Joey Manahan

Democrat

Age: 37

Job: Legislator

Past: Legislative staff for House and Senate; elections administrator; neighborhood assistant

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

Public safety—making sure Kalihi is a safe place to live, work and raise our families is most important. Unfortunately, crime has been on the rise, and I would support fund-ing for more HPD beat officers and programs such as citizen patrols. Since I have been in office, there have been three citizen patrols initiated in the district, which have proven to be effective in the reduc-tion of crime. I would also encour-age continued funding for public health centers such as Kalihi-Palama Health Center and Kokua Kalihi Valley, so they can continue services and programs ...

What qualifies you to be a state representative?

I am currently a state representative seeking re-election, and my background is in government. I learned the legislative process by working as staff in both the state House of Representatives and the state Senate. I have also served as an election specialist for the state Office of Elections, where I learned firsthand how to administer elections in the state of Hawaii. I have also worked as neighborhood assistant at the Neighborhood Commission Office under our current mayor. I have a well-rounded view of our political process and knowledge of the issues facing my community as well as the state. 

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

For the short term, I would encourage people to support mass transit in order to bring much-needed jobs and federal funding to jump-start our local economy. For the long term, I would support the development of new industries such as technology and specialized agriculture, so we are not so dependent on tourism for revenue. 

Do you support convening a Constitutional Convention? Please explain.

I support the democratic process. State law allows us to hold constitutional conventions every 10 years, however, amendments can also be made through the legislative process. Ideally, the Constitution should serve as a broad framework by which we base our laws, thus amending it frequently and comprehensively may narrow its scope. I would prefer amending the Constitution legislatively, however, if the will of the voters is to have a Constitutional Convention, then I would support it. 

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

I do support rail. Asides from providing Oahu residents with an alternative form of transportation for the future, I believe it would bring much-needed jobs and federal funds into our local economy. However, in order for us to qualify for federal funding, we need to act soon. Magnetic levitation has only one urban application in operation today and is not proven enough for application in Honolulu. The guided bus is an extremely complex system to run and may compromise passenger safety. These technologies would simply delay the process, which we cannot afford to do especially in an economic downturn. 

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

Maintaining student facilities and keeping teacher morale up is paramount to improving our public education system. The Legislature should support initiatives that would significantly reduce the repair and maintenance backlogs of our schools and support teachers by giving them the necessary tools they need to carry out their duties as well as provide them with incentives to stay with their jobs. 

Shane Yaw

Republican

Age: 31

Job: Judicial clerk

Past: Neighbor-hood Board No. 15 member; Oahu Poverty Action Council director

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

My community has been vocal in regards to crime and safety within the Kalihi district. We have a high rate of domestic violence, often with tragic outcomes, and assaults, in addition to the increasing drug activity. If elected, I would support legislation to increase the criminal penalty for TRO violators, especially when the injunction is granted in regards to domestic violence.

What qualifies you to be a state representative?

I believe what qualifies me most to be a state representative is my ability to build consensus regardless of conflicting opinions as well as my experience in working in both the legislative and judicial branches of the state government. When I was employed with Rep. Ben Cabreros, I learned, and still am learning, that a leader must have integrity and humility. My experience in the Judiciary has shown me that everyone has a right to be heard and to be heard impartially. 

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

I would support legislation to reduce state taxes, first for the households that are struggling the most; and second, for the small businesses, who are VITAL to our economy. There are alternatives present for the state to engage in public-private partnerships, with respect to certain government services, that can reduce the state's responsibility and possibly improve the quality of service. This savings resulting from this cooperation I would support either in tax reductions or refunds. 

Do you support convening a Constitutional Convention? Please explain.

I do support a Constitutional Convention and I strongly believe that my community would benefit from it. I believe that the rights of minorities within the Kalihi area are often overlooked. For instance, the growing Micronesian communities are American nationals who are DENIED the right to vote. This is an issue I believe a Constitutional Convention could remedy. 

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

Although I do not support rail, I do support the initiative to allow voters to determine whether or not to implement a rail transit system. I believe that this is a project that the state or the city will not be able to afford or maintain. It makes absolutely no sense to support this project when the EPA has mandated the construction of a second digester facility at the Sand Island Sewage Treatment Plant. It would not be productive to neglect the public health issue that will affect a large portion of our community and focus the limited resources of the state and city for a project that will benefit significantly less. 

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

The Legislature can appropriate more funds to address the backlog of maintenance and repairs that are clearly evident in many of the low-income communities, such as Kalihi.