Honolulu Weekly

1. What was your biggest accomplishment this session?
“The passage of SB 605 was my proudest moment this year. SB 605 was the Senate version of an anti-noise bill I drafted, HB 61. SB 605 requires the Department of Health and the county liquor commissions to utilize a weighting system that better picks up bass noise. Throughout the district I represent, noise has been degrading the quality of life and I am happy to say that in collaboration with Senator Fukunaga and the Honolulu Liquor Commission this measure passed both the House and the Senate and is now awaiting the Governor’s signature.” 


2. With which piece of 2009 legislation are you most proud to be affiliated and why?
“See answer to question 1.”

3. What was the biggest disappointment of the session and how might a similar disappointment be prevented in the future?
“For me the biggest disappointment was the failure to pass my bill, HB 993. HB 993 would have required the State to save money during economic expansions to be utilized during recessions. If HB 993 had been in effect 5 years ago, our budget crisis this year would have been much less severe and critical government services would not be in jeopardy as they are now. Assuming that the majority of the electorate agree with me about the wisdom of a robust rainy date fund, more voter involvement would have ensured the passage of this bill. As it was, it was included in the House Majority Package and passed over to the Senate where it died. More interest from the public would have improved the chances of its ultimate passage.”

4. Debating which issue turned out to be the biggest distraction from your priorities?
“The poor state of the economy. My priorities are reducing crime, more affordable housing and a better educational system. It is difficult to accomplish much in these areas when funding for all of them is being reduced.”

5. What’s one thing you wish voters better understood about you or the political process as a whole?
“I wish people understood that they do have influence in this building. It always amazes me that on our long session days where most of the important bills are voted on, there are only a handful of people in the gallery. We are making decisions that affect everyone’s lives and there is no apparent public interest at all. Send an email, make a call, write a letter. We need to know what you think and the system works much better if you are involved.”