Shane Yaw

Party: Republican

Age: 32

Job: Judicial Clerk, Honolulu District Court.

Born in Honolulu, HI. In Hawaii from birth

Lives: Kalihi

Contact: 808 861-2910, syaw10@gmail.com

Web site: www.shaneyaw.com

Job history past 10 years:
2002-Present, Honolulu District Court, Judicial Clerk. 2000-2002-Office of Rep. Ben Cabreros-Committee Clerk/Legislative Aide

Ever run for public office? When? Outcome?
Yes. 2000 Democratic Primary. I did not win.

Other civic experience or community service:
Member, Kalihi-Palama Neighborhood Board. Member, OMPO Subcommittee on Overall Transportation Work Program. Member, OMPO Subcommittee on Public-Private Partnerships.

Anything else you'd like voters to know about you?
I am a father of two children, Cole age 5 and Giselle age 3 who supports traditional values of OHANA. Also, I have worked for the Executive, Legislative, and Judicial branches of the State.

1) Why are you running for office?
I was persuaded by people within my community to run for office because their is a real need for change at the community, as well as, the state level. The issues that will be forthcoming in the next Legislative session will be crucial. I feel jobs may be lost if the State does not act with prudence and urgency. Moreover, house may be foreclosed in addition to the rising costs of food.

2) With state revenue growth slowing, what are your top three priorities for government spending?
My priorities for State spending would be any project that would create jobs, affordable housing, or new or better maintained schools. In my opinion, these prioties are fundamental to the stability of our economy. Additionally, the State should be forced to reconsider the costs already wasted through high-class and corporate welfare which I do not support.

3) What steps should the state take to reduce dependence on imported fossil fuel?
I believe the State is on the right track and doing everything possible given our limited resources. On the other, I believe the State can invest more in H-power which would address the energy and the landfill crisis concurrently. Yet, these projects are expensive and must be implemented for the longterm. For the short-term, our State should support Alaska's initiative to drill for oil.

4) What’s the No. 1 thing needed to improve Hawai’i public schools?
The most important thing needed to improve schools are qualified and dedicated teachers. Furthermore, as a parent whose children attend public schools, I feel the state MUST have teachers who are not felons, sex offenders, or on drugs. I do not feel safe having my son taught by teachers who will not honor their contractual obligations and submit themselves to this sort of background check.

5) How should the state respond to financial difficulties at public and private hospitals?
The State should first determine where the crisis originated from. If the crisis stems from the failing health coverage that is currently in place then we MUST focus our efforts on mitigating this problem expediently. If there is evidence of fiscal mismanagement on the part of the hospital administration then hold them accountable. Overall, hospitals should be saved if at all possible.

6) What is the No. 1 quality-of-life issue facing Hawai'i, and what would you do about it?
The most pressing quality of life issue we are facing is the rising costs of virtually everything from gas to rent to food to medical care. Additionally, we are also experiencing a decrease in personal incomes and job growth. I would support reducing even creating a program of reduced or free educational oppotunities for working citizens at our public colleges to create economic mobility.

7) What’s the No. 1 piece of legislation you’d work to pass in 2009?
Ideally, I would like to correct regressive taxes that hurt poor people the most. I believe that tax relief is required for low and middle income households; also, that high income earners pay a fair share without any of the existing loopholes that tend to be solely in their favor.