Sunday, October 27, 1996

Honolulu Star-Bulletin
General Election Guide

State House of Representatives

We asked candidates in this race to address the following subject areas. Their responses are below.

1) How can Hawaii provide more jobs for its citizens?

2) What is your opinion of legalizing same-sex marriage?

3) How can you make state government more accessible to the public?

District 5

Elaine Cohn (D)
Age: 40
Occupation: Legal assistant

We need to explore or create incentives to attract new businesses to our state and to West Hawaii in particular, as well reduce the cost of doing businesses in Hawaii. We need to continually boost the tourist industry, support agriculture and help small business.

I believe in traditional marriages and do not favor legalizing same-sex marriages. And I do feel I need to hear the full discussion on the issue before considering other legislative alternatives.

Although we can expand accessibility through the use of current technology, I feel that the most effective way to make government more accessible is for elected officials to have as much direct contact with their constituents as possible. I prefer personal contact as the best way to inform the public.


Paul Whalen (R)

Did not respond.


District 15

David Kennedy (R)
Age: 63
Occupation: Retired headmaster at St. Andrew's Priory School

1. Improve educational system to increase qualifications of unemployed. Decrease taxes and costly regulations imposed upon businesses so more dollars will be available for salaries. Have people on welfare and unemployment perform jobs eliminated eliminated by city or state for cost savings (e.g. maintenance and care of parks).

2. It is my position to leave the word "marriage" to ceremonies performed by the various faith groups and let each of them make the decision whether or not to provide this sacrament to homosexuals. The state can deal with the civil-rights aspect through domestic partnerships or whatever name appropriate.

3. By electing legislators and administrators who are open and forthright with the people and who provide more regular opportunities for public input. Reduce or eliminate barriers (administrative or otherwise) that discourage public participation. Be proactive in inviting input and opportunities for participation.


David Stegmaier (D)
Age: 48
Occupation: State representative; claims assistant, King & Neel Inc; teacher

1. We want more good jobs! The only way to generate quality jobs is to create an attractive business climate. We need to have a model work force and laws and tax policies that help to assure business success. We must lead the nation in attractiveness of our economy to investors.

2. I believe the Hawaii Supreme Court made a big mistake in declaring that Hawaii would be the first and only place in the world that recognizes such marriages.The legislature and the people must pass an amendment to the Hawaii Constitution to clarify that marriage is defined as between a man and a woman.

3. 1) Continue to fund the public access room at the Capitol, where citizens can get information and prepare testimony to influence the course of legislation; 2) Continue to maintain recorded votes in committee meetings; 3) Have more public hearings in the evenings and on weekends and in communities away from the Capitol, when feasible.


District 16

William "Bill" Hoshijo (D)
Age: 38
Occupation: Executive director/attorney, Na Loio No Na Kanaka

1. We must look at diversification of our economy, as reliance on a service-based economy is not in our best interests. Although tourism is recognized as the "engine that drives the economy," we must face realistic limitation to continued growth.

2. As a civil rights attorney, I strongly oppose any constitutional amendment to limit the equal protection rights of a minority as defined by our Supreme Court. Too much time and energy have been spent on this issue, instead of the bread and butter and policy issues we need to address.

3. The budget process should be opened up - even legislators do not know all the details of the complicated budget worksheets. The legislative process and our legislators are more accessible than in most states. We need to restore public confidence in order to have more meaningful public participation.


Gene Ward (R)
Age: 53
Occupation: United Nations advisor; adjunct professor HPU

1. Hawaii has lived off its good looks for too long and has taken economic growth for granted. Government has got to have the political will to be more "user-friendly" to small business and realize that it's "employers" who create more "employees", a fact long forgotten by the present government.

2. According to all constitutional law, the policy decisions of society are vested in legislative bodies of states and I don't believe the Hawaii Supreme Court has any business doing what it is attempting to do to this state and the nation by translating sexual behavior into a marital right.

3. Creation of a two-party system will create instant access. The process now is too ONE-SIDED with competing special interest groups rather than the competing ideological philosophies of the two parties. Translated, this means people should vote Republican to make the quickest and biggest difference in government in Hawaii.


District 17

Barbara Marumoto (R)
Age: 57
Occupation: Full-time legislator

1. Ease up on anti-business, bureaucratic taxes, statutes and regulations in order to encourage companies to expand and hire more people. Support university researchers in capturing more research grants and transferring new technologies into entrepreneurial opportunities.

2. Heterosexual marriage is the norm and standard all over the world; same-sex marriage is a radical social and legal departure from an institution - the family - upon which our cultures, religions and societies are built. Legal status would encourage this departure. It should remain outside of the legal structure.

3. Attention couch potatoes: Let's have more TV coverage so folks can understand the process better. Serious watchers can always access public officials electronically - via FAX, phone, computers - and through old-fashioned letters and petitions. For virtual reality legislations we need more public parking available for person wanting to "be there."


Steve Tataii (D)
Age: 46
Occupation: Teacher

1. Reduce the size of government and start using my major economic plan: "A Large Scale Agricultural Production Plan," growing fruits, vegetables, fish, as well as live stocks.

2. This would be promoting an abnormal condition even become more abnormal to a greater extent. This is sak-religeon (sic) in most denominations.

3. a) Open government policy; b) down loading and reducing the size of government; c) abolishing the entire House of Representatives; d) establishing a permanent listings of all the actual checks and balances on day to day and updated manner: "government accountability."


District 18

Yvonne Perry (R)
Age: 48
Occupation: University of Hawaii student

1. We can start by marketing our products internationally. I would like to set up a worldwide marketing promotion. Take our art, foods, furniture, seafood, travel agents, etc. and I would present a top-notch Hawaiian show. ...We can hire our welfare recipients in domestic fields where no training is needed.

2. No. I would not legalize same-sex marriage nor domestic partnership.

3. More of the public should vote.


Calvin K.Y. Say
Age: 44
Occupation: Small-business man

1. Resolving the balance between economic development and the environment.

2. Put it on the ballot as a constitutional amendment for the public to decide.

3. Developing programs of opening up departments to the public.


District 19

Bruce Black (R)
Age: 35
Occupation: President/owner, Hello Hawaii Inc.

1. Incentives to companies that hire welfare recipients, encourage retirement destination development, market Hawaii as an agricultural high-breed crop opportunity.

2. Opposed.

3. Government on-line.


Michael Parker (NL)
Age: 29
Occupation: Nutritionist, writer, researcher

1. Stimulate Hawaii's diversified agriculture potential. Make Hawaii an international health maintenance and recovery destination. Invest in local-owned businesses, large and small, through low-interest loans. Encourage new businesses through tax breaks and government provided advisors, etc. Stimulate demand for Hawaii-made products both locally and globally.

2. All should have the right to legal domestic partnerships without regard to sexual preference. No one on the community should be denied the privilege and protection of the law.

3. We should restore initiative. Establish community meetings between government officials and citizens on a regular basis. Establish direct link via Internet. Promote legislation that takes into account the human equation over economic or bureaucratic agendas. Revise or repeal laws that are suppressing Hawaii's potential, economically, socially, culturally and environmentally.


Brian Yamane (D)
Age: 49
Occupation: Insurance agent

1. Encourage more businesses to locate here, improve economy.

2. I am currently against same-sex marriage.

3. By being accessible to my constituents in the district.


District 21

Pam Ferguson-Brey (D)
Age: 39
Occupation: Attorney

1. By supporting diversification of our economy such as the growing high technology and telecommunication industries e.g. deregulation, high technology parks. By making Hawaii more friendly to small businesses by reducing unnecessary governmental regulations and reducing the costs of doing business. By promoting the tourism industry.

2. The state should not determine who should be married but should only deal with the legal ramifications of marriage. I also support domestic partnerships.

3. I support continued televising of committee hearings on Olelo's public access stations. I support open decision-making and voting in both legislative bodies. I support the legislative community access program. I support a longer notice requirement for hearings, so that interested citizens can get more advance notice of legislative hearings.


Galen Fox (R)
Age: 53
Occupation: State overseas marketing manager

1. My economic development experience has taught me that only business creates jobs. We must help business by lowering taxes, stretching out income tax rates and eliminating the 4 percent tax on food and rugs. We must reduce sharply state government regulation of our economy, and privatize government functions business does better.

2. Domestic partnership legislation is a better way to provide legal rights to committed partners. This Legislature should have offered Hawaii a constitutional amendment defining marriage as between a man and a woman, giving people a chance to choose. Hawaii should also have statewide initiative and referendum.

3. The best way to open up government is to have a strong, two-party system that votes out inaccessible politicians. If you are fed up with the insider, old-boy, money-driven politics Hawaii has today, vote for Fox. Together, we provide an accessible alternative to one-party rule.


Sean P. Porter (L)
Age: 34
Occupation: Occupancy specialist for a nonprofit housing corporation

1. Repeal state personal and corporate income taxes. This would promote new businesses.

2. The state has no right deciding who one's partner in life should be.

3. Encourage more town meetings preferably in the evenings.


District 23

Ed Case (D)
Age: 43
Occupation: Attorney

1. Simply put, jobs result from encouraging the conditions that create jobs and restricting the conditions that discourage jobs. Since private economic activity is the best source of long-term, large-scale job creation and maintenance (and government revenue), efforts have to focus on reducing unnecessary business regulation and expenses.

2. After extensive consideration and discussion with constituents, I favor legalization for these basic reasons: Various religions and cultures are split, and it is preferable to resolve differences in favor of tolerance; it encourages long-term relationships in an increasingly fragmented society; it protects a minority just as others have been.

3. Public accessibility can be fostered through greater utilization of advancing technology such as e-mail and homepages and continued funding of Olelo, the Legislature's public access room, etc. Ultimately, however, it requires an evolution in attitude among government leaders away from centralized and secretive decision making toward open, collaborative government.


Ken Harding (R)
Age: 55
Occupation: Small-business man

1. Business creates jobs, not government. The best prescription for more, and better jobs, is a better business climate and smaller, and better, government. We can do much, by helping people take home more pay, providing more investment incentives, insisting on higher standards of education, and eliminating special interest graft.

2. Incredibly, this issue paralyzed our last Legislature, due to inept, purposeless leadership, crowding-out consideration of more compelling issues concerning education and the economy. Marriage should be between a man and a woman. Initiative, referendum, and recall would allow putting same-sex marriage to a popular vote, where it belongs.

3. Accessibility is a matter of attitude, as well as influence. As long as politicians remain arrogant, because they are so rarely accountable, public access will be limited. As long as "big money" talks, without public funding of elections, access will be limited. Term limits, however, would guarantee greater accessibility.


District 24

Samson K. "Sam" Aiona (R)
Age: 31
Occupation: Senior sales manager, the Castle Group

1. We need to reform our laws and allow more small businesses a chance to grow the economic pie. Any business that grows will result in more job opportunities and a stronger economy. At the same time we must protect our tourist industry and military presence.

2. As a legislator, I would vote according to the wishes of the constituents and vote "no" on the same-sex amendment.

3. With the advancement in technology, we must continue to "keep up with the times" and offer services compatible to that of the latest technology. State government must be user friendly on computer and in person. We must reach out to citizens and adhere to their concerns.


Jim Shon (D)
Age: 49
Occupation: Legislator

1. We must embrace the information age and knowledge industries. Higher education is an industry. Educational material development is an industry. Health care training and services are an industry. Research and Development is an industry. Sustaining and promoting an artistic community is a key component of a future visitor industry.

2. Same-sex marriage is already legal, performed in many churches. The dispute is over the issuance of a state license which grants certain legal and financial relationships. The courts will decide this on a national level because it relates to equal protection... Efforts to overrule the state and federal Constitutions are political grandstanding.

3. Government must make the effort to involve citizens before major decisions are made. This means public meetings BEFORE noise permits are issued for major projects. This means more legislative hearings at night in schools when the public can attend without parking problems. This means using technology like computers.


District 25

Richard Brawley (R)
Age: 46
Occupation: Real estate

1. Adopt provocative measures that will promote a robust and attractive small business environment. Let's get government out of the insurance business so that we can enjoy significant and meaningful reform in both workman's compensation and no-fault. Let's consider tax incentives and the concept of a "free trade zone."

2. Personally, I do not favor the legalization of same-sex marriage.

3. The first step is to be a "user-friendly" legislator. As a departure from tradition, I will maintain a continuous dialogue with constituents throughout my term rather than just during election periods. I will establish a genuine open-door program that will serve as the people's conduit to state government.


Kenneth T. Hiraki (D)
Age: 36
Occupation: Attorney, legislator

1. We must take action to promote a more pro-business environment to encourage new commercial activity in the long term. We must look toward technology as a new industry. A knowledge-based economy will one day replace a production-based economy. We must improve the university and secondary schools to prepare our youth.

2. Many people feel that the Legislature has spent too much time on this issue. The most urgent issues to the people are crime, automobile insurance reform, and employment.

3. We must allow all public hearings to be broadcast over the TV and allow public testimony by telephone. In addition, the Legislature should be hooked up to the Internet to allow access to public documents and information via computer.


District 26

Quentin K. Kawananakoa (R)
Age: 34
Occupation: Attorney

1. My economic vision is to develop the health care and education industries in Hawaii. With the Asian-Pacific rim countries' burgeoning economies, we are perfectly situated to provide them with the medical technology and educational wisdom of the United States. These are well-paying and clean industries that complement our environment ...

2. I do not support same-sex marriage.

3. Establishing a strong two (multi-) party system will ensure the checks and balances we need in government. No longer will one party have the power to arrogantly ignore the people. Government will be forced to do the people's bidding and not follow their own personal agenda.


Richard Schuman (D)
Age: 31
Occupation: Financial consultant

1. The most effective way is to stimulate our small business industry, and do what it takes to provide small business with the means necessary to stimulate growth, in order to encourage the hiring of more local workers. Furthermore make it more financially active for other corporations to come to Hawaii ...

2. I am in favor of legalizing same-sex marriage, I do not believe that government should dictate who we can and can not marry. So many people today say they are tired of government interfering in our lives, this is another example of that interference.

3. In my first term in office I will implement a program that will bring government into my community by establishing a community based nonprofit center that will be located in the center of our district. Through modern technology we can bring government to our communities.


District 27

Lei Ahu Isa
Age: 52
Occupation: Educator/small business owner

1. Hawaii can attract and lure more international investors . . . Hawaii needs to explore and find ways to increase revenues as the international hub of the Pacific so our citizens do not have to keep paying more taxes!!!

2. I am against legalizing same-sex marriage.

3. My district (27th) has a lot of senior citizens and handicapped people . . . Perhaps the state government can have more services brought to their home: i.e., absentee voter registration forms which can be easily filled out and mailed back to the state departments.


Corinne Ching (R)
Age: 34
Occupation: Teacher, Ma'ema'e Elementary School

1. Hawaii can provide more jobs by eliminating needless regulations that impede the start up of small businesses.

2. I do not support the legalization of same-sex marriage.

3. Government can be made more accessible by stricter enforcement of the Sunshine Law and protection of accessibility by the press, and encouragement of more civics classes for high-schoolers.


District 29

Jun Abinsay (D)
Age: 47
Occupation: Vice president, community relations, International Savings and Loan

1. We should encourage small manufacturing industries to invest in Hawaii by eliminating government restrictive regulations, we should develop and improve our agricultural resources, we should give some kind of incentives to increase the market for locally produced goods.

2. I am against legalizing same-sex marriage. I support legislation to amend the state Constitution to define marriage as a legal union wholly reserved between one man and one woman as husband and wife.

3. Government can be more accessible to the public by having direct dialogue with the citizens through regular community meetings/forums through radio/television programs, on-line access or e-mail. We should train public employees to be more receptive to the public and eliminate bureaucratic attitudes.


Rob L. Santiago (R)
Age: 42
Occupation: Real estate and mortgage specialist

1. Hawaii can provide more jobs for its citizens by making itself more business-friendly state by lowering taxes and the costs of government. And to reduce role of government in areas that should be private sector. We need to attract business and capital from Asia.

2. Legalizing same-sex marriage is an issue for the courts to decide.

3. As a state legislator my door will always be open for my constituents and other people outside the district. Steps need to be taken so it will be easier for people to testify at the Legislature. More parking, better scheduling, honesty, and bill labeling and no last-minute switches ...


District 32

Bob McDermott
Age: 33
Occupation: Warehouse manager

1. Reduce taxes and excessive government regulations.

2. Totally against it. It is an abomination.

3. Republicans and "throw the rascals out!"


Lennard J. "Len" Pepper
Age: 64
Occupation: Full-time legislator

1. I know that better jobs can come through better education, and would consider temporary tax reductions or other incentives for clean, labor-intensive businesses.

2. If we believe in monogamy, if we believe in supporting families, if we believe in civil rights - and I believe in all of the above - then opposition to same-gender marriages is inappropriate. The courts will decide whether government has a compelling interest in this area.

3. My service as a full-time legislator is a personal statement of my belief in citizen participation. I provide welcoming and responsive service to anyone asking for my assistance. As Health Committee chair, I try to provide timely notice of hearings. Increased use of electronic communication methods will also help.


District 33

Judy Magin (R)
Age: 55
Occupation: President, Magin Diagnostics.

1. Bring in some high-tech production facilities. We need more low-skill jobs such as are found in assembly plants. Give tax breaks to the large industry that will provide these jobs to attract them.

2. We have more important issues to worry about than getting bogged down in this issue. No further comment.

3. Have legislators that will listen to their constituents. The incumbent in my district has snubbed me as a private citizen more than once (and I was not running for office at the time). The legislators must have an open-door policy and listen to their constituents. That is something I promise to do.


Tom Okamura (D)
Age: 48
Occupation: State representative, Hawaiian Trust financial services officer

1. Job creation must occur in the private sector. To accomplish this, we need to provide an economic climate in which business can thrive. An efficient government, quality public education, a clean environment, reasonable taxes, minimal red tape, and continued promotion of our visitor industry are essential.

2. I am not a proponent of same-sex marriage. From the standpoint of civil rights, however, I believe that "domestic partnerships" can provide social equality in terms of treatment and benefits.

3. Technology and attitude. The use of computers, telecommunication, the Internet, and public access television is a viable, two-way means of communication between government and the public. In addition, civil servants must become more service-oriented, with an inviting "can do" attitude.


District 34

Paul Ferguson (R)
Age: 49
Occupation: Retired U.S. Navy submarine officer; high school teacher

1. Reduce regulation of small business (which creates jobs) and allow it to flourish.

2. Marriage is the union between a man and a woman for the purpose of creating the basic unit of society: the family. It is not an institution for any and all "loving" relationships - after all, I love my dog.

3. I think state government is already pretty accessible to the public. If "accessible" means giving them what they want, I don't think that is the primary function of government.


K. Mark Takai (D)
Age: 29
Occupation: Full-time legislator

1. We need to support our current businesses and industries, and look towards new industries to ensure a brighter future. We need to focus on vocational learning programs in our schools. We need to eliminate the amount of governmental red tape and lessen the tax burden on our business and people.

2. I believe in traditional marriage. I do not favor same sex-marriage. My fiancee and I are looking forward to our wedding and have hopes of raising a family in a safe and nurturing community. However, the courts should decide this issue and amending the Constitution, I believe, is inappropriate.

3. We need to hold our meetings at convenient times and provide additional opportunities for viewing of hearings on public access television. Additionally, we need to support a greater use of the Internet to provide legislative information. Along with other area legislators, I will continue to hold regularly scheduled town meetings.


District 36

Holly Kuehu (R)

Did not respond.


Roy M. Takumi (D)
Age: 43
Occupation: Communications specialist

1. It starts at the school level to train our young people for jobs in the information age. We need to expand industries that take advantage of our location and people: wellness, health, sports, entertainment, and exporting our expertise and products to Asia and the Pacific.

2. It was premature for the Legislature to act while the issue is still under judicial review by the Supreme Court. If the issue is one of policy, then the Legislature needs to clarify it; if it is one of constitutionality, then it is the court's role to clarify it. I believe this issue falls in the latter category.

3. An easy way would be to open up the budget making process. It's the people's taxes; let them see the process of how we spend it.


District 38

Dean Georgiev (R)
Age: 36
Occupation: State employment analyst

1. Government needs to get out of business of controlling business creation, competing with business, and burdening existing businesses with excessive taxation and red tape.

2. Same sex unions should not be legalized or recognized in any form.

3. Reduce the size of government, eliminate duplications and inefficiencies, decrease the run-around people get when accessing services, and take action on items consistent with the priorities of the public.


Marilyn B. Lee (D)
Age: 56
Occupation: Registered nurse

1. Nurturing and supporting our major industry of tourism, and encouraging diversity and growth of the economy will create more jobs for the future. Bringing our educational system into the 21st century by providing technological and vocational training will enable more young people to be viable candidates for employment.

2. Hawaii's people have made it clear that they are not yet ready to accept same-sex marriage.

3. Government access can be improved by making better use of existing technology not only to provide information, but to educate the public regarding the process. Informational presentations to the community in forums such as neighborhood boards and community associations will also increase access. Government should serve the people.


District 39

Ron Menor (D)
Age: 40
Occupation: State representative; attorney

1. I believe that there are several strategies that should be pursued. First, the Legislature must continue its efforts to reduce the cost of doing business in Hawaii. Second, government should adopt measures to strengthen our No. 1 industry, tourism, while at the same time provide incentives for the development of new enterprises ...

2. I am personally opposed to legalization. Given the strong public interest in the issue, I supported giving the people of Hawaii the opportunity to vote on the issue in the upcoming elections.

3. The Legislature has made substantial progress in opening up public access to state government especially in the areas of computer, media and technological access. I believe that these improvement have made the Hawaii Legislature one of the most accessible bodies in the country. I would support efforts to strengthen public access ...


Tom White (R)
Age: 45
Occupation: Consultant - Military Command and Control, Communications and Intelligence, C3I

1. By enacting pro-business policies that will attract new corporations and small business to the islands. Strengthen the environment for our existing firms. The state legislature must take the lead on changing the perception on the mainland and elsewhere that Hawaii is anti-business.

2. Marriage is between one man-one woman.

3. Allow the press to attend party caucus meetings at the Capitol.


District 42

Annelle Amaral (D)
Age: 47
Occupation: Consultant

1. By eliminating some of the restrictive regulations and administrative rules that presently exist. We also need to reform the existing tax structure in Hawaii and are awaiting the report from the Tax Commission. We need one cohesive vision for the future of Hawaii and her economy and stick to it ...

2. Marriage is a "hot-button" word for people, with a common sense application and religious implications that defy civil interpretation. It would appear that the need to correct legal benefits for same-sex couples can be corrected with a domestic partnership scheme, while leaving "marriage" to religious interpretation.

3. Government on-line is one way, presently all legislation is available on-line in libraries, with the ability of people to fax testimony to committees. Similarly, the state budget, state forms and filings, applications etc. can be made available by computer and business can be done by faxes or computers.


Mark S. Moses (R)
Age: 42
Occupation: Retired Marine Corps officer

1. Remove burdensome government regulations and excessive taxes. Enable open, systematic planning and development by establishing a comprehensive economic model that specifically includes employment and revenue forecasting. Implement incentives to achieve private sector development in areas of optimum economic benefit. Use open, well-documented decision-making processes to minimize undue influences.

2. I unconditionally oppose the legalization of same-sex marriage.

3. I would demand that state agencies implement the open, disciplined services and accountability practices already required by existing statutes and administrative procedures. All state agencies and institutions are required to implement the intent of Hawaii Revised Statues 91 for public information procedures and the intent of the Uniform Information Practices Act.


District 43

Michael Kahikina (D)
Age: 46
Occupation: Unit Director, Boys and Girls Club Waianae

1. By creating incentives to businesses to come into Hawaii. Make lands available to companies if they build their business with systems in place to deal with pollution and energy recycling, give our local residents first priority (given all things equal) when hiring, that the company invest in the education system.

2. I oppose legalizing same-sex marriage!

3. Upgrade to computers and on-line systems with satellites set up within the communities available to the public and have more hearings and conferences out in the community.


Aly A. Miyashiro (R)
Age: 24
Occupation: Mail-processing clerk, U.S. Postal Service

1. Hawaii's state laws must change from being anti-business to more pro-business. Cutting taxes will stimulate the economy. Like it or not tourism is our economy, and we must protect it and facilitate its growth.

2. I oppose same-sex marriage.

3. State government should be 100 percent accessible to the public, who's paying their bills?


District 44

Merwyn Jones (D)
Age: 57
Occupation: Full-time legislator

1. We must provide better-paying jobs as well as provide more jobs. We must also build more training facilities and provide more programs to help our citizens qualify for those jobs. These programs must be available and accessible to all.

2. I am against legalizing same-sex marriage at this time. The vast majority of our citizens are against same-sex marriage. I feel that laws are made to help our community achieve their family goals. Legalizing same-sex marriages does not fit into our family goals.

3. Some of the ways we can improve accessibility are 1) by re-establishing our state satellite offices; 2) by allowing the public more access through our computers; and 3) by requiring Olelo to provide more TV time to issues and programs that are relevant to the general public.


Mike Mixell
Age: 56
Occupation: Director of admissions, Denver Business College

1. Encourage rather than discourage business growth.

2. None.

3. By becoming more honest and open.


District 45

Theresa McCabe (R)

Did not respond.


Alex Santiago (D)
Age: 39
Occupation: Social worker

1. Government needs to be more proactive in preventing large businesses from pulling out of Hawaii after their profits are made. We can also do more to support small businesses by doing away with too many regulations so that they may in turn flourish and employ more people.

2. I am opposed to legalizing same sex marriage.

3. I believe state government is already very accessible to the public. What is needed is a state government that is more responsive to the communities needs. This is a much tougher challenge requiring participation by everyone.


District 46

Reb Bellinger (D)
Age: 47
Occupation: Manager project development, Makai Ocean Engineering

1. a) Ease burdensome restrictions on small business; b) Provide tax incentives; c) Decrease capital gains taxes; d) Decrease personal income taxes; e) Privatize many of government's functions.

2. I do not agree with legalizing same sex marriages. I do not agree with domestic partnerships. I agree with a constitutional amendment banning same sex marriages.

3. One way to make state government more accessible is to make more information available electronically through the Internet. Many forms, reports, applications, government filings, etc. could easily be retrieved electronically.


Colleen Meyer (R)
Age: 57
Occupation: Realtor

1. By lowering taxes, reforming workman comp and no-fault insurance and by abolishing joint and several liability. Give small businesses an income tax credit for employment of student interns, an apprentice relationship between business and students. Vocational training on the job benefits business with tax credits, benefits students.

2. I am opposed to legalizing same-sex marriage.

3. It is important that the Office of Information Practices be fully staffed. The Uniform Information Practices Act passed in 1988 assures the public access to public records. Without the assistance of the Office of Information Practices, a taxpayer's request for detailed information would most likely be stymied at the department level.


District 47

Karen Archibald
Age: 38
Occupation: Production of scenery and props

1. Encourage businesses to reduce, reuse, recycle: solar, social services, education, affordable housing, sustainable agriculture. Consumer owned cooperative enterprises (jump started with Department of Business Economic Development and Tourism, Hawaii Visitors Bureau money) in insurance, mutual funds, retailing and shipping create good jobs and benefit owner, employee and consumer.

2. The issue detracts from important state business. Marriage is about commitment, love and the benefits of working through the hard times. The case is about the rights granted by the state through a license: inheritance, taxation, medical and insurance. Our constitutional democracy ensures minority rights and provides majority elections.

3. Hot lines on various issues with legislation in process; zero tolerance for denial of information to citizens. Increased support for Office of Information Practices; reverse recent weakening of Sunshine Law; increase hearing notice lead time to 72 hours; encourage membership and provide tax checkoff to fund consumer/taxpayer watchdog organizations.


Mike Loftus (R)
Age: 59
Occupation: Physician

1. By providing more opportunities and less restrictions to small businesses and light industries, better-paying jobs will increase. This also increases our tax base and will stimulate the overall economy of the state.

2. I think same-sex marriage is a contradiction in terms. While I feel a person may associate freely with whomever he/she wishes, marriage is a union of a man and a woman. ...If two people of the same or opposite sex choose to live together, it is their affair ...

3. I will have an open-door policy at my office for my constituents limited only by necessity of legislative sessions and committee meetings. Phone calls will be answered promptly and I will arrange for an Internet "Web" page information source for those with access to a computer. There will be a periodic mailing ...


Terrance W.H. Tom (D)
Age: 48
Occupation: Attorney

1. We must build on Hawaii's strengths: climate, geographic location, aloha spirit and industriousness of its citizens. These strengths can provide the best tourist experience in the world, a unique specialty agricultural base, and an intellectual and financial center that will be the business bridge between East and West.

2. The Supreme Court of Hawaii has abused its constitutional role by substituting its judgment for that of our citizens. The court's "interpretation" of the equal rights amendment conflicts with every other court in the nation and is a serious violation of the separation of powers provided for in our Constitution.

3. I have introduced and passed laws establishing "one-stop shops" for businesses and supported the creation of satellite state centers throughout Hawaii. Legislation I supported to reform campaign spending and government ethics will encourage people to participate in government.


District 48

Ken Ito (D)
Age: 52
Occupation: Full-time legislator

1. We need to bring in or promote industries to come to Hawaii and provide high-paying jobs for our citizens. We also need to have our educational system prepare our young people to compete in the Asia-Pacific region using Hawaii as a headquarters.

2. I am against legalizing same-sex marriage.

3. I have been appointed to a joint House-Senate committee that is presently working to review and recommend policies and programs for broadcasts of legislative proceedings, Internet access and other public access programs.


Roy S. Yanagihara (R)
Age: 42
Occupation: Attorney, tax consultant, Internet consultant

1. Businesses will only expand or be attracted to do business here if it is profitable for them to do so. Therefore, in order to provide more jobs to our people, we must make Hawaii a more attractive place to do business. The way to do this is to reduce taxes, reduce government mandates and ease the regulatory environment.

2. I want to make it absolutely clear that I believe an individual's sexual preference should not be the basis for discrimination. However, I do not believe that according the legal status of marriage to same-sex couples is a civil rights issue. . . . Let the people vote on a constitutional amendment, and let democracy work.

3. The state has often avoided the benefits of technology, or bought outdated equipment to benefit a special interest. Other states allow people to access state legislation and bill status, laws and administrative rules via the Internet. In Hawaii, much of this information is not available . . . I would work to implement more technological solutions.


District 49

Bill Doi Jr. (D)
Age: 36
Occupation: Vocational school vice principal, business owner

1. The state can stimulate its economy by providing tax incentives or low-cost, long-term leases to high technology and diversified agriculture companies that hire people from the local work force.

2. I do not believe in same-sex marriages, will have difficulty supporting legislation legalizing it. However, I will consider domestic partnership as an alternative. On the other hand, we should never pass laws that may discriminate against a particular group of people.

3. It is almost impossible for me as an individual to make state government more accessible to the public. As a legislator, I will have the opportunity to hold periodic meetings within my district to inform my constituents of the availability of state services and pending legislation.


Cynthia Thielen (R)
Age: 62
Occupation: Land use and environmental attorney

1. Encourage small businesses through tax incentives by reducing government bureaucracy and cost of doing business in Hawaii. Seriously reform workers' compensation laws following successful examples in other states. Promote computer technology by giving tax holidays to entice developers to locate here.

2. I support equal benefits but do not support legalizing same-sex marriage.

3. The Legislature doesn't provide for adequate citizen input - notices of hearings aren't widely and timely distributed, and description of bills often are misleading. Instead of reducing methods by which state action is disseminated, we should expand to include Internet notices at all public libraries and hold more public hearings statewide.


District 50

Devon Nekoba (D)
Age: 28
Occupation: Full-time legislator

1. Aggressive diversified agriculture and supporting those industries (tourism) and others which can make Hawaii more self-sufficient.

2. As a Christian, I have a moral belief against same gender marriage. However, I am in favor of human and civil rights for all and agree with domestic partnerships. I believe the constitutional issues of marriage should be decided by the courts and I reserve judgment at this time.

3. By combining with private monies to bring government to the people, with things like satellite state offices and upgrades to the ACCESS system. But also by involving the young of Hawaii, to get them involved early.


David Pendleton (R)
Age: 29
Occupation: Attorney

1. By cutting taxes, red tape and wasteful spending, we can grow our economy and energize business. Business will thrive; kamaainas can then afford to stay.

2. I oppose same-sex marriage.

3. Government must become more customer-oriented. Treat citizens as customers paying for a service; focus on delivering a quality product as cost-effectively as possible.


District 51

Eve G. Anderson (R)
Age: 58
Occupation: State representative

1. Government must be more sensitive and supportive of small business; address unnecessary red tape, rules/regulations that force businesses to leave Hawaii. Taxes/fees-reduced; permitting process-more efficient. Schools must prepare students so they are ready to enter the job market skilled and eager to reach their highest potential.

2. Same-gender marriage should be legalized, whether we call this partnership-same-gender marriage, a domestic partnership, a companionship. Our gay-lesbian community needs to be part of a family just as you and I. Those that enter into a relationship must accept the same responsibilities as a heterosexual couple.

3. The process of government must be streamlined and become user-friendly. Departments are "drowning" under their own requirements and paperwork. They must review what they must do and why, and come up with an efficient system that gets the job done. The public should be served quickly.


Kenny Goodenow (D)
Age: 29
Occupation: Graduate student

1. Encourage and nurture businesses that provide long-term, well-paid employment that respects our community's vision. Support small business and real, diversified agriculture. Expand existing model of alternative community-based enterprises. Examine how tourism can better contribute to the life and culture of our people.

2. I believe in the sacrament of marriage. Let's leave sanctifying the marriage relationship to our various faiths and traditions. Let's separate the licensing and sanctioning of domestic unions in a way that ensures equity and fairness for all our citizens.

3. My office will be a conduit that connects our community with our policy makers. I'll help citizens to use the legislative process; assist them in preparing public testimony to the Legislature; and encourage citizen participation in the legislative process. My door will be open to provide this assistance.



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