Lieutenant Governor

DID NOT RESPOND: » A.J. Powell (Nonpartisan)

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James R. "Duke" Aiona
Republican
Age: 51
Job: Lieutenant governor
Past: Former Circuit and Family Court judge.

What qualifies you to serve as lieutenant governor for the next four years?
For the last four years, Gov. Lingle and I have worked to strengthen the economy, restore trust and integrity to government, and improve public education. Additionally, I have focused on reducing crime, underage drinking, and drug abuse in our community.

Do you support cutting taxes for Hawaii residents? Explain.
For the last four years, our administration has proposed cutting taxes for those who earn the least, raising the standard deduction, and widening the income tax brackets. We will work toward achieving more substantial tax reform in our second term.

What can the state government do to combat homelessness?
The Next Step shelter in Kakaako is a perfect example of how the state can combat homelessness by partnering with nonprofits and faith-based organizations. We will continue to utilize private-public partnerships to develop affordable housing and shelters ...

David L. Henkin
Democrat
Age: 41
Job: Attorney Past: Palolo Neighborhood Board (chair); Life of the Land (board member)

What qualifies you to serve as lieutenant governor for the next four years?
As a public-interest, environmental attorney, I have successfully tackled difficult issues to protect public health, endangered species, water quality, and native Hawaiian culture. I want to ensure state government always acts in the long-term interests of Hawaii's people.

Do you support cutting taxes for Hawaii residents? Explain.
I support targeted tax cuts to address pressing needs, such as helping renters cope with skyrocketing rents and small businesses cover health insurance costs. Hawaii's people deserve better value for their tax dollars; we must eliminate inefficiencies ...

What can the state government do to combat homelessness?
We must create safe places of refuge to provide stability to homeless families and the service providers who assist them. We also must tackle root causes of homelessness, such as by ensuring livable wages for all workers and affordable rents.

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Renee Ing
Green
Age: 61
Job: Retired city Parks and Recreation director
Past: Since 1993 Public Access TV producer

What qualifies you to serve as lieutenant governor for the next four years?
A 33-year retired government worker, I am familiar with government structures and protocols. I am an experienced supervisor of all ages and backgrounds. I am fourth generation "local"; since 1975 active in the community for affordable housing, universal health care ...

Do you support cutting taxes for Hawaii residents? Explain.
If tax cuts are separated from the budget, people will often go for tax cuts. If potholes ruin their cars they favor taxes for roads. The Jim Brewer-Renee Ing Green Party team supports "actual-needs" government budgets ...

What can the state government do to combat homelessness?
If elected, our Green Party team will work to end homelessness with a comprehensive "affordable" housing policy from a new state department of housing. "Affordable housing" would be 1-weeks-pay or 25% of take-home pay ...

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Michael Manulani Mook
Democrat
Age: 58
Job: Park caretaker, state of Hawaii
Past: Community and environment activist.

What qualifies you to serve as lieutenant governor for the next four years?
I care deeply about the aina -- and the health and education of our children and kupuna. I'll be a hands-on lieutenant governor not sitting in an office, but going out and speaking and listening to everyone's issues and comments.

Do you support cutting taxes for Hawaii residents? Explain.
If possible, I want to cut taxes by 75%. We are paying too much for too little in return. I feel that past politicians and rich, self interest developers are the causes of high tax increases.

What can the state government do to combat homelessness?
Homelessness is everybody's problem. The city and state and the developers should work together to build more affordable housing.

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Miles Shiratori
Democrat
Age: 53
Job: Caregiver, lifeguard instructor
Past: Born of second-generation Japanese parents; U.S. Army veteran

What qualifies you to serve as lieutenant governor for the next four years?
I have the leadership capabilities, and innovative ideas. I have the interests of the people, at heart. I have the visions and dreams of a better Hawaii. I have the ability to make things happen. I am a "doer"

Do you support cutting taxes for Hawaii residents? Explain.
Yes. I would work to lower taxes, both individual and corporate. I would eliminate the GET on food, drugs and medical services and products. I would tie the Hawaii income tax to the federal income tax.

What can the state government do to combat homelessness?
The state should work with the county government, the community and the local leaders to provide a solution. We can provide various incentives to developers. We can provide low-interest financing ... we should use all federal assistance available.

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Malama Solomon
Democrat
Age: 55
Job: Owner, small business, agribusiness, cattle, hydroponics lettuce
Past: Educator Ph.D., college professor, legislator

What qualifies you to serve as lieutenant governor for the next four years?
I pledge to keep Hawaii a special place so we can live and raise our families in a state that understands the meaning of aloha and ohana. I have the legislative record and work ethic to bring people together ...

Do you support cutting taxes for Hawaii residents? Explain.
Yes -- through major tax reform targeting the general excise tax to reduce its pyramiding effect and adjust tax income thresholds making it easier for people on modest income to survive.

What can the state government do to combat homelessness?
Work with congressional team to restore federal cuts made by Republican administration to combat homelessness on state and county levels. To provide funding for more affordable rental units, mental health services job training and job placement incentive for private sector involvement.

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Li Zhao
Libertarian
Age: 48
Job: Teacher, Iolani School
Past: Having lived China's Cultural Revolution, I am suspicious of the power of politicians

What qualifies you to serve as lieutenant governor for the next four years?
The best qualification for this position is a determination to reduce the power of government. I don't see this in the other candidates.

Do you support cutting taxes for Hawaii residents? Explain.
Of course. Taxes of all kinds can be significantly cut. This can be achieved by cutting government spending. This results in greater growth and prosperity.

What can the state government do to combat homelessness?
The state should step out of the way of those who are trying to build more homes and apartments.