Amy Monk

Party: Democratic

Age: 56

Job: Foreign Service Officer, U.S. Department of State, retired in 2005.

Born in Honolulu. In Hawaii from birth

Lives: Hawai'i Kai

Contact: 808 722-2830, aymonk@aol.com

Web site: www.amyyukikomonk.com

Job history past 10 years:
Served as Diplomat for 27 years: Head of Consular Section, Personnel officer, Management officer. American embassies in Vietnam, Spain and Russia, and at headquarters in Washington, DC.

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

Other civic experience or community service:
AARP volunteer tax aide, deputy voter registrar.

Anything else you'd like voters to know about you?
Representing America overseas, I grew to appreciate the opportunities Americans have to participate in our government. I am committed to being an effective voice for the Hawaii Kai community.

1) Why are you running for office?
I worked in public service all my adult life. My career experience will add value to the Legislature in forming public policies, including economic growth. My management and diplomatic skills will benefit Hawaii Kai because I will work to bridge partisan and factional differences to solve problems. I bring common sense and a "can do" cooperative attitude that will further community interests.

2) With state revenue growth slowing, what are your top three priorities for government spending?
Education: Our highest priority is education, from early childhood through college. Economic development: We need to ensure Hawaii's economy provides jobs for our residents, sustains businesses small and large, and basic living costs are affordable. Health care and senior care: We must provide for those most vulnerable who need health care and for our seniors living on fixed incomes.

3) What steps should the state take to reduce dependence on imported fossil fuel?
We need an economic development plan that incorporates research and development of a renewable energy industry, including wind, solar, thermal, hydrogen, biofuels. In the meantime, we should encourage energy conservation and a range of transportation alternatives. We should increase tax credits for solar and photovoltaic systems, and credits for new construction using energy saving systems.

4) What's the No. 1 thing needed to improve Hawai'i public schools?
The single most important factor in a child learning is the quality of the teacher. We need to keep good teachers in the classroom, attract teachers with good salaries and benefits, and then retain them throughout their career. We need to support them with professional training, give them the tools to teach, and provide a decent classroom environment in which to work.

5) How should the state respond to financial difficulties at public and private hospitals?
Hospitals are suffering because reimbursement rates do not keep pace with employee salaries and operating expenses. We need to work with our Congressional delegation to improve federal Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement rates. We need affordable health insurance that provides for reasonable reimbursement rates. While state bailout is an option, it should not be the solution.

6) What is the No. 1 quality-of-life issue facing Hawai'i, and what would you do about it?
Maintaining a decent standard of living in the face of rising costs for food, gas, housing, and electricity. I will work to protect jobs by supporting initiatives that expand employment opportunities, consider tax proposals that provide economic relief for middle class families, and support the development of knowledge-based and renewable energy industries.

7) What's the No. 1 piece of legislation you'd work to pass in 2009?
As a freshman legislator, my efforts must be joined with colleagues to pass legislation. My first term goal is to ensure public schools in my district remain open and responsive to educational needs, have adequate facilities, and receive long neglected capital improvement project funds. Teachers should have a school supply budget and every public school child should have access to a computer.