Gene Ward

Party: Republican

Age: 66

Job: State Representative and small businessman.

Born in Ohio. In Hawaii since 1967, arrived from Peace Corps North Borneo

Lives: Hawai'i Kai

Contact: 781-9931, repward@cs.com

Web site: www.gene-ward.com

Job history past 10 years:
2006-2008 Hawaii State Legislator. 2005-2006 US Peace Corps Country Director, East Timor. 2000-2005 Office of Democracy, USAID. 1998-2000 Int'l Repub. Inst- Indonesia. 1990-1998 Hi State Legislator.

Ever run for public office? When? Outcome?
I served in State House from 1990-1998 and ran unsuccessfully for Congress in 1998. Regained State House seat after successful race in 2006 following evacuation from East Timor due to civil unrest.

Other civic experience or community service:
I served 2 years on the Hawaii Kai Neighborhood Board, and chaired Transportation Committee. I am a Member of the Rotary Club and serve on a number of community boards, including an adoption agency.

Anything else you'd like voters to know about you?
Founder/Co-Chair of Bi-partisan Small Business Caucus in Legislature; Voted "Outstanding Legislator of the Year" by Small Business Hawaii '96; Ph.D. - UH-Manoa-dissertation on Hawaiians in business.

1) Why are you running for office?
I am running for the House for the same reason I joined the Peace Corps -- to make a difference and make a contribution to my community. I believe public service is a high calling, and although the political arena is looked upon with negativity, it is a vital link between the people and their government and an important problem-solving role that I greatly enjoy serving in, especially for Hawaii Kai.

2) With state revenue growth slowing, what are your top three priorities for government spending?
My priorities are: No. 1: Improving Public Education; No. 2: Energy Independence; No. 3: Creation of more high-paying jobs. Regarding energy independence, we must pay particular attention to rising gas and aviation fuel prices which could seriously weaken our tourism economy and cut our tax base, which could cripple all gov't priorities. We need to create a State Dept of Energy to be prepared.

3) What steps should the state take to reduce dependence on imported fossil fuel?
1st, the Legislature should reinstate solar tax credits for retrofitting solar water heaters for remaining 75% of Hawaii's homes who do not have solar- this was incorrectly taken away in 2008 session. 2nd, the state should back the over $1 billion investment proposal by Castle & Cooke for a 800 Megawatt Windfarm. 3rd, purchase of renewable energy should be mandatory for our electrical utility companies.

4) What's the No. 1 thing needed to improve Hawai'i public schools?
The question implies there is a silver bullet - there is none. However, "Political will" is key and demand by the community, parents and schools that things can be better than the status quo, is a big factor. Take Makaha Elementary in Waianae, for example, it has met No Child Left Behind goals for two years in a row. If you believe it can't be done - it won't be done. We can improve education!

5) How should the state respond to financial difficulties at public and private hospitals?
1st, reimburesements levels from HMSA are lowest in the nation and must increase if there's hope for our hospitals. 2nd, the State took a gamble in 1990's when it tookover most of our hospitals, but after 10 years of losses, it's pretty clear government is not the best hospital administrator. A promising option is to enter into public-private partnerships; or 3rdly, we get used to big subsidies.

6) What is the No. 1 quality-of-life issue facing Hawai'i, and what would you do about it?
Biggest issue is cost of living and keeping increases in check by government. Without holding back on new taxes and fees between 2002 and 2007, the cost of living rose 89%. Latest example, 2008 Legislature passed a bill - and Governor vetoed, an additional $30-$50 per shipping container of food that reaches Hawaii by sea or air. This increase was untimely and unnecessary and punishes our poor.

7) What's the No. 1 piece of legislation you'd work to pass in 2009?
Improving public education is my top priority. We must not compromise striving for excellence in our public schools for the sake of the future of our isolated island community. The global economy is a giant wave heading towards our shores, and we need to decide whether we are going to ride it, or let it crash on us. A strong public education system is the best tsunami warning system for Hawaii.