Dela Cruz, Hagino seek council seat

By Treena Shapiro
Advertiser Staff Writer

Marketing specialist Donovan Dela Cruz says he can bring new energy and perspective to the City Council, while former state legislator Gerald "Gerry" Hagino argues the city needs a councilman with the experience to hit the ground running.

DONOVAN DELA CRUZ • Address: P.O. Box 860340, Wahiawa • Occupation: Director of marketing, Watermark Publishing • Family: Single • One big idea: "I think the potential for my community is huge. With all the natural resources and all the natural sites, we have so many opportunities for ecotourism and more cultural sense of places." GERALD "GERRY" HAGINO • Address: 36 Lauone Loop, Wahiawa • Occupation: Research assistant, Oceanic Institute • Family: Married, three children • One big idea: "It's such a big and diverse district. I think one of its commonalities is its environment and its beauty ... its ruralness and country atmosphere and I think it's important to preserve."

They agree that priorities for the district include public safety, the economy and the preservation of agricultural lands.

The district has a population of roughly 92,000, with 36,000 active registered voters. According to the Office of Elections, only 17,503 residents of the district voted in the Sept. 21 primary election. With 5,482 votes, Dela Cruz finished slightly ahead of Hagino, who received 5,221.

Dela Cruz, 29, director of marketing for Watermark Publishing, said he would use his experience in public relations to try to spur economic development in the district, while making sure the environment is protected.

He said one edge he has over Hagino is his recent community involvement, such as serving as chairman of the Wahiawa Neighborhood Board. "Within the last four years, I've made a commitment to be involved, work with the community and commit whatever resources I have as a communications specialist to help people," Dela Cruz said.

He said his private sector experience, which included representing the Oahu Visitors Bureau and the Hawaii Visitors & Convention Bureau, also qualifies him. "I've been working with small businesses, local attractions and cultural experts to protect and promote the island."

Hagino, 53, a research assistant for the Oceanic Institute, points to 16 years of public service, as well as his work in the private sector. In 1980, he was elected to the state House, and two years later to the state Senate. He served there until 1994, when he lost the seat to Robert Bunda, now the Senate president.

About five years ago, Hagino worked for the city managing director's office. That experience will help him in working on the city budget, which "takes priority over everything," he said.

Hagino said the budget is already "pretty much down to the bone already."

"They're operating at $50 million less than when I was there," he said. "They've held on pretty well, despite the $50 million less in revenue. They've done a lot of cutting in terms of streamlining."

If faced with having to decide between cutting programs or raising property taxes, Hagino said, "If there are programs to be cut, that's something that we should look at as to whether it is the mission of the city to provide something."

Dela Cruz said he opposes raising property taxes and would like instead to prioritize the basic city functions and have more partnerships with the private sector. He also said the city needs to review its user fees for services such as trash pickup and golf courses.

One of the areas he would like to focus on is recycling and efficiency. Dela Cruz said he would make a push for energy-saving technology. "Oftentimes the companies who are promoting those types of technologies will assist in the financing. It may end up paying for itself, saving taxpayers a lot of money in the long-run."

He would like to explore recycling wastewater, perhaps for use in irrigation. For example, if the city upgraded the Wahiawa sewage treatment plant, it is possible the city could sell it to farmers at a lesser cost than the potable water they receive from the Board of Water Supply, he said.

Hagino said he would be interested in looking for alternative sources of revenue, perhaps from the state.

Overall, he's optimistic that the city's budget woes can be abated. "It's not all black. There is some light of day at the end of the tunnel."

Illegal drug use is one of the district's biggest problems, said Dela Cruz, a lifelong Wahiawa resident. "I think we could commit more resources in parks and recreation and more programs for the kids in our district."

Regarding public safety concerns, Hagino said the city needs to consider redistributing police officers within the district. "We need to look as to whether there's more need of manpower or a way of reallocating the people."

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