Editor’s Note: In September 2012, Civil Beat sent six questions to each of the candidates running in the Nov. 6 general election for Hawaii Legislature. The questions and answers are reproduced below in full. Click on each topic listed below to read Civil Beat’s question and the candidate’s response. We’ve also put together a complete list of who’s on the general election ballot.

• General Excise Tax
• Environmental Regulatory Review
• Gambling
• Sunshine Law
• Best and Worst Legislation
• Overlooked Issue

Preferred Candidate Name: State House Representative

Party Affiliation: Republican

Senate/House District Number: House 42

Date of Birth: 03/27/62

Place of Birth/Hometown: Manila, Philippines

Current Profession/Employer: Owner/Oahu Express, Ltd

Education/Alma Mater(s): Bachelor of Science in Customs Administration, Philippine Maritime Institute

1. With the exception for Honolulu rail, the state has not raised the general excise tax in decades. Would you consider increasing the GET to help the state meet its budget demands?

No, I don’t agree in any new tax increases or new fees at any time especially with our nose dive economy.

Hawaii citizens are hurting, especially small independent businesses; more people are now collecting government assistance i.e. food stamps, welfare and the 99 weeks unemployment checks. Our job as community leaders is to relieve the burdens of taxpayers, not pile more tax burdens. Keep in mind, it’s not our money to waste; we must remember it comes from the sweat and blood of Hawaii’s taxpayers.↩ back to top

2. Lawmakers proposed relaxing environmental regulatory review to spur development and job growth in the 2012 session, and the issue is expected to resurface next year. Where do you stand?

I stand for an open transparent government where public interest always comes first, not career politicians, developers, special interests-big corporations, union bosses and government cronies. The environment includes the social, economic, cultural, and historical aspects of a society. We are in an island, “balanced – self sufficient “; food security, clean air, open space and good sanitation are important to our well being. Stop Matson and others sending their barges to be fixed in the mainland! We need jobs. ↩ back to top

3. Gambling — are you for it or against it? If not, why not? If so, what type of gambling and with what kind of restrictions?

I am against gambling. It exploits the poor and the needy, it’s just an escape goat for some lazy political leaders to find ways in creating real jobs; for quick unethical substitute job growth. We are entrepreneurs. Stop rolling dice and avoiding to reform the $23 Billion unfunded public worker’s benefits. ↩ back to top

4. The Sunshine Law is a hallmark of an open democracy accountable to its citizens. Yet, the Legislature exempts itself from this requirement. Do you support more transparency in government operations, or are there legitimate reasons to conduct some of the people’s business behind closed doors?

I stand for open transparent government. Stop “Hawaii Business as Usual”; DC style back door deals. Hawaii citizens are not getting a fair open discussions to what laws, they are simply Act (55)ing like Hawaii government gone “Amok”. Hawaii political leaders must stopped re-creating new state entities that eroding the state’s credibility in which gone to the sinkhole – PLDC and HCEI? “Respect the Ai’na” ↩ back to top

5. What is the best legislation — and worst legislation — that the Legislature has approved in recent years? Please explain.

Best Legislation that Council Tom Berg introduced: http://www4.honolulu.gov/docushare/dsweb/Get/Document-118283/RES11-308.htm

Nightmare legislation: State of Hawaii political leadership slap on their face bill: HB1555 as Act 55 is the epitome of a government gone “Amok”. Public engagement was shut down. The bill was pushed through with rapid haste. Majority of sitting politicians are running away hiding to conduct their district Candidate Forum and Town Hall meetings. Act 55-Somebody from Kauai island said “Impeach Gov. Abercrombie”.
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6. What is an issue that you would champion at the Legislature — one that perhaps has not received much attention, or an issue that is important to your district?

I will join the majority to Repeal Act 55. My opponent Sharon Har and Mike Gabbard are enemies to open and transparent government. Passing Act 55 is the validation of their poor judgment; selling their souls, credibility and bowing to the big corporations, developers, their senior political leaders and union bosses.

King Kalakaua and King Kamehameha are probably rolling of their graves with what these politicians are doing to the state’s Hawaiian ceded lands and public lands. ↩ back to top