Age: 63
Job: Financial adviser
Background: Former state representative; military veteran; financial adviser, Mass Mutual Financial Group
What makes you qualified to be a U.S. senator?
I have been a leader who lives to serve — from high school, to becoming a military officer, and then in church, business and government. I want the people of Hawaii to be free and prosperous with a superior education system, strong families, and a tech and tourist economy that grows Hawaii.
Should the United States recognize a Native Hawaiian government through an administrative rule rather than an act of Congress?
No, we are one people, one Hawaii. Trying to create a tribal-style nation would divide our people and be divisive and destructive for all of Hawaii.
What changes, if any, would you make to the federal health care reform law?
I will encourage an exemption for Hawaii so we can return to being on the leading edge of health care. We should separate health care from insurance and create an insurance pool to help care for those with pre-existing conditions. Individuals should have the same advantages as given to employees in companies.
Should Hawaii be exempt from the Jones Act, the federal maritime law that protects the domestic shipping industry from foreign competition?
I support a U.S. ship build exemption that will lower the capital costs of ships by approximately $150m per ship, increase competition and grow jobs for U.S. citizens and Hawaii residents. A ship build exemption will lower the cost of living for every Hawaii family and lower costs in business.
Would you repeal the Common Core curriculum standards for public schools?
Common Core is a federal intrusion on Hawaii. Hawaii parents, teachers and administrators should control our education system without federal intrusion. The federal government too often uses federal funding for states to control what should be decided by the people of a state.
