Michael Abe

Democrat

Age: 54

Job: Attorney

Past: Neighborhood board chair and member, prostate cancer survivor

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

I believe the fixed rail system is the most important issue facing not only my district, but the entire county. It is a super public project that will be costly and demand more money to build and operate than estimated now and not solve any part of the traffic congestion problem. I'd rather see the money used to tackle traffic and transportation problems with options that can work now at much cheaper cost, then use the savings for other pressing problems. Our sewer, water, electricity and food costs are rising. Our other infrastructure and schools need repair.

What qualifies you to be a state representative?

I bring the combination of skills, knowledge, experience, commitment to people and Hawaii, sense of urgency, understanding of the priorities, and the leadership and courage to take on the issues. I'm not satisfied with the status quo and the state of affairs. We are at a tipping point in our state.  I worked as an attorney for more than 30 years in private practice and in government at the county level. I've served on the neighborhood board as a member and chairman. And I've testified and lobbied for real property tax breaks at the county, medical tort and health care reform at the Legislature, and served on various health-care advisory groups.  I have a good understanding of government and the economy, at the county, state and federal levels. We need representatives who have the bigger picture in mind, who are thoughtful independent thinkers, who can communicate and are willing to work hard to get things done. I believe one person can make a difference. 

What is one thing you would do in office to improve the local economy?

The initial question is what do you mean by “;improving the local economy”;? Is it simply more money coming into Hawaii or does it mean a health economy where the people's housing, food, education, and health needs are met? The economy can grow just by selling and building for investors and tourists and encouraging more military spending as we have relied upon. But that doesn't mean all share or are benefited by the growth. People have been outpriced out of homes, for example. We need to understand what kind of economy we have, its effect on our communities and people, what we can and cannot do about it, and at what cost. We need to educate ourselves and examine where we want Hawaii to go. 

Do you support convening a Constitutional Convention? Please explain.

Yes. I believe we need to review how our state and City and County branches of governments are organized and operate. For example, should we return to two representatives for each state Senate districts, to open up opportunities for new ideas. Should the state Legislature meet all year round with a couple of long breaks in between to allow for public input, study and reflection. Should state and county authority over land and water, and energy resources be reviewed to foster better planning and coherence. We need to provide the opportunity to dialogue with the broader community over fundamental questions of our visions for Hawaii's future in light of the challenges over energy, globalization, the economy, environment and sustainability. 

Do you support Oahu's planned rail-transit system? Please explain.

No. Not as proposed. The system as proposed will not reduce traffic congestion and is designed to sustain development in Kapolei to Waipahu in the initial phase. The timetable to complete the rest of the envisioned system is speculative. And the cost is greatly underestimated. The money could be used now to provide affordable and reasonable options now. Gas prices will increase and put greater pressure for solutions now, and electric solar powered cars will soon replace gas cars. Dedicated bus and emergency vehicle lanes, whether taken out of freeway lanes or new construction will provide a quicker and more flexible solution. Buses could go from neighborhoods to destinations avoiding transfers and reducing travel time. It would be flexible system, too. The system is based on an old vision of cities and growth. Computers and Internet has changed how people work and communicate and live. Transportation is not only about moving people at the beginning and ending of the work day. It's getting goods and services distributed, emergency vehicles around, moving a growing elderly population, and options in times of emergencies. The money saved from building and maintaining a fixed-rail system can be used for other public needs. 

What can the Legislature do to improve Hawaii's public education?

The Legislature can fund public education's needs. It can insist that the DOE close and consolidate under enrolled schools; create specialized schools; maintain after school programs; and the broad array of music, arts, and sports programs; hire necessary staff and trained teachers. The money can come from the excise tax now dedicated to building the rail transit, which I believe there are better ways to solve the transportation issues.   

Barbara Marumoto

Republican

Age: 69

Job: Full-time legislator

Past: Former Realtor associate specializing in office leasing

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

Citizens are most concerned about public schools and the community college in the area. It is critical to listen to educators and administrators as to the program, personnel and facility needs of their schools. 

What qualifies you to be a state representative?

My experience has enabled me to be an effective legislator to keep children from riding in pickup beds; a $25 tax credit for the purchase of a keiki car seat; to acquire an elevator for the Kalani High library; AC, fencing, playground equipment and dumbwaiter for district schools; secure appropriations for a tree planting program, brown tree snake prevention, Diamond Head trails, additional KCC maintenance personnel; pass a $20 million bond authorization for Pacific Rehabilitation Hospital; allow victims to request HIV tests of suspected sex offenders; enact protection from state seizure of Roth IRAs; and mandate DNA collection from convicted felons. 

What is one thing you would do in office to improve the local economy?

Since we have $1/2 billion in the UI Fund, make the unemployment insurance tax, paid by employers permanently payable only on the federal minimum of $7000/year/employee. Don't let it automatically revert back to the first $35,000 of salary. In fact, hold the line on all taxes, especially on small business and middle income families — don't raise them

Do you support convening a Constitutional Convention? Please explain.

It's been 30 years since the last one and we should convene another state convention to discuss issues that the Legislature is reluctant to touch. Do we need a secretary of state to handle record-keeping and elections function? How about an elected attorney general? Should we give counties control over water and land use? Do we need new departments such as energy or environment? 

Do you support Oahu's planned rail-transit system? Please explain.

Can we afford it? I voted against giving counties the power to raise the general excise tax to 4.5 percent, and the present rail plan may even require an increase to 5 percent — heaven forbid! It would be nice to have, but if federal funds do not come through, and/or if costs go up, then the City Council will also have to raise the Oahu property tax. Can you afford it? 

What can the Legislature do to improve Hawaii's public education?

Prioritize funds so more goes to the DOE and watch to see that the money goes down into the classrooms and libraries. Keep teachers' salaries competitive. Retain small schools and keep class size small. Allow large schools to break into smaller entities or “;schools within schools”; with teachers deciding the educational philosophy they wish to pursue. Allow students and parents to select where they wish to enroll.