THE RE‑DRAWING OF LEGISLATIVE DISTRICTS HAS CREATED CHALLENGING ELECTION CONTESTS.

ON HAWAII ISLAND, INCUMBENT LAURA ACASIO FACES WILL OKABE IN THE DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY FOR DISTRICT 1, THAT INCLUDES HILO.

ON OAHU, THERE IS NO INCUMBENT IN SENATE DISTRICT 19 WHICH INCLUDES PORTIONS OF PEARL CITY AND WAIPAHU.

STATE REPRESENTATIVE HENRY AQUINO FACES NEWCOMER ROGER CLEMENTE IN THE DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY.

TONIGHT’S LIVE BROADCAST AND LIVE STREAM OF INSIGHTS ON PBS HAWAII START NOW.

¶¶ ¶¶ ALOHA AND WELCOME TO INSIGHTS ON PBS HAWAII.

I'M YUNJI DE NIES.

EVERY TEN YEARS, THE BOUNDARIES OF ELECTED POLITICAL DISTRICTS ARE REDRAWN TO REFLECT POPULATION CHANGES.

KNOWN AS REAPPORTIONMENT, THIS CAN CREATE, ALTER OR EVEN ELIMINATE DISTRICTS ACROSS THE STATE.

BOTH OF TONIGHT’S FEATURED RACES HAVE BEEN AFFECTED BY REAPPORTIONMENT.

WE’LL HEAR FROM CANDIDATES FOR DISTRICT 19 ON OAHU LATER IN THE PROGRAM.

BUT UP FIRST, THE CANDIDATES VYING FOR THE DEMOCRATIC NOMINATION FOR THE DISTRICT 1 SEAT ON HAWAII ISLAND, WHICH NOW STRETCHES FROM PANAEWA TO PEPE'EKEO.

WE LOOK FORWARD TO YOUR PARTICIPATION IN TONIGHT'S SHOW.

YOU CAN EMAIL OR CALL IN YOUR QUESTIONS AND YOU’LL FIND A LIVE STREAM OF THIS PROGRAM AT PBSHAWAII.ORG AND THE PBS HAWAII FACEBOOK PAGE.

NOW, TO OUR GUESTS.

LAURA ACASIO WAS APPOINTED TO THE DISTRICT 1 SEAT LAST YEAR BY GOVERNOR DAVID IGE.

PRIOR TO SERVING, SHE SPENT MORE THAN TWO DECADES AS A TEACHER AND SUBSTITUTE TEACHER WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION.

WIL OKABE IS A RETIRED EDUCATOR WITH THE DOE.

HE ALSO SERVED AS PRESIDENT OF THE HAWAII STATE TEACHERS ASSOCIATION UNION.

MOST RECENTLY, HE WAS HAWAII COUNTY’S MANAGING DIRECTOR UNDER FORMER MAYOR HARRY KIM.

NOT APPEARING TONIGHT BECAUSE OF A SCHEDULING CONFLIGHT IS STATE SENATOR LORRAINE INOUYE.

SHE SERVES DISTRICT 4, BUT REAPPORTIONMENT CHANGED HER DISTRICT NUMBER.

THANK YOU BOEING FOR BEING HERE IN PERSON TONIGHT.

WE APPRECIATE YOUR PRESENCE.

I WANT TO START WITH YOU.

WHAT DO YOU THINK IS THE BIGGEST ISSUE IN YOUR DISTRICT AND WHAT DO YOU WANT TO DO TO HELP IT?

>> CONSTITUENTS IN MY DISTRICT CITE HOMELESSNESS AND HOUSING CRISIS AS OUR ONE ISSUE IN THE DISTRICT.

AND AS A MEMBER OF SENATE HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE, WE'VE BEEN WORKING ON GETTING FUNDING FOR OHANA ZONES TO CREATE, KIND OF APPROACH IT IN A MULTIFACETED WAY, TWO PRONGED AT LEAST.

TRIAGE OF ADDRESSING THE IMMEDIATE NEEDS WITHIN OUR COMMUNITY OF THOSE WHO NEED SHELTER AND SUPPORT SERVICES AROUND THEM.

THEN SIMULTANEOUSLY LOOKING TOWARDS BUILDING LONGER TERM AFFORDABLE PERMANENT SHELTERS AND HOUSING FOR FOLKS WHO ARE EXPERIENCING HOUSELESSNESS.

AND BEEN WORKING COLLABORATIVELY WITH COUNTY, STATE, EVEN OUR FEDERAL DELEGATION IN ADDRESSING THESE ISSUES BUT LOOKING MORE AWAY FROM MANAGING HOMELESSNESS TOWARDS ENDING HOMELESSNESS.

SO COLLABORATIVELY WORKING WITH ORGANIZATIONS IN OUR COMMUNITY, NONPROFITS ALREADY ON THE GROUND, BOOTS ON THE GROUND SERVING THE COMMUNITY AND PROVIDING SUPPORT SERVICES, LEARNING THEIR NEEDS, EXPANDING HELPING TO EXPAND THEIR PROGRAMS AND FUND THAT EXPANSION.

AND REALLY ENGAGING WITH THE COUNTY AND THE COMMUNITY ESPECIALLY THOSE WHO NEED THOSE SERVICES.

WE REALLY FUNDAMENTALLY, THE MORE WE SUPPORT THAT AND PREVENT POSSIBLE, THOSE WHO ARE AT RISK OF HOMELESSNESS AS WELL, WE ACTUALLY SAVE MONEY IN THE LONG RUN.

>>Yunji: WHAT DO YOU THINK IS THE MOST IMPORTANT ISSUE IN THE DISTRICT AND WHAT WOULD YOU DO TO RESOLVE IT?

>> THANK YOU FOR INVITING ME TO THIS FORUM.

I THINK ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT THINGS FOR US DURING THE PANDEMIC WAS HEALTH SERVICES.

OUR AGING POPULATION IN THE HILO DISTRICT IS VERY EVIDENT DURING THE PANDEMIC.

WE HAD TO HIRE PEOPLE TO COME IN FROM THE MAINLAND, NURSES TO HELP WITH THE PANDEMIC, IF YOU REMEMBER, WHEN THE PANDEMIC HIT, A LOT OF THE VETERANS DIED AT THE VETERANS HOSPITAL.

AND THE COUNTY WAS NOT ABLE TO ADDRESS THAT SITUATION EARLY ON IN THE PANDEMIC.

SO I THINK THAT WAS VERY TELLING STORY THAT DOCTORS IN HAWAII HAS TO BE ONE OF THE FOREMOST IMPORTANT PART IN THE HILO DISTRICT, BUT BECAUSE WE ONLY HAVE ONE HOSPITAL IN HILO, THAT ACCOMMODATES PUNA, ALSO UP TO HONOKA'A, BUT HONOKA'A ALSO HAS HOSPITAL IN WAIMEA.

I THINK THAT AVERAGE AGE OF THE DOCTORS ARE IN THEIR LATE SIXTIES AND 70s.

SO WE HAVE TO HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO TRY TO RECRUIT AND RETAIN DOCTORS IN HILO IN ORDER TO ADDRESS THE NEED FOR HEALTH CARE.

LAURA MENTIONED ABOUT THE HOMELESSNESS.

YES, WE HAVE A HOMELESSNESS PROBLEM.

EVERY ISLAND THROUGHOUT THE NATION, THERE IS HOMELESS PROBLEMS.

I THINK ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT THINGS IS COUNTY OF HAWAII, WHEN I WAS MANAGING DIRECTOR WE TRIED TO ADDRESS THAT BY RENOVATING OLD HOSPITAL IN HILO TO BE ABLE TO HAVE A SITE WHERE THE HOMELESS CAN GO AND WHERE THE OFFICERS COULD BRING THE HOMELESS TO HAVE A PLACE TO STAY.

CONSISTENCY IN REGARDS TO TRYING TO MAKE SURE THAT'S POLICE OFFICERS OR PEOPLE ARE ALWAYS GOING TO THE HOMELESS TO ASK HIM IF THEY NEED HELP, MENTAL SERVICES, AND ALSO PSYCHIATRY, RECENTLY MENTIONED IN THE HILO TRIBUNE.

ONE OF THE AREAS THAT NEEDS, HILO NEEDS TO HAVE.

BECAUSE MENTAL ILLNESS IS PART OF THE HOMELESSNESS PROBLEM.

AFFORDABLE HOUSING LAURA MENTIONED, IT IS A CONCERN.

WHEN WE TALK ABOUT AFFORDABLE HOUSING, WHAT IS AFFORDABLE?

RIGHT NOW, HILO, LAST MONTH, 35% INCREASE SO NOW MEDIAN HOME IN HILO AREA IS $538,000.

SO YOU KNOW, NEIGHBOR BEHIND ME BOUGHT A LOT, 16,000 SQUARE FOOT LOT, THAT COSTS $265,000.

UNHEARD OF IN HILO.

MY NEIGHBOR NEXT TO ME, MOVED OUT.

MOVED TO HONOLULU.

AND HER HOME JUST SOLD WITHIN A WEEK.

>> $600,000.

>> IF THE MEDIAN RANGE FOR FAMILIES $80,000, HOW CAN THEY AFFORD TO HAVE AFFORDABLE HOUSING?

AS LAURA MENTIONED, AFFORDABLE HOUSING HAS MANY FACETS.

THE ONLY OWNING A HOME IN RENTING A HOME.

STATE HOUSING FOR THE PEOPLE WHO ARE MOST NEEDED, STATE HOUSING, YOU HAVE THE MIDDLE CLASS, ALONG WITH AINA OLA DRIVE.

SITUATION 70s AND 80s, PROJECT BY STATE HOUSING THAT MIDDLE INCOME PEOPLE COULD BUY THESE HOMES.

THEY HAVE A CAVEAT HAD TO STAY IN THE HOME FOR AT LEAST TEN YEARS.

THOSE ARE KIND OF THINGS THAT THE STATE NEEDS TO INVEST IN IN ORDER TO ADDRESS AFFORDABLE HOUSING.

>>Yunji: I WANT TO HEAR YOUR THOUGHTS ALSO ON THE MEDICAL COMPONENTS THAT HE BROUGHT IN.

HE WEIGHED IN ON HOUSING AND HOMELESSNESS.

WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS?

HE DOES BRING UP A GOOD POINT.

THAT THERE IS A LARGE AGING POPULATION IN THAT DISTRICT.RELIANT REALLY ON JUST A FEW SERVICES.

>> ABSOLUTELY.

NEEDS TO BE BOLSTERED.

LIKE HE MENTIONED, RETAINING OUR RURAL PHYSICIANS AND EVEN ACCESS TO SERVICES.

SO WE CONTINUE TO SUPPORT HILO MEDICAL CENTER IN EXPANDING THEIR SERVICES AND I KNOW ON THE LIST OF THINGS THEY HAVE COMING UP.

NEW ICU AND POTENTIALLY BIRTHING CENTER COMING UP.

VERY BIG FOR US HERE IN HILO.

I DID WANT TO ALSO MENTION ON THE ABSOLUTELY AGREE THAT WE NEED MENTAL HEALTH CARE SERVICE AND EXPAND LICENSURE SO WE CAN HAVE INTERNS THAT ARE LICENSED AND HAVE GRADUATED WITH A MASTERS WORKING UNDER MENTAL HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS SO THAT THOSE WHO GO TO SCHOOL AT U.H.

HILO, FOR EXAMPLE, AND GET THEIR DEGREE IN SOCIAL SERVICES, CAN BE PROVIDERS BECAUSE RIGHT NOW, WHAT WE'RE HEARING FROM THE PROVIDERS VERY LOUD AND CLEAR, THEY HAVE WAY MORE CLIENTS THAN THEY CAN SERVE.

THEY'RE AT MAX CAPACITY.

THEY COULD SERVE MORE PEOPLE IF THEY HAD THAT.

THEN THAT ALSO THEN SO THAT FOLKS DON'T NEED TO LEAVE ISLAND IN ORDER TO MAKE A LIVING IMMEDIATELY IN THAT ONE YEAR LICENSURE PHASE.

SO THINGS LIKE THAT, ALSO THAT WE NEED DRUG ABUSE REHABILITATION CENTERS ON OUR ISLANDS, SMALL SCALE DISTRIBUTED, SO THAT IN THE RURAL AREAS WE HAVE ACCESS TO THAT.

>>Yunji: ON THAT POINT, HAWAII ISLAND POLICE HAVE SOUNDED THE ALARM BY A LARGE AMOUNT OF FENTANYL BUTTING INTO THAT COMMUNITY.

WHAT DO YOU THINK THE STATE GOVERNMENT CAN DO TO HELP LAW ENFORCEMENT WHEN IT COMES TO THAT VERY DESTRUCTIVE DRUG.

>> WOW.

EXCELLENT QUESTION.

WE DEFINITELY HAVE TO DO EVERYTHING IN OUR POWER TO ADDRESS THAT.

ONE OF THE FIRST THINGS I DO AS A STATE SENATOR CALL TOGETHER MEETINGS WITH STAKEHOLDERS AND FOLKS WHO ARE FIRST IN THAT SUBJECT MATTER.

PULL IN ALL THE RESOURCES THAT WE CAN.

AND LEARN ALL OF THE THESE COLLABORATIVE WAYS WE CAN ADDRESS THE ISSUE.

WE KNOW THAT'S HEALTH AND SAFETY OF OUR ENTIRE COMMUNITY BUT ESPECIALLY OUR YOUTH ARE AT STAKE.

ABSOLUTELY NEED TO TAKE IT VERY SERIOUSLY.

>>Yunji: WHAT DO YOU THINK HOW WE BETTER ADDRESS DRUG ASPECT, HAWAII ISLAND POLICE TALKING ABOUT SPECIFICALLY LARGE AMOUNTS OF FENTANYL IN THE COMMUNITY?

>> GOVERNOR PASSED A BILL TO HAVE A STATE POLICE IN THE BUDGET.

THEREFORE, THAT ALSO ASSISTS COUNTY POLICE.

THERE'S A VERY BIG DISTINCTION.

MANAGING DIRECTOR, YOU HAVE COUNTY AND NOW YOU HAVE STATE POLICE.

THAT SHOULD COMPLEMENT EACH OTHER TO ALSO MONITOR THIS DRUG PROBLEM THAT WE HAVE.

AT ONE TIME, CRYSTAL METH ON THE BIG ISLAND WAS ONE OF THE LARGEST DISTRIBUTER OF CRYSTAL METH ON THE BIG ISLAND.

BIG ISLAND NOW IS 200,000 PEOPLE.

ON THE BIG ISLAND.

SECOND LARGEST COMPARED TO OAHU OVER A MILLION PEOPLE.

THEREFORE, WE HAVE TO ADDRESS THOSE THINGS IN ORDER FOR US TO STAY SAFE.

I MEAN, I KNOW THAT YOU'VE BEEN READING THINGS IN THE NEWSPAPER, TV, THAT WE'RE HAVING A LOT OF CRIME.

JUST LIKE ON OAHU.

PEOPLE ARE STARTING.

PEOPLE GOT FEEL SAFE IN THEIR COMMUNITIES.

WE HAVE TO RECRUIT AND RETAIN POLICE OFFICERS AS WELL.

HOW DO WE DO THAT?

ONE OF THE THINGS THAT WE NEED TO DO AS A SOLUTION IS THAT WE NEED TO LOOK AT OPPORTUNITIES IT LOOK AT MAYBE G.E.T.

TAX, INCOME TAX, TO BE ABLE TO RECRUIT THE BEST AND THE BRIGHTEST IN LAW ENFORCEMENT AS I MENTIONED BEFORE.

IN DOCTORS.

WE'RE THE FIVE STATES IN THE NATION THAT STILL REQUIRE MEDICAL SERVICES IN REGARDS TO GIVING ‑‑ I MEAN, TAKING G.E.T.

TAXES FROM THE DOCTORS.

IF YOU'RE GOING TO TRY TO RECRUIT DOCTORS, POLICE OFFICERS, TEACHERS OR ANY PROFESSIONAL GROUP, YOU HAVE TO TRY TO INCENTIVIZE THEM TO BE ABLE TO WORK WITH PRIVATE, PUBLIC, AND ALSO COUNTY AND STATE TO BE ABLE TO BRING THESE DOCTORS IN TO OUR DISTRICT ONE, AND FOR THAT MATTER, WHOLE STATE OF HAWAII.

WE ARE IN DISPARATE NEED BECAUSE OF POPULATION AND BECAUSE OF OUR SIZE OF THE BIG ISLAND.

WHOLE, ALL THE ISLANDS CAN FIT ON THE BIG ISLAND AND EVEN MORE, WE HAVE MORE LAND.

SO THEREFORE, SIZE ALONE CAUSES ECONOMIC PROBLEM FOR THE PEOPLE THAT LIVE ON THE BIG ISLAND.

>>Yunji: I WANT TO ASK YOU ABOUT ANOTHER KIND OF CRIME WE'VE BEEN HEARING A LOT ABOUT.

AGRICULTURAL THEFT.

SOMETHING WHEN YOU WERE A KID MAYBE YOU TOOK A MANGO FROM THE NEIGHBOR.

BUT NOW, WE HAVE LARGE SCALE THEFT OF ENTIRE HARVESTS ON HAWAII ISLAND.

WHAT DO YOU THINK CAN BE DONE?

AS YOU MENTIONED, IT IS SUCH A LARGE COMMUNITY, IT'S VERY HARD TO PATROL THOSE AREAS.

WHAT WOULD YOU DO TO HELP THE FARMERS WHO ARE EXPERIENCING THIS KIND OF LOSS?

>> FIRST OF ALL, I WAS A FARMER.

MY PARENTS WERE FARMERS.

HERE ON OAHU.

CHRYSANTHEMUM FARMERS.

MOVE TO DO THE BIG ISLAND, MY WIFE HAD A FARM.

AND STARTED RAISING ANTHURIUMS TEN ACRE FARM.

SO BECAUSE IT'S SO VAST, POLICING IN THE PUNA AREA WHERE YOU USED HAVE TO MY FARM.

WAS A DIFFICULT SITUATION.

BY THE TIME POLICE OFFICERS ABLE TO GET TO THE FARMS THEY WOULD BE GONE.

SO VAST.

AT ONE TIME, IN THE PUNA AREA, PEOPLE WERE JUST CHOPPING DOWN PAPAYA TREES FOR NO REASON.

I THINK MIGHT HAVE HEARD ABOUT THAT.

ACRES AND ACRES CHOPPING IT DOWN.

BUT THE FARMERS IN KAPOHO AT THAT TIME, THEY DIDN'T HAVE ANY RESOLUTION TO BE ABLE TO KEEP THEIR CROPS SAFE.

BECAUSE IT'S SO VAST.

ONLY WAY DO THIS, COMMUNITY POLICING, TO HAVE THE NEIGHBOR WATCH, ENGAGEMENT COMMUNITY TO DO THAT.

AT HOMES, WE HAVE THE RING.

SEE IN ON YOUR PHONE.

THOSE KIND OF THINGS, NEIGHBORHOODS WHEN YOU'RE OFF ISLAND BE ABLE TO HELP MONITOR THE SITUATION.

>>Yunji: WHAT DO YOU THINK WE CAN DO TO HELP SUPPORT FARMERS ON THIS PARTICULAR ISSUE?

WE KNOW THAT THEY NEED BROAD SUPPORT ALL OVER.

BUT ON THIS ISSUE, HAWAII ISLAND IS PARTICULARLY CHALLENGED.

>> YES.

ABSOLUTELY.

ESPECIALLY WITH DO HAVE A LOT OF AGRICULTURE AND WE HOPE TO BE BOLSTERING THAT IN MANY WAYS.

SO WE CAN SUPPORT THE REST OF THE ISLANDS IN TERMS OF FOOD PRODUCTION, AND SUSTAINING OUR OWN FOOD PRODUCTION.

SO MENTIONED, DEFINITELY, BOLSTERING COMMUNITY POLICING AND NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH.

ONE OF THE THINGS THAT TIES INTO HOUSING IS THAT SMALL DWELLINGS, FARM DWELLINGS ON AGRICULTURAL LAND CAN BE PERMITTED.

WE'RE NOT TALKING ABOUT THESE LARGE GENTLEMAN ESTATES THAT REALLY ACTUALLY SHOULD NOT NECESSARILY BE ON AGRICULTURE LAND AND USING AGRICULTURAL LAND TAX EXEMPTIONS WHEN THEY AREN'T NECESSARILY PRODUCING A SIGNIFICANT, AMOUNT OF FOOD FOR AGRICULTURE FOR OUR COMMUNITY.

HOWEVER, HAVING THESE SMALL FARM DWELLINGS ALLOWS PEOPLE TO BE PRESENT A LOT MORE.

ALSO ADDRESSES ESPECIALLY IF WE CAN ALLOW IF THE STATE AND COUNTIES CAN HELP INCENTIVIZE ASSISTING WITH MORTGAGE, FOR EXAMPLE, BECAUSE THEN WE CAN ADDRESS SOME OF THE SHORTAGES THAT HE MENTIONED WITH OUR POLICE FORCE, OR TEACHING, OUR TEACHERS, DESPERATELY NEED TO BE ABLE TO AFFORD HOUSING IN OUR COMMUNITIES.

SMALL DWELLINGS CAN HELP IN TERMS OF ADDING EYES AND FAMILIES TO THE LAND IN ORDER TO HELP WATCH WHAT'S GOING ON.

>>Yunji: AWESOME LIKE TO BRING IN QUESTIONS FROM THE AUDIENCE.

PUNA LANI HAS THIS QUESTION.

AS A MOM, I NOTICE A LOT OF THE PLAYGROUNDS ARE OUTDATED AND NEED TO BE UPGRADE.

WHAT CAN YOU DO IN YOUR DISTRICT TO HELP WITH THIS PROBLEM?

I THINK IT'S NOT JUST THE PLAYGROUNDS.

FACILITIES ALL OVER.

THE INFRASTRUCTURE.

I WOULD VENTURE TO SAY, STATEWIDE.

BUT PARTICULARLY IN YOUR DISTRICT.

WHAT DO YOU SAY PUNA LANI PLAYGROUND AND INFRASTRUCTURE UPGRADES.

>> SOMETHING WE'VE BEEN FOCUSING GREATLY ON.

FOLKS WILL SAY THIS COUNTY ISSUE.

I WILL NEVER SAY THAT IS A COUNTY ISSUE.

AND THEN LEAVE IT AT THAT.

EVERYTHING BECOMES OUR COLLECTIVE ISSUE IN TERMS OF HOW WE MAKE OUR COMMUNITIES THRIVE AND BE BETTER, BE MORE RESILIENT, COME OUT OF.

WE DO HAVE QUITE DEPRESSED ECONOMY AND A LOT OF OUR INFRASTRUCTURE IS DELAPIDATING.

ONE OF WHICH IS THE WASTEWATER TREATMENT FACILITY.

AGAIN, EVEN THOUGH IT'S RUN BY THE COUNTY, WE STILL HAVE TO LOOK TOWARDS THE STATE FOR MATCHING FUNDS, SO WE CAN THEN GET MATCHING FUNDS FROM THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT WITH BUILD BACK BETTER IN THE INFRASTRUCTURE.

MONIES.

SO THIS IS A VERY SIMILAR THING WHERE WE CAN PULL OUR RESOURCES AND ENERGIES AND COLLABORATION IN TERMS OF COMING UP WITH CREATIVE SOLUTIONS.

YOU KNOW, ECONOMIC DRIVERS IN OUR COMMUNITY ARE REALLY IMPORTANT AND SO WE NEED TO BE REACHING INTO INNOVATIVE AND NEW WAYS TO CREATE JOBS, AND THIS IS ALL PART OF THAT.

REALLY, TO ADDRESS THAT IS JUST A CONTINUE TO WORK COLLABORATIVELY WITH COUNTY, WITH STAKEHOLDERS, AND WITH OUR FEDERAL DELEGATION AS WELL.

TO BRING IN THOSE FUNDS THAT WE NEED TO IMPROVE OUR INFRASTRUCTURE.

>>Yunji: WHAT DO YOU SAY TO PUNALANI ABOUT THE PLAYGROUNDS SHE HAS HAD HER NEIGHBORHOOD BUT ABOUT THIS INFRASTRUCTURE OVERALL.

>> PUNALANI IS CORRECT.

LARA DID MENTION COUNTY AND STATE PROBABLY TALKING ABOUT COUNTY FACILITY.

THIS IS WHY AS A MANAGING DIRECTOR OF THE COUNTY OF HAWAII, WE WERE OPPOSED TO THE LEGISLATURE TAKING AWAY THE T.A.T.

TAX.

BECAUSE COUNTY ONLY HAS THREE SOURCES OF INCOME.

WEIGHT TAX, FUEL TAX, AND PROPERTY TAX.

THOSE ARE THE THREE.

WE HAD T.A.T.

TAX.

SO WE TALK ABOUT COLLABORATION BETWEEN THE COUNTY AND STATE, THERE NEEDS TO BE DISCUSSIONS WITH THE MAYOR AND THE PARK AND RECREATION DIRECTOR TO BE ABLE TO WORK COHESIVELY TO BE ABLE TO ADDRESS WHAT SHE'S TALKING ABOUT.

>> BECAUSE MOST OF THE PLAYGROUNDS IN MY DISTRICT, IN DISTRICT 1, YOUR DISTRICT AS WELL.

ARE ONE BY THE COUNTIES.

STATE PARKS DO NOT HAVE, THEY HAVE JUST A FEW LIKE IN WAIALUA STATE PARK.

YOU HAVE DOWN AT THE PEPEEKEO, ANOTHER PARK.

ALL OF THESE PARKS, PLAYGROUNDS, TALKING ABOUT THOSE KIND OF THINGS, IS COUNTY.

NEEDS TO BE VERY BIG COMMUNICATION AND ALSO DIALOGUE WITH THESE STATE AND COUNTY.

THERE IS A DIFFERENTIATION BETWEEN THE TWO LEVELS.

>>Yunji: WE HAVE ACTUALLY LESS THAN TEN MINUTES TO TALK.

>> ALREADY.

>>Yunji: I KNOW.

IT GOES SO FAST.

I WANT TO GET AWAY FROM THIS FOR JUST A SECOND AND ASK A FEW PERSONAL QUESTIONS SO THE VIEWERS HAVE A BETTER SENSE OF YOU IF THEY HAVEN'T GOTTEN IT MEET NEW PERSON.

TELL US A LITTLE BIT WHY YOU WANT THIS JOB AND WHAT YOU THINK DISTINGUISHES YOU WERE THE OTHER TWO OPPONENTS YOU HAVE IN THIS RACE?

>> EXPERIENCE.

MENTIONED TO YOU I'VE BEEN A FARMER.

I WAS A, RETIRED TEACHER.

CERTIFIED RETIRED TEACHER.

AND I WAS A PRESIDENT OF HAWAII STATE TEACHERS ASSOCIATION THAT TOOK 25 YEARS OF MY LIFE BEING OFFICER IN THE ORGANIZATION.

ALSO, WORKING AS A GOVERNOR'S LIAISON FOR GOVERNOR IGE AND EAST HAWAII.

AND BEING MANAGING DIRECTOR FOR THE COUNTY OF HAWAII GIVES ME A LOT OF EXPERIENCES AND GIVES ME OPPORTUNITY TO UNDERSTAND AND TO BE ABLE TO COMMUNICATE THINGS WITH PEOPLE THAT I WORKED WITH THROUGHOUT THE YEARS.

IT IS A VERY DIFFICULT JOB.

TEACHERS HAVE A VERY DIFFICULT JOB AS WELL.

BUT THIS PARTICULAR JOB AS SENATOR WE NEED TO ADDRESS THE SITUATION THAT IS AT HAND IN REGARDS TO CORRUPTION IN GOVERNMENT.

COMMUNITY WANTS CHANGE.

IT IS TIME THAT WE AS LEADERSHIP TRY TO MAKE CHANGES WITHIN THE GOVERNMENT TO BE ABLE TO RESTORE CONFIDENCE IN OUR LAWMAKERS.

>>Yunji: YOU'VE BEEN IN THIS SEAT FOR ABOUT A YEAR NOW.

LITTLE MORE THAN THAT RATHER.

WHY DO YOU WANT TO KEEP IT AND WHAT ABOUT YOUR EXPERIENCES LEADING UP TO THIS POINT, YOU THINK, WHAT STRENGTHS DO YOU BRING TO THIS JOB.

>> YES.

17 YEARS AS A TEACHER.

AS EDUCATOR.

MANY YEARS AS A BIRTH SUPPORT WORKER.

SO I ATTEND BIRTHS WITH NEW FAMILIES AN HELP GIVE THEM SUPPORT.

BEING ABLE TO BE CALM UNDER PRESSURE, AND BE ABLE TO COMMUNICATE CLEARLY AND CONCISELY IN THOSE TIMES WHERE A LOT OF THINGS CAN HAPPEN.

AND GO INTO VERY DIFFERENT DIRECTIONS.

TATS REALLY IMPORTANT IN TERMS ‑‑ THAT'S REALLY IMPORTANT IN TERMS OF BRINGING REAL SENSE OF SECURITY.

AND YOU KNOW, THESE PAST TWO YEARS, I'VE LEARNED, OR YEAR‑AND‑A‑HALF IN THE SENATE NOW, STILL HAVE ABOUT A HALF A YEAR TO FINISH OUT, AND I REALLY LOVE THIS JOB.

TO BE HONEST.

LIKE THE NETWORKING AND THE GETTING KNOW THE NEEDS OF MY COMMUNITY VERY INTIMATELY, BECAUSE OUR CONSTITUENTS, I'VE BEEN REACHING OUT TO THEM ON A REGULAR BASIS AND AS THEY CALL MY OFFICE, I ALWAYS RETURN THEIR PHONE CALLS AN MAKE SURE TO CONNECT THEM WITH THE RESOURCES THAT THEY NEED AND THE INFORMATION THAT THEY'RE ASKING FOR.

AND SO THAT HAS BUILT, I'VE BEEN LIVING HILO FOR 20 YEARS.

AND SO HAVING THOSE RELATIONSHIP IN OUR COMMUNITY AND KNOWING WHERE TO REACH OUT WHEN WE NEED INFORMATION AND REALLY, IMPORTANT FOR THIS JOB, I JUST LIKE HE MENTIONED, REALLY HERE TO MAKE SURE THAT OUR COMMUNITY HAS A CHOICE AND THAT BEING THAT I AM TAKING DOING THE PARTIAL PUBLIC FUNDING AND COMMITTING TO A CAP ON MY CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTION, OR MY CAMPAIGN SPENDING, AND NOT TAKING CORPORATE MONEY AND MONEY FROM LARGE LANDOWNERS OR ANYTHING THAT WOULD BE EVEN MISCONSTRUED IN ANY POSSIBLE WAY AS CONFLICT OF INTEREST FOR THE DECISIONS THAT I MAKE AS A LEGISLATOR, I FEEL LIKE THAT IS REALLY IMPORTANT.

I FEEL LIKE MOVING TRANSITIONING RIGHT NOW WITH ALL OF ATTENTION BEING ON THE CORRUPTING INFLUENCE OF MONEY IN POLITICS, IT'S EVEN MORE IMPORTANT THAN EVER TO CHOOSE OUR CANDIDATES THAT AREN'T BEHOLDEN TO BIG MONEY AND DON'T HAVE A TRACK RECORD OF THAT.

BECAUSE WE NEED TO HAVE THINGS IN THE LEGISLATURE LIKE SUNSHINE LAW.

WHEN THE LEGISLATURE PASSED SUNSHINE LAW, WE EXEMPTED THEMSELVES.

ONLY STATE AGENCY RIGHT NOW THAT CAN MAKE DECISIONS BEHIND CLOSED DOORS WHERE THE PUBLIC DOES NOT GET TO SEE WHO AND WHY ARE MAKING THOSE DECISIONS.

I THINK THINGS LIKE THAT CAMPAIGN FINANCE REFORM VERY IMPORTANT.

SO YEAH,.

>>Yunji: WE HAVE JUST 3 MINUTES.

THAT'S THE OPPORTUNITY FOR ONE MORE QUESTION.

I'M INTERESTED, I GREW UP ON THE BIG ISLAND.

NOT IN YOUR DISTRICT.

BUT ON THE OTHER SIDE.

AND I THINK THAT PEOPLE WHO ARE FROM THERE LOVE IT.

THEY WANT TO STAY.

BUT YOU MENTIONED ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES.

YOU MENTIONED HIGH COST OF HOUSING.

IT'S A VERY HARD PLACE TO STAY AND THRIVE ECONOMICALLY FOR A LOT OF FOLKS.

I'M INTERESTED TO HEAR FROM EACH OF YOU IN THIS ROLE, WHAT YOU WOULD DO TO MAKE SURE THE PEOPLE WHO ARE FROM HAWAII ISLAND GET TO STAY THERE AND THRIVE.

>> I THINK, LIVED THERE FROM 1978.

BEEN THERE FOR 45 YEARS.

ONE OF THE REASONS WHY I JUST LIKE YOU, THERE WAS A GREAT PLACE TO GET, RAISE A FAMILY.

IT WAS SAFE.

AND THOSE DAYS, BACK IN THE 70s, EARLY 80s.

NOBODY LOCKED THEIR DOORS TO THEIR HOME OR CARS.

CRIME WAS VERY LOW.

EVERYBODY WORKED TOGETHER.

I THINK IT'S CHANGED.

PEOPLE ARE NOT SAFE.

WE HAVE SENIORS THAT ARE NOT SAFE.

WE HAVE THREE SENIOR HOUSING, BUILDING ONE IN KOIWILI STREET.

92 UNITS FOR THE SENIORS CITIZENS.

THOSE ARE THE THINGS THAT WE NEED.

WE NEED TO HAVE OPPORTUNITY TO HAVE AFFORDABLE HOUSING, MAKING SURE WE CHANGE LAWS MAYBE LIKE EVEN A MOBILE HOME TO HAVE A DISCUSSION BETWEEN COUNTY AND STATE, TO CHANGE THE LAW.

BECAUSE NOT EVERYBODY CAN AFFORD A HOME.

NOT EVERYBODY CAN RENT.

IF THEY WANT TO OWN A HOME, WE MIGHT HAVE TO LOOK AT THAT.

>>Yunji: WE HAVE ABOUT A MINUTE LEFT.

YOUR THOUGHTS ON HOW WE CAN MAKE SURE PEOPLE WHO WANT TO STAY ON THAT ISLAND CAN AND CAN THRIVE ECONOMICALLY?

>> YES.

I THINK WE REALLY NEED TO PUT OUR RESOURCES TOWARDS SUPPORTING OUR CULTURAL PRACTITIONERS AND FARMERS IN BUILDING CAPACITY AROUND LOCAL FOOD FOR LOCAL PRODUCTION.

INCLUDING VALUE ADDED PRODUCTS THAT ARE SPECIFICALLY FROM HILO, WHICH IS INCREDIBLY SPECIAL PLACE.

AND THAT REALLY GIVES ME THE DRIVE TO DO THIS WORK AND DIVING INTO INNOVATIVE OPPORTUNITIES FOR RESOURCE RECOVERY WITHIN OUR COMMUNITY THAT WE COULD JUST CONTINUE TO BUILD ON AND YEAH.

THAT'S REALLY IMPORTANT FOR US TO CONTINUE TO FOCUS ON ALL THE VERY WAYS THAT WE CAN, LOOKING AT SOME PIPELINES IN ADDITION TO WHAT MR. OKABE SAID, PIPELINES FROM OUR SCHOOL, PUBLIC SCHOOLS IN HILO DIRECT TOWARDS UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII IN TERMS OF ENGINEERING, AND ROBOTICS AND SCIENCE AND STEM, SO I THINK A BIG CAPACITY TO BUILD ON IS OUR EDUCATION.

SOME PHENOMENAL TEACHERS IN OUR COMMUNITY.

AS THROUGHOUT ALL OF HAWAII.

SO TO REALLY ENGAGE THEM AND HAVE THAT BE PART OF THE INNOVATION THAT WE SEE IN OUR COMMUNITY.

>>Yunji: OKAY.

HALF HOUR GOES FAST.

THANK SENATE DISTRICT 1 DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATES WIL OKABE AND LAURA ACASIO FOR JOINING US.

PLEASE ENJOY THIS HIKI NO STORY FROM HILO HIGH SCHOOL.

WE’LL BE RIGHT BACK.

>> HIDDEN IN HILO'S BACKYARD, WAILUKU RIVER.

THIS RIVER HOLDS MANY STORIES AND TALES THAT BECOME PART OF HAWAIIAN CULTURE.

ONE OF WHICH IS THE MO'OLELO OF BOILING POTS.

>> BOILING POTS OVER THE BATTLE OF THE WAILUKU RIVER TOOK PLACE.

THIS STORY CONTAINS HENA, MAUI, PELE AND THE MO'O OR LIZARD KUNA.

BASICALLY, HINA LIVE IN THIS CAVE BEHIND RAINBOW FALLS.

MOO KONA CAME IN AND TRIED TO TAKE IT OVER.

SO HENA ASKED HER SON MAUI TO ASK OR TO GET RID OF THE MOO.

SO ONE WAY THAT MAUI GOT RID OF HIM WAS TO ASK PELE.

PELE THROW SOME LAVA IN THE WATER AND GET HIM OUT.

KIND OF HOW THE STORY OF THE BOILING POTS TOOK PLACE.

>> STORY OF BOILING POTS CARRIES SPECIAL MEANING FOR OUR COMMUNITY AND TO HILO HIGH SCHOOL.

MISS KRISTIN IONA HILO HIGH SCHOOL TEACHER TELLS US SIGNIFICANCE AND LESSON WE CAN LEARN FROM THE MO'OLELO OF BOILING POTS.

>> BOILING POTS AND WAILUKU RIVER AND MO'OKUNA IS JUST ONE OF THE STORIES THAT REPRESENTED ON OUR MURAL.

WE WEAVE TOGETHER LOTS OF DIFFERENT PEOPLES AND CHARACTERS AND LESSONS.

IT WAS JUST, JUST HAPPENED TO BE ONE OF THE LESSONS OR ONE OF THE MO'OLELO THAT WE USED IN OUR MURAL.

>> IF YOU SEE THE LIZARD EYE, TO ME, REFLECTION OF HOW WE CAN LEARN FROM IT, FROM THE IDEAS OF FORGIVENESS, LOYALTY, SO MUCH MORE, FRIENDSHIP, BUT ALSO, COMMUNICATION, LOOKING AT IT BY NOT SEEING WHO IS THE BAD PERSON.

IS THERE A BAD PERSON?

IF WE COULD SEE IT FROM ALL SIDES OF THE STORY, WE CAN LEARN FROM IT.

I THINK THAT'S A VERY IMPORTANT LESSON FOR ALL OF US.

WE ARE ALWAYS LEARNING FROM THE LESSON OF WAILUKU RIVER AND BOILING POT AND MO'O KUNA AND HINA AND MAUI.

ALL TEACHES US ALL THE TIME.

WE HAVE TO JUST CONNECT BACK TO IT AND REALIZE THE STORY IS THERE FOR US.

>> BOILING POTS BASICALLY STARTS VERY BIG HIDDEN GEM.

THE WATER PROVIDES SO MUCH LIFE, SO MUCH CULTURE AND STORIES, THAT IT STARTS.

BOILING POTS BATTLE OF WAILUKU RIVER IS STARTED SO MANY LEGENDS MO'OLELO OF THE HAWAIIAN CULTURE.

KIND OF JUST WENT ALL THROUGH HILO.

BIG HIDDEN GEM OF THIS PART.

>> BOILING POTS MAY BE KNOWN AS TOURISTS SPOT TO MANY, CULTURE SIGNIFICANCE WILL REMAIN IMPORTANT PART OF OUR IDENTITY FOR YEARS TO COME.

HILO HIGH SCHOOL FOR HIKI NO.

>>Yunji: WELCOME BACK TO THE SECOND HALF OF OUR INSIGHTS CONVERSATION WITH THE CANDIDATES RUNNING FOR THE DEMOCRATIC NOMINATION FOR STATE SENATE DISTRICT 19.

THIS DISTRICT NOW ENCOMPASSES AN AREA THAT INCLUDES HONOULIULI AND PORTIONS OF WAIPAHU AND PEARL CITY.

THIS IS AN OPEN SEAT BECAUSE CLARANCE NISHIHARA IS RETIRING.

NOW TO THE CANDIDATES.

HENRY AQUINO HAS BEEN SERVING AS A MEMBER OF THE STATE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES SINCE 2008 AND IS CURRENTLY THE CHAIR OF THE TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE.

HE’S A GRADUATE OF WAIPAHU HIGH SCHOOL, UH WEST OAHU AND HAWAII PACIFIC UNIVERSITY.

AND ROGER CLEMENTE CURRENTLY WORKS FOR THE STATE AFTER A CAREER IN THE HOTEL INDUSTRY.

BORN IN THE PHILIPPINES, HIS FAMILY CAME TO HAWAII WHEN HE WAS IN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL.

HE’S A GRADUATE OF FARRINGTON HIGH SCHOOL AND HAWAII PACIFIC UNIVERSITY.

>>Yunji: THANK YOU BOTH FOR BEING HERE TONIGHT START OFF WITH THE ISSUES FACING THIS DISTRICT.

WHAT DO YOU THINK IS THE BIGGEST ISSUE FACING DISTRICT AND WHAT WOULD YOU DO TO HELP TO WORK TOWARDS FIXING IT?

>> THANK YOU FOR THAT QUESTION.

I THINK JUST BASED ON TALKING TO A LOT OF RESIDENTS, THEY'RE CONCERNED ABOUT THE COST OF LIVING.

CONCERNED ABOUT JOBS.

CONCERNED ABOUT MAKING SURE THAT THEY CAN PROVIDE FOR THEIR FAMILIES.

THOSE AREN'T JUST ISSUES THAT ARE VERY IMPORTANT, LIKE TO CONTINUE TO WORK ON THEM, CONTINUE TO CONTINUE JUST ONGOING WORK.

SO THAT IS WHAT I WOULD LIKE TO DO.

THAT'S THE BIGGEST ISSUES THAT WE'RE FACING TODAY.

>>Yunji: WHAT DO YOU THINK IS THE BIGGEST ISSUE WHEN YOU'RE TALKING TO POTENTIAL VOTERS WHAT, ARE YOU HEARING FROM THEM?

>> VARIETY OF THINGS.

PUT IT IN A NUTSHELL.

QUALITY OF LIFE, THAT MEANS IT'S INCLUDING ALSO FINANCIAL CONCERNS AS WELL AS SIMPLE AS NOT GETTING QUALITY SLEEP AND BEING UNSAFE, AT NIGHT OR ANYWHERE.

A LOT OF PEOPLE MENTIONED ABOUT THE NOISE COMING FROM THOSE VEHICLES THAT ARE VERY LOUD.

MOTORCYCLES, MOPEDS.

AND THERE'S A LOT OF SENIORS ANY GUESS IN EVERY AREA NOW.

AND THEY ARE CONCERNED ABOUT THE LACK OF QUALITY OF SLEEP BECAUSE THEY'RE BEING CONSTANTLY WOKE UP AT NIGHT.

ALSO, HIGH COST OF LIVING.

IS ANOTHER ISSUE THAT EVERYONE HAD.

WHICH I HAVE A LOT OF IDEAS THAT I MAY BE ABLE TO, OR I HAVE IDEAS THAT WOULD MINIMIZE THAT.

THOSE CONCERNS AS WELL AS JOB SECURITY.

JUST WENT THROUGH THE LIMIT.

A LOT OF PEOPLE ARE CONCERNED ABOUT WHAT IF ANOTHER ONE HITS HAWAII.

>>Yunji: THROUGHOUT THE STATE REALLY, BUT IN YOUR DISTRICT AS WELL, THERE ARE A LOT OF HOMELESS CONCERNS.

WHAT WOULD YOU DO AND WHAT DO YOU THINK THE LEGISLATURE CAN SPECIFICALLY DO TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE?

>> HOMELESS CONCERNS VERY, VERY DIFFICULT SITUATION.

THERE ARE DIFFERENT CATEGORIES.

I THINK STATE SHOULD BE GIVING AUTHORITY OR THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD BE GIVING THE AUTHORITY TO PLACE THE PEOPLE THAT ARE NOT ABLE TO MAKE THEIR OWN DECISIONS, IF THEY'RE NOT ABLE TO MAKE THEIR OWN DECISIONS, IT'S FOR THE PUBLIC SAFETY AS WELL AS THEIRS.

ALSO, THERE'S PEOPLE THAT ARE HOMELESS WHO ARE TRYING HARD TO MAKE ENDS MEET, JUST CAN'T MAKE IT BECAUSE COST OF LIVING IS SO HIGH.

GOVERNMENT SHOULD STEP UP.

WITH ASSISTING THOSE PEOPLE, THOSE TWO, AND OF COURSE, THERE ARE PEOPLE THAT CHOSE TO BE ‑‑ I TALK TO A LOT OF THEM.

SOME PEOPLE PREFER TO BE IN THAT SITUATION.

SOMEONE HAS TO EXPLAIN TO THOSE GROUP OF PEOPLE THAT BEING OUTDOORS IS NOT A WAY TO LIVE.

>>Yunji: GET YOUR THOUGHTS ON THE HOMELESS SITUATION.

SPECIFICALLY IN THIS DISTRICT.

>> ONGOING ISSUE.

REQUIRES FURTHER SUPPORT.

FURTHER COORDINATION, STRONGER COORDINATION BETWEEN THE CITY AS WELL AS THE STATE.

I THINK EXPANSION OF OHANA ZONES TO FURTHER PROVIDE AVENUES FOR SOME OF THESE HOMELESS INDIVIDUALS TO GET THE SUPPORT THAT THEY NEED.

WIDE VARIETY, WIDE RANGE OF SERVICES PROVIDED AT OHANA ZONES.

SO POSSIBLE FURTHER EXPANSION.

I THINK DOWN THE ROAD WOULD HELP THIS SITUATION.

CURRENTLY IN THIS DISTRICT.

>>Yunji: YOU PREVIOUSLY RUN FOR THE STATE LEGISLATURE.

WHEN DID YOU THAT, YOU RAN AS A REPUBLICAN.

WHY DID YOU CHANGE YOUR POLITICAL PARTY.

>> TO BE HONEST.

ALWAYS A REPUBLICAN.

I'LL EXPLAIN THAT.

FIRST FROM THE PHILIPPINES LEFT AS A FIRST GRADER IN THE PHILIPPINES.

IN OUR CLASSROOM, OUR TEACHER HAD POSTED PICTURE OF ELVIS PRESLEY.

THIS WAS IN THE SIXTIES.

AND ALSO JOHN F. KENNEDY, TALKED ABOUT JOHN F KENNEDY A LOT.

I THINK I WAS THE MOST DEMOCRAT PERSON IN MY CLASSROOM AND MIGRATED HERE TO HAWAII.

AND IT WAS A LEARNING PROCESS FOR ME TO EXPERIENCE THE DIFFERENT PARTIES.

CAN ADAPT TO BOTH, REALLY, TO BOTH AGENDAS.

>>Yunji: BUT WHY DID YOU DECIDE THEN TO SWITCH YOUR PARTY?

DO YOU FEEL LIKE YOU'VE GONE THROUGH A LEARNING PROCESS, BETTER ALIGN WITH DEMOCRATIC VALUES?

>> WAS A DEMOCRATIC.

>>Yunji: GOT IT.

I'M INTERESTED, YOU SERVED IN THE STATE HOUSE FOR 14 YEARS.

NOW YOU'RE RUNNING FOR SENATE.

DO YOU THINK THERE SHOULD BE TERM LIMITS FOR LAWMAKERS?

>> I THINK DOUBLE‑EDGED SWORD.

OBVIOUSLY, FOR A LOT OF MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATURE AS WELL AS CANDIDATES, WE DO HAVE ELECTIONS EVERY 2 YEARS.

IT'S PUBLIC REFERENDUM THAT EVERYONE CAN PARTICIPATE IN THE ELECTION PROCESS.

REALLY IF THERE IS A POINT WHERE A CERTAIN CANDIDATE, CERTAIN MEMBER IS NOT DOING THEIR JOB, UPHOLDING THEIR RESPONSIBILITIES OF ELECTED OFFICIAL, THEN THEY WILL FACE PUBLIC REFERENDUM EVERY 2 YEARS.

TERM LIMITS SOMETHING A LOT OF PEOPLE HAVE BEEN TALKING ABOUT.

PERSONALLY, I THINK I'M OPEN TO THAT IDEA.

>>Yunji: WE'VE GOT SOME QUESTIONS FROM THE AUDIENCE.

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO DO WRITE OR CALL IN.

WHAT IS SKILL THAT YOU FEEL LIKE CAN YOU BRING BETTER THAN YOUR COMPETITOR AND WHAT IS A SKILL THAT YOU FEEL LIKE YOUR COMPETITOR IS BETTER AT?

I DON'T KNOW HOW WELL THE TWO OF YOU KNOW EACH OTHER.

FOCUS ON YOUR STRENGTHS.

WHAT DO YOU THINK THAT YOU UNIQUELY BRING TO THIS POSITION.

>> 14 YEARS OF LEGISLATIVE EXPERIENCE TO THE TABLE.

CLOSE TO 18 YEARS IN THE NONPROFIT SECTOR.

SO I DO HAVE QUITE A BIT OF EXPERIENCE IN WORKING WITH OUR COMMUNITIES.

THAT IS SOME OF THE STRENGTHS THAT I DO BRING.

ABILITY TO WORK WITH ALL STAKEHOLDERS ON ALL DIFFERENT WIDE VARIETY OF ISSUES ARE SOME OF THE STRENGTHS THAT I BRING.

IN TERMS OF MY OPPONENT, HE'S A VERY NICE GUY.

AND HE IS SOMEONE THAT IT'S REALLY CARES ABOUT THE COMMUNITY.

OBVIOUSLY, HE SHARED SOME OF THE ISSUES THAT ARE IMPORTANT TO HIM AND OTHERS.

AND I THINK IT'S NOBLE CALLING FOR HIM TO STEP UP AND TO RUN FOR OFFICE.

>>Yunji: VERY DIPLOMATIC.

WHAT SKILL DO YOU FEEL THAT YOU BRING TO THIS RACE PERHAPS BETTER THAN YOUR COMPETITOR OR JUST ON YOUR OWN?

WHAT DO YOU THINK IS THE UNIQUE STRENGTH THAT YOU BRING AND THAT FLIP SIDE OF THIS, WHAT SKILL DO YOU BRING THAT YOU FEEL LIKE YOUR COMPETITOR BRINGS THAT IS BETTER?

>> AT THIS MOMENT IN TIME, I CAN BRING SOLUTIONS TO THE PROBLEMS.

I HAVE FRESH IDEAS.

I'M VERY NONPOLITICAL.

I HAVE EXTENSIVE EXPERIENCE IN MANAGEMENT AND HOTEL AND OTHER INDUSTRIES WHERE I LEARNED A LOT ABOUT HANDLING SITUATIONS.

YOU HAVE TO HANDLE THE SITUATION ON THIS PART.

DON'T HAVE TIME TO MINGLE WITH THE ISSUES.

BEING A LEGISLATOR, PROBABLY WOULD BE NEW TO ME BECAUSE I'VE NEVER BEEN ELECTED OFFICIAL BEFORE.

BUT THERE'S ALWAYS A LEARNING PROCESS.

AND I BELIEVE I CAN LEARN VERY QUICKLY.

IF IT WAS A JOB, SAY, LIKE A PILOT WHEN YOU HAVE TO MAKE SPLIT SECOND DECISIONS, THEN OF COURSE, I WOULD NOT EVEN TRY TO ATTEMPT TO FLY A PLANE WITHOUT ANY EXPERIENCE.

AS FAR AS HIM, SEEN HIM MANY TIMES.

>> MET HIM FEW TIMES.

VERY NICE, CORDIAL, INDIVIDUAL.

IN FACT, I KNOW HIS FAMILY.

WENT TO SCHOOL WITH HIS UNCLE.

GRADUATED SAME YEAR.

>>Yunji: HAWAII, YOU NEVER KNOW WHERE THOSE CONNECTIONS ARE ALIGN.

GET BACK TO THE ISSUES.

TALK ABOUT CRIME IN THE DISTRICT.

WHAT DO YOU THINK, DO YOU HEAR THE COMMUNITY MEMBERS TALK TO YOU ABOUT THAT WHEN YOU'RE GOING OUT AND TALKING TO CONSTITUENTS?

WHAT ARE THEIR SPECIFIC CONCERNS AND WHAT DO YOU THINK THE LEGISLATURE SPECIFIC SPECIFICALLY, CRIME TENDS TO BE A COUNTY ISSUE.

>> PUBLIC SAFETY IS ALWAYS PARAMOUNT FOR A LOT OF RESIDENTS ENTIRE DISTRICT.

ISSUES SUCH AS BURGLARIES, JUST CRIMES THAT OCCUR SOMETIMES ON DAILY BASIS UNFORTUNATELY.

AND WE'RE NOT ONLY ONES THAT DEAL WITH THESE TYPES OF ISSUES.

SOME OF THE THINGS THAT WE HAVE HEARD ARE POTENTIAL ILLEGAL GAMBLING, AGAIN, SOME NOISE, SOME CONCERNS, AS WELL AS SOME OTHER ABANDON VEHICLE, OTHER ISSUES OF THAT SORT.

JUST THE TYPE OF ACTIVITIES THAT CAN POSSIBLY BE PART OF THINGS LIKE THAT.

SO I THINK WHAT WE'VE DONE IN THE LEGISLATURE TO DEAL WITH SOME OF OUR ONGOING ISSUES WITH ABANDON VEHICLES, WE HAD SERIES OF ABANDON VEHICLE BILLS TO ADDRESS SOME OF THE ISSUES WE'RE FACING NOT JUST OAHU, STATEWIDE, EVERY COUNTY HAS A ABANDON VEHICLE ISSUE.

IN TERMS CRIME, WE REALLY WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT OUR COMMUNITIES ARE SAFE, PEOPLE ARE ABLE TO TAKE WALKS, THEY CAN REALLY ENJOY WHAT THE COMMUNITIES REALLY PROVIDE, ALL THE DIFFERENT AMENITIES IN OUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

AND IT'S REALLY IMPORTANT THAT PEOPLE FEEL SAFE AND PEOPLE FEEL VERY STRONGLY THAT, HEY, I CAN GO TAKE A WALK TO THE STORE.

I CAN TAKE A WALK TO THE PARK.

I CAN WALK MY PETS.

WITHOUT HAVING THE CONCERN OF ANYTHING POSSIBLE, POSSIBLY NEGATIVE HAPPEN TO THEM.

>>Yunji: WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON CRIME IN THE DISTRICT AND HOW THE LEGISLATURE CAN BETTER HELP?

>> YOU KNOW, CRIME IS SOMETHING WAY BACK FROM BEGINNING OF TIME.

BUT IN OUR DISTRICT, I THINK MORE POLICE PRESENCE WOULD HELP AND ALSO, A LOT OF TIMES WE DON'T EVEN KNOW WHO ARE YOUR NEIGHBORS ARE.

AND I THINK EVERYONE KNEW ONE ANOTHER, THAT WOULD KIND OF HELP TO SPOT THOSE PEOPLE GOING AROUND THE NEIGHBORHOOD.

I THERE'S A LOT OF REPORTS OF THEFTS AND OTHER THINGS LIKE THAT.

SO LIKE BEYOND NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH, I THINK STATE LEGISLATORS SHOULD COME UP WITH THEIR OWN LAW ENFORCEMENT IN ADDITION TO HPD.

HPD, SPREAD OUT TOO THINLY.

DON'T HAVE ENOUGH PEOPLE TO.

>>Yunji: LIKE A CITIZEN PATROL?

WHAT ARE YOU SUGGESTING?

>> WELL, COULD EXPAND ON THE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT TO TAKE CARE OF SOME OF THE DUTIES THAT THEY'RE CURRENTLY TAKING CARE OF, TO TAKE AWAY FROM THAT TO GO INTO THE NEIGHBORHOODS.

>>Yunji: THERE'S ANOTHER AUDIENCE QUESTION I WANT TO GET TO.

IF YOU ARE ELECTED, WHAT IS ONE GOAL YOU WISH TO ACHIEVE DURING YOUR TIME IN OFFICE?

YOU DID MENTION THAT THERE IS TURNOVER.

SO IF YOU DID HAVE JUST THAT ONE TERM, WHAT IS A SPECIFIC GOAL?

NUMBER ONE PRIORITY.

>> I WOULD LIKE TO IMPROVE, AS I MENTIONED, EARLIER, THAT OUR QUALITY OF LIFE IS HIGHLY IMPACTED, A LOT OF NEGATIVE THINGS.

THOSE ARE THE THINGS THAT I WANT TO IMPROVE ON.

OUR QUALITY OF LIFE.

FROM SIMPLE THINGS TO MORE DIFFICULT.

I WOULD LIKE TO TACKLE THOSE.

>>Yunji: WHAT DO YOU SAY TO THIS PERSON IF YOU'RE ELECTED?

WHAT IS ONE GOAL YOU WISH TO ACHIEVE?

>> FOCUS ON IMPROVING OUR PUBLIC ASSETS, PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE.

WHETHER IT BE STATE ROADWAYS PUBLIC SCHOOL, SENIOR STATE SENIOR HOUSING, THERE IS MANY DIFFERENT PUBLIC ASSET THAT THE STATE HAS CONTROL OVER OR OWNS THROUGHOUT WHOLE ENTIRE DISTRICT.

AND I WOULD LIKE, IF HAD A SHORT LIMITED TIME, MAKE SURE WE CAN DELIVER NEEDED FUNDING AND INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS TO MAKE SURE WE HAVE THESE THINGS THAT ARE FOR THE BENEFIT OF OUR COMMUNITIES.

>>Yunji: I WANT TO ASK YOU BOTH ABOUT PUBLIC CORRUPTION.

THERE'S BEEN SOME VERY HIGH PROFILE CASES IN THE LEGISLATURE.

ALSO, WE SEE IT DPP AND SEEMS THAT A LOT OF PUBLIC OFFICES NO MATTER WHERE YOU LOOK IN THIS TOWN, SEEMS TO BE A SCANDAL OF SOME SORT.

A LOT OF PEOPLE GET FED UP WITH THE POLITICAL PROCESS.

FORGET IT.

ALL CORRUPT.

I'M NOT PARTICIPATING.

HOW DO WE RESTORE THAT PUBLIC TRUST AND HOW DO WE BETTER BALANCE THAT SO THAT PERHAPS IS MORE TRANSPARENCY NECESSARY?

FUNDRAISING LIMITS.

WHAT HAVE YOU.

HOW DO WE RESTORE THAT TRUST IN GOVERNMENT AND ROOT OUT THAT CORRUPTION?

>> VERY GOOD QUESTION.

PAST SESSION TRIED TO ADDRESS THAT.

STATE HOUSE PUT TOGETHER WORKING GROUP, MADE UP OF ALL DIFFERENT STAKEHOLDERS REALLY FEEL THAT TRANSPARENCY NEEDS TO BE IMPROVED.

WHAT THE LEGISLATURE HAD DONE PART OF IT WAS PANDEMIC.

INVITE MANY OTHERS TO THE TABLE DURING THE LEGISLATIVE PROCESS.

IT BECAME A TO A POINT, PAST SESSION, HYBRID WAY OF PARTICIPATING IN THE LEGISLATIVE PROCESS.

VIA ZOOM AND JUST DIFFERENT WAYS SO OUR NEIGHBOR ISLAND RESIDENTS CAN CHIME IN.

SAY WHETHER THEY SUPPORT OR OPPOSE CERTAIN LEGISLATION.

I THINK THIS WORKING GROUP, DOES HAVE CERTAIN RECOMMENDATIONS AND THEY'RE LOOKING AT THE WIDE VARIETY OF THINGS WHETHER IT BE LIMITING CERTAIN CAMPAIGN ACTIVITIES, DURING THE SESSION.

THERE IS MANY DIFFERENT OPTIONS THAT I THINK TO INCREASE TRANSPARENCY.

I THINK THAT IS ONE VERY BIG STEP THAT WE NEED TO TAKE IN ORDER TO CREATE A BETTER PROCESS FOR EVERYONE TO PARTICIPATE IN.

>>Yunji: HOW DO YOU THINK WE RESTORE PUBLIC TRUST AND ROOT OUT SOME OF THE CORRUPTION SEEN OVER THE LAST FEW YEARS?

>> I WOULD LIKE TO SEE THE WHOLE SYSTEM BE OVERHAULED.

ONE OF THEM WOULD BE, TERM LIMITS WOULD PROBABLY DECREASE SOME OF THOSE TYPE DEALINGS.

ALSO, SHOULD BE LIMITS.

RIGHT NOW, 2,000 FOR BUSINESSES OR INDIVIDUALS, LESS THAN THAT.

I NOTICE THAT ON THE FILING FORM, ASKS FOR THE PLACE OF EMPLOYMENT.

THINK THE STATE SHOULD RANDOMLY CHECK TO MAKE SURE THAT THEY'RE NOT, THEY'RE PUTTING THE CORRECT WORKING PLACE AND NOT WORKING FOR A BIG CORPORATION, JUST DONATING ON THEIR BEHALF, BUT DONATING FROM BIG COMPANIES.

LIMITS WOULD BE A GOOD IDEA TO START OFF WITH.

SAY TWO TERMS.

TAKE OFF ONE TERM.

IF YOU WANT, YOU GO BACK IN AGAIN.

I THINK THAT WOULD ELIMINATE A LOT.

TRAINING FOR EMPLOYEES.

TRAINING ABOUT THOSE KIND OF THINGS.

FROM ACCEPTING GIFTS AND THINGS LIKE THAT, WE SHOULD HAVE ANNUAL TRAINING FOR THAT.

WHEN I FIRST WENT TO THE STATE AND THE CITY, STARTED THERE, THEY WOULD JUST HAVE ONE TIME TRAINING.

IF YOU HAD BEEN THERE FOR 15, 20 YEARS.

20 YEARS,.

>>Yunji: PROBABLY LONG FORGOTTEN IT.

LET'S GET TO A FEW MORE ISSUES, ONLY HAVE ABOUT 8 MINUTES LEFT.

I'M INTERESTED ON BOTH OF YOUR POSITIONS ON LEGALIZING MARIJUANA FOR RECREATIONAL PURPOSES.

>> I THINK THAT IS SOMETHING WE'RE STUDYING AT THIS POINT AND LOOKING AT THE FINANCIAL IMPACTS THAT COULD POTENTIALLY HAVE IF IT WERE TO GO IN THAT DIRECTION.

PERSONALLY, I DON'T FEEL THAT WE SHOULD MOVE IN THAT DIRECTION.

BUT I'M VERY MUCH OPEN TO LISTENING AND SEEING WHAT THE POTENTIAL STUDY IN TERMS OF TAX REVENUE, IN TERMS OF HOW WE IT COULD IMPACT OUR CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM.

I'M OPEN TO SEEING WHAT THE STUDIES WILL BRING UP.

>>Yunji: WHAT IS YOUR POSITION OF LEGALIZING RECREATIONAL MARIJUANA.

>> IF IT AFFECTS PERSON'S DRIVING ABILITY, SLOWS THEIR REACTION, I WOULD NOT BE IN FAVOR OF IT BECAUSE I'VE KNOWN PEOPLE WHO USED IT, USES IT, ONE OF THE THINGS THAT MAY AFFECT THEIR ABILITIES, IT SLOWS THINGS DOWN FOR THEM.

SO IF THEY'RE DRIVING IT COULD BE HAZARD FOR THEMSELVES AND OTHER PEOPLE.

COULD HAVE HIGH IMPACT ON THE TAX REVENUE.

BUT I'M LOOKING AT THE SAFETY OF THE COMMUNITY.

>>Yunji: YOU BOTH HAVE TALKED ABOUT QUALITY OF LIFE ISSUES TONIGHT AND AFFORDABILITY.

SPECIFIC TO KNOW WHAT IDEAS HAVE YOU DIVERSIFYING ECONOMY.

HEAR A LOT ABOUT OVERRELIANCE ON TOURISM.

WHAT ARE THE NEXT STEPS WHAT DO YOU THINK WE SHOULD DO AS A STATE, WHAT SHOULD WE BE INVESTING IN.

>> DIVERSIFICATION IS WE NEED THAT IN TERMS OF MAKING SURE THAT WE HAVE FUTURE SUSTAINABILITY IN MAKING SURE WE HAVE A STRONG ECONOMY MOVING FORWARD FOR THE FUTURE.

FEW OF THINGS I WOULD LIKE TO SEE IS STRONGER EMPHASIS, STRONGER REINVESTMENT PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE.

IN ADDITION TO THAT, REALLY FOCUSING ON OUR PUBLIC SCHOOLS AND OUR UNIVERSITY SYSTEM.

MAINLY BECAUSE FOR U.H., I MEAN, WE HAVE CENTRALLY LOCATED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE PACIFIC.

VERY STRATEGIC.

WE'RE GATEWAY TO BOTH EAST AND WEST.

I THINK CAPITALIZING ON WHERE WE ARE AND WHAT WE HAVE, I THINK IS VERY MUCH GREAT OPPORTUNITIES I THINK FOR OUR STATE TO MOVE AWAY OR TO PIVOT FORWARD.

TOURISM WILL ALWAYS BE AN INDUSTRY I THINK WE CAN CONTINUE TO SUPPORT.

I THINK WE NEED TO DIVERSIFY TO ENSURE FUTURE SUSTAINABILITY.

>>Yunji: WHAT DO YOU THINK ARE THE BEST AREAS TO DIVERSIFY IN AS A STATE TRY TO MAKE THE PIVOT HE'S TALKING ABOUT, SO WE'RE NOT OVERRELIANT ON ONE INDUSTRY.

>> I AGREE WE DO RELY ON TOURISM A LOT.

BEEN IN THE BUSINESS FOR OVER 35 YEARS.

I THINK EVERY CULTURE WOULD DO ONE THING.

A LOT OF THINGS, LOCALLY GROW HERE.

THAT WOULD KEEP SOME OF THE PRICES DOWN.

ALSO, WOULD LIKE TO SEE MORE TECHNOLOGY, DOESN'T REALLY AFFECT TOURISM OR ATMOSPHERE.

ALSO MANUFACTURING.

THIS IS HAWAII IS A PERFECT PLACE TO PERHAPS DEVELOP SOLAR CARS POSSIBLY.

>>Yunji: OKAY.

TECHNOLOGY.

I'M INTERESTED, WE TALKED ABOUT SOME OF THE ISSUES.

HAVE A LITTLE BIT OF YOUR BACKGROUNDS.

WHAT IS SOMETHING THAT THE PUBLIC DOESN'T KNOW BUT THAT YOU WISH THEY KNEW AS THEY GO TO THE BALLOT BOX, WE'RE ALL MAIL‑IN.

WHAT DO YOU WISH PEOPLE KNEW BUT THAT THEY MIGHT NOT KNOW.

>> VERY COMPASSIONATE INDIVIDUAL.

>> CARE ABOUT THE OTHER PEOPLE.

THAT'S WHY I DECIDED TO RUN.

I LIKE TO BE ABLE TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THEIR LIVES.

POSITIVE CHANGES.

I LOVE OUR COMMUNITY.

I WOULD LIKE TO SEE IT THRIVE BETTER THAN I'M EXPERIENCING NOW.

>>Yunji: OKAY.

WHAT DO YOU WISH VOTERS KNEW BUT THAT THEY MIGHT NOT BE ABLE TO GLEAN FROM YOUR WEBSITE OR RESUME.

>> SO MUCH ISSUES THAT REALLY CONNECT US.

EVEN THOUGH A LOT OF THESE ISSUES MAY HAVE SOME NEGATIVE CONNOTATIONS, I THINK SOME OF THESE ISSUES REALLY BIND US TOGETHER AND I THINK EACH OF US HAVE A CALLING.

WE EACH HAVE A WAY FORWARD HOW WE CAN CONTRIBUTE.

I FEEL THAT BY RUNNING FOR OFFICE.

>> WANT TO MY PART.

I WANT TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

I'M EXCITED AT THE OPPORTUNITY TO CONTINUE THE WORK THAT WE'VE BEEN DOING FOR LAST 14 YEARS.

AND I REALLY FEEL VERY PASSIONATE ABOUT CARING FOR OUR COMMUNITIES MAKING SURE WE CAN DELIVER RESOURCES THAT IS NEEDED, AND WE PROVIDING AN EAR FOR PEOPLE TO PEOPLE THAT THEY CAN TALK TO, AND JUST BEING THAT INDIVIDUAL WHO CAN REALLY STEP UP AND SERVE.

>>Yunji: I'M INTERESTED IN WHAT KIND OF, YOU TALKED ABOUT BEING A GOOD COMMUNICATOR.

WHAT KIND OF LAWMAKER YOU SEE YOURSELF AS WHEN IT COMES TO ENGAGING WITH THE COMMUNITY.

THERE ARE SOME PEOPLE WHO FEEL LIKE THEY CAN'T CALL THEIR LAWMAKER.

CAN'T CALL THEIR LEGISLATURE.

HOW DO YOU MAKE SURE THAT YOU ARE ACCESSIBLE ENOUGH TO THE PEOPLE THAT YOU'RE SERVING?

>> I TRY MY BEST TO BE AS ACCESSIBLE AS POSSIBLE.

THERE ARE NEIGHBORS OF MINE THAT REACH OUT TO ME ON OCCASION AND SOME OF THEM ARE PRETTY REGULARLY.

ISSUES WIDE RANGING FROM NEIGHBOR TO NEIGHBOR.

TYPICALLY, GOVERNMENT DOESN'T REALLY GET INVOLVED WITH.

EVEN CITY AND COUNTY ISSUES AS WELL AS STATE ISSUES, THESE ARE ALL ENCOMPASSING THINGS THAT I THINK REALLY CONNECTS ALL OF US.

SO I THINK MOVING FORWARD, I JUST REALLY WANT TO BE THAT VESSEL TO LET PEOPLE KNOW THAT THERE IS ALWAYS SOMEONE LISTENING.

ALWAYS SOMEONE AVAILABLE.

DURING THE PANDEMIC, HAVING THE ABILITY AND OPPORTUNITY TO HELP PEOPLE GET THEIR UNEMPLOYMENT CHECKS.

IT WAS VERY EYE‑OPENING EXPERIENCE FOR ME.

JUST SEEING AND HEARING AND REALLY FEELING EMOTIONALLY FOR SOME OF THE THINGS THAT PEOPLE WERE GOING THROUGH DURING THAT TIME.

JUST IMMENSE OPPORTUNITY.

I FEEL VERY PRIVILEGED THAT I WAS AT LEAST INVITED TO BE A PART OF THAT PROCESS.

>>Yunji: I'LL GIVE YOU LAST WORD ON THAT.

WHAT KIND OF LAWMAKER WOULD YOU BE AND HOW WOULD YOU MAKE SURE THAT YOU WOULD BE AVAILABLE TO YOUR CONSTITUENTS?

>> YOU KNOW, WORK IN THE SERVICE INDUSTRY FOR MANY YEARS.

HAVE YOU TO BE ACCESSIBLE.

YOU HAVE TO SOLVE THEIR CONCERNS.

I WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE TO ALL THE PEOPLE IN THE DISTRICT.

IN FACT, I WANTED TO ADD THIS, IT IS MY WISH THAT FOR ALL THE PEOPLE WHO TAKE THEIR OATH OF OFFICE IN JANUARY, MAINTAIN THE COMMUNICATION WITH THEIR PEOPLE IN THE DISTRICT.

AS IF THEY WERE CAMPAIGNING.

A LOT OF US GOING HOUSE TO HOUSE, LISTENING TO THE CONCERNS AND I HOPE THAT EVERY DECISION THEY MAKE, THEY TAKE THE PEOPLE'S CONCERNS VERY SERIOUSLY.

AND ACCORDINGLY.

BECAUSE I ASK THAT ALL THE PEOPLE WHO TAKES OFFICE JANUARY, PLEASE DON'T FORGET THE PEOPLE IN YOUR DISTRICT AND THE STATE OF HAWAII.

>>Yunji: GOOD REMINDER.

THANK YOU FOR JOINING US TONIGHT.

WE THANK OUR GUESTS THE DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATES FOR STATE SENATE DISTRICT 19, ROGER CLEMENTE AND HENRY AQUINO.

NEXT WEEK ON INSIGHTS, ANOTHER DOUBLEHEADER IN THE STATE SENATE.

WE’LL HEAR FROM THE DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATES VYING FOR DISTRICT 6 COVERING PART OF SOUTH AND WEST MAUI AND DISTRICT 11 IN MANOA, MAKIKI HEIGHTS ON OAHU.

PLEASE JOIN US THEN.

I’M YUNJI DE NIES FOR INSIGHTS ON PBS HAWAI`I.

ALOHA!