Age: 43
Job: Attorney; Army Reservist
Background: Former Honolulu councilman; former U.S. representative; adjunct professor, UH law school, HPU
What makes you qualified to be a U.S. representative?
My experience as a City Council member, state representative and congressman has prepared me to fight for our young families and kupuna who are struggling with Hawaii’s high cost of living. Having been raised in Hawaii, and raising my own family here, I am determined to make life better for everyone.
Should the United States recognize a Native Hawaiian government through an administrative rule rather than an act of Congress?
I support recognition of a Native Hawaiian government, but such recognition should only come through an act of Congress and a vote of the people of Hawaii. Enactment of such recognition by an administrative rule undermines democracy, cheapens Native Hawaiian recognition and makes any such act reversible at any time.
What changes, if any, would you make to the federal health care reform law?
Obamacare has failed to make the lives of Hawaii residents better. Instead, we need meaningful medical malpractice tort reform, expanded use of medical savings accounts and to allow the interstate sale of health insurance. These positive, common-sense changes will reduce the runaway cost of health care far more than any regulation.
Should Hawaii be exempt from the Jones Act, the federal maritime law that protects the domestic shipping industry from foreign competition?
Yes. The Jones Act has led to monopoly shipping prices for Hawaii residents. While the rest of the country can turn to trucking and rail for transportation of goods, Hawaii cannot. That’s one reason why Hawaii has such a high cost of living and why I support Jones Act reform.
Would you repeal the Common Core curriculum standards for public schools?
Enacted by 45 states, including Hawaii, Common Core is not subject to repeal by Congress. While I support having standards, such as Common Core, for what a child should know at each grade level, I believe parents, not bureaucrats, should have the final say in their child’s education.
