Mark Nakashima

Party: Democratic

Age: 46

Job: Hawaii State Teachers Association, UniServ Director (Field Representative).

Born in Hilo, Hawaii. In Hawaii from birth

Lives: Honoka'a

Contact: (808) 775-8015, nakashima08@hawaii.rr.com

Web site: www.marknakashima.org

Job history past 10 years:
Teacher, Hawaii DOE 1988-1993; HSTA 1993 - Present.

Ever run for public office? When? Outcome?
Candidate for State House 1994.

Other civic experience or community service:
Hamakua Lions, member 1990-Present; Hawaii JCI Senate President 2007-08; Dem. Party State Central Committee 2004-08; US Jaycees National Vice President, 2003; Hawaii Jaycees State President, 2002.

Anything else you'd like voters to know about you?
Please email or call me regarding any questions or comments at nakashima08@hawaii.rr.com or (808) 775-8015.

1) Why are you running for office?
An important part of being a legislator is ensuring that the policies enacted create opportunities for the people and also preserve the lifestyle and 'aina that we have all come to cherish and love. As a life-long resident of the Big Island, I am committed to the preservation of our rural lifestyle and country values. This is why I am seeking election to the First House District.

2) With state revenue growth slowing, what are your top three priorities for government spending?
First, state government must invest in the economic development and capital improvement projects to benefit local communities and insure full employment of Hawai'i's work force. Second, social and welfare programs must be supported to insure that the most vulnerable members of society are protected. Finally, we must insure that investment in Education is not diminished.

3) What steps should the state take to reduce dependence on imported fossil fuel?
The state should lead the way in diminishing our dependence on imported oil through the incorporation of renewable energy resources in the construction and retrofitting of public buildings and infrastructure. The requirement for solar water heaters in all new home construction is only the first step in a public policy that will eventually see no dependence on imported oil.

4) What's the No. 1 thing needed to improve Hawai'i public schools?
The public school system no longer provides equal access to educational opportunities and is unresponsive to community needs and concerns. I propose the re-institution of administrative districts with district superintendents who are directly accountable to the Board of Education and legislation that prescribes a minimum level of funding for all public schools.

5) How should the state respond to financial difficulties at public and private hospitals?
Problems of the health care industry are effecting both public and private institutions. As such, the various stakeholders in the health care field, private sector and government must come together, to work collaboratively to identify and work on various issues that threaten access to quality health care for our residents.

6) What is the No. 1 quality-of-life issue facing Hawai'i, and what would you do about it?
Creating and supporting a viable source of locally grown agricultural products is crucial in creating an island economy that will support the needs of the people and expand the availability of stable jobs. State institutions must be mandated to purchase locally grown agricultural products and we must explore the development of an excise tax credit for locally grown agricultural products.

7) What's the No. 1 piece of legislation you'd work to pass in 2009?
Amendments to the student weighted formula for allocation of money to the public schools to allow for the legislative development and setting of minimum standards for school staffing and funding that will insure equality in educational opportunities for all public school students.