Tom Brower

Democrat

Age: 43

Job: Full-time legislator

Past: Former nonprofit director, broadcaster, state and city employee

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

The high cost of living. I will continue to oppose major tax and fee increases that hurt condomin-ium residents. I successfully lobbied fellow legislators against a conveyance tax increase on condominium sales. In my first year in office, I had one of the best records in voting against major fee increases. I also supported the governor's initiative to establish a refundable low-income food/excise tax credit. I stand for a simpler, less burdensome tax system: I supported legislation to conform the state tax law to IRS codes, which simplified the process and increased exemption amounts.

What qualifies you to be a state representative?

  I am a Honolulu-born, 25-year district resident with experience in city and state government, and the nonprofit industry. Additionally, I was president of the Waikiki Residents Association and an eight-year neighborhood board member. These experiences, along with living in Waikiki as a child, give me an intimate understanding of our community's needs and how best to respond to them. For the past two years, I represented my district as a full-time legislator. I am proud to have worked fairly and ethically with both Republicans and Democrats for legislation that's more responsive to our home. 

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

  I support the use of tax credits, not tax increases, to spur the economy. My record shows I voted against taxes on store-bought beverage containers and gasoline tax increases, and voted for eliminating airline fuel taxes. I authored legislation providing tax credits for my community's businesses and co-introduced Small Business Bill of Rights legislation. Investing in local businesses keeps money here. I helped put more money back into taxpayers' pockets by personally contacting over 5,000 people who were owed over $100 by the state but unaware of it. To learn more, please visit my Web site. 

Do you support convening a Constitutional Convention? Please explain.

  Personally, I am concerned a convention may do more harm than good. The Constitution has many important values that are still relevant today and should not be changed. That being said, should voters in the November general election decide to hold a convention, I will honor the public's wish. Since it has been 30 years since our last one, I would welcome the opportunity to use this to create more government transparency and modernize it to address a new generation of challenges. 

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

  Studies show that my district overwhelmingly opposes rail. As their representative, I honor their view. I did not support the GET increase for rail transit. I favor placing a City Council amendment to the City Charter on the November ballot to let the public decide. We need cost-effective, sensible solutions to relieve traffic congestion. I sponsored legislation to remove uninsured motorists, which account for over 25 percent of cars on the road. We need to consider staggered hours for city and state employees and UH students, who account for much of the rush-hour traffic. 

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

  As the son of a former 30-year school teacher, I have witnessed the challenges faced by teachers. To improve our public education system, the Legislature needs to continue appropriating funds to attract and retain qualified teachers, lower the student to teacher ratio (a challenge with 180,000 school kids), maintain building and infrastructure, and provide our children with basic supplies. The Legislature needs to find ways to receive more federal funding to supplement these costs. Additionally, we need more legislation to help gifted and special needs students and provide nutritious lunches. 

Anne Stevens

Republican

Age: 48

Job: Hawaii Civil Defense planner

Past: Represent-ative, 2006; Coast Guard veteran, neighbor-hood board chair

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

Our community in the Waikiki, Ala Moana and Kakaako area is at a crossroads. There are many new developments planned and new condominium projects under construction. Additionally, the route of the planned rail project will pass through our neighborhood. These new projects will change the character of our district. I believe the most important issue facing our community is to determine if the infrastructure can support these projects and whether they are the correct choices for our citizens.

What qualifies you to be a state representative?

  I have a strong commitment to public service. Currently I work as a Civil Defense planner where I prepare and test plans to protect citizens from natural and man-made disasters, like hurricanes, tsunamis, volcanic gas and pandemic influenza. I have served as an officer in the U.S. Coast Guard. I have worked as a manager and owner of small businesses, and as a state legislator. Also I serve as the chairwoman of the Ala Moana/Kakaako Neighborhood Board and on several community volunteer organizations. I would like to bring a new spirit of public participation to our community. 

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

  I would immediately introduce legislation to eliminate the GET taxes on food, housing and medical expenses. 

Do you support convening a Constitutional Convention? Please explain.

  Yes, I strongly support a Constitutional Convention. A Con Con is a wonderful opportunity to revisit and discuss some of the major issues of Hawaii. It provides citizens with a chance to participate in charting the future of Hawaii. I look forward to the reports by the administration and Legislature on the price of a Con Con. My hope is that a plan will emerge that is both cost-effective and open to the public. I believe that anyone who supports change over status quo, should support a Constitutional Convention. 

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

  I am opposed to the planned rail-transit system. The system as planned will not benefit the Waikiki/Ala Moana/Kakaako area. It will divide our community, block our views, and bring unwanted noise. I believe the traffic congestion problems we have can be solved with different, far less expensive measures. I support timing of traffic lights, adjusting the University of Hawaii class schedules, safe bicycle paths and elevated toll roads. The idea of a staggered four-day work week for government employees should also be investigated as long as there is no decrease of service to the public. That said, it is most important that the rail issue be placed on the ballot, so the citizens of Hawaii may decide this issue. 

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

  Communities should have local control of schools. Local school boards would decrease the bureaucracy of the Department of Education and more dollars will reach the classrooms. Our teachers and principals are terrific, but need more autonomy to give our children the best education possible. I support equal funding for charter schools and believe parents should have choices.