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House District 14 - Hanalei | Princeville | Kapaa

Derek S.K. Kawakami (D)*

Democrat
Age: 36
Job: State representative; Menehune Food Mart East and North Operations
Background: Former Kauai councilman; former KIUC board director

Do you support the constitutional amendment to allow public money to be spent on private preschool? Why?

I support the constitutional amendment because it allows our state to give our keiki a jump-start on life. Many children in Hawaii do not attend preschool because of financial constraints. This would level the playing field by creating educational opportunity for all children. Money should not be a barrier.

What is your one big idea?

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.