REGARDING ELECTIONS
Do you support comprehensive public funding of elections? Please explain why or why not?
Yes, I am a strong supporter of public financing for elections. I made it a priority when I was a member of the State house, and I believe it is a reform what will make other reforms possible, especially in light of the recent SCOTUS decision.
Do you have any concerns as to the possibility of voter disenfranchisement related to electric voting device failure and/or the (in)adequacy voting equipment and systems? If so, what are those concerns and what would you suggest to resolve the problem?
Yes, and I worked with your own Bart Dame and others to pass legislation to ensure that a paper backup would be part of our process. I don’t believe that a purely electronic voting system provides sufficient safeguards and gives the public enough confidence in the process.
REGARDING RENEWABLE ENERGY
Do you support a tax or fee on oil or gasoline to promote renewable energy sources?
Yes, I believe we must provide revenue streams for renewable energy, and that if we are able to find one such as the so-called Barrel Tax, this would help Hawaii to move more aggressively toward a clean energy future.
If not, in what other ways would you work to promote renewable energy resources?
I believe that the undersea cable is critical to connect Oahu with the neighbor islands. I also believe that the PUC needs a reform of the laws and rules that governs its actions, and that it needs sufficient resources to make sure that renewable energy projects get up and running. I was co-author of the Renewable Portfolio Standards, Net Metering and Solar Hot Water Heating Tax Credit laws, and will continue to make clean energy a top priority.
REGARDING EQUAL RIGHTS
Do you support Civil Unions for same-sex couples as a step to full marriage equality? Why or why not?
Yes, I believe in civil rights.
REGARDING EDUCATION
Do you support more funding for pre-elementary education?
Yes, this is one area where the experts agree — pre-K funding shows measurable improvements in student achievement, and ought to be increased.
Do you support lower class sizes for public elementary schools?
Yes.
How would you pay for any proposals in your answers above?
I believe we must prioritize education at the top of the list, and we must understand that while certain reforms may be necessary, we must adequately fund our schools.
REGARDING JOBS
Would you support a bill to establish job security for employees when their employer is sold, merged, or transferred if the employer has at least 100 employees? Why or why not?
Yes, because I think its about fairness.
REGARDING ECONOMY
As the State’s budget crisis continues, what remedies would you support to help solve the problem?
I believe that a combination of revenue measures, cuts to the budget, and some savings through collective bargaining is the most reasonable combination to balance the budget.
What kind of tax cuts or increases, if any, would you support?
It will depend on the state of the budget in 2010, but right now, I believe some minor revenue enhancement would be sufficient to balance the budget.
