Ron Menor
Democrat
Age: 50
Job: Attorney, state senator
Past: State Legislature: 22 years, chaired major committees
What qualifies you to serve in the U.S. Congress?
Twenty-two years of experience in the Legislature, where I authored landmark consumer legislation in health care and insurance reform. I grew up on the Big Island and know the district. I understand the key issues because I experience them ...
What should the United States do in Iraq? Explain.
The U.S. should set a timetable for an orderly withdrawal of our troops. A reduction of forces will encourage the Iraqis to take responsibility for their future and stop the loss of American lives and the waste of billions ...
What should the U.S. do to reduce its dependence on imported oil?
Move aggressively to establish alternative energy sources for vehicles and for electrical power generation. Fund R&D for renewable energy technologies. Give tax credits to consumers who buy high-mileage vehicles. Provide more federal funding for electrically powered mass transit ...
Brian Schatz
Democrat
Age: 33
Job: State representative, CEO, Helping Hands Hawaii
Past: CEO, social service agencies
What qualifies you to serve in the U.S. Congress?
I've demonstrated through legislative accomplishments and work in the nonprofit community that I not only stand for the right things, I accomplish positive change. I've authored major legislation on health care affordability, improving education, protecting the environment, and creating jobs.
What should the United States do in Iraq? Explain.
Bush has no plan for Iraq and we need to change direction. I support Rep. John Murtha's plan for reducing troop levels. We must immediately announce our intention to redeploy troops ... to impose stability using international and Iraqi forces.
What should the U.S. do to reduce its dependence on imported oil?
We must take the $60 billion that Congress gives away annually to the fossil-fuel industries and provide it to renewable energy producers. We also must help Hawaii-based renewable companies with incentives and increase fuel efficiency standards.
Robert K. Wilcox IV
Nonpartisan
Age: Not given Job: Christian minister
What qualifies you to serve in the U.S. Congress?
I serve in the U.S. Army and I am a citizen of the United States.
What should the United States do in Iraq? Explain.
Stay there until the job is done.
What should the U.S. do to reduce its dependence on imported oil?
Look for more oil in this country.
Joe Zuiker
Democrat
Age: 65
Job: Attorney, Zuiker Law Office
What qualifies you to serve in the U.S. Congress?
Forty years work experience (local, state, national, international). Believe in community development. Former Peace Corps volunteer -- built schools and roads. Degrees in political science, city management/planning, law. Read history. Travel extensively. I am ready.
What should the United States do in Iraq? Explain.
The Iraq war is a "fiasco"; cancer on our nation. It is a disaster. Kills young people. Makes new enemies for our children and grandchildren. Bankrupts our national spirit and resources. Return American forces no later than March 31, 2007.
What should the U.S. do to reduce its dependence on imported oil?
Elect congressmen like myself who take no special-interest money from oil companies nor energy interests. Then have a Congress that pushes conservation, increases auto mileage requirements, grants energy research tax credits, solar and alternative energy use credits, etc.
