Age: 61
Job: State representative; communications specialist, Hawaii State AFL-CIO
Background: Pearl City Community Association, Hawaii Job Coordinating Council
Do you support the constitutional amendment to allow public money to be spent on private preschool? Why?
Yes. Educationally, we know that the first five years of a child’s life are the most critical to development. Children in preschool typically perform better in school, display stronger reading skills and experience fewer disciplinary problems. We would be joining 41 other states that have a private-public partnership for preschool.
What is your one big idea?
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
