PDHblog
This is a place for members of Progressive Democrats of Hawai‘i to express their thoughts
and exasperations about political happenings. The opinions and views are not necessarily
those of PDH's steering committee or membership as a whole.

To Read Hanalei’s answers, click on the green word “more” below.

PROGRESSIVE DEMOCRATS OF HAWAI‘I QUESTIONNAIRE
U.S. HOUSE

Hanalei Aipoalani
www.electhanalei.com/main.html

1. REGARDING IRAQ AND IRAN

1a. The United States is now engaged in a very controversial war in Iraq. Please tell us your thoughts regarding the way in which this country entered the war.

The U.S., under direction of the current administration, entered the war in Iraq illegally. Shameless actions of coercion led to the deaths of many young men and women of the U.S. military and American & Iraqi civilians.

President Bush’s bold, albeit unprecedented action to go to war without the support of the International Community is indicative of poor leadership. Furthermore, it is rather unfortunate that we engaged in the acts of war using unfounded human intelligence.

I oppose the war; however, support our troops in their efforts. Nonetheless, I join Rep. Jack Murtha (D-PA) and the House Democratic Caucus in demanding a time-table for the withdrawal of our troops from Iraq.

1b. How do you assess the current situation in Iraq?

President Bush’s war against Iraq gave birth to civil war in the region. It is apparent to me that the natives of the region, in question, do not welcome the U.S.’s intervention. Therefore, it makes perfect sense for the complete withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq.

1c. What steps do you believe the United States should now take to resolve the situation in Iraq?

The United States must first relieve itself from its occupation of Iraq. More over, Congress must then demand a complete withdrawal time-table from the Department of Defense (Pentagon). The time-table must set as a priority the complete transfer of power from the U.S. Government and Military to the Iraqi Government and its people. Needless-to-say, the U.S. Government must continue its diplomatic relationship with the Iraqi Government as there is much work to be done in terms of peace making, region and capacity building, to name a few.

1d. The Bush administration is making sounds like it may attack Iran over their nuclear program. Please share your thoughts about this prospect.

As a private citizen and potential Congressman of Hawaii, I vehemently oppose a U.S. attack on Iran. I would support warfare actions initiated and led by the U.N. and further supported militarily by the International Community.

2. REGARDING HEALTHCARE – The cost of healthcare in the United States continues to climb. We currently spend more per capita on healthcare than any other industrialized nation, yet 45 million Americans have no health insurance at all, and life expectancy and infant mortality rates are worse than those in other countries with comparable wealth.

The cost of healthcare puts a tremendous burden on both our people and our businesses. Families are sometimes driven to bankruptcy by unanticipated medial emergencies and healthcare costs for employers have become a growing business expense. More and more, we are seeing healthcare as the sticking point in labor disputes.

2a. What do you think can be done to control rising healthcare costs, while expanding coverage for all Americans?

I am a proponent of Universal Comprehensive Healthcare. In my opinion, the cost of healthcare is a responsibility of Government and not the private sector. That said; the first step to controlling healthcare cost, in a progressive sense, is to limit the playing field by implementing a single-payer healthcare insurance plan.

2b. Please share your thoughts regarding proposals for a single-payer healthcare insurance plan, similar to that in Canada.

I am a proponent of the U.S. Government adopting and implementing a single-payer healthcare insurance plan.

3. REGARDING TRADE – The increased integration of the U.S. economy into the world economy has resulted in major disruptions to the lives of many American workers and businesses. Some people believe that the international agreements, like GATT, NAFTA, and CAFTA, have undermined U.S. labor and environmental standards, led to the loss of millions of high paying jobs, and driven many small and medium sized companies out of business.

3a. What is your position in the debate over “Free Trade” versus “Fair Trade?”

As it relates to “Free Trade” versus “Fair Trade” I support the latter. Free Trade adversely impacts America’s working class and does not represent the interest of the people as Fair Trade would

3b. What do you think can be done to ensure high wages and good working conditions in an era of international trade?

The U.S. Government must provide free advanced, accelerated, and enriched education (primary, secondary, and higher education—public schools) opportunities to all American citizens. By aiding the development of skilled, educated individuals, the Government is in fact ensuring competitive wages and good working conditions for all Americans.

4. REGARDING POVERTY – Poverty rates have been rising in the U.S. for several years. Currently, 37 million Americans are living in poverty, according to governmental standards, including 27 million children. Yet social programs providing relief to these people have seen major cuts to their funding.

4a. Please describe what role you think Congress can play in reducing the effects of poverty upon our people and in creating conditions that will increase economic equality, rather than continue the trend toward increased economic disparity?

In my opinion, quality education (primary-higher education) is the fundamental principle causing the economic divide—equality versus disparity. To assist in reducing the effects of poverty, Congress must provide free advanced, accelerated, and enriched education (primary, secondary, and higher education—public schools) opportunities to all American citizens. By aiding the development of skilled, educated individuals, the Government is in fact ensuring competitive wages and good working conditions for all Americans; thereby increasing economic equality.

5. REGARDING VOTER’S RIGHTS – The federal elections in both 2000 and 2004 were marred by voting irregularities and by the widespread disenfranchisement of voters. Voters have not had equal access to reliable voting systems; voters have been purged from the voting rolls in ways that appear to have been designed to suppress turnout of poor and minority voters, and there is widespread concern that new, paperless voting systems are being forced upon voters that lack adequate safeguards against votes being lots due to system failures or even deliberate fraud.

5a. What can be done to ensure that all voters have an equal chance of casting their votes, that the votes shall be counted on secure systems, and that the results can be verified in a manner that gives voters confidence?

In today’s diverse political and social climates, the best way to cast a vote is via Absentee Ballot. I would encourage most, if not all, legal voters to register for an Absentee Ballot. To ensure votes are counted, I would urge the utilization of an Absentee Ballot tracking system that provides individuals with confirmation. With regards to verifying results, I would further recommend that the tracking system integrates polling places and absentee ballot results. This process would allow for seamless verifications, if deemed necessary.

5b. Do you have concerns about the current method of funding election campaigns and the influence of special interests on elections?

I support public financing of political campaigns, be it local, state, or federal. The current funding parameter further disenfranchises sound, effective leaders with no political record to substantiate their candidacies.

5c. Do you support legislation for public funding of elections, such as were enacted in Maine and Arizona, and proposed locally by the “Voter Owned Elections” initiative?

Yes, I support legislation for public funding of elections.

6. REGARDING EXECUTIVE AUTHORITY

6a. What are your views regarding claims that President Bush, pursuing the doctrine of the “unitary executive,” has over-stepped his Executive Authority, as granted in the U.S. Constitution, by such actions as warrantless wiretapping, indefinitely holding detainees, disregarding legislation, and presenting false information to Congress?

The NSA’s warrantless domestic spying program and DOD’s indefinite detainment of prisoners, and Bush Administration’s use of false information to coerce Congress’ actions are unlawful. The President is out of line and must be reprimanded for over-stepping his Executive Authority. I am ashamed of his unfounded, inhumane, unconstitutional actions and will join the opposition in challenging the President’s position.

6b. Rep. John Conyers has introduced HR 635 to create a Select Committee empowered to investigate various allegations against President Bush and Vice President Cheney and to determine if the alleged abuses might constitute grounds for impeachment. What are your views on such a resolution? What actions, if any, do you think should be taken by Congress?

I support Rep. Conyers’ resolution and would encourage others to sign on as well. Congress must assure the American public that no one person is above the law. More over, Congress must ensure that the judicial process is executed appropriately; for regardless of the outcome, the process will draw international attention that could be detrimental to not only the President, but our country as well.

7. REGARDING ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND THE ENVIRONMENT – U.S. economic development is currently based upon the highest per capita consumption of resources in the world. The citizens of many other countries, such as those in Western Europe or Japan, have managed to have comparable prosperity while consuming substantially fewer resources. Countries such as China and India are industrializing at a rapid rate and their consumption of resources and production of pollutants is also rising at an alarming pace. This is having a destructive impact on the environment, both locally and globally and is clearly not sustainable.

The Bush administration and the Congressional Republicans, resist even the mildest regulations designed to reduce pollution, increase recycling, and preserve wilderness areas.

7a. What role do you believe Congress can play in reducing the destruction of environment and moving us towards sustainable economic development?

Congress must continue to improve upon policies having direct and indirect impact on our environment. The Clean Air Act and CAFÉ standards are a couple out of many policies requiring proper monitoring and adjustments to best protect our environment. As it relates to sustainable economic development, Congress must continue to objectively analyze and synthesize the environmental risks and benefits of all opportunities, as to ensure that the health and well-being of our environment is not compromised.

8. OTHER IMPORTANT ISSUES

8a. In your opinion, what are other major important issues facing the country?

Homelessness and Affordable Housing.

8b. What are your personal legislative priorities and why should Hawaii’s voters choose to vote for you?

As Congressman Aipoalani, I will legislate across the board as all issues are of importance to the people of Hawaii. That said; however, I will make it a point to ensure that the No Child Left Behind Act is fully funded, that Affordable Housing project discussions are engaged, and Universal Healthcare—single-payer plan is adopted, thereby providing healthcare coverage to all.

Hawaii voters, namely those residing in the second congressional district, are encouraged to vote for Hanalei Aipoalani for Congress because…

• Hanalei will represent “We, the people of Hawaii” and not “I, a person from Hawaii” when he goes to Congress

• Hanalei has the HEART (Humble, Earnest, Accountable, Responsible, Tactful); passion to serve the people of Hawaii in Congress

• Hanalei has the competence: leadership and management skills and ability to serve the people of Hawaii in Congress

• Hanalei has the stamina and foundation to adequately work for Hawaii’s people in Congress

• Hanalei has friends and networks in Washington, D.C., California, Washington State, Indian Country, the Asian Pacific Islander communities, and in Congress