Isaac Choy

Democrat

Age: 54

Job: Certified public accountant

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

My district's economic status is on the higher end of the spectrum; my constituents therefore pay a high amount of taxes. As the economy weakens, there will be calls to shrink the tax base with different incentives and exemptions or a thought to increase rates because of diminishing revenues. An impor-tant issue for my constituents will therefore be taxes. With over 300 tax initiatives being introduced each year, it will be important that I assist my fellow legislators to make principled tax legislation a priority. 

What qualifies you to be a state representative?

  Twenty-five years of small business experience and active involvement in the community, a great concern for education, extensive background in the legislative process. A deep caring for the future of the Manoa community. 

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

  It is very hard for state government to have an immediate influence on the economy. But timing of certain expenditures such as CIP projects will certainly brighten the local economy over the short haul. I would look for short term solutions with a history of proven success to stimulate the economy

Do you support convening a Constitutional Convention? Please explain.

  Yes, it has been too long since the last one in 1978. Many issues must be addressed and debated as we move into a new century. I have not formed an opinion on many of these issues and will listen carefully to all side before rendering an opinion. 

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

This question will be answered in the November election. I recognize the need to fix our traffic gridlock problems and give people an alternative to commuting. I am not convinced that a steel rail transit solution is the best alternative. 

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

Education systems can always be improved with smaller class size and improved infrastructure. But I believe with all of the fiscal challenges that we face at this time, the one element that can have an immediate impact on improving our education systems is teachers. I would support our teachers, which I believe will make an immediate impact on the quality of our education. 

Jerilyn Jeffryes

Republican

Age: 66

Job: Retired medical administrator

Past: Manoa resident for 15 years; volunteer in the community

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

Pedestrian safety, traffic congestion and overflow of parking into the Manoa neighborhood from UH. I will work with city and other government officials to find solutions to improve traffic and pedestrian safety issues, especially around Manoa Marketplace.

What qualifies you to be a state representative?

Resident of Manoa for 15 years. My administrative and business background, including volunteering for various nonprofit organizations. 

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

Advocate for an affordable Hawaii for residents by supporting the reduction or repeal of taxes on food, medicines and health-care costs. 

Do you support convening a Constitutional Convention? Please explain.

I support the convening of a Constitutional Convention so that the citizens of Hawaii have an opportunity to decide if revisions are needed to laws that affect their lives. 

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

I do not support Oahu's planned rail-transit system because of the expensive price tag to taxpayers, especially for property taxpayers that will be paying for the maintenance and subsidies. 

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

Afford principals and parents more control in decisions for respective schools, and provide charter schools with equal funding.