Anne Stevens

Party: Republican

Age: 49

Job: Civil Defense Planner, State of Hawaii, Civil Defense.

Born in Springfield, MA. In Hawaii since 1993, arrived from Washington, DC

Lives: Ala Moana

Contact: (808) 222-2964, StevensA002@hawaii.rr.com

Web site: www.AnneStevensHawaii.com

Job history past 10 years:
Civil Defense Planner, HI State Civil Defense, 2007-Present. HI State Representative, HD23, 2006. Office Mgr, HI State Senate, 2004-2006. Steamship Agency Manager, 1995-2004. US Coast Guard, 1983-1995.

Ever run for public office? When? Outcome?
Elected to chair Neighborhood Board #11, 2007. Appointed to State House in 2006, served one year. Ran unsuccessfully for election.

Other civic experience or community service:
Chair, Ala Moana/Kakaako Neighborhood Board. Secretary, Waikiki Residents' Assoc. Veterans' Advisory Board Member. Advisor, Hawaii Ocean Safety Team. Volunteer, Family Promise Homeless Program.

Anything else you'd like voters to know about you?
Competitive tennis player, currently ranked #1 in Hawaii in my age group. Deeply concerned about elder care issues, as I've cared for my mother who suffers from Alzheimer's Disease.

1) Why are you running for office?
I am running for the State House to bring a new spirit of public participation to our community. The theme for this election year is "Change", and I represent positive Change. The neighborhoods of Waikiki, Ala Moana and Kakaako are at a crossroads. Change is coming in the form of new condominium, development and transit projects. Working together, we can ensure sensible and positive progress.

2) With state revenue growth slowing, what are your top three priorities for government spending?
My first priority is for government to live within our means, just as families must do. Then we must focus on core services such as public safety and infrastructure (roads, harbors, water, sewage, electricity) maintenance. With the weakening economy, there may be more homeless citizens. It is critical to maintain our homeless shelters. Stimulate the economy by reducing taxes on food & housing.

3) What steps should the state take to reduce dependence on imported fossil fuel?
Consider every option. Increase tax incentives for producers and consumers of renewable energy generation like solar heaters, photovoltaic, wind, wave power and biomass. Hawaii has an abundance of many of these resources and should encourage public-private partnerships in alternative energy development. In the meantime, while we still depend on fossil fuel, encourage citizen conservation.

4) What’s the No. 1 thing needed to improve Hawai’i public schools?
Hawaii must ensure that maximum funding is spent at the classroom level, to pay higher teacher salaries or purchase textbooks and supplies. The Charter School model has proven that local control can be effective and encourage parental involvement in schools.

5) How should the state respond to financial difficulties at public and private hospitals?
I will vote to abolish the Certificate of Need requirement for new hospitals in Hawaii. Malpractice insurance is a huge expense for doctors. Doctors who provide emergency room services should be insured by the facility. I will support medical tort reform, so doctors can afford to practice here. Patients need access to afforable medical insurance -- Hawaii needs more comptetion in this industry.

6) What is the No. 1 quality-of-life issue facing Hawai'i, and what would you do about it?
The high cost of living. Our residents pay nearly the highest taxes in the United States. The GET tax on basics -- food, shelter, and health services should be repealed. Nearly 95% of what we consume is shipped into Hawaii. Ocean freight charges account for much of the high cost of living. Hawaii needs to expand competition in shipping services to Hawaii, which will lower costs to consumers.

7) What’s the No. 1 piece of legislation you’d work to pass in 2009?
In this economy, I believe it is critical to put more money in the hands of citizens. First, I would remove the GET tax on food, housing and medical services. Second, I would amend Bill 1309 which authorized the .5%increase in the General Excise Tax to fund transportation projects. The funds collected on Oahu, should be allowed to improve roads, bus systems, and bike lanes, not strictly rail.