Ted Hong

Party: Republican

Age: 52

Job: Attorney at Law.

Born in . In Hawaii from birth

Lives: Hilo

Contact: 808-961-0607, info@electedhawaii.com

Job history past 10 years:
2004 to present: Attorney. 2003-2004: Chief Labor Negotiator, State of Hawaii. 2000-2003: Attorney. 1993-2000: Assistant Corp. Counsel, County of Hawaii. 1991-1993: Associate Attorney.

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

Other civic experience or community service:
District Chair, Pukahi District, Boy Scouts of America; Vice Chair Pukahi District; Cub Master, Pack 23; UH Regent, East Hawaii; Member of Hilo Bay Rotary Club.

Anything else you'd like voters to know about you?
Emphasis on employment law for employers and employees. Zealous advocate for clients and takes a real world approach to workplace issues. Over 20 jury trials in federal and state courts.

1) Why are you running for office?
Hawaii Island is at a crossroads. We are poised to make the same mistakes other island communities have made or we can make better decisions with different outcomes. Our current problems are a direct result of the "same old, same old" promises that we've heard from politicians each election cycle. I'm running for State Senate to finally do something about our island's problems and our future.

2) With state revenue growth slowing, what are your top three priorities for government spending?
1. Require the Legislature to pass a balanced budget; 2. Cut spending by evaluating and ending programs based on existing tools such as performance based budgeting; 3. Reshape the DOE, since it is the largest portion of the State's budget.

3) What steps should the state take to reduce dependence on imported fossil fuel?
1. Develop a state of the art, alternative energy research and development center on Hawaii Island with an emphasis on application of research; 2. Tax credits for alternative energy producers and purchasers of energy efficient products; 3. Require the purchase of alternative energy at market rates.

4) What's the No. 1 thing needed to improve Hawai'i public schools?
Adopt Local School Boards. Since the Governor's election in 2002, the Legislature has had every opportunity to prove the Governor's plan for Local School Boards wrong. The present educational system hampers innovation, initiative and can't deliver the needed resources into the classroom. Since 2003, the Legislature has failed miserably and it's now time to consider real and substantive changes.

5) How should the state respond to financial difficulties at public and private hospitals?
There needs to be an overhaul of our health care system. Legislators, tied to special interests, are the least qualified to identify or propose needed changes. I have called for a Commission of practitioners and patient advocates, like the 9-11 Commission, to identify and propose real solutions for the Legislature's approval. Then Legislators become accountable to voters for their actions.

6) What is the No. 1 quality-of-life issue facing Hawai'i, and what would you do about it?
We need to broaden our economic base. We're too dependent on tourism. Given the opportunity, people in Hawaii can compete in any business or industry on a worldwide basis. Stable jobs means stable families. Stable families means stronger communities. We've heard too many promises every election cycle of "diversifying" the economy, while more of us get laid off and businesses close.

7) What's the No. 1 piece of legislation you'd work to pass in 2009?
21st Century Education Act of 2009: Local School Boards; bonuses to school administrators, teachers and staff, meeting or exceeding AYP; Principal discretion for repairs and maintenance up to $250k; No cap on the number of Charter Schools; School exemptions from County regulations; $4,000 Pre-School Benefit for all students to attend the preschool of their parents' choice; eliminate the BOE.