Denny Coffman

Party: Democratic

Age: 64

Job: Retired.

Born in San Diego, CA. In Hawaii since 2004, arrived from Sonoma, CA

Lives: Kailua

Contact: 443-3633, DennyCoffman@DennyCoffman.org

Web site: www.DennyCoffman.org

Job history past 10 years:
Over 30 years in the computer and network technology field. Over 25 years of that spend in a management capacity working in the Banking industry. Last employer was Altel Corporation.

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

Other civic experience or community service:
Board member and officer of Community Enterprises. Member of the La'aloa Advisory Group. Active participant in the Kona Community Development Plan and the associated Transportation Work Group.

Anything else you'd like voters to know about you?
I will be a full-time year-round legislator; my only job. I will remain active in community organizations and affairs. I will remain active in the Democratic Party on the State Central committee

1) Why are you running for office?
I have a strong commitment to public service and the citizens of West Hawaii continue to need a strong and effective representative in the State House. My formal education and over 25 years of experience in management positions has provided me with the communications, problem solving, financial and planning skills necessary to be an effective legislator. I have the desire to serve my community.

2) With state revenue growth slowing, what are your top three priorities for government spending?
1. It is always important to match expenses with a revenue source. It is especially import in times or reduced revenue in order to make the right decisions. 2. We may have to spend some money to grow our economy. While we want to reduce our dependance on tourism, we cannot ignore the need to maintain this industry. 3. We must alway be improving our financial management plans/budgets.

3) What steps should the state take to reduce dependence on imported fossil fuel?
We need a detailed energy plan that address; 1. How we produce and manage electricity. 2. How we develop and maintain public transportion. 3. How we migrate from striclty gasoline powered vehicle to hybrid, electric and/or hydrogen powered vehicles. We must change some of our laws and regulation that enables alternative energy provides to get onto our electic grid with policies that reduce costs.

4) What's the No. 1 thing needed to improve Hawai'i public schools?
We need to eliminate the Federal and State bureaucracy that manages the teaching process to the point that our teaching professionals are being micr-managed and treated like second class citizens. The "No Child Left Behind" testing standards do not work and paint a picture of failure. With the number of english as a 2nd language students and learning disabled students being test at age, we fail.

5) How should the state respond to financial difficulties at public and private hospitals?
We need legislation that requires reimbursement rates the cover the cost of health care. Our hospitals are required to provide the service and save lifes. Insurance providers be they for profit or non-profit have the same goal of only paying the absolute minimum and only after they have delayed the process as long as possible. We must also work to increase Medicare and Medcaid reimbursements.

6) What is the No. 1 quality-of-life issue facing Hawai'i, and what would you do about it?
We must recognize that we have limited natural resources. Our island populations must be regulated through zoning and other regulations so that we do not exceed our ability to be sustainable. Sustainablilty that deals with drinking water, waste water, agriculture, marine environment, watershed protection, trash and transportation. All these things affect our quality of life.

7) What's the No. 1 piece of legislation you'd work to pass in 2009?
Energy legislation that allows us to use our natural resources to produce electricity. We must stop the continued escalating cost of electricity or be ready to turn off the lights because no one will be able to aford the service.