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State House

Aaron Ling Johanson (R) *

Hawaii’s cost of living is too high; we’re pricing ourselves out of paradise. I advocate broad-based income tax relief for seniors, low-income individuals, the middle class, and small businesses. The 2013 Legislature almost passed income tax reductions — a policy I helped craft. We must boldly enact real tax relief.
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Allen “AL” Frenzel (L)

Recently, the Department of Defense announced that Hawaii is one of 19 states to potentially lose stationed soldiers as part of the Army's mandated downsizing from 550,000 to 420,000. I STRONGLY support the proposed cuts for Hawaii (19,800 on Oahu) and immediate return of Schofield, Wheeler, and Makua to the state of Hawaii.
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Andria P. Tupola (R)

People before politics. Let communities run their communities. Let families, parents, and teachers develop educational curriculums. Unify existing community groups and leaders. Let the people run their own lives and provide them the freedom and protection they are granted under the United States and state of Hawaii
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Anthony Higa (L)

Our current state unfunded liabilities are $27 billion over the next 30 years. If we were to pay it in full today it would cost every person roughly $19,230. I advocate current retirees keep what they were promised and future generations need a reformed plan.
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Bertrand “Bert” Kobayashi (D) *

To address huge unfunded deficits of the state health insurance fund, develop the kind of reforms approved in 2011 and 2012 for the state pension system.
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Beth Fukumoto Chang (R) *

This year, I introduced HB 2371 which aimed to reduce the tax burden on our low income residents through various mechanisms, including the earned income tax credit. According to testifiers, it was the most comprehensive effort to “restore economic vitality to Hawaii’s embattled and shrinking middle class.”
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Bill Dickson

Bill Dickson did not respond to our questionnaire.
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Bob McDermott (R) *

Air-conditioning for Campbell High School and other Leeward schools to improve the learning environment. Studies show that excessive heat creates a poor learning environment and lowers test scores.
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Bryan E. Jeremiah (R)

Restore honest and moral leadership back in our Capitol and to honor our Constitution as it is written, to provide leadership that respects the voice of its people and to provide an example for others to follow, to restore family values and protect the citizens of Hawaii against poor legislation.
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C. Kaui Jochanan Amsterdam (R)

My One Big Idea is to Elect C. Kaui Jochanan Amsterdam to the House of Representatives, District 24 to advance important creative change, meet necessary needs of our people in District 24, and keep and make District 24, Hawaii, and world a better place in which to live.
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Calvin K.Y. Say (D) *

Achieving the goal of hydrogen fuel cells being used by all utility users/consumers by 2020! Hydrogen fuel cells is a clean technology for energy development for the future.
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Carole Kauhiwai Kaapu (R)

There is no one solution to the issues we face. To keep our families safe, thriving, and able to afford living in Hawaii will take hard work, listening to the people, and making decisions for future generations. Our Legislature has become unresponsive to the needs and concerns of Hawaii's people.
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Cedric Asuega Gates (G)

Revitalizing Waianae’s local economy is vital to having a truly sustainable community. I believe in supporting existing and new local small businesses along with a balance of commercial growth. In return, it will alleviate west and east bound traffic dramatically by keeping majority of our residents working in their community.
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Chayne M. Marten (R)

We only have a four-day supply of food and bottled water in Hawaii for emergencies. What we need is to stockpile food, medicine and emergency supplies. This is the backup plan. The main plan is to use our idle agricultural land and allow agricultural students to farm for locals
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Chris Lee (D)*

Education is the key to a better future for our next generation. We should eliminate the financial barriers preventing many from going to college. We can follow Oregon where students can attend college with no up-front cost, instead paying back 2 percent of their earnings over the next 20 years.
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Chris Stump (D)

By investing in our children’s education throughout their lives we help secure and diversify our state's future. We need to make sure that they are cared for the best we can, and this starts by making sure their education is the best that we can provide.
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Cranston Kaleialoha Kapoi (R)

To help Hawaii's people become more self-sufficient and self-reliant; be good stewards of the land, the water, the ocean and air.
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Cynthia Thielen (R)*

Wave Energy Converters. With nearly the best wave climate in the world, each island can harness renewable power from the ocean and reduce dependency on costly fossil fuel. Military base in Kaneohe will deploy its first of three WECs this summer, with low cost power flowing into the grid.
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Dave Bateman (R)

Develop more agricultural opportunities on the Big Island. We import 85 percent of our food at an annual cost of about $3 billion. We have the ability to grow all this food in the Kona and Kau regions. I favor expanding the state Department of Agriculture ag loan program for qualified farmers.
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Daynette “Dee” Morikawa (D)*

The Department of Health is a very toxic building, but in order to renovate it, we need spaces to move them to. This might be a problem for many
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Della Au Belatti (D)*

School-based, co-located delivery of health care services has the potential to achieve better access to healthcare, particularly in rural areas. I would task the Departments of Health, Human Services, and Education to develop and execute a five-year plan that results in demonstration projects that can be scaled throughout the state.
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Derek S.K. Kawakami (D)*

I truly believe that Hawaii can lead the way in renewable energy and high technology. Our unique geographic location can serve as the role model in computer science by beefing up our IT infrastructure via broadband deployment. We also have many natural resources that can be utilized in renewable energy.
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Eldean L. Kukahiko (R)

I would propose a plan that would bring small farmers together, to be able to sell their produce to our schools. I would start by lobbying for authorization from the federal government and approval from our state to include “poi” as an approved starch for all Hawaii school lunches.
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Emil Svrcina (R)

Moving forward by going back to the founding principles of this once great and exceptional country. Liberty brings prosperity. The enormous creative potential of free people will be unleashed. People will thrive in abundance and without existential problems. Legitimate government doing its main job protecting unalienable rights of American citizens.
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Eric B. Marshall (R)

There are many laws and state statutes which has been in existence for a long period of time. I would like create legislation to review and evaluate existing outdated laws and state statutes which has adds cost to companies such as credit unions existing regulatory laws.
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Eric Drake Weinert (L)

My goal is to work with our community to grow more healthy food, make Hawaii more food self-reliant, and to help farmers be successful. Having a school garden on every campus and using locally produced fresh food in the school lunch program is a step in the right direction.
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Feki Pouha (R)

Electric bill credits for ratepayers who live near large renewable-energy projects such as the Kahuku wind farms. A state law can be made to mandate this bill credit which will provide a reasonable benefit to hosting communities like Kahuku and perhaps others in the near future.
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Fred F. Fogel (L)

Improve the way government supports the people. i.e. — term limits, voter approved pay raises for politicians, no “gut & replace,” line item veto, more county autonomy, get state out of primary election, put all qualified candidates on ballot, flat income tax above poverty level, no tax food & medicine.
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Gary Thomas (R)

My plans to improve the Puna economy, reform education, and build hope in our kids will continue, but right now will have to be viewed through the prism of the impact of the lava flow, which is already a game changer. My priority right now is disaster preparedness and relief.
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Gene Ward (R)*

“Solar on Every Roof” is my office’s mantra where we lead the nation and the world in renewable energy through micro-grids and battery storage making Hawaiian Electric Co. our backup provider rather than major provider. Power production must transition the same way we went from computer mainframes to the PC.
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Gregg Takayama (D)*

Let’s view our rapidly growing senior population as a resource instead of a burden. Retirees are living longer and healthier than ever, and the wisdom of these kupuna should be utilized by our schools, social service programs, and health providers as a source of knowledge and skills.
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Holly A. Broman

Holly A. Broman did not respond to our questionnaire.
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Jaci Agustin (R)

Eliminating homelessness in Hawaii. Bringing ALL stakeholders to the table — including the State of Hawaii, City and County of Honolulu, ACLU, respected homeless advocacy groups and business community to resolve homelessness on an individual basis, not one size fits all approach. Funding would be joint responsibility of the stakeholders.
FULL PROFILE »

James Kunane Tokioka (D)*

I can't list just one idea. There are many important topics that we as legislators need to address during each legislative session.
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Janet M. Grace (R)

Create a safe and welcoming environment for both residents and visitors by moving the homeless off the streets and beaches of Waikiki and into shelters and permanent housing.
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Jarrett Keohokalole (D)

I would streamline the regulatory process for restoration of Native Hawaiian farming and aquacultural areas and develop incentives for the creation and expansion of community garden programs. These may seem like small steps if done individually, but they are community-driven solutions to our significant food security and sustainability issues.
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Jo Jordan (D)*

My one big idea that I have been working on is social impact bonds to fund social programs and services with no initial outlay of taxpayer funds. As a result of a resolution passed last year, a preliminary study was completed, but this new approach needs more review before implementation.
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Joe Souki (D)*

To find a solution for the increasing homeless population. We need more outreach mental health workers to identify mentally ill, and to sort the employed homeless, and those that choose to leave that lifestyle. That will require additional state resources to house and treat the homeless.
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John M. Mizuno (D)*

Audit the Department of Education, which will costs the state several millions of dollars. However, I believe an audit will provide extreme insight to the teachers, Board of Education, Department of Education, the Legislature and governor and allow us to efficiently cut government waste and provide quality support toward education.
FULL PROFILE »

Jon A. LaLanne (L)

If we eliminated the state income tax, the flood of business opportunity pouring in to the state would be like nothing we have ever seen in the island's history nor our lifetimes. If social welfare is to stick around for those in need, high taxes and regulations will surely kill it.
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Jonathan K. Ho‘omanawanui (R)

Restore leadership (Principal). Only the principal and teacher knows what the students’ needs are. The growth of our students is far more important than repetitive teacher evaluations. The educators are not to blame. Students make choices too. The politics have found its way down affecting both teacher and students performance.
FULL PROFILE »

Joy A. SanBuenaventura

Creation of a Homeowners Ombudsman office to reduce conflict and to ensure transparency. Lawsuits between members and the board are common, state agencies and courts are being pulled in and HOA dues are used to pay for lawyers instead of community needs or they don't get paid in protest.
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Julia E. Allen (R)

Our state should work with governing entities of similarly harmed bodies such as Guam, Puerto Rico and Alaska, to gain congressional passage of an "Affordable Shipping Act" to exempt Hawaii from the unjustifiably high shipping costs imposed on us by an antiquated federal law.
FULL PROFILE »

Kaimanu Takayama (L)

Eliminate ALL taxes, especially the income tax, in favor of a flat-rate sales tax not applicable to food or medical care. People should be able to keep 100 percent of their earnings. A national sales tax around 15-20 percent and a state sales tax around 10 percent is estimated to be sufficient.
FULL PROFILE »

Kana Naipo

Safety. Particularly minors facing stricter penalties when it comes to proper headgear. Requiring helmets for any public access or park area to protect our youth from unnecessary danger or even death. Find a way to make vouchers legal for public funds. Kids might as well use the money from the taxes. There has to be a way for it to be legalized in Hawaii. Develop a legalized way to introduce the voucher system.
FULL PROFILE »

Kaniela Ing *

Kaniela Ing did not respond to our questionnaire.
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Karen Leinani Awana (D)*

Update the State Plan which was established in 1978 by then Gov. Ariyoshi. The plan provided for good land use planning. The environment, economy, development, education, housing, and diversified agriculture were areas considered. This plan forces collaboration as resources are limited in an island state.
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Keiko Bonk (G)

True-Cost economics, in which all costs are included in the price of the product/service, unless the public votes to subsidize something for the long-term public good. Currently special interests use the government to acquire hidden subsidies that pay companies to pollute, ignore real people’s needs, and produce unhealthy products.
FULL PROFILE »

Kelly Ann Valenzuela (R)

To work together regardless of party affiliation and really work hard for our communities of Hawaii. We need to learn to be respectful and agree to disagree with one another. But more importantly we need to come together with a common goal which is “the people of Hawaii”.
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Kent K. Fonoimoana (D)

I have a several initiatives that I would like to have the opportunity to implement. The main idea I have is making our island state food and energy independent by developing work programs and exploring an alternative renewable energy source that could utilize Hawaii’s most abundant natural resource — water.
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Kyle T. Yamashita (D)*

Restructure our tax code to a system that will encourage and drive the economy. I believe this can be achieved while maintaining current revenue. Under the right tax structure our economy would become stronger and more vibrant, which would lead to a solid tax base.
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Larie Kuulei Langi Manutai (R)

Solving the homeless problem. There are other states doing great things, for example the State of Utah who has decreased homelessness by 78 percent in the last eight years and are on track to end homelessness by 2015. It would be incredible if Hawaii could do the same.
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Lauren Cheape Matsumoto (R)*

Currently, Hawaii imports 90 percent of our food. We need to cultivate a new generation of farmers through programs like Future Farmers of America and 4H. We also need out-of-the-box solutions like a working farm for a school district to teach our children and bring our state closer to self-sustainability.
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Lei Sharsh (D)

To mandate stricter laws for sex offenders, especially when the victim is under 5 years old. Also, to set time limits for House and Senate public servants (ie. 2-3 terms and to wait four years to run again).
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Linda E. Ichiyama (D)*

We need to help Hawaii’s working families by easing their tax burden. This past session I introduced a bill to raise the standard deduction amount, which would lower income taxes for working-class families. Although we are seeing signs of recovery, many families are still struggling to make ends meet.
FULL PROFILE »

LuAnn M. Poti (R)

Micro-homes are not for everyone nor every season of life, but provide options to alleviate pressure on the market. Imagine renovation of aging developments that include micro-apartments, increasing total units. Chic options can be designed for even the most upscale developments and are popular in densely populated areas.
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Marcia Ann R. Tagavilla (R)

All families, particularly those living in apartments and condos, are overburdened by the high cost of living and affordable housing shortage. I advocate tax credits for families living in apartments. If families can’t afford a house and live in apartments, a tax-credit would alleviate the tax burden for middle-income families.
FULL PROFILE »

Marilyn B. Lee (D)

To establish an array of affordable, accessible services for our kupuna that allows them to live safely, and in dignity, and provides the necessary support and relief for their caregivers.
FULL PROFILE »

Mark Jun Hashem (D)*

I believe Hawaii’s housing crisis will be the biggest challenge facing our local families. As current chair of the Housing Committee, I was successful at passing initiatives that will increase Hawaii’s inventory of affordable housing and affordable rentals.
FULL PROFILE »

Mark M. Nakashima (D)*

Hawaii must develop a hydrogen economy that would provide fuel for both transportation and electricity generation. Endless supply of water and the abundance of renewable energy provide the raw materials needed for Hawaii to become energy self-sufficient and money currently exported to buy energy remaining here
FULL PROFILE »

Matthew LoPresti (D)

Ethics reform! Lawmakers need to be bound by stronger ethics laws to prevent corruption and restore faith in government. See details of my platform at Matt4Ewa.com, including: Education (A/C and second high school), Traffic, Quality Jobs, Affordable Housing, Kupuna Care, and Environmental Protection (help bring the limu back to Ewa).
FULL PROFILE »

Max Fowler (R)

Families and seniors work hard to make ends meet. We need to help them. One way to help make Hawaii more affordable for families is to lessen their tax burden. By eliminating the general excise tax on groceries and medical services, a family of four would save over $450/year.
FULL PROFILE »

Michael Yadao Magaoay (D)

One big idea for District 45 and the North Shore is clean up the R2 water to R1 water in Lake Wilson. R2 water was great when sugarcane was "KING", but you cannot grow leafy vegetables. R2 is only good for other crops like papayas, seed corn, etc. Need R1 water.
FULL PROFILE »

Nicole Lowen (D)*

One of my top priorities is our new college campus in Kona. Building this new campus and supporting its growth is key to the future success of our community. Education is one of the best investments we can make in the future, and we must improve it at all levels.
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Pat Brock

Pat Brock did not respond to our questionnaire.
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Richard H. Pohle (R)

Government MUST get smaller. In the future, we will be totally enmeshed in an electronic web. If government has the power to coerce, an ambitions political class will grab the opportunity to limit our freedom. Historically, this always happens, but this time there will be no way to rebel.
FULL PROFILE »

Richard H.K. Onishi (D)*

We need to develop a regular source of funding to address the invasive species issues that plagues our state. The problems have wide ranging impacts on our ecosystem, our state’s economy and tourist industry. Greater discussion is needed on how we fund this problem in the next legislative session.
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Richard P. Creagan *

Richard P. Creagan did not respond to our questionnaire.
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Robert C. Helsham Sr. (R)

I am a concerned citizen not a career politician. I will: REVIVE the community! RESTORE the people's voice! REBUILD trust in our government!
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Ronald Y.K. Lam (R)

To eliminate decades of political barriers and to build BRIDGES OF RELATIONSHIPS among elected officials and residents to resolve conflicting interests, views and ideas that impact families, the core value and foundation of our society, and to facilitate diverse, prosperous and peaceful communities with opportunities for growth.
FULL PROFILE »

Rose Martinez (D)

Due to the costly improvement of James Campbell High School, relocate and rebuild the school into its new location and most improved facility best suited for Ewa Beach high school students through private-public partnership. Let the three schools surrounding the James Campbell High School use the old facility.
FULL PROFILE »

Roy M. Takumi (D)*

Continue to invest in an early childhood learning system. One study showed that the total benefit cost-ratio was $17 for every dollar invested in early learning. In other words, these programs ultimately prove to be cost-efficient due to a reduction in crime, welfare payments and an increase in economic productivity
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Ryan I. Yamane (D)*

It is important that we continue to promote economic sustainability and minimize governmental waste. We need to provide incentive for local innovators in the area of recycling and health care, while developing easy one-stop kiosk and new technologies that allows all residents to access all their health care needs.
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Sam Kong (D)

Turn Sand Island Park into a no regulation / no tax zone to help the homeless. In one area, with a comprehensive plan, we will be able to help and assist the homeless with security, medical services, food … Want to help the homeless, get to know the homeless.
FULL PROFILE »

Scott K. Saiki (D)*

Initiating a zero-based budgeting pilot program that the Legislature can use to analyze all expenditures within a particular state agency.
FULL PROFILE »

Scott Y. Nishimoto (D)*

Zero based budgeting to ensure that departments are fulfilling their mission and providing the services our citizens need.
FULL PROFILE »

Sharon Har (D)*

My focus on economic development in Kapolei by integrating commercial, academic, tourist and cultural interests while creating jobs. The Kapolei Heritage Park, Honouliuli internment camp museum, and a creative film/media park next to UHWO are part of my efforts to put the Second City first for West Oahu residents.
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Steve Yoder

Steve Yoder did not respond to our questionnaire.
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Suk Moses (R)

Local school boards. I do not believe that bureaucrats in downtown Honolulu know more about the local schools than the principals, teachers and parents who interact daily with the students. We should put the power in their hands rather than forcing our school communities to fit into predetermined, universal policies.
FULL PROFILE »

Susan Kehaulani Halvorsen (R)

Require an order to immediately treat individuals facing criminal charges when a judge initially finds the accused unfit to proceed and dangerous to decrease violence against staff and increase patient safety. The State Hospital increasingly has become a forensic institution, all admitted are legally encumbered, many with violent felony charges.
FULL PROFILE »

Sylvia Luke (D)*

Constructing a new state building which would consolidate services and at the same time reduce the amount of lease rent state currently pays.
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Takashi Ohno (D)*

This past year, I introduced a bill to reward our best teachers. The bill would award bonuses to National Board Certified teachers that teach in Hawaii's neediest schools. Education is the life's equalizer, and we need to compensate and retain master teachers that excel in their profession.
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Tom Berg (L)

Take farmland that’s sitting fallow and grow industrial hemp on it. This will create tens of thousands of new jobs — from cultivation itself to processing the plant into food, fuel, clothing, textiles, and hempcrete/building material. This could transform the homeless crisis into a thriving economic sustainability machine. All can apply.
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Tom Brower (D)*

We cannot afford to provide shelters for all the homeless, many chronic homeless disagree with shelter rules, and anti-loitering laws only work if people have a place to go. Since 2010, I have promoted “safe zones” (campsites), as a short-term, inexpensive, quick solution. Otherwise, people will camp everywhere.
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Victoria Elizabeth Mathieu (R)

VOTING! Getting people involved in government is more important to me than winning this election. If I can help to register voters of any party, if I can get our people, young and old, to CARE about government, and understand that action (or inaction) has effects, then that is winning.
FULL PROFILE »

Victoria Franks (R)

We need to take a close look at what is going on with our schools. The individual counties have individual needs. We need to look at what has been successful and what does not work and re-tailor our system to meet the needs of each county.
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Wayne T. Hikida (R)

I believe that the people of Hawaii can be best served by term limits for House and Senate seats. I would call for staggered six-year terms for each office. I would also push for recall to allow the people to remove legislators who aren't performing.
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