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: Mark Jun Hashem

Party Affiliation: Democrat

Senate/House District Number: House District 18

Date of Birth: 03/03/68

Place of Birth/Hometown: Hokkaido, Japan

Current Profession/Employer: Legislator

Education/Alma Mater(s): Kaahumanu Elementary School, Washington Middle School, McKinley High School, Pacific University, Hokkaido University.

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?

I oppose increasing the GET. We need to look at closing tax loopholes and over generous tax credits first. I have also been working with department directors to pursue collections of unpaid ($50+ million) debt owed to the state. ↩ 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?

Finding a balance between protecting Hawaii’s environment while ensuring job growth is very important. Either jobs or environment should not be at the expense of the other. I believe all processes (environmental, procurement etc.) must be constantly reviewed. Outdated and over redundant processes create inefficiencies and increase cost on government, the private sector and the tax payer. Up to date and efficient processes make for better environmental protection, better government and better services to the public. ↩ 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. I will entertain joining a national lottery system like Power Ball or Mega Bucks. ↩ 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 fully support open government and transparency. With the legislature having only 60 legislative days to complete business, (sometimes 6+ hearings per bill, vetoes and budgetary time lines) it is virtually impossible for the legislature adhere to the Sunshine Law. We would need to extend the session to be year-round like the city council to comply. ↩ back to top

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

One thing I have learned at the legislature is, all legislation is important to someone. Good or bad depends on what side of the issue you sit on. ↩ back to top

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?

In 2012, I introduced HB 2361. Relating to Debt Collections. I have been working with the Attorney General’s office and state departments directors to pursue collection of unpaid debts owed to the state. My office has uncovered over $50 million owed to the state that is not being collected. ↩ back to top