Roy Takumi

Party: Democratic

Age: 57

Job: Communications Specialist, Hawaii State AFL-CIO.

Born in Honolulu, HI. In Hawaii from birth

Lives: Pearl City

Contact: 597-1441, reptakumi@hotmail.com

Job history past 10 years:
House of Representatives 1992-present.

Ever run for public office? When? Outcome?
Yes, first ran for the state House in 1992 and was elected. Been re-elected since then.

Other civic experience or community service:
Numerous community organizations including: Pearl City Community Association, Hawaii Job Coordinating Council, and State Council on Vocational Education.

Anything else you'd like voters to know about you?
AIl of us share a responsibility to leave Hawaii a better place. The true measure of our success is the hope we nurture in our children, as well as a place where such hope can become a reality.

1) Why are you running for office?
I am committed to public service, passionate about public policy, and dedicated to the community. More importantly, anyone can have ideas; it's about getting results such as lowering the cost of prescription drugs and expanding early childhood opportunities.

2) With state revenue growth slowing, what are your top three priorities for government spending?
1. Education from pre-school to post-secondary. 2. Stimulating the economy. 3. Infrastructure improvements in traffic and housing.

3) What steps should the state take to reduce dependence on imported fossil fuel?
Continue efforts to increase use of renewable energy generated by wind, sun, water, plant growth, and geothermal heat. By doing so, a significant amount of our energy needs can be met without the negative effects of fossil fuels. We must also provide incentives for people to decrease their energy consumption from increasing bike paths to mass transit to recyling.

4) What’s the No. 1 thing needed to improve Hawai’i public schools?
A 2005 study concluded that an additional $278 million was necessary to ensure "adequate" schools back then. So funding continues to be an issue. However, it’s not just about additional resources; it's also about qualified teachers, principals as leaders and parents as partners. Finally, it's continuing the efforts to decentralize the system and giving more flexilibity to the schools.

5) How should the state respond to financial difficulties at public and private hospitals?
In the short-term, provide funding to ensure that access and quality are not compromised. In the long-term, initiate a comprehensive review as to whether or not the current model of health delivery is still viable.

6) What is the No. 1 quality-of-life issue facing Hawai'i, and what would you do about it?
The economy. We must rely upon our strengths: our location: our people and our unique culture. We must nurture and encourage emerging industries which is a legitimate role for government to pursue. We must continue to market Hawaii with products like coffee, flowers, fruits, etc. Most importantly, a strong economy can only be fully realized by having a high quality public education system.

7) What’s the No. 1 piece of legislation you’d work to pass in 2009?
Secure funding for the Keiki First Steps program, an early childhood learning system for the state. One study showed that the total benefit cost-ratio was $17 for every dollar invested in early learning. In other words, funds that go into establishing these programs ultimately prove to be an investment as savings amass from a reduction in crime and welfare payments.