Note: Neighbor Island And Uncontested Races Are Not Profiled
District 23: Kahuku — Kaneohe
Richard Fale
Republican
Age: 27
Job: U.S. Army
Past: Military legal specialist, development of intercultural/ international cooperation programs
What qualifies you to be a state senator?
What qualifies me to be a state senator are the leadership skills acquired in serving in military capacities such as the 100th Infantry Battalion, 411th Combat Engineer Battalion, and the 9th Reserve Readiness Command. I am also a founder of the Polynesian Heritage Foundation and a director of the Polynesian Eyes Foundation, which have provided me with unique opportunities to see the needs of my community and establish possible solutions to these issues facing the state of Hawaii. Above all, it has been instilled in me to serve and work hard in my community to make it a better place for all.
What is one thing you would do in office to improve the local economy?
Focusing on Innovation and diversification by supporting the private sector in developing culturally and environmentally sensitive businesses, such as life sciences and biotech research. Growing our digital media capabilities and the music industry following the “Nashville” model, and finally by promoting the establishment of a $100 million Hawaii Innovation Fund to promote innovation.
Do you support convening a Constitutional Convention? Please explain.
Yes. Although I think the Constitution shouldn’t be easily changed, it would be beneficial at this time to clearly define procedures and clarify issues for the Office of Elections in order to prevent future issues, and to maintain the integrity of our democratic process.
Our democratic system of government, including procedures, should never be applied at the whim of one person but must apply equally to everyone.
Do you support Oahu’s planned rail-transit system? Please explain.
If the rail-transit system could be structured in a way to benefit the Windward side of the island, and if the city could show they were cutting any wasteful and unnecessary spending, I could support the plan.
What can the Legislature do to improve Hawaii’s public education?
Streamlining the educational system to ensure more of the funds reach the teachers and the classrooms would be a priority. Also, it is important that the parents have the final say in their child’s education so I would also support an increase in charter schools. Lastly, I would protect schools and teachers from frivolous lawsuits.
I am against the federal government mandate of a universal, one-size-fits-all model on our local schools. Charter schools and tuition tax credit can benefit public education and enhance the overall educational climate for children.
Clayton Hee
Democrat
Age: 55
Job: State senator, The Cowboy Company owner
Past: Former public school teacher
What qualifies you to be a state senator?
Lifelong Windward Oahu resident; taught in the public school system; 22 years’ experience in elective office, including the state House of Representatives, Office of Hawaiian Affairs, and the state Senate.
What is one thing you would do in office to improve the local economy?
I would strongly consider incentives such as tax rebates and credits to aid working families; for example, a tool that credits their college tuition bills for children so that more money remains in their household to spend on necessities.
Do you support convening a Constitutional Convention? Please explain.
I support the people’s right to decide.
Do you support Oahu’s planned rail-transit system? Please explain.
I support the proposed rail-transit project in conjunction with broadening other means of public transportation (such as busses and van pools) to work in concert with rail, in the absence of a viable alternative to unacceptable traffic levels in Hawaii.
What can the Legislature do to improve Hawaii’s public education?
Providing a free, top-quality education system is one of the paramount obligations of a democracy. We should continue to fund our public schools system to the best of our ability. It is producing the future population of our state.
Noel Muraki
Democrat
Age: 68
Job: Retired
Past: People’s advocate
What qualifies you to be a state senator?
The Declaration of Independence is my qualification. Also I believe ask not what your country can do for you but what you can do for your country.
What is one thing you would do in office to improve the local economy?
A lottermit proposal which I will send by mail.
Do you support convening a Constitutional Convention? Please explain.
Yes. I honestly believe we still have choices.
Do you support Oahu’s planned rail-transit system? Please explain.
I oppose the rail system because choices of cost and other alternatives was not presented. Here are two alternatives. The fares for the rail system can be tax to commuters who use this service, similar to a toll gate fee. Connect elevated highways to existing freeways on the same route proposed.
What can the Legislature do to improve Hawaii’s public education?
To seek alternatives to get more revenue.
