REGARDING ELECTIONS
Do you support comprehensive public funding of elections? Please explain why or why not?
Yes, I strongly support comprehensive public funding of elections. In fact, I have already confirmed my participation in Hawaii’s public funding for my 2010 Lieutenant Governor campaign. I support public funding because the influence of special interest and “big money” has corrupted the political process and barred the entrance of new candidates into public office.
Do you have any concerns as to the possibility of voter disenfranchisement related to electronic 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, I do have concerns about this and I oppose internet voting and the transmittal of votes on the internet. This process creates opportunities for system failures and possible disenfranchisement of voters. I strong support the requirement of a paper audit trail.
REGARDING RENEWABLE ENERGY
Do you support a tax or fee on oil or gasoline to promote renewable energy sources?
Yes, I do support such taxes. I have voted in the past and will continue to support carbon taxes which support the development of renewable energy.
If not, in what other ways would you work to promote renewable energy resources?
[No response.]
REGARDING EQUAL RIGHTS
Do yo support Civil Unions for same-sex couples as a step toward full marriage equality? Why or why not?
I, along with President Obama and the Hawaii Democratic Party support passage of a strong civil union law. I believe government should treat everyone equally under the law. Government should not be in the business of sanctifying relationships but rather insuring equal rights, equal treatment and non-discrimination. The sanctification of a relationship should be the purview of the Church and not the Government.
REGARDING EDUCATION
Do you support more public funding for pre-elementary education?
Yes, I support more public funding for pre-elementary education as well as universal pre-school.
Do yo support lower class sizes or public elementary schools?
Yes, I strongly support lower class sizes for public elementary schools.
How would you pay for any proposals in your answers above?
I support the financing of these issues through a graduated progressive income tax.
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, I have support similar bills in the past and will continue to support them in the future. I believe this is an important issue because in an increasingly global market, seeing business as a commodity without regard for the employees is becoming an increasing and unfortunate trend.
REGARDING ECONOMY
As the State’s budget crisis continues, what remedies would you support to help solve the problem?
I would focus on energy and education to keep the economy strong, as well as increase government efficiency. I would accelerate CIP (Capital Improvement Projects) spending. Interest rates are at an all-time low for CIPs so it is a perfect time to invest in education, renewable energy and infrastructure.
What kind of tax cuts or increases, if any, would you support?
I support a tax reform measure which increases the GE tax but removes it from food, medical charges and low income rents, thereby making it less regressive.
