Herbert Watanabe

Party: Nonpartisan

Age: 81

Job: I am currently retired from the Dept of Education where I served as a teacher for 7 years, a Vice Principal for 1 year, a principal for 3 years and a District Business and Facilities Specialist for 28 1/2 years.

Born in Wailuku, Maui, Hawaii. In Hawaii from birth

Lives: Hilo

Contact: (808) 959-8427

Web site: www.herbwatanabe.com

Job history past 10 years:
I have served as a member of the State Board of Education for the past twelve years.

Ever run for public office? When? Outcome?
I ran for the State Board of Education in 1996, 2000, 2004 and was elected three times.

Other civic experience or community service:
I have been associated with the Boy Scouts of America for 65 years. I have served as a Unit Leader, Council Leader, and Professional Leader. I am a member of the Eagle Scout Board of Review. Currently I am serving as a district Chairman for Aloha Council.

Anything else you'd like voters to know about you?
I am a recipient of the Boy Scouts of America Merit and Silver Beaver awards for outstanding dedication to youth. I am a recipient of the Ambassador of Goodwill Award by Lions Clubs International, the highest award given to a Lion for humanitarian service

1) Why are you running for office?
I am completing 12 years as a member of the Board of Education; I am running for office again as it is my desire to continue to support and improve our public educational system, with emphasis on improving student achievement, having highly qualified teachers and administrators, as well as proper accounting of all public funds.

2) How should the DOE deal with budget cuts? Where should reductions occur?
For the first time in a decade the DOE is faced with budget cuts and restrictions. All existing funds must be directed by priority from the school level and the student population. Reductions may need to come from non-core subject funds, State and district offices.

3) How should the DOE modify its school funding formula to more fairly distribute money to schools?
Already 70% of all funds are distributed to schools through the Departments Weighted Student Formula (WSF). Additional funds from certain categorical allocations, district and state operational funds should be seriously considered to be placed within the WSF.

4) How should a teacher drug-testing program be administered and funded?
The teacher's drug testing program should be administered by the DOE and line item funding should be obtained through legislative process in Hilo Currently, the program is an unfunded mandate. I oppose taking any funds designated to schools and students to implement the drug program.

5) How many children do you have, and did they attend public or private school?
I have four sons; all attended public schools in Hawaii. Two graduated from Hilo High School, two graduated from Waiakea High School in Hilo.

6) What's the No. 1 initiative you would pursue in 2009?
My number one initiative is to have our education system address the challenge of how do we meet the needs of "all students" and to have our students achieve proficiencies as mandated by the Federal No Child Left Behind Act.; that our shrinking budget is directed to school levels, to attracting qualified teachers and the demands of the 21st century.