Note: Neighbor Island And Uncontested Races Are Not Profiled
District 12: Downtown — Waikiki
Brickwood Galuteria
Democrat
Age: 52
Job: Self-employed
Past: Former Democratic Party chairman; background in communications and media
What qualifies you to be a state senator?
As a former state chairman of the Democratic Party of Hawaii, I have worked with state legislators in the majority caucus to advance current policies. I am a professional communicator and member of the majority party, which combined, greatly increases the possibilities of legislation advancing on behalf of constituents from District 12.
What is one thing you would do in office to improve the local economy?
As I stated above, encourage continued innovative diversification in all sectors: Technologies, energy, medical research, etc. Moreover, provide tax incentives and small business loans to all who qualify, regardless of whether they’re in the aforementioned areas.
Do you support convening a Constitutional Convention? Please explain.
My initial response is no. Changing a constitution is monumental. The constitution is a foundational document. It is a compass that provides direction for public policy. It is not a statue that changes because of unfavorable public opinion or economic downturn. I see no compelling need to change this document. Obviously, being Hawaiian, an area of concern is the fundamental rights of Hawaiians as drawn into our State Constitution. This must not be touched.
Do you support Oahu’s planned rail-transit system? Please explain.
Yes. I support responsible rail, with adequate community input. As an on-air radio personality for over 20 years, I’ve watched and reported daily the growing traffic congestion coming in from Oahu’s westside. Although I’ve listened intently, opponents of rail have not offered, in my opinion, any adequate solutions. The problem continues to grow. In addition to the need, our congressional delegation has secured federal funding in support of this project. I support responsible rail.
What can the Legislature do to improve Hawaii’s public education?
In addition to Act 51, I’d like to see increased investment in early childhood education initiatives, as well as increased nutritional programs for Hawaii’s keiki. All studies show that instilling best practices early and often provides for good work ethics and a lifetime of solid skills.
Carlton Middleton
Democrat
Age: 51
Job: Laborer
Past: Has visited the state Capitol thousands of times
What qualifies you to be a state senator?
I have the unique ability to talk to my constituents, get their opinions of what they need and maybe also what they want, how much it will cost and finding out how much they are willing to pay or give up to get it. After that, going to my fellow senators in caucus and following through by getting my constituents what they need and maybe what they want, too!!! This I found out makes everybody happy.
What is one thing you would do in office to improve the local economy?
Do away with these progressive state taxes!!! Charge it only at one level. Stop taxes for food and medications. Stop taxes for medical supplies. That means crutches, walkers, wheel chairs, Band-Aids, etc. Even if it is covered by insurance.
Also get support for a state economic stimulus package. Unemployed residents do not pay taxes, which lowers the state income tax. Look at it as an investment. And it will be cost effective. And it will pay for itself, too!!!
Do you support convening a Constitutional Convention? Please explain.
No. Not at this time. I understand it could cost $2-5 million. That money could be best spent on homeless programs and projects. Until homelessness has ended in my district I will not support spending those millions of dollars. We need that money for housing. No ifs, ands or butts.
Do you support Oahu’s planned rail-transit system? Please explain.
Yes. Our construction industry needs it for the jobs. Our construction industry is too slow now. People stuck in traffic need help, too.
What can the Legislature do to improve Hawaii’s public education?
Smaller class size. Have year around school. Make sure when the children come to school they are ready to learn. They has been fed, clothed and are clean. Make sure also that they are well rested, too. They cannot learn if they are too tried and are falling asleep while the teacher is trying to teach them.
Gordon Trimble
Republican
Age: 64
Job: Senator and teacher
Past: Administrator/economist, Dept. of Business, Economic Dev. & Tourism
What qualifies you to be a state senator?
In my life, I have a long record of government and community service. I was an Eagle Scout and a Peace Corps volunteer in the Philippines. I worked for the state of Hawaii for 26 years and teach periodically in China and Hawaii. In the past six years, I have served as senator for Palama, Chinatown, Downtown, Kakaako, Ala Moana and Waikiki and humbly ask to continue to do so. I believe my variety of experiences and personal character makes me the best candidate to represent Senate District 12.
What is one thing you would do in office to improve the local economy?
Introduce incentives for energy self-sufficiency and industry growth.
Do you support convening a Constitutional Convention? Please explain.
Yes. The time is now. Too much has changed since 1978. This is the opportunity for the people to have a direct hand in their future. A few changes I would like to see are island-specific school boards, stricter ethics rules for government officials, term limits for legislators and giving the citizens the power to recall of their elected state officials.
Do you support Oahu’s planned rail-transit system? Please explain.
No. No one in Hawaii leads a linear life — it is unreasonable to expect that people will use a rail system just to go from points A to B. In China, cities do not even consider rail systems until the population reaches 10 million residents. Is that the future we want for Hawaii? Mass transit will not reduce congestion, rather it will allow our population to grow beyond what is sustainable. This is a question that every resident of Honolulu must ask her or himself.
What can the Legislature do to improve Hawaii’s public education?
The Legislature must recognize that the state needs to utilize natural and human resources more effectively. This means training a workforce prepared for growth in future industries. We need to support STEM initiatives with smaller class sizes and teacher access to training and classroom supplies. Schools must be effectively and efficiently managed. I have spoken with teachers whose primary frustration with Act 51 is the waste resulting from redistribution of funds. Principals were not trained or equipped to use their new resources effectively. In concept, Act 51 had the potential to do a lot, but the intermediary steps were missed.
