TWO EXPERIENCED POLITICIANS, FORMER STATE AND CITY LAWMAKER RON MENOR AND CURRENT STATE HOUSE MINORITY LEADER VAL OKIMOTO, ARE IN A RUNOFF FOR THE OPEN DISTRICT EIGHT SEAT ON THE HONOLULU CITY COUNCIL WHICH RUNS FROM WAIMALU TO MILILANI.

MEANWHILE DEMOCRAT NATALIA HUSSEY‑BURDICK AND REPUBLICAN KATHY THURSTON FACE OFF IN THE RACE FOR STATE HOUSE DISTRICT 50 COVERING PARTS OF KANE’OHE AND KAILUA IN WINDWARD O’AHU.

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.

TONIGHT WE’RE SPEAKING TO CANDIDATES LOOKING TO HOLD A SEAT AT THE HONOLULU CITY COUNCIL AS WELL AS A SEAT IN THE STATE HOUSE.

FIRST, WE FOCUS ON HONOLULU CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT 8.

THE DISTRICT INCLUDES – PARTS OF AIEA, PEARL CITY, WAIPI’O GENTRY, WAIMALU, AND MILILANI.

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

YOU CAN EMAIL US OR CALL US WITH YOUR QUESTIONS.

WE ALSO ENCOURAGE YOU TO GET INVOLVED WITH THE CONVERSATION ON OUR FACEBOOK PAGE.

NOW, TO OUR GUESTS, VAL OKIMOTO SERVED FOUR YEARS IN THE STATE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

PRIOR TO THAT SHE WAS A SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER.

SHE IS ALSO A GRADUATE OF BRIGHAM YOUNG UNIVERSITY‑HAWAII WITH A DEGREE IN ACCOUNTING.

RON MENOR SERVED ON THE HONOLULU CITY COUNCIL FROM 2012 TO 2020.

HE HAS ALSO SERVED IN THE HAWAI’I STATE HOUSE AND STATE SENATE.

OUTSIDE OF PUBLIC OFFICE HE HAS ALSO WORKED AS AN ATTORNEY.

THANK YOU BOTH BEING HERE TONIGHT.

>> WE APPRECIATE EA APPRECIATE I JOINING US.

I WANT TO START WITH YOU.

WHAT DO YOU THINK IS THE BIGGEST ISSUE FACING THIS DISTRICT AND WHAT WOULD YOU DO TO ADDRESS IT?

>> QUALITY LIFE ISSUES CRITICAL TO RESIDENTS OF DISTRICT 8, FIXES CITY ROADWAYS, AND OTHER INFRASTRUCTURE.

CREATING MORE AFFORDABLE HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES.

ESPECIALLY FOR OUR YOUNG PEOPLE.

ADDRESSING OUR HOMELESS CRISIS FOR EFFECTIVELY.

INCREASING SUPPORT FOR POLICE AND FIRST RESPONSERS TO COMBAT CRIME INCLUDING APPROXIMATELY 300 VACANT POLICE OFFICER POSITIONS WITHIN HPD.

AND ENSURING THAT CITY GOVERNMENT FULFILLS ITS PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITY WHICH IS TO PROVIDE THE FULL RANGE OF IMPORTANT CORE SERVICES AND IMPROVEMENTS OUR COMMUNITIES WANT AND NEED.

VERY ATTUNED TO THE ISSUES AFFECTING DISTRICT 8 BECAUSE OF THE FACT THAT I REPRESENTED LARGE PARTS OF DISTRICT FORMER CITY COUNCILMEMBER AND STATE REPRESENTATIVE.

I REPRESENTED.

DEVOTED COUNTLESS HOURS VOLUNTEERING FOR CIVIC CAUSES.

AND SUPPORTING NUMEROUS COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS AND THE TIME SPENT IN THE COMMUNITY HAS REALLY GIVEN ME IN DEPTH UNDERSTANDING OF THE NEED AND CONCERNS OF THE PEOPLE WHOM I REPRESENT.

THESE WILL BE THE ISSUE AREAS I WILL BE FOCUSING ON.

>>Yunji: WHAT DO YOU THINK IS THE ISSUE AFFECTING YOUR DISTRICT?

>> THANK YOU PBS FOR ALLOWING TO HAVE THIS CANDIDATE FORUM TONIGHT.

ONE THING THAT I ALWAYS DECIDED WAS GOING TO BE IMPORTANT FOR ME RUN FOR PUBLIC OFF THE.

BOOTS ON THE GROUND.

DOOR‑TO‑DOOR.

MEET THE COMMUNITY.

FOR THIS COUNCIL CHANGED, I WANTED TO KNOW, REPRESENT MILILANI.

WHAT DOES THE REST OF THE DISTRICT, HOW IS IT SIMILAR, HOW IS IT DIFFERENT?

SOME DIFFERENCES ONE THE THING GOING DOOR‑TO‑DOOR, COST OF LIVING.

AS WELL AS CRIME.

THAT IS ALL TIED INTO HOMELESSNESS AN OTHER FACTORS.

BUT THE COST OF LIVING HERE IN HAWAII IS REALLY WHAT EVERYBODY IS STRUGGLING WITH.

I FACED THIS MYSELF.

I'M A SINGLE MOM OF TWO GIRLS.

I KNOW HOW DIFFICULT IT CAN BE TO LIVE THERE.

WHEN I THINK ABOUT THE FUTURE OF MY DAUGHTERS, I WANT THEM GO TO SUSTAIN A LIVING HERE.

THAT IS WHAT THE PEOPLE IN THE DISTRICT ARE FACED WITH AS WELL.

HOW CAN WE PROVIDE A FUTURE FOR THEMSELVES AND THEIR KEIKI AND FUTURE GENERATIONS.

HOW CAN WE SUPPORT OURSELVES, DAY‑TO‑DAY, COST OF LIVING HERE IS VERY, VERY IMPORTANT.

THEN ALONG WITH THE CRIME, AND THAT'S SOMETHING THAT HAS BEEN INCREASINGLY OCCURRING, YOU SEE THEM.

ISSUES THAT OUR DISTRICT INDUSTRY IS REALLY FOCUSED ON.

>> COMMITTEE MEMBERS HAVE SHARED THAT INFO WITH ME.

>>Yunji: FOLLOW UP ON THAT.

AFFORDABILITY ISSUE PERMEATES AS ALL ASPECT OF OUR LIFE, INFLATION.

AFFORDABLE HOUSING.

WHAT SPECIFICALLY DO YOU THINK THAT'S CITY COUNCIL CAN DO ADDRESS SOME OF THOSE CONCERNS?

>> ONE OF THE THINGS REALLY PASSIONATE ABOUT, THIS DISTRICT, WE CAN HAVE OPPORTUNITIES ZONES.

SOMETHING THAT IS FEDERALLY FUNDED ACTUALLY, FUNDING FROM THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT, JUST FOR THIS DISTRICT.

PEARL CITY AND PARTS OF WAIPAHU THAT CAN CREATE NOT JUST HOMES BUT JOBS AND NEW INDUSTRIES.

EXCITING TO ME AS A MANY MOVE DAUGHTERS IN THE SCHOOL SYSTEM NOW.

WHAT DO THEIR FUTURES ENTAIL?

CITY COUNCIL, WE WORK WITH THESE PROJECT.

VERY EXCITED AND I KNOW THAT THE WAY I DEAL WITH AND I WORK WITH PEOPLE WORKING WITH DEVELOPERS, WORKING WITH COMMUNITY, HOW CAN WE CREATE JOBS, HOW CAN WE CREATE INDUSTRIES THAT WILL KEEP OUR CHILDREN HERE.

THEY'RE NOT TAKING THEIR TALENTS AND LEAVING OUR STATE.

THAT'S HOW I FEEL CITY COUNCIL.

WHAT I PLAN DO IF ELECTED.

HAVE THESE OPPORTUNITIES ZONES, TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THEM, CREATE OPPORTUNITIES.

NOT JUST FOR HOUSING ALONG THE RAIL ROUTES, BUT CREATING INDUSTRIES THAT WILL HAVE OUR CHILDREN BE ABLE TO STAY HERE.

ADDRESS HOUSING ISSUE AT THAT TIME AS WELL.

>>Yunji: WHAT DO YOU THINK CITY COUNCIL CAN SPECIFICALLY DO TO ADDRESS THE AFFORDABILITY ISSUES THAT SO MANY RESIDENTS ARE FACING?

>> CLEARLY, CITY GOVERNMENT MUST DO MORE.

TO CREATE MORE AFFORDABLE HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE.

DURING IT'S TIME THAT I SERVED ON THE COUNCIL, WORKED CLOSELY WITH CITY OFFICIALS AFFORDABLE HOUSING DEVELOPERS.

YOUNG PEOPLE TO INCLUDE IN MY THREE SON.

AS A FOREIGN POLICY MAKER, RECOGNIZE THERE IS NO PANACEA.

IT'S GOING TO TAKE A MULTIPHASED APPROACH.

SHOULD INCLUDE MORE HOUSING PROJECTS 201H PROCESS WHICH IS EXPEDITED REVIEW AND APPROVAL PROCESS.

INCENTIVES AFFORDABLE HOUSING.

RENT TO OWN HOUSING PROJECTS CITY LEVEL.

TAPPING AFFORDABLE HOUSING FUND TO PURCHASE AND REFURBISH PROPERTIES FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING.

REHABILITATING CITY'S LARGE INVENTORY OF AFFORDABLE RENTALS AS WELL AS MORE EFFECTIVELY ENFORCING OUR SHORT‑TERM RENTAL ORDINANCE WHICH I HELPED TO CO‑AUTHOR TO REDUCE VACATION RENTALS AND REMOVE HOUSING STOCK IN THE COMMUNITIES.

>> AGAIN, CITY GOVERNMENT MUST DO MORE.

THEY'VE GOT TO DO MORE EFFECTIVE JOB IN MAKING IMPROVEMENTS TO OUR PERMITTING SYSTEM.

AS A CITY COUNCILMEMBER, URGED DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND PERMITTING OR DPP OFFICIALS TO RESOLVE THE LENGTHY DELAYS IN THE PERMITTING PROCESS BECAUSE SIGNIFICANTLY ADD TO THE COST OF HOUSE.

THESE ARE THE KINDS OF SPECIFIC ACTIONS STEPS NEED TO BE TAKEN BY CITY GOVERNMENT AND I'M CONTINUING TO PURSUE AND IF I'M ELECTED TO WORK ON THE CITY COUNCIL.

>>Yunji: SOMETHING YOU IDENTIFIED IN YOUR OPENING STATEMENT AND ALSO JUST NOW.

IDEA OF WHAT IS HAPPENING AT DPP, MAYOR HAS SAID THAT THEY ARE THOUSANDS PERMITS BEHIND.

>> JUST LOST THE HEAD OF THAT DEPARTMENT AND NOW, THEY HAVE SO MANY VACANCIES THERE.

WHAT DO YOU THINK CAN BE DONE IN THE SHORT TERM TO ADDRESS THOSE ISSUES?

>> DURING IT'S TIME THAT I SERVED ON THE COUNCIL.

NUMBER OF ACTIONS WE TOOK THAT I WANT TO FOLLOW UP ON.

FIRST OF ALL, I STRONGLY SUPPORTED INCLUSION OF FUNDS IN DPP'S BUDGET TO CREATE MORE STAFFING POSITIONS TO REVIEW AND PROCESS PERMITS.

>> THAT IS SOMETHING THAT I'M COMMITTED TO DOING IF I'M ELECTED TO THE CITY COUNCIL.

MOREOVER, I ALSO BEFORE I LEFT COUNCIL, I ALSO JOINED MY COLLEAGUES AM APPROVING RESOLUTION 18‑284 DIRECTED CITY AUDIT OR TO CONDUCT PERFORMANCE AUDIT PERMITTING PROCESS OF DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND PERMITTING AND CORRECT ACTIONS TO IMPROVE THE SYSTEM.

TOP PRIORITIES TO GET TOGETHER DPP OFFICIALS.

CITY COUNCIL RECENTLY ADOPTED RESOLUTION 22‑93 WHICH ONES AGAIN, REQUESTS CITY AUDITOR TO CONDUCT ANOTHER PERFORMANCE AUDIT BUT THIS TIME, IT LOOK MORE COMPREHENSIVELY AT DPP'S POLICIES, PROCEDURES AND CONTROLS TO ADDRESS THE SYSTEMIC OPERATIONAL DEFICIENCIES WITHIN THE DEPARTMENT.

IF I RETURN TO THE COUNCIL, I WOULD LIKE TO FOLLOW UP ON CITY AUDITOR FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS IN THAT REGARD.

>>Yunji: WHAT DO YOU CAN BE DONE FOR DPP GIVE MYRIAD OF ISSUES THAT AGENCY FACING?

>> EASY TO SAY.

I THINK MY QUESTION HAS, THINK ABOUT DPP, HOW DID WE GET TO THIS POINT?

IT'S BEEN YEARS.

I DON'T KNOW WHERE IT FELL WRONG.

WE NEED TO ADDRESS THE ISSUE OF HIRING PROCESS.

OBVIOUSLY SOMETHING THAT IS GOING ON.

THAT SHOULDN'T BE HAPPENING.

WE ARE SHORT OF HIRES.

PEOPLE, EMPLOYEES CUT THROUGH THE RED TAPE.

BUREAUCRACY MAKE IT LOCAL DIFFICULT, DEVELOPERS TO COMPLETE PROJECT.

IT'S NOT ACCEPTABLE.

I AM GOING TO BE CITY COUNCIL SHOULD I BE ELECTED, I DON'T UNDERSTAND HOW WE GOT TO POINT.

I WOULD LIKE TO FIND OUT WHY.

WHAT LED US TO THIS POINT.

STOP TALKING, THAT'S WHAT I FEEL.

ACTION NEEDS TO BE DONE.

THAT'S HOW I FEEL.

WE NEED TO FIX THE PROCESS.

EASY TO SAY THINGS.

>> WHY HASN'T IT BEEN FIXED?

TO THE POINT WE'RE HAVING SUCH RED TAPE AND DEPARTMENT HEADS LEAVING STILL LED WITH THIS PROCESS IMPACTING LOCAL PROPERTIES.

WE CAN'T BUILD PROPERTY OF CAN'T BUILT THINGS.

AFFECTING US HOUSING AND HOMEOWNERS AND AFFECTING JOBS.

SO I REALLY LIKE LOOK AT THE TOP, WORK OUR WAY DOWN, MINIMIZE WHATEVER THE BUREAUCRACY IS THE HIRING PROCESS.

WHAT RESOURCES DEPARTMENT OF NEEDS ALLOW THEM TO HAVE IT TO FIX THE ISSUES.

REALLY I WOULD LOVE TO FIND OUT WHAT CAUSED IT TO GET IN THIS POINT.

>>Yunji: TALK ABOUT RAIL.

PROBABLY SPEND THE WHOLE SHOW TALKING ABOUT RAIL.

RAIL OF COURSE IS A HUGE PART OF YOUR DISTRICT.

TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT HOW SATISFIED WITH THE WAY PROJECT BEING RUN AND WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ABOUT WHERE THE RAIL SHOULD GO TO.

>> SENSITIVE TOPIC FOR THE COMMUNITIES.

WHEN I TALK TO THE DISTRICT, MIXED FEELINGS.

HOWEVER, BECAUSE DISTRICT SO BIG, HOWEVER, JUST LIKE ME, WHEN YOU SET A PROJECT, MOST OF THE PEOPLE IN THE COMMUNITY WANT TO SEE IT FINISHED.

PUBLIC HAS ISSUES WITH, IS MISMANAGEMENT OF FUNDS.

STEMMING BACK SOME TIME.

NOT SURE EXACTLY WHERE THE PROJECT FELL.

GOT OFF THE TRACKS.

AND NOW, WE'RE HAVING TO PICK UP THE PIECES.

I DO HAVE HOPE AND FAITH IN OUR CURRENT LEADERSHIP AND COMMISSION.

I THINK THAT THEY'RE TRYING REALLY HARD TO FINISH THE PROJECTMENT I WOULD LOVE TO SEE IT FINISHED.

I WANT TOO MAKE SURE WHATEVER HAPPENS MOVING FORWARD, MAKING SURE THAT'S TAXPAYOR DOLLARS ARE SPENT WITH ACCOUNTANT.

WE'RE FINISH THIS PROJECT IN THE PROPER MANNER.

NOT BURDEN TAX MANNER.

MAKE SURE IT'S.

NET PROPERLY.

PUBLIC OWN.

PLETHORA OF OPPORTUNITY AS LONG THE RAIL LINE REALLY TAKE ADVANTAGE IT.

>>Yunji: WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON THE WAY THE RAIL PROJECT IS BEING RUN.

>> IN REGARDS TO RAIL, BEEN A SUPPORT OF RAIL.

BUT I BELIEVE THAT'S SCOPE AND EXTENT OF FUTURE CONSTRUCTION OF RAIL SHOULD BE BASED ON WHAT THE CITY CAN AFFORD.

SO IN THAT REGARD, MY POSITION ON RAIL IS THAT CITY SHOULD CONTINUE, HART SHOULD CONTINUE TO BUILD RAIL.

TO THE KAKAAKO CIVIC CENTER.

STATION, LOCATION.

IF THE PROJECTIONS OF HART ARE ACCURATE, THAT THE ACTUAL AND PROJECTED REVENUES WILL ONLY BE SUFFICIENT TO COVER THE CONSTRUCTION COSTS TO COMPLETE RAIL TO KAKAAKO, CIVIC CENTER LOCATION AS INTERIM TERMINUS.

I WOULD LIKE TO SEE ALTERNATE DESIGN AND ENGINEERING COLLUSIONS BE INCLUDED.

NONESSENTIAL FEATURES AT THE RAIL STATIONS THAT ADD CONSIDERABLE COST TO THE PROJECT.

IN REGARDS TO THE MANAGEMENT OF RAIL, IN THE PAST, I HAVE HAD GREAT CONCERNS ABOUT THE WAY RAIL HAS BEEN MANAGED THE BY PART IN THE PAST.

COUNCILMEMBER AT THE TIME I SERVED ON THE COUNCIL, COUNCIL MADE DECISIONS.

TOOK ACTIONS ON RAIL.

THAT WERE BASED ON INFORMATION THAT WE RECEIVED FROM HART.

AND OTHER CITY AGENCIES WHICH HAVE PROVED TO BE INCOMPLETE OR JUST SIMPLY INCORRECT.

IN ADDITION, WHAT TROUBLES ME IS THE FACT THAT NO ONE HAS BEEN HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR THE NUMEROUS ISSUES THAT I'VE BEEN IDENTIFIED WITH RESPECT TO THE RAIL PROJECT INCLUDING DESIGN MISTAKES THAT IS GOING TO COST CITY TIME AND EXPENSE AND RAISE SIGNIFICANT AND CONCERNING SAFETY ISSUES.

IF I'M ELECTED TO THE COUNCIL, I WILL PROPOSE THAT'S CITY COUNCIL CONDUCT A PUBLIC HEARING TO GO OVER THE RECENT REVELATIONS ABOUT ONGOING PROBLEMS WITH THE RAIL PROJECT TO GET MORE SPECIFIC AND CONCRETE ANSWERS FROM HART OFFICIAL.

>>Steve: I WANT GO BACK TO ONE OF THE THINGS YOU TALKED ABOUT AT THE START.

STAFFING ISSUES.

NOT JUST AT DPP BUT SEE IT ACROSS THE CITY.

WE HAVE POLICE OFFICER SHORTAGE OF COURSE.

OTHER CORE SERVICES EMS, OCEAN SAFETY, WHAT DO YOU THINK CAN BE DONE TO ADDRESS THOSE HIRING ISSUES?

WHAT CAN THE CITY DO AND COUNCIL DO TO ATTRACT MORE QUALIFIED WORKERS?

>> CITY GOVERNMENT HAS TO DO MORE TO ADDRESS ISSUE OF VACANT POSITIONS.

AT PRESENT, WE HAVE APPROXIMATELY 2,000 VACANT UNFILLED POSITIONS IN CITY GOVERNMENT.

THERE'S NOT ONLY IMPACTS, ON THE QUALITY OF THE DELIVERY OF SERVICES, THAT WE NEED TO BE PROVIDED TO OUR COMMUNITIES BUT IN ADDITION TO THAT, THESE POSITIONS COULD CREATE JOB OPPORTUNITIES FOR LOCAL RESIDENTS IN OUR COMMUNITY.

CLEARLY, MORE NEEDS TO BE DONE.

IN THAT REGARD, I IN GRATIFIED ABOUT THE FACT THAT CITY COUNCIL RECENTLY ADOPTED IN JULY, RESOLUTION 22‑43 THAT IS GOING TO DIRECT THE CITY AUDITOR TO CONDUCT PERFORMANCE AUDIT OF THE SELECTION AND HIRING PROCESSES WITHIN THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES.

AN TO PROVIDE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR IMPROVEMENTS WITHIN THAT SYSTEMS.

SO ONE OF MY TOP PRIORITIES IF I'M ELECTED TO THE CITY COUNCIL WILL BE TO FOLLOW UP ON FINDING AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE CITY AUDITOR BECAUSE IT'S MY UNDERSTANDING THAT THE AUDITOR WILL BE SUBMITTING THE REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL SOMETIME NEXT YEAR.

THAT IS AN ISSUE THAT I WOULD LIKE TO FOLLOW UP AND CONTINUE MY WORK ON AS A COUNCILMEMBER.

>>Yunji: WHAT DO YOU THINK CITY CAN DO TO BEST TRACT THESE QUALIFIED APPLICANTS?

WE ARE TALKING ABOUT HUNDREDS IF NOT THOUSANDS OF JOBS THAT ARE UNFILLED THAT NOT ONLY AFFECTS CITY SERVICES, IT ALSO AFFECTS CURRENT EMPLOYEES WHO THEN HAVE TO SHOULDER THAT LOAD.

>> CORRECT.

WE KNOW THAT WE NEED TO HIRE MORE.

IT'S EASIER SAID THAN DONE.

IN MY EXPERIENCE, OFFICE LAST 3 YEARS.

REALLY RECOGNIZED AND STAND BY TODAY, SUPPORT OUR LAW ENFORCEMENT.

BODY ALWAYS HASN'T DONE SO, WHY WOULD THESE HARD‑WORKING INDIVIDUAL AND FAMILY SACRIFICE SO MUCH AND STAY HERE.

COST OF LIVING EXTREMELY HIGH.

JOBS ARE UNDER SCRUTINY AND FAMILIES ARE NOT CARED FOR THE WAY THEY SHOULD BE.

NEED TO SUPPORT LAW ENFORCEMENT.

ALSO WANT TO MENTION WE INCREASE RATE PAY AND ALL OF THESE INCENTIVES ADJUST BIGGER PICTURE.

CAN'T AFFORD TO LIVE HERE, SALARIES COST OF LIVING HERE, DON'T CORRELATE, WE HAVE ANOTHER ISSUE.

SO ON THE CITY COUNCIL LEVEL, WE NEED TO AGAIN CREATE HEALTHY ECONOMY.

WHAT CAN WE DO ECONOMIC LEVEL TO ATTRACT QUALIFIED LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS.

NOT JUST THEM, ANY PUBLIC SERVANT, TEACHERS.

PUBLIC SERVICE.

I WAS A TEACHER.

I UNDERSTAND LAW ENFORCEMENT.

HOW CAN MAKE SURE WE LIVE IN AN ECONOMY ALLOW THEM TO STAY HERE, JOBS ARE SECURE.

ESPECIALLY WITH LAW ENFORCEMENT, CHOOSE THIS CAREER PATH, NOT GOING TO MAKE IT MORE DIFFICULT FOR THEM TO HAVE THEIR JOBS.

>> BUT PROVIDE SAFETY NETS FOR THEM.

SUPPORT FOR THEM.

SOMETHING WE SHOULD DO.

TEND DO, PLAN DO AND SUPPORT THEM AS CITY COUNCILMEMBER.

>>Yunji: LET ME ASK YOU ABOUT HOMELESSNESS.

IT'S AN ISSUE ACROSS OUR STATE.

WHAT DO YOU THINK COUNCIL COULD DO TO BETTER BETTER ADDRESS THIS ISSUE.

>> HOMELESSNESS TOUCHY SUBJECT.

WE'RE CARING COMMUNITY HERE IN HAWAII.

WE TEND TO LOVE ALL.

SO WE WANT TO MAKE SURE WE TAKE CARE OF ALL OF OUR OHANA.

I THINK IF YOU JUST THINK ABOUT HOMELESSNESS AS CREATE HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES FOR THEM, NOT GOING TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM.

HOMELESSNESS IS A BIGGER ISSUE.

I WANT TO TAKE A TREATMENT APPROACH, TREATMENT HAVE TO HAVE TREATMENT PLAN FOR THEM.

MUCH OF HOMELESSNESS, PEOPLE THAT ARE HOUSELESS, THEY SUFFER FROM SOME FORM OF ADDICTION OR MENTAL HEALTH ILLNESS OR SOMETIMES BOTH.

SO WE NEED TO REALLY TAKE AN APPROACH IT MAKE SURE THAT WE PROVIDING RESOURCES FOR THEM.

JUST CREATING HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES, ABANDONING THE ISSUE, WE NEED TO ADDRESS, HOW CAN WE CREATE OPPORTUNITIES FOR THEM TO GET THE HELP THEY NEED, ADDRESS THE ROOT OF PROBLEM.

WHEN WE DO THAT, THAT WILL AGAIN CREATE BETTER FUTURE FOR THEM.

I WANT TO, THIS IS SOMETHING THAT IS REALLY CONCERN OF THE COMMUNITIES.

OF THIS DISTRICT 8.

WHEN YOU WALK DOOR‑TO‑DOOR, YOU HEAR IT.

I FEEL IT TOO.

TEN YEARS AGO, YOU DIDN'T SEE ANYBODY HOMELESS.

NOW, RESIDENTS AFRAID TO WALK WITH GRANDCHILDREN.

AFRAID TO GO TO THE PARK.

SHOULD NEVER HAPPEN.

ARE LOVING COMMUNITY HERE, WE NEED TO ADDRESS THE ISSUE OF HOMELESS CITIZENS NOW TURNING TO VIOLENT CRIME.

WE NEED TO LOOK AT SO THAT THIS IS NOT ACCEPTABLE.

SOMEONE WHO HAS REPEATEDLY COMMITTED CRIMES BACK ON THE STREET REPEATEDLY, BECOMES HE ENDANGERMENT TO OUR COMMUNITIES.

THAT'S WHICH I FEEL AS CITY COUNCIL, LAW ENFORCEMENT, WE'RE PROVIDING SAFETY NETS PRECAUTIONS.

ANYTHING TO PROTECT OUR COMMUNITIES BUT TAKE THESE CITIZENS NEED HELP AND PROVIDE THEM WITH THE RESOURCES THEY NEED THAT'S NOT HURTING PEOPLE AND HURTING THEMSELVES.

>>Yunji: WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT THE SENTENCE?

>> HOMELESSNESS ISSUE DEVOTED CONSIDERATION ATTENTION.

OUTREACH WORKERS, HPD AND COMMUNITY STAKEHOLDERS TO CLEAR HOMELESS ENCAMPMENTS WITHIN MY DISTRICT.

AND TO RECONNECT INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES TO SOCIAL SERVICE PROVIDERS AND SHELTERED FACILITIES WHERE THEY CAN RECEIVE THE ASSISTANCE THEY NEEDED.

AS A POLICY MAKER, I ALSO RECOGNIZE THAT THERE IS NO SINGLE SOLUTION.

COMPLEX PROBLEM.

AND GOING TO TAKE A RANGE OF SOLUTIONS.

WHICH I BELIEVE SHOULD INCLUDE RELOCATING HOMELESS INDIVIDUAL AND FAMILIES TO TEMPORARY LOW COST SHELTERS WHERE THEY WOULD ALSO HAVE ACCESS TO SERVICES AND THE TREATMENT FOR MENTAL HEALTH AND ADDICTION ISSUES THAT CONTRIBUTE TO THEIR HOMELESSNESS.

>> I LOOK AT THE KAUHALE TINY HOMES PROJECT AS BEING AN EXAMPLE OF THAT.

CITY ALSO NEEDS TO SUPPORT PROACTIVE SOCIAL SERVICE OUTREACH TO THE HOMELESS.

CITY ALSO NEEDS TO CONTINUE TO PROVIDE SECTION 8 AND RAPID REHOUSING RENTAL ASSISTANCE FOR INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES WHO CANNOT AFFORD MARKET RENTS.

>> ALSO NEED TO ENGAGE LAW ENFORCEMENT, POLICE IN SITUATIONS WHERE ILLEGAL ACTIVITIES ARE OCCURRING WITHIN HOMELESS ENCAMPMENTS.

SEE US IMPROVE ASSISTED COMMUNITY TREATMENT OR ACT STATE LAW TO FACILITATE TREATMENT OF CHRONICALLY HOMELESS INDIVIDUALS WHO SUFFER FROM SEVERE MENTAL ILLNESS AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE PROBLEMS.

BUILD MORE AFFORDABLE HOUSING.

THOSE ARE IT'S AREAS I WORKED ON AS CITY COUNCIL.

MORE NEEDS TO BE DONE.

GIVEN OPPORTUNITY WANT TO CONTINUE TO WORK ON THAT DIFFICULT ISSUE.

>>Yunji: YOU BOTH CARE TEAMLY ABOUT THIS DISTRICTS.

HAVE A LOT OF POLICY STANCE ON THE ISSUES.

INTERESTED TO KNOW WHAT DO YOU THINK MAKES YOU UNIQUELY QUALIFIED TO HOLD THIS SEAT.

>> I'M RUNNING FOR THE CITY COUNCIL I WANT CONTINUE MY WORK ADDRESSING CRITICAL ISSUES FACING OUR ISLAND.

ISLAND, CITY, FACES SIGNIFICANT CHALLENGES WHICH I BELIEVE REQUIRES EFFECTIVE AND EXPERIENCED LEADERSHIP WHICH I HAVE ESTABLISHED TO MY RECORD, FORMER CITY COUNCILMEMBER.

SO I WOULD ABLE TO HIT THE GROUND RUNNING.

AND NOT HAVE TO LEARN ABOUT CITY GOVERNMENT WHILE ON THE JOB.

REMAIN COMMITTED TO PUBLIC SERVICE AS WAY TO GIVE BACK COMMUNITIES IN WHICH I'VE BEEN FORTUNATE TO LIVE, WORK AND RAISE MY FAMILY.

STRONG ADVOCATE FOR POSITIVE CHANGES AND IMPROVEMENTS THAT OUR COMMUNITIES WANT AND NEED.

I WILL CONTINUE IT TO DO SO IF I'M AFFORD OPPORTUNITY TO SERVE ONCE AGAIN ON THE CITY COUNCIL.

>>Yunji: WHAT MAKES YOU UNIQUELY QUALIFIED FOR THIS POSITION.

>> RAW FRESH APPROACH TO THE OFFICE.

DON'T COME FROM A HISTORY OF POLITICIANS.

HAVE A HEART AND PASSION TO SERVE THE COMMUNITY.

CONTINUING TO DO SO.

I BELIEVE THAT'S COMMUNITY OUR COMMUNITIES ARE LOOKING FOR NEW LEADERSHIP FOR A NEW GENERATION.

FRESH APPROACH.

SOMEBODY MAYBE FOUR YEARS AGO, I HAD NO IDEA WHAT THE LEGISLATURE WAS.

DIFFERENCE THEM OR THE OTHERS.

I WILL HIT THE GROUND AND FIGURE THING OUT.

SURROUND MYSELF WITH THE RIGHT TEAM.

NO DISTRICT TO ANYONE SERVED BEFORE ME, I THINK OUR STATE LOOKING FOR SOMETHING FOR THE FUTURE.

NEXT GENERATION.

BORN AND RAISED KAUAI.

UNDERSTAND LOCAL VALUES AND CULTURE.

TAKE THAT WITH ME.

JUST HERE TO HOLD THE TITLE, DONE IT WITH A PATH.

TAKING THIS RISK BECAUSE I WANT TO GIVE THE PEOPLE OPPORTUNITY AGAIN TO HAVE A FRESH VOICE.

SOMEONE WHO WILL LISTEN THEM.

SOMEONE CONSTANTLY LOOKING DAY AND NIGHT TO HEAR WHAT THEIR CONCERNS ARE.

LEARN ABOUT WHAT THEY NEED AND FIGURE OUT HOW I CAN HELP THEM.

THAT IS WHAT MAKES ME UNIQUE.

NOT ABOUT ME.

NEVER BEEN ME.

I KNOW ALWAYS BE ABOUT THE PEOPLE IN THE COMMUNITY.

MY PASSION, MY HEART, IS FOR THE PEOPLE OF THIS ISLAND AND THIS STATE.

I'M JUST A LOCAL KID, MOM, FORMER TEACHER.

THAT'S WHAT MAKES ME UNIQUE.

I THINK I BRING TO THE TABLE DIFFERENT THINGS MAKE ME, JUST FROM THE COMMUNITY, I THINK IS WHAT OUR RESIDENTS ARE LOOKING FOR RIGHT NOW.

>>Yunji: ONE QUESTION.

FINAL QUESTION.

WE CAN READ ABOUT YOU ON YOUR WEBSITES.

KNOW YOUR RESUMES.

WHAT IS SOMETHING YOU WISH PEOPLE KNEW ABOUT YOU.

YOU GO TO DOOR TO DOOR, WHAT IS SOMETHING THAT YOU TELL FOLKS THEY MAY NOT KNOW.

>> ALREADY SHARED MY PASSION LOCAL KID.

FAR FACT, GREW UP PLAYING BASKETBALL.

I DON'T GET TO IT AS MUCH ANY MORE.

PUBLIC SERVICE LIFE HAS TAKEN ME A DIFFERENT DIRECTION.

BUT I THINK THAT'S ONE OF MY FAVORITE HOBBIES.

TWO DAUGHTERS.

NEITHER OF THEM HAVE PICKED UP THE PASSION FOR BASKETBALL.

SEE BASKETBALL AS A WAY, THINGS I LEARN AS A TEAM PLAYER, WHEN I GREW UP PLAYING SPORTS ON LITTLE ISLAND.

NEXTDOOR TO US, GET ALONG WELL WITH OTHERS.

DISCIPLINE.

YOU LEARN SACRIFICE SOMEONE ASKED ME WHAT, IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN YOU AND ME.

GRIT AND TENACITY.

WORK HARDER BECAUSE I BELIEVE IN SOMETHING THAT I WORK MY HARDEST TO GET IT DONE.

HARDEST TO GET IT DONE.

CAME FROM MY BACKGROUND.

DAD WAS MY COACH.

PRETTY HARD ON ME.

I HAD TO LEARN JUST TOUGH.

WORK YOUR HARDEST.

DON'T SEE ME PLAYING BASKETBALL AS MUCH.

>>Yunji: WE WOULD LOVE TO SEE IT.

WHAT IS SOMETHING YOU WISH PEOPLE KNEW ABOUT YOU.

>> PLAY THE DRUMS.

>>Yunji: DO YOU REALLY?

>> YEAH.

I DO.

IT'S GREAT HOBBY.

BUT BECAUSE I GOT INTO MUSIC TO THAT EXTENT, IT ALSO GIVEN ME AN APPRECIATION FOR MY THREE SONS.

WHO ALSO HAVE THEIR MUSICAL ABILITIES.

GOOD SINGERS.

ONE OF THEM PLAYS THE PIANO.

MAKES ME PROUD THAT I CAN GET TOGETHER MY SONS AND WE HAVE A SPECIAL APPRECIATION FOR MUSIC.

FAMILY MAN.

VERY FAMILY ORIENTED.

>> THAT'S WHY I'M RUNNING.

I WANT TO CREATE A BETTER QUALITY OF LIFE AND A BRIGHTER FUTURE FOR ALL OF THE FAMILIES HERE ON THIS ISLAND.

>>Yunji: THANK YOU BOTH FOR BEING HERE TONIGHT.

WASN'T THANK OUR GUESTS.

THE CANDIDATES FOR HONOLULU CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT 8 VAL OKIMOTO AND RON MENOR.

AS WE GET READY FOR OUR NEXT SEGMENT FEATURING STATE HOUSE DISTRICT 50, PLEASE ENJOY THIS HIKI NO STORY... >> HAWAII DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION IS RESPONSIBLE FOR SERVING MORE THAN 100,000 MEALS A DAY DURING THE SCHOOL YEAR.

MADE POSSIBLE THROUGH THE EFFORTS OF SCHOOL CAFETERIA STAFF AND CONTRIBUTION OF MONEY TOWARDS THE NATIONAL SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAM.

ACCORDING TO THE CONGRESSIONAL BUDGET OFF, FEDERAL RESERVE MORE THAN DOUBLED THE MONEY NUTRITIONAL PROGRAMS $20 BILLION A YEAR FOR REIMBURSE SCHOOLS FOR CHILDREN'S MEALS.

PRICE OF SCHOOL MEALS HAS INCREASED.

SOME STUDENTS ARE UNABLE TO AFFORD IT.

EVERY LUNCH HAS A DIFFERENT COST.

LET'S SAY KALUA PORK.

PROBABLY BE THE MOST EXPENSIVE, PORK AND THE TOMATO, COME IN ALREADY CUT.

SO THAT LUNCH WOULD BE ABOUT SIX DOLLARS.

PER SERVING FAMILIES CAN APPLY TO BE IN FREE OR REDUCED LUNCH PROGRAM.

767 BODY CAN GET A PIECE OF.

SOME SCHOOLS PARTICIPATE IN COMMUNITY ELIGIBILITY PROVISION.

THAT ALLOWS CERTAIN SCHOOLS TO SERVE THREE MEALS TO ALL STUDENTS EVEN IF THEY DO NOT QUALIFY FOR FREE AND REDUCED LUNCHES.

50 SCHOOLS IN THE STATE THAT PARTICIPATE IN THIS PROGRAM.

HOWEVER, SERVCO ENTIRE SCHOOL FOR BREAKFAST AND LUNCH CERTAIN PROBLEM ASKS ARISE.

EVERY SCHOOL NEEDS TO FOLLOW THE STRICT NUTRITIONAL GUIDELINES PROVIDED BY THE D.O.E.

MENU PLANNING COMMITTEE IS IN CHARGE OF ANALYZING THESE REQUIREMENTS AND ASSEMBLING OF VARIETY OF MEALS THAT ADHERE TO THESE GUIDELINES.

ACCORDING TO THE HAWAII D.O.E.

CHILDREN WHO EAT SCHOOL LUNCHES ARE MORE LIKELY TO HAVE HIGHER NUTRIENT INTAKES BECAUSE THEY ARE EATING A MORE WELL ROUNDED MEAL.

AN STUDENTS WHO JUST BRING LUNCH FROM HOME.

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION IS CURRENTLY LOOKING FOR LOCAL FARMERS AND MAKING IT MORE OF A PRIORITY TO SUPPLY FRESH ORGANIC PRODUCE FOR SCHOOL LUNCHES.

AND THE OTHER HAND, ANOTHER PROBLEM THAT OUR KALAHEO CAFETERIA STAFF FACES EXTREMELY SHORT‑HANDED.

OVER THE PAST SEVERAL YEARS, STAFF HAS BEEN REDUCED FROM 8 TO THE CURRENT 3 WORKERS.

DESPITE THE CHALLENGES THAT SEEM TO BUILD UP AGAINST THE CAFETERIA STAFF, THEY ARE COMMITTED ON OVERCOMING THEM AND SERVING ENTIRE SCHOOL AND MAKING IT SEEM LIKE A PIECE OF CAKE.

THIS CHANG FROM KALAHEO HIGH SCHOOL.

ALOHA AND WELCOME BACK TO INSIGHTS ON PBS HAWAII... WE ARE NOW JOINED BY CANDIDATES FOR HAWAI’I STATE HOUSE DISTRICT 50.

THE DISTRICT COVERS KAILUA AND KANE’OHE BAY.

LET’S MEET OUR GUESTS: DEMOCRAT NATALIA HUSSEY‑BURDICK IS CHIEF‑OF‑STAFF IN THE STATE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES AND IS THE SECRETARY FOR THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY OF HAWAI’I.

SHE RECENTLY SERVED AS A REDISTRICTING COMMISSIONER ON THE CITY’S COUNCIL REAPPORTIONMENT COMMISSION.

REPUBLICAN KATHY THURSTON IS A MEMBER OF THE KAILUA NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD.

BEFORE RETIRING, SHE OPERATED HER OWN GENERAL ENGINEERING CONSTRUCTION FIRM.

SHE HAS ALSO WORKED IN THE TOURISM AND BANKING INDUSTRIES.

THANK YOU BOTH FOR BEING HERE TONIGHT.

WE HEAR A LOT OF ABOUT TRAFFIC IN THIS DISTRICT.

WE KNOW THAT THE CITY ESPECIALLY IN LANIKAI AREA HAS WORKED VERY HARD TO TRY TO MITIGATE SOME OF THESE ISSUES.

TIME AND TIME AGAIN, WE HEAR ABOUT THEM.

IS THERE SOMETHING YOU THINK THE STATE COULD DO TO HELP WITH THIS?

>> ABSOLUTELY.

SO THAT IS ACTUALLY ONE OF THINGS THAT I HEAR ABOUT AS I GO DOOR‑TO‑DOOR.

FAMILIES ARE CONCERNED ABOUT THE WALKABILITY AND BIKEABILITY OF THEIR COMMUNITIES.

KAILUA AND KANEOHE SHOULD BE LEADERS IN THE STATE HAVING COMMUNITIES THAT YOU CAN WALK, RIDE TO SCHOOL.

I USED TO DO WHEN I WENT TO AIKAHI ELEMENTARY.

MORE AND MORE CARS ON ROAD, LESS AND LESS WALKABLE.

SIDEWALKS ARE IN DISREPAIR.

>> WE NEED MORE SIDEWALKS AND MORE COMPLETE STREETS AND BIKE LANES AND BIKIES AND THINGS LIKE THAT.

SO A LOT OF THIS IS A CITY ISSUE.

BUT THERE ARE ALWAYS WHERE THE CITY AND STATE CAN WORK TOGETHER TO BUILD A BETTER COMMUNITY FOR OUR RESIDENTS.

>>Yunji: YOUR THOUGHTS TRAFFIC ISSUES.

>> I WOULD AGREE.

I THINK THAT THINGS THAT HAPPEN REALLY WE SHOULD BE COLLABORATING A LITTLE BIT MORE.

OFTENTIMES WHAT I OBSERVED JUST MY SHORT TERM ON THE NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD, IS OFTEN TIMES WE POINT FINGERS CITY PROBLEM, FEDERAL PROBLEM.

STATE.

I WOULD REALLY LOVE TO SEE SOME TYPE OF GROUP OR ABILITY TO WORK TOGETHER AS VARIOUS AGENCIES REPRESENTING DIFFERENT PEOPLE AND COMING UP WITH SOLUTIONS INSTEAD OF JUST FINGER POINTING.

I THINK TRAFFIC IS A GREAT OPPORTUNITY, INFRASTRUCTURE, MANY OTHER THINGS, THAT ARE NEEDED IN THE KAILUA AREA.

ESPECIALLY ONEAWA, VERY TIGHT NEIGHBORHOOD WHERE THERE IS BARELY ANY ROOM FOR SIDEWALK.

I THINK WE COULD DO A LOT BETTER JOB COORDINATING AND WORKING TOGETHER TO SOLVE SOME OF OUR COMMUNITIES PROBLEMS.

>>Yunji: WE HAVE A BUNCH OF QUESTIONS HERE.

I WANT TO BRING SOME OF THEM IN.

HOW ARE YOU BRING A FRESH APPROACH TO LEADERSHIP IN THE LEGISLATURE?

WHAT MAKES YOU DIFFERENT THAN THE TYPICAL POLITICIAN?

START WITH YOU.

>> OKAY.

FIRST OF ALL, I'M NOT A POLITICIAN.

I THINK THAT IS ONE THAT STANDS OUT.

I THINK THE OPPORTUNITY TO HAVE BEEN RUNNING MY OWN BUSINESS FOR 30 YEARS I WAS IN CONSTRUCTION FOR 30 YEARS.

STARTED IN BANKING AND TOURISM.

I THINK YOU GET A FLAVOR OR THE CONCERNS AN CONDITIONS THAT WE NEED TO REPAIR.

JUST IN THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY.

BUT MORE IMPORTANTLY, BEING ABLE TO CREATE JOBS, MANAGE RISK, I THINK IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR SEE A LOT OF THINGS THAT GOVERNMENT DOES NOT NECESSARILY ADDRESS.

WE DON'T HAVE POT OF MONEY TO GO TO IN PRIVATE BUSINESS.

WE'RE HAVING TO CREATE AND TAKE RISKS AND LIVE WITHIN BUDGETS AND MAXIMIZE EFFICIENCY.

MINIMIZE THINGS THAT DON'T WORK, AND HAVE METRICS OR MEASURABLE ITEMS.

I THINK WE COULD USE A LOT MORE OF THAT IN GOVERNMENT.

IT WOULD PROBABLY BE MEAN GETTING READY OF A LOT OF BUREAUCRACY AND HOPEFULLY, SEEING SOME OF THAT TRICKLE DOWN TO THE WORKING PEOPLE.

TEACHERS, HAVING THEM ONES THAT ARE ON THE FRONT LINE BEING ABLE MAXIMIZE IT'S TIME WITH OUR CHILDREN.

WORKERS, I REALLY THINK THAT WE NEED TO DO A BETTER JOB AND NOT HAVE SUCH A SLANTED POLITICAL AGENDA.

BUT ONE THAT FOCUSES ON WHAT IS BEST FOR THE PEOPLE OF OUR COMMUNITY.

>>Yunji: WHAT DO YOU SAY TO ELIJAH?

WHAT MAKES YOU DIFFERENT THAN THE TYPICAL POLITICIAN?

>> THANK YOU.

THINK YOUR QUESTION REALLY ECHOES A LOT OF SENTIMENTS THAT I'M HEARING FROM A LOT OF OUR NEIGHBORS.

YOU SAY THESE THINGS WHEN TRYING TO GET ELECTED AND THEN YOU GET INTO THE BIG SQUARE BUILDING AND WHO KNOWS WHAT HAPPENS ALL OF A SUDDEN, YOU'RE NOT THERE FOR US ANY MORE.

STARTED OUT ISSUE ADVOCATE.

TESTIFYING AT HEARINGS EVER SINCE I CAN REMEMBER.

I'VE BEEN ORGANIZING ISSUES GETTING PEOPLE TO COME OUT AND TESTIFY REGISTERING PEOPLE TO VOTE.

I KNOW WHAT IS LIKE TO BE ON THAT SIDE OF THE TABLE WHEN YOUR LEGISLATOR ISN'T LISTENING TO YOU OR LEADERSHIP HAS OTHER PLANS.

I THINK COMING FROM PERSPECTIVE, NOTHING THAT COULD HAPPEN TO ME THAT WOULD CHANGE MY SENTIMENTS FROM WHERE I CAME FROM.

ALWAYS BE THERE WITH YOU.

AND BE ONE OF THE ADVOCATES FIGHTING FOR OUR PEOPLE.

>>Yunji: LET'S TALK ABOUT HOUSING.

THIS A GREAT EMAIL, THANK YOU BETH‑ANN FOR SENDING THIS ONE IN.

I'LL GIVE IT TO YOU FIRST.

I'M A PROUD MOTHER OF 3.

OLDEST IS IN HIGH SCHOOL.

WILL BE DECIDING BETWEEN COLLEGE AND WORKING.

CONCERNED ALL OF MY KIDS WILL NOT BE ABLE TO AFFORD A HOME NEAR US ON WINTER SIDE.

WOULD YOU SUPPORT BUILDING PUBLIC HOUSING TO MAKE SURE LOCAL KIDS CAN LIVE, WORK, RAISE FAMILIES IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD GROUP UP.

PEOPLE WHO ARE FROM THE DISTRICT BEING ABLE TO STAY THERE.

>> ABSOLUTELY LET ME TELL YOU I'M RIGHT THERE WITH YOU.

MOVED MORE TIMES THAN I CAN COUNT.

EVER SINCE I WAS GETTING MY FIRST JOB AT 17, WORK FULL‑TIME AND SUPPORTING MYSELF IN MY OWN HOUSE.

ABSOLUTELY SUPPORT AFFORDABLE HOUSING.

WE NEED TO PLAN IT BETTER.

SEEN WITH THE CURRENT MODEL IS DEVELOPERS COME IN, HAVE LAND, THEY PROPOSAL A PROJECT, AND IT'S ARGUABLY POORLY PLANNED.

I USED TO LIVE IN THE HOUSE RIGHT NEXTDOOR TO THE ONEAWA STREET DEVELOPMENT PROPOSED AFFORDABLE HOUSING.

I CAN TELL YOU BETTER THAN ANYBODY WE CANNOT, THOSE STREETS CANNOT HANDLE ANOTHER ADDITIONAL 200 CARS A DAY EVERY DAY.

SO I THINK OUR STATE AND COUNTY LEADERS NEED TO BE MORE PROACTIVE ABOUT CHOOSING THE LOCATIONS AND I'M REALLY EXCITED, GOT THREE LOCATIONS IN MIND.

FIRST ORDER OF BUSINESS WHEN I GET INTO OFFICE.

TO LOOK AT THOSE THREE LOCATIONS AND GET ALL THE STAKEHOLDERS TOGETHER AND SEE IF THOSE ARE FEASIBLE GOOD LOCATIONS AT THAT ARGUABLY MAKE SENSE FOR THE PEOPLE AND FOR THE COMMUNITY AND FOR THE ENVIRONMENT.

>>Yunji: WHAT DO YOU SAY TO BETH‑ANN?

>> I THINK THAT'S A BIG CONCERN.

AS A MOM, GRANDMOTHER, SEE OUR LOCAL KIDS, LOCAL NEXT GENERATION, HAVING TO RELOCATE.

CAN'T AFFORD TO STAY HOME IN HAWAII.

COST OF LIVING IS SO HIGH.

IT MAKES IT PROHIBITIVE.

UNIQUE SITUATION IN KAILUA, AS WELL.

WITH MILITARY THERE.

OFTENTIMES WE'RE SEEING WITH THE SUBSIDIES, IT OFTENTIMES THROWS OUR LOCAL PEOPLE OUT OF THE MARKET.

I UNDERSTAND THE MILITARY ALSO NEEDS HOUSING.

BUT THERE IS A GENUINE CONCERN.

I THINK WE HAVE OPPORTUNITY THOUGH.

600 MILLION ALLOTTED TO HAWAIIAN HOMES.

BIG WAY TO MAKE A DENT IN THE 20,000 WAIT LIST TO BE ABLE TO PARTNER, PROVIDE SOME MAYBE PRIVATE GOVERNMENT PARTNERSHIPS TO FAST TRACK SOME OF THAT WORK.

IF HAWAIIAN HOMES HAS THE LAND, I THINK IT WOULD BE AWESOME TO BE ABLE TO FAST TRACK, GET SOME PRIVATE INDUSTRY INVOLVED, PARTNERSHIPS, SO THAT THEY COULD GO AHEAD AND PUT SOME INFRASTRUCTURE IN THE GROUND AND GET SOME OF THOSE HOMES BUILT.

I THINK IT WOULD LEAVE, POSSIBLY LEAVE A PROVIDE A REALLY GOOD OPPORTUNITY TO NOT JUST GET OUR LOCAL PEOPLE OFF THE LIST, AND INTO THE HOMES, BUT I THINK IT WOULD ALSO PROVIDE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR THOSE THAT ARE LOOKING TO STILL BE ABLE TO TAKE UP THAT INVENTORY THAT IS LEFT.

>>Yunji: ONE OF THINGS ALSO STRESSING INVENTORY IS ILLEGAL VACATION RENTALS.

BIG ISSUE IN THIS PARTICULAR DISTRICT.

I KNOW THAT THIS IS SOMETHING THAT'S CITY IS TRYING TO TAKE ON.

DO YOU THINK THAT THE STATE SHOULD BE DOING MORE IN THIS ARENA.

>> I REALLY THINK IF THE CITY IS NOT ABLE TO, RULES ON THE BOOKS FOR A WHILE OF THINK SOME OF THE CHALLENGES NOT BEING ENFORCED.

SO IT DOESN'T MATTER WHAT KIND OF RULES WE PUT OUT THERE, IF WE'RE NOT ENFORCING WHAT WE ALREADY HAVE, YOU THINK, YES, WE WOULD NEED THE CITY TO DO THAT, BUT IF THEY CAN'T, STATE SHOULD SERIOUSLY TAKE A LOOK AT POSSIBLY AIDING IN THAT SITUATION.

OVERALL AS A STATE, NOT JUST KAILUA PROBLEM OR COUNTY PROBLEM, MAINLY OAHU BECAUSE OF THE MORATORIUM.

MAUI IS LOOKING AT SOME ISSUES AS WELL.

YOU THINK WE HAVE TO HAVE A BROADER PERSPECTIVE WHEN WE MAKE DECISIONS ABOUT HOW WE'RE GOING TO MISS IT AND HOW IT'S GOING TO BE ABLE TO COME OUT ULTIMATELY THE WAY WE INTENDED.

STRONG ADVOCATE FOR BEING SIMPLE.

ABC'S, LEVEL OF ACCOUNTABILITY, BALANCE AND COMMON SENSE APPROACH.

I THINK AS A GOVERNMENT, AS A LEGISLATURE, AS A COUNCIL, NEEDS TO BE A LOT MORE COLLABORATIVE EFFORT TRYING TO GET BACK TO THE ABC'S.

FOR THE PEOPLE.

>>Yunji: WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON ADDRESSING THE ILLEGAL VACATION RENTALS ISSUE?

THE DISTRICT FROM THE STATE SIDE?

>> I THINK CATHY REALLY NAILED IT WHEN SHE TALKED ABOUT ENFORCEMENT.

IT MAKES SENSE TO ME WHY THE COUNTIES HAVE KIND OF DROPPED THE BALL ON ENFORCEMENT OVER THE LAST DECADE BECAUSE UP UNTIL LAST YEAR, THE T.A.T.

IS A STATE TAX.

AND SO IT DOESN'T REALLY MAKE SENSE TO HAVE A STATE TAX COLLECTED ON TRANSIENT ACCOMMODATIONS COUNTY TASKED WITH ASSESSMENT.

DON'T WANT TO POINT FINGERS.

IF COUNTIES ARE NOT ABLE TO ENFORCE, MOST RECENT BILL 41 DID NOT HAVE ENFORCEMENT BILL.

ONE OF THE FIRST LOVES I WOULD LOVE TO WRITE GET INTO OFFICE STATEWIDE ENFORCEMENT AGENCY THAT ENFORCE ALL THE COUNTY'S RULES AN REGULATIONS REGARDING VACATION RENTALS.

>>Yunji: I WANT TO BRING IN THIS QUESTION FROM CHRISTIAN ON FACEBOOK.

COULD BE A HE OR SHE.

REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS UNDER THREAT AT THE FEDERAL LEVEL AND SO MANY LONGSTANDING CONSTITUTIONAL PROTECTION RETURNED TO THE STATE.

WHAT IS YOUR THOUGHTS ON FREEDOM OF CHOICE AND WHAT WOULD YOU DO TO PROTECT WOMEN'S RIGHTS?

>> PROUD DEMOCRAT, I STRONGLY BELIEVE IN FREEDOM OF CHOICE.

RIGHT TO HAVE BODY SOVEREIGNTY AND THE RIGHT TO CHOOSE WHAT HAPPENS TO YOUR OWN BODY IS SOMETHING THAT HAS BEEN FUNDAMENTAL TO MY BEING EVER SINCE I KNEW WHAT IT WAS AS A TEENAGER.

A LOT OF PEOPLE THINK IN HAWAII, WE ARE SAFE WITH THE RECENT SUPREME COURT RULING BECAUSE IT'S BEEN ENSHRINED IN OUR CONSTITUTION FOR SO LONG, RIGHT TO ABORTION.

BUT ACTUALLY, THE CONSTITUTION DOESN'T SAY ANYTHING ABOUT ABORTION OR BIRTHING RIGHTS.

WHAT IT SAYS IS THE RIGHT TO PRIVACY.

SHAKY GROUND WHAT GOT OVERTURNED NATIONAL LEVEL.

BIG THINGS COLUMN IN THE 2023 LEGISLATIVE SESSION HOW WE ENSHRINE THOSE PROTECTIONS IN THE CONSTITUTION, CHANGE OUR HRS TO PROPER DEFINE WHAT VIABLE FETUS.

WHAT AGE YOU CAN DO THE ABORTION.

NONE OF THAT MATTERS TO OUR NEIGHBOR ISLANDS BECAUSE THE RIGHT TO ABORTION MEANS NOTHING IF YOU DON'T HAVE THAT ACCESS.

I KNOW THAT MANY OF OUR NEIGHBOR ISLANDS RESIDENTS HAVE NO ACCESS TO THESE CRITICAL LIVESAVING SERVICES.

>>Yunji: WHAT DO YOU SAY TO CHRISTIAN?

>> I'M A CHILD OF THE FIFTIES.

I GREW UP IN THE 70s.

IT'S WHEN PLANNED PARENTHOOD GOT INTO OUR SCHOOLS.

I WAS A STUDENT THEN, ACTUALLY SENT TO PLANNED PARENTHOOD.

SO I AM A PRODUCT OF EXPERIENCING THE EMOTIONAL AND MENTAL CHALLENGES THAT COME WITH MAKING VERY DIFFICULT DECISIONS.

WITH THAT BEING SAID, I AM PROUD TO SAY I'M PRO LIFE.

ALSO WITH THAT BEING SAID, I THINK WE NEED TO DO MORE TO BE ABLE TO HELP COUNSEL PROPERLY YOUNG LADIES OR PEOPLE PUT IN SITUATIONS THAT THEY FIND THEMSELVES UNEXPECTEDLY TO BE IN IT.

I DON'T THINK IT SHOULD BE USED AS BIRTH CONTROL.

I THINK THAT WE NEED TO DO A BETTER JOB AT PROVIDING FOR WOMEN AND FOR COUNSELING THEM TO SEE WHAT ELSE CAN BE DONE.

I THINK THAT WHEN HE START TAKING VIABILITY OF A FETUS, WOW, WE'RE WALKING ON SOME SHAKY GROUND THERE.

BUT WHAT I WOULD LIKE TO SAY IS AS A PEOPLE, HERE IN HAWAII, WE'VE HAD CERTAIN LAWS ON THE BOOKS SINCE THE 1970S.

I THINK WHAT ROE VS. WADE BEING REVERSED DID, IT MAY NOT BE POPULAR FOR SOME PEOPLE, BUT I THINK IT ACTUALLY PUT THINGS IN PROPER PERSPECTIVE.

IT HAD A DECISION THAT WAS MADE IN THE JUDICIARY.

THAT WAS PUT BACK IN THE HANDS OF THE PEOPLE.

SO I THINK LEGISLATIVELY, WE HAVE A LOT OF OPPORTUNITIES IF WE DON'T LIKE SOMETHING, TO ACT ON IT.

COLLECTIVELY THOUGH.

I DO THINK WE NEED TO START LOOKING AT THE MENTAL VIABILITY AND ALSO, SOME OF THE THINGS THAT WE CAN DO TO EDUCATE PEOPLE TO BE ABLE TO PROVIDED FOR THEIR NEEDS.

IF PEOPLE ARE MAKING DECISIONS BECAUSE THEY'RE AFRAID THEY'RE NOT GOING TO BE ABLE TO AFFORD TO CARE FOR THEIR CHILDREN.

I DON'T THINK WE'RE DOING A GREAT JOB ADDRESSING MENTAL NEEDS IN AT THAT AREA.

>>Yunji: TOURISM.

KAILUA FAVORITE SPOT FOR TOURISTS AND MANY RESIDENTS.

FEEL LIKE WE'RE OUT OF BALANCE.

RELIEF WHEN THE PANDEMIC HAPPENED.

BACK AND ENJOYING THE ISLANDS.

DOUBLE‑EDGED SWORD.

WHAT DO YOU THINK WE CAN DO TO BETTER MANAGE TOURISM SPECIFICALLY IN THIS DISTRICT?

>> REALLY GOOD POINT.

I THINK WALKING AROUND DOOR‑TO‑DOOR WHICH IS FAVORITE PART ABOUT RUNNING AS A CANDIDATE, I'LL TELL YOU, TAKES A WHILE, BUT THAT'S THE BEST PART.

LISTENING TO THE PEOPLE.

AND I THINK I HEAR THAT OVER AND OVER AGAIN.

PEOPLE AREN'T SO MUCH AGAINST TOURISM.

BUT I WOULD PUT RESPONSIBLE TOURISM AS THE DESIRE FOR THE COMMUNITY.

WE SEE BUSINESSES TAKING PEOPLE OUT TO THE MOKOLUA AND LEAVING THEIR OPALA OUT THERE.

HAVE RESPONSIBLE MANAGING TOURISM.

I THINK THAT WHERE WE COULD START IN OUR COMMUNITY IS TO JUST REALLY HAVE SPECIAL PLACES WHERE WE HAVE GREAT NEIGHBORS IN A&B DIFFERENT PEOPLE IN OUR COMMUNITY, HAVING EDUCATIONAL PLACES TUTU CAN COME IN AND EDUCATION PEOPLE WHO IS THE RESPONSIBLE THING.

TEACH THEM ABOUT OUR CULTURE.

TEACH THEM ABOUT OUR WAYS.

WHY WE WOULDN'T OVERUSE THE OCEAN.

WHY WE WOULDN'T JUST ABUSE THE HIKING TRAILS.

I THINK WE NEED TO DO A BETTER JOB, I THINK CNHA GETTING THOSE CONTRACTS WITH FOR THE MARKETING ARM WITH HTA, I THINK THAT IS A BIG START IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION.

I LOVE THAT THEY'LL BRING A CULTURAL COMPONENT THAT WILL BE ABLE TO EDUCATE AND PREPARE PEOPLE.

I THINK TAKE THEIR SLOGAN.

HULIHIA DUE IN HAWAII FOR KIND OF THAT UPHEAVAL OR SHIFT, I THINK THE BENEFIT MAY BE A LOT OF THINGS THAT DIDN'T BENEFIT OUR PEOPLE THROUGH COVID, BUT I THINK BENEFITS WE WERE ABLE TO SEE HOW OUR BEACH WERE RESTORED.

ENVIRONMENT RECOVERED.

WONDERFUL.

I WOULD TAKE PICTURES OF ON MY BEACH WALK.

POST THEM TO MY INSTAGRAM AND PEOPLE FROM ACROSS THE MAINLAND ARE ALL OVER.

INSPIRED TO SEE THE BEAUTIFUL BLUE COLORS BEING RESTORED.

>>Yunji: HOW DO YOU THINK WE CAN BETTER MANAGE TOURISM FROM THE STATE LEVEL SPECIFICALLY TO AFFECT THIS DISTRICT?

>> I'VE SPENT A LOT OF TIME THINKING ABOUT THIS OVER THE LAST COUPLE OF YEARS WORKING AT THE LEGISLATURE.

DURING THE PANDEMIC WHEN WE SAW THIS SLOW DOWN OF TOURISM, FACILITATE THE MEETINGS WITH INTERNATIONAL TOURISM EXPERT AND HTA.

GOT TO SAY, HTA HAS BEEN DOING A BETTER JOB WITH NEW CEO RECENTLY GOT APPOINTED.

DOING A LOT MORE MANAGEMENT RATHER THAN MARKETING.

BILL THAT I HELPED TO WRITE LAST YEAR.

SWITCH TOURISM MARKETING TO TOURISM MANAGEMENT.

BECAUSE THEN IT DOESN'T MATTER WHO IS THE CEO, GUIDING STATUTE TELLS THEM THEY HAVE TO DO MANAGEMENT.

AND THIS SORT OF REGENERATIVE TOURISM MODEL WOULD BENEFIT, WOULD IMPROVE THE COMMUNITIES THAT ARE BEING RIGHT NOW, BEING DISADVANTAGED THE MOST.

SO WHEREAS INSTEAD OF MAYBE GOING TO THE BEACH AND LEAVING YOUR OPALA EVERYWHERE, YOU MIGHT TOUR KALO LO'I OR SOLAR ENERGY FARM AND TEACHING THEM ABOUT TAKING CARE OF LAND THAT THEE ARE HERE TO VISIT.

>>Yunji: MORE VIEWER QUESTIONS.

DO YOU SUPPORT TERM LIMITS FOR STATE LAWMAKERS?

YOUR THOUGHT ON THAT.

>> ABSOLUTELY.

ONE OF THE THINGS I'M REALLY EXCITED TO WORK ON, WITH THE RECENT ETHICS SCANDALS, HOUSE APPOINTED COMMISSION ON ETHICAL STANDARDS.

GOING TO BE RECOMMENDING TO THE LEGISLATURE SEVERAL GOVERNMENT REFORM MEASURES.

THINK ARE CRITICAL.

BEFORE WE CAN PASS THE MEASURES IMPROVE OUR EDUCATION, ENVIRONMENT, WE NEED TO ADDRESS THESE CRITICAL ETHICS REFORMS.

SO TERM LIMITS ARE SOMETHING THAT I SUPPORT.

OTHER THINGS LIKE BANNING FUND RAISING DURING LEGISLATIVE SESSION.

OR IMPROVING LOBBYING LAWS.

THERE'S SO MANY WAYS THAT WE CAN IMPROVE TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY TO THE PEOPLE IN THE STATE HOUSE.

>>Yunji: LET'S TALK ABOUT THAT.

DO YOU SUPPORT TERM LIMITS FOR LAWMAKERS.

>> ABSOLUTELY.

>>Yunji: WHAT ABOUT THIS CORRUPTION ISSUE.

>> ABSOLUTELY.

I THINK THROUGH THE KEYS OR VALUES I'M RUNNING ON, ALOHA, LEADERSHIP OR TEST THE LEADERSHIP AND TRUST.

I THINK WHAT'S HAPPENED PEOPLE ARE, THEY DON'T TRUST OUR POLITICIANS OR OUR LEADERS.

IN FACT, ABYSMAL, LESS THAN 25% OF OUR POPULATION HAS VOTED.

AND I THINK THAT A LOT OF PEOPLE FEEL THE SENSE OF HOPELESSNESS.

WHEN YOU HAVE A LEGISLATURE THAT DOESN'T EVEN, EXEMPT THEMSELVES FROM SUNSHINE LAW, I THINK WE NEED TO START THERE.

I THINK WE NEED TO BE A LOT MORE CANDID RUNNING AS A REPUBLIC, WE NEED REPUBLICANS, WE NEED A TWO‑PARTY SYSTEM.

NOT ENOUGH CHECKS AND BALANCES.

THAT'S WHY I'M COMING OUT RETIREMENT TO TRY TO REPRESENT OUR DISTRICT.

I'VE HAD A WONDERFUL LIFE.

CONCERNED FOR NOT JUST CURRENT GENERATION, BUT FUTURE GENERATION.

ARE WE LEAVING HAWAII AS GOOD AS WE FOUND IT?

I DON'T THINK SO.

I WAS RAISED BY MY HAWAIIAN GRANDMOTHER.

KUPUNA AND YOU SEE THE‑I SEE THE CONCERN, I HEAR IT FROM THE VOICES OF THE PEOPLE, THAT I WALK AROUND AND GET TO TALK TO.

IT ALMOST SEEMS LIKE IT THERE IS A DEAF EAR, POLITICIANS ARE DOING WHAT THEIR PLATFORM IS INSTEAD OF THE WILL OF THE PEOPLE.

WE NEED TO GET BACK TO SERVING PEOPLE.

AND LETTING THEIR VOICES BE HEARD.

>>Yunji: I KNOW THAT YOU BOTH HAVE GONE DOOR‑TO‑DOOR EXTENSIVELY AND CAMPAIGNING.

THERE'S A MYRIAD OF ISSUES.

AFFORDABLE HOUSING, AFFORDABILITY IN GENERAL, HOMELESSNESS, LIST IS LONG.

WHAT WOULD BE YOUR TOP PRIORITY IF YOU WERE ELECT TO THIS OFFICE.

>> THAT'S A TOUGH ONE.

THERE'S SO MANY.

SO MANY IMPORTANT ONES.

I WOULD HAVE TO SAY PROBABLY CRIME.

CRIME AND COST OF LIVING AS WELL AS EDUCATION.

I WOULD HAVE TO LIMIT TO THOSE THREE.

CRIME, IT'S SAD TO HEAR PEOPLE SAYING KUPUNA, LIVED IN THE DISTRICT FOR DECADES, SAYING THAT WE'RE AFRAID TO GO OUT.

WE GO OUT DO OUR GROCERY SHOPPING AND GO HOME RIGHT AFTER.

SEEN PAST FEW WEEKS OR FEW MONTHS, SEEN ACCELERATION IN CRIME.

EVEN IN KANEOHE AND KAILUA.

WHAT WE DO NEED, WE HAVE EMPTY POSITIONS AT HPD.

I AM AGAINST DEFUNDING THE POLICE.

THINK WE NEED TO FUND THEM FULLY.

SUPPORT OUR MEN AND WOMEN IN BLUE FIRE STATION, FRONT LINE PEOPLE, EMT'S.

IMPORTANT TO MAINTAINING SAFETY, IN THE COMMUNITY.

IT ALSO BRINGS CONFIDENCE.

I THINK TO THE PEOPLE.

WHERE THEY FEEL VERY HOPELESS.

CRIME, I WOULD SAY EDUCATION.

I THINK KEY TO EDUCATION IS SEX AND SECOND GRADERS SHOULD NOT BE SAID IN THE SAME SENTENCE.

WE'RE SEEING THAT WITH HB1697, WHERE THE DEMOCRAT PARTY IS PUSHING A PLATFORM THAT WOULD TRAIN TEACHERS TO BE ABLE TO GO AHEAD AND BE TRAINED IN SEX EDUCATION TO ACTUALLY TOUCH OUR CHILDREN.

I'M CONCERNED AS A GRANDMOTHER OF FIVE.

ARE WE TEACHING RIGHT VALUES?

I WOULD SAY I'LL STOP THERE.

COST OF LIVING I THINK, SORRY ABOUT THAT.

>> I GET IT.

>> THERE'S SO MUCH.

>> GIVE YOU AN OPPORTUNITY TO RESPOND TO THE LAST POINT.

YOU WORK WITH THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY AND WHAT IS YOUR TOP PRIORITY?

>> SO IN TERMS OF HPD, 1697, I THINK A LOT OF THINGS GOT LAST IN TRANSLATION.

THAT BILL IS REALLY JUST A RERESOURCE TRAIN TEACHERS HOW TO HE RESPOND TO A TEACHER.

I'M CONFUSED ABOUT MY AGENDA.

TEACHERS NEED UNIFIED TEACHERS.

SO THEY'RE SAYING THE SAME THING, INSTEAD OF JUST DEPENDING WHAT THE TEACHER THINKS.

CONFUSED BY MY GENDER.

READ THE BILL.

NOT AT SCARY.

TOP PRIORITY WOULD HAVE TO BE HOMELESSNESS.

SEEN IT ON THE RISE.

EVER SINCE I WAS A CHILD GROWING UP IN KAILUA AND WALKING TO SCHOOL.

HOMELESSNESS IS A MULTIFACETED ISSUE THAT DOESN'T JUST HAVE ONE GOLDEN KEY SOLUTION.

WE NEED MORE SOCIAL WORKERS.

>> ONLY HAVE A HANDFUL SERVICE WINDWARD SIDE KAHALUU.

INVEST IN TRANSITIONAL SERVICES LIKE IHS AND WORK HAWAII, LIKE A WORK, PROGRAM WHERE YOU CAN WORK 20 HOURS A WEEK AND GIVE YOU A HOUSING VOUCHER.

WE NEED TRULY AFFORDABLE HOUSING AND LOCATIONS THAT MAKE SENSE.

HIGH DENSITY IN THE URBAN CORE.

PLACES THAT ARE ALREADY DEVELOPED.

WE DON'T HAVE SUCH A HEAVY BURDEN ON THE ENVIRONMENT.

>>Yunji: I KNOW WE COVERED THIS A LITTLE BIT WITH THE QUESTION ABOUT YOU BEING TYPICAL POLITICIAN.

WHAT DO YOU THINK MAKES YOU UNIQUELY QUALIFIED.

>> LEARN WORKED AT THE CAPITOL.

LEARNED A LOT.

HOW LONG IT TAKES MOST NEWLY ELECTED OFFICIALS TO REALLY UNDERSTAND HOW THINGS WORK THERE.

I HAVE BEEN WRITING BILLS FOR SIX YEARS.

I KNOW HOW THE PROCESS WORKERS OF HOW TO PASS A BILL.

DIFFERENT LEVELS OF GOVERNMENT AND WHOSE KULEANA IT IS TO DO WHAT AND WHAT MECHANISMS EXIST.

DIFFERENT KIND OF FUNDING THAT WE CAN LEVERAGE FROM THE FEDERAL SIDE, DIFFERENT GRANTS WE CAN APPLY FOR, AND JUST IT TALKS A LOT FOR SOMEBODY TO JUST STEP IN.

USUALLY IT TAKES ABOUT FOUR YEARS.

TO REALLY UNDERSTAND THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE JOB AND TO BE ABLE TO DO A GOOD JOB.

TO HIT THE GROUND RUNNING AND START RIGHT AWAY.

GOOD RELATIONSHIPS WITH MOST OF THE OTHER ELECTED OFFICIALS AND I WORK REALLY WELL WITH THEM.

READY TO DELIVER FOR OUR COMMUNITY.

>> I THINK THAT'S EXACT REASON WHY I WOULD BE A BETTER CANDIDATE.

IT'S BECAUSE I DON'T THINK WE SHOULD BE TAKING SIX YEARS OR FOUR YEARS TO GET UP TO SPEED.

I THINK WHAT HAS BEEN THE CHALLENGE HERE IN OUR STATE IS DECADES OF ONE PARTY RULE.

WE NEED TO GET BACK TO THE ABC'S.

ACCOUNTABILITY, BALANCE AND COMMON SENSE APPROACH.

AND I THINK WHAT I DO BRING IS A LOT OF EXPERIENCE.

NOT JUST IN TOURISM, NOT JUST IN BANKING, BUT IN CONTRACTING.

IN CONTRACTING, WE NEED TO WORK WITH MULTIPLE DISCIPLINES, WORKING WITH ENGINEERS, WORKING WITH ARCHITECTURES, WORKING WITH MECHANICAL ENGINEER, ELECTRICAL ENGINEERS, WIDE SLEW, IN THE DESIGN PHASE.

AND THEN IN ORDER TO MAKE A PROJECT MULTIMILLION DOLLAR PROJECT THAT I WORKED ON, IN ORDER FOR THAT TO BE MANIFEST INTO REALITY, NOT JUST THE PERMITTING PROCESS, BUT LIVING WITHIN PARAMETERS OF ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES, OF PERMITTING REQUIREMENTS, AND STILL HAVE TO BE ALL THE PUT ALL THE SUBCONTRACTORS TOGETHER, SUPPLIERS TOGETHER AND COME OUT WITH A PROJECT THAT IS ON TIME AND UNDER BUDGET.

KEY WORD ON TIME AND UNDER BUDGET.

I THINK WE NEED A LOT MORE OF ON TIME AND UNDER BUDGET AT THE CAPITOL AND HERE IN GOVERNMENT.

I THINK THAT ONE THING I LOVE ABOUT CONTRACTING, NOT JUST BECAUSE I WAS IN IT 30 YEARS, PASSIONATE ABOUT IT, IF YOU CAN'T TELL, BUT I LOVE THE MULTIPLIER ECONOMIC MULTIPLIER EFFECT THAT CONTRACTING BRINGS.

WITH CONSTRUCTION, YOU HAVE PEOPLE THAT ARE GOING OUT SHOPPING.

TAKING THEIR WIVES OUT TO DINNER.

TAKE THEIR FAMILY OUT.

BUYING, INVESTING IN THINGS.

GOT TO SHIP IN ALL OF THESE SUPPLIES.

THINK IT'S A VERY STRONG ECONOMIC FACTOR.

>>Yunji: WE HAVE JUST ABOUT A MINUTE LEFT.

VERY, VERY BRIEFLY.

I WOULD LOVE TO ASK YOU WHAT IS SOMETHING WE DON'T KNOW FROM YOUR WEBSITE?

WHAT DO YOU WISH PEOPLE KNEW ABOUT YOU.

>> I'M FUN.

I LOVE ALL KINDS OF MUSIC.

I REMEMBER MR. YONOMINE, 7TH GRADE.

KING INTERMEDIATE.

I WANTED TO PLAY THE CLARINET.

PLAY FLUTE.

I PLAYED FLUTE.

LOVE OF MUSIC INSTILLED IN A YOUNG AGE.

>> LOVE ALL KINDS OF GENRES OF MUSIC.

YOU MAY NOT AGREE WITH ME ON EVERY ISSUE.

PROBABLY WON'T.

NEVER GOING TO FIND AN ELECTED OFFICIAL WHO AGREES WITH YOU ON EVERY SINGLE ISSUE.

EVEN MY TEAM DOESN'T AGREE ON EVERYTHING.

BUT WHAT I CAN TELL YOU IS I WILL ALWAYS BE UP FRONT WITH YOU, AND STRAIGHTFORWARD AND HONEST AND WE CAN TALK ABOUT THE ISSUES.

I HAVE A VERY OPEN MIND AND I AM INTERESTED IN LEARNING NEW THINGS AND GETTING DIFFERENT IDEAS.

SO IF YOU WANT TO JUST HAVE A CONVERSATION, YOU MIGHT CHANGE MY MIND AND I'M HAPPY TO TALK STORY WITH YOU.

>>Yunji: THANK YOU BOTH FOR BEING HERE TONIGHT.

AND WE THANK OUR GUESTS, CANDIDATES FOR HOUSE DISTRICT 50: NATALIA HUSSEY‑BURDICK.

AND KATHY THURSTON.

NEXT WEEK WE WILL FEATURE CANDIDATES FROM TWO RACES: STATE HOUSE DISTRICT 22... AND HAWAII COUNTY COUNCIL DISTRICT 2.

PLEASE JOIN US THEN.

I’M YUNJI DE NIES FOR INSIGHTS ON PBS HAWAI’I, ALOHA AND A HUI HOU.