Ron Dela Cruz

Party: Republican

Age: 64

Job: Security company owner.

Born in Honolulu, Hawaii. In Hawaii from birth

Lives: Waimea

Contact: 808 885-6446, voterondelacruz@gmail.com

Job history past 10 years:
Security Manager Parker Ranch 1990-2002. Security Solutions of Hawaii (owner) 2003-present.

Ever run for public office? When? Outcome?
Yes, Hawaii State House of Representatives from District 10 (1982?). Won the primary, but lost the general election.

Other civic experience or community service:
Hawaii Island Burial Council, Maui Island Burial Council, Big Island Visitor Security Association, North Hawaii Public Safety Committee, Hawaii Cattlemen's Assoc, Royal Order of Kamehameha(Moku-Kona).

1) Why are you running for office?
I believe in the two party system that gives people a choice. There are many indications that the state of Hawaii has lost credibility with the people of Hawaii. The state does not always do a responsible job in addressing the needs of the people of Hawaii. I would like to be a catalyst for more responsible government. WE CAN DO BETTER!

2) With state revenue growth slowing, what are your top three priorities for government spending?
1). Better education for our children, public health (considering the crisis in the management of two hospitals here in Hawaii County at the forefront), and public safety.

3) What steps should the state take to reduce dependence on imported fossil fuel?
Lawmakers should absolutely encourage privitization and investment opportunities for clean energy options and we have many, including solar and geothermal, among others that are already established technology.

4) What’s the No. 1 thing needed to improve Hawai’i public schools?
Decentralization. Allowing counties and communities to oversee their own school systems and creating school boards is done everywhere else in the country...why not here?

5) How should the state respond to financial difficulties at public and private hospitals?
This complex issue involves questionable management by entities attempting to deal with health care issues here. It is doubtful that we can have the expensive and elaborate health care provision in Hawaii County that matches that of large urban areas. Therefore, we must partner with off island groups to raise the health care standards here, focusing on preventative care, and then appropriately treating our ill citizens with a reasonable option of follow through for advanced medical care off island. Lawmakers must break the stranglehold of poor reimbursement to health care providers.

6) What is the No. 1 quality-of-life issue facing Hawai'i, and what would you do about it?
Education for our people. We know that the educational outcomes for our children are poor in Hawaii. Knowledge is power! WE CAN DO BETTER!

7) What’s the No. 1 piece of legislation you’d work to pass in 2009?
Actively work to ensure a better future for our children, offering them better education. Our children are our most valuable asset. I want to do more for our children.