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 full 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: Takashi Ohno

Party Affiliation: Democrat

Senate/House District Number: House District 27

Date of Birth: 07/27/84

Place of Birth/Hometown: Kodiak, Alaska

Current Profession/Employer: Teacher, Hawaii Department of Education

Education/Alma Mater(s): Chaminade University, Linfield College

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 would not consider raising the GET. Raising the GET will increase the already high cost of living for every individual, family and business in our 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?

If we can protect our environment and include public input, I am open to expediting our permitting and procurement procedures. In fact, I’d be open to expediting any other functions of government as well. Our government needs to honor our taxpayers and be efficient as possible. ↩ 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 largely opposed to gambling. I would consider a lottery, but I oppose the creation of casinos in our state. People from all corners of the globe come to enjoy our beaches, culture and aloha. I want to keep it this way. ↩ 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 support more transparency in government operations. As a Neighborhood Board member, I currently abide by the Sunshine Law. I hope to continue to do so if elected to the Legislature. ↩ back to top

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

I’m extremely heartened to see the creation of an early learning office (SB 2545). Within government, there may be nothing more crucial to sustaining our civilization than properly educating the next generation. I strongly believe a quality education should be guaranteed to all children regardless of where they are born or who their parents are. The benefits of early education are many and this office is just a start, but I hope to see all our keiki ready for kindergarten learning on day one. ↩ 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?

I hope to represent our seniors and the families that care for them. I meet countless seniors who live alone or adults who move in to care for an aging parent. Their burden is great and there is little time for them to be involved in their government. I hope to do so on their behalf. ↩ back to top