Fred Blas

Party: Republican

Age: 62

Job: Self-employed owner of several tire and automotive centers and Sears Auto Center manager.

Born in Guam. In Hawaii since 1999, arrived from California

Lives: Pahoa

Contact: 965-6339, fblas@hawaii.rr.com

Web site: www.fredblas.com

Job history past 10 years:
Retired.

Ever run for public office? When? Outcome?
First-time candidate.

Other civic experience or community service:
Organized Hawaiian Beaches Action Team. Pahoa Main St Assn board. Weed & Seed Beautification chair. Lyons Club member. Jefferson Award recipient 2006. Pahoa Springtime Jamm. DOT Advisory Task Force.

Anything else you'd like voters to know about you?
Say No To Drugs campaign. Build bus shelters in Hawaiian Beaches. Took 3 acres of county property from drug dealers and turned it into a county park. Revitalized Pahoa Village from illegal activities.

1) Why are you running for office?
We have been long ignored in the Puna District and current state reps have no vision for helping the district such as: our most dangerous intersections, evacuation route in case of disaster, medical issues, drugs & crime, environment and helping small business.

2) With state revenue growth slowing, what are your top three priorities for government spending?
Medical, Employment, Education.

3) What steps should the state take to reduce dependence on imported fossil fuel?
Explore solar and wind energy.

4) What's the No. 1 thing needed to improve Hawai'i public schools?
Local school board control.

5) How should the state respond to financial difficulties at public and private hospitals?
Cut unnecessary expenses such as: poor expensive management at upper levels; educate public when to use the emergency room (it is not a primary care doctor); help hospitals to retain doctors and nurses; work with state funded insurance (Quest) to be sure people are not abusing the hospitals (ER room).

6) What is the No. 1 quality-of-life issue facing Hawai'i, and what would you do about it?
Medical & Dental care: start at an early age to instill preventative medical & dental care thru education at school, home and work place.

7) What's the No. 1 piece of legislation you'd work to pass in 2009?
Medical: state of art medical equipment; specialist; Urgent Care facilities open late hours and weekends when doctors offices are closed.