Chris Lee

Party: Democratic

Age: 28

Job: Office Manager and Legislative Analyst, Hawai'i State House of Representatives.

Born in Oahu. In Hawaii from birth

Lives: Kailua

Contact: 261-3088, chrisleeforhouse@gmail.com

Web site: www.chrisleeforhawaii.com

Job history past 10 years:
12/07-Present, Office Manager, Rep. Scott Saiki. 11/06-12/07, Office Manager, Rep. Della Au Belatti. 11/05-11/06, House Judiciary Researcher. 2000, Ramp Agent, Hawaiian Airlines.

Ever run for public office? When? Outcome?
This is my first time running.

Other civic experience or community service:
Director, Ala Wai Watershed Association. Director, Breakthroughs for Youth at Risk. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Honolulu.

Anything else you'd like voters to know about you?
I've met so many wonderful families walking door to door and I'm glad we have had a chance to talk about our pressing issues. I look forward to helping our community, and i'm eager to get started.

1) Why are you running for office?
I was born and raised on the windward side. I'm running because our community and state face serious challenges that need to be overcome. I want to help protect our windward home, take care of our local community, and tackle the serious problems before us. I believe Hawai'i is ready for a fresh start and new direction, and it's time our next generation gets involved to make that change a reality.

2) With state revenue growth slowing, what are your top three priorities for government spending?
With a contracting economy and state budget we must not repeat our mistakes of the 1990s. Schools must remain funded to prevent repair and maintenance backlogs. We must move forward with alternative energy to fight rising costs of food, gas, and electricity. Most importantly, we must ensure the availability of proper healthcare for the tens of thousands of babyboomers retiring on fixed incomes.

3) What steps should the state take to reduce dependence on imported fossil fuel?
The State should expand solar tax credits to make solar energy systems affordable for everyone, and provide no-interest loans to help with high installation costs. We can push HECO to implement solar and wave energy projects. Our Agriculture industry should be reborn to provide our own produce and food. The more sustainable our state, the less we must import, and the lower our costs will be.

4) What's the No. 1 thing needed to improve Hawai'i public schools?
There is no reason our public schools can't provide the same outstanding education that private school students receive. The key is class size. With smaller classes teachers will have more time to give our students the individual attention they deserve. Every child learns differently, and each student should be taught the way they are best able to learn.

5) How should the state respond to financial difficulties at public and private hospitals?
The State has an obligation to provide adequate healthcare for us all, regardless of income or age. Ensuring funding for our state hospitals and community health centers is critical, especially in rural communities such as the North Shore and Waimanalo where access to healthcare is often limited. The State must prioritize the needs of healthcare services in our communities when funding is short.

6) What is the No. 1 quality-of-life issue facing Hawai'i, and what would you do about it?
Our rising cost of living affects us all. Seniors and retired on fixed incomes and families with low-wage jobs are finding themselves having to choose between paying for medicine, food to eat, or meeting rent each month. These families need immediate relief. Real solutions are long term, but helping them survive this economic downturn with immediate assistance from the State is step one.

7) What's the No. 1 piece of legislation you'd work to pass in 2009?
Education, environmental protection, affordable housing, and alternative energy are critical issues. However, there is one piece of legislation that makes or breaks them all: The State Budget. With fewer resources, passing a responsible, balanced budget that moves Hawai'i forward on these and other issues will be our most difficult task in 2009. I look forward to the challenge.