Sharon Har

Democrat

Age: 38

Job: Attorney; state representative

Past: Aide, Lt. Gov. Mazie K. Hirono; circuit judge law clerk

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

Quality of life: As West Oahu has grown and flourished, the residents of District 40 have witnessed the downside to such rapid growth including lack of infrastructure, traffic, overcrowded schools, crime and economic growth which have impacted our quality of life. I will continue to address these issues as I have over the past two years by securing infrastructure funds and introducing legislation that will improve the quality of life for our community.

What qualifies you to be a state representative?

As an 11-year resident of Kapolei, I have a vested interest in fulfilling the vision created for our community to be the next great city — a safe place where we can live, work, play, and raise our families. I am passionate about making a difference for District 40 residents and have addressed those issues impacting our quality of life including infrastructure, education, and crime. With my legal background in land use, I am best qualified to address our development concerns because I know our community's evolving needs and have proven that I am working hard for our community. 

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

As a member of the Finance Committee, I will continue to advocate for capital improvement project funds otherwise known as infrastructure funds because in an economic downturn, costs for constructing infrastructure are decreased. At the same time, we can maintain jobs and economic growth. 

Do you support convening a Constitutional Convention? Please explain.

Proponents of a Constitutional Convention (”;Con Con”;) have not convinced me of the reasons why it is necessary to convene a Con Con particularly as each year when the Legislature convenes, the public has an opportunity to revisit and amend the state Constitution. Moreover, the state has not fulfilled many of the mandates set forth in the 1978 Con Con, thus to hold another Con Con at a significant cost to the taxpayers when mandates from 30 years ago have yet to be addressed seems wasteful on the part of government. 

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

I support all alternative methods of transportation on Oahu as the population on the island of Oahu is currently over 900,000 and is projected to increase by 2025 to over 1.2 million. The rail-transit system, in my opinion, is not about traffic reduction but instead about growth management. We must get people out of their cars to manage our growth which can be accomplished by an enhanced bus system, enhanced ferry system, and rail-transit system working together synergistically. 

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

Aside from home and societal factors, the research is clear that a qualified, caring and competent teacher is paramount to improving student achievement. Accordingly, the Legislature should invest our teachers whether that is via professional development, national board certification, and/or mentoring. Qualified teachers, principals as effective administrators, parents as partners and environments conducive to learning will also help ensure student achievement. 

Jack Legal

Republican

Age: 57

Job: Realtor, Legal Realty

Past: Master's degree in divinity; ordained to Catholic priest-hood in 1977

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

Traffic is a quality-of-life issue. As a second city, Kapolei has seen a population explosion. If elected I want to be sure that infrastructures must be in place to support the rapid developments. Businesses must create a work force within the district so they do not have to drive to go to work. I'll pursue the live, work and play concept.

What qualifies you to be a state representative?

  As president of the Filipino Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii, I dealt with issues that affect small business. Being a Realtor, I understand the importance of striking a balance between development and the needs of the growing population and protection of the environment. My experience as a pastor helps me to understand our responsibility to help the less fortunate in our community. This wide array of experience will help me become an effective legislator. 

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

  Small business is the engine that drives the economy. It creates employment. With jobs comes earning and spending power. I will work to reduce the cost of doing business in Hawaii and streamline the process. 

Do you support convening a Constitutional Convention? Please explain.

  Yes. In a democracy, real power resides in the people. They have the right to decide how the government should run and operate. I believe that we will see more participation when people are more engaged in the political process. 

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

  Yes. As the biggest construction project in the state, it will help boost the economy. It is also an important element in the equation toward solving our traffic problem. As I mentioned, traffic is a quality of life issue not only in my district but in the entire state. 

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

  Education should be one of our legislative priorities. It is a good investment. More money should be allocated toward the improvement and/or repairs of infrastructures and hiring and retention of the best qualified teachers. Legislators and educators must collaborate to make our educational system not only conform but exceed the national standard.