Deirdre Tavares

Party: Republican

Age: 57

Job: I am a student at UH-Hilo, majoring in Communications. My occupation is with the community, how we live, work and play together.

Born in Honolulu, Oahu. In Hawaii from birth

Lives: Kurtistown

Contact: (808) 989-1801, moana.tavares@gmail.com

Web site: www.moanatavares.com

Job history past 10 years:
Queen's Comprehensive Home Care from 6/96 - 3/98. Private Duty Nursing Asst. 6/96 - 9/01.

Ever run for public office? When? Outcome?
No.

Other civic experience or community service:
Literacy Program Waianae, Kaiao Garden, Boys and Girls Club, Hilo, HoEaea Food Sovereignty for Youth, Hilo, Hawaii, Ho'oulu Aina, Waipa, Kauai.

Anything else you'd like voters to know about you?
I am deeply concerned about education, economy, environment, energy and conservation of all resources.

1) Why are you running for office?
I want to bring a new ideas to our government. The government needs refreshment, I believe this election is about the 21st century. We need new ideas for a new century. We need to look at regulated growth, unregulated growth is the current problem. Hawaii is a unique location with unique ecosystems, let's examine growth and resource use. The government is entrenched in the status quo.

2) With state revenue growth slowing, what are your top three priorities for government spending?
Health care for the elderly, marginalized populations and our youth to restore balance in our bodies and spirits. Education is an investment in our future; let us teach our youth life with meaning and connection to each other and our land. Resource management to develop measuring tools for our rain forests, water reserves and other natural resources. Start conserving our use of resources.

3) What steps should the state take to reduce dependence on imported fossil fuel?
Bike and walking paths must be planned and implemented in central areas. Increase bus service routes in rural areas and offer incentives to passengers willing to forego the convenience of traveling by car. Encourage carpooling by providing park and ride areas. Use our solar, wind and hydro powers. I need to study geothermal thoroughly to give a valid, knowledgeable plan of action.

4) What's the No. 1 thing needed to improve Hawai'i public schools?
Teachers deserve smaller, diverse classrooms and more pay. I would work with the DOE to plan downsizing of classes and workable ways to increase the pay our educators deserve.

5) How should the state respond to financial difficulties at public and private hospitals?
I need more education on these issues to address this problem. How did we arrive at the doorstep of dire medical needs? I have more questions than I have answers, at this point.

6) What is the No. 1 quality-of-life issue facing Hawai'i, and what would you do about it?
I believe that the hierarchy of needs according to Maslow which are the physiological needs (food, shelter, clothing), safety needs, the need for love, affection and belongingness, the need for esteem and the need for self-actualization have to met by each and every one of us. The problems we face as a community need to be addressed as a community. "It takes a village to raise a child."

7) What's the No. 1 piece of legislation you'd work to pass in 2009?
I would promote an active role for a healthier environment (no genetic engineering of our kalo, coffee, etc.) labeling of GMO foods, encourage diversity in agriculture instead of monocropping, a healthier way to educate and mentor our youth and develop/use natural renewable forms of energy and conservation of the resources we already use. I would also propose an audit of all State agencies.