Cindy Evans

Party: Democratic

Age: 57

Job: State Representative, State of Hawai'i.

Born in Urbana, Illinois. In Hawaii since 1998, arrived from Malaysia

Lives: Waikoloa

Contact: 808 883-9029, cynthiaevans@aol.com

Job history past 10 years:
11/02 - present, Hawai'i State Representative. 6/00 - 3/02, President, Waikoloa Village Outdoor Circle. '08-'00, Homemaker.

Ever run for public office? When? Outcome?
'02,'04,'06-State Representative, won three races.

Other civic experience or community service:
Participate in community projects; attend fundraisers for community organizations; member of Elks, Lions, Girl Scouts, Outdoor Circle, AAUW; trustee, Hawai'i Historic Foundation.

Anything else you'd like voters to know about you?
Married. This past legislative session was Chair of Public Safety and Military Affairs and Chair of Heritage Caucus.

1) Why are you running for office?
My passion to participate in the legislative process and give a voice to West Hawai'i burns brightly. I bring my life's experiences and education to solve problems, search for solutions, and negotiate change. It's tIme to embrace innovation and technology, providing opportunities to deliver services, such as healthcare and education, more effectively. As a legislator I can make a difference.

2) With state revenue growth slowing, what are your top three priorities for government spending?
1) Infrastructure, including harbors and renewable energy, which will improve the economy; 2) Healthcare reform to improve accessibility and quality; 3) Education, preschool to higher education and vocational training. School readiness, nutrition, extra-curricular activities and after-school programs contribute to a child's education. The jobs of the future require new ways of teaching.

3) What steps should the state take to reduce dependence on imported fossil fuel?
There is no lack of ideas or proposed legislation to promote renewable energies. While moving towards renewable energies we must ensure there is a reliable, backup energy source. Most renewable energies are still considered unreliable. I support research and development of renewable energy techonology and government incentives. More geothermal should be made available.

4) What's the No. 1 thing needed to improve Hawai'i public schools?
Build school cultures focused on student achievement and high expectations for every student through more control by the individual schools and trained principals to manage a high-quality staff. Children of India and China want more, are getting educated, and will compete. We should be aware of the jobs of the future and change institutional practices and systems to realize new technologies.

5) How should the state respond to financial difficulties at public and private hospitals?
The roles and responsibilities of the Hawai'i State Health Planning and Development Agency need to be changed. Second, this train wreck has been coming due to lack of accountability for results, no clear budget matched to a strategic plan, and insufficient building of public-private partnerships to create a statewide system of healthcare services. Let's change Hawai'i Health Systems Corporation.

6) What is the No. 1 quality-of-life issue facing Hawai'i, and what would you do about it?
Economy is our environment. Environment is our economy. I will support regulations which 1) support protection of our natural resources and ocean resources; 2) ensure public safety; 3) promote sustainability; 4) expand safe and accessible public recreational opportunities; 5) promote better land use to reduce traffic congestion and sprawl; and 6) preserve indigenous cultural practices.

7) What's the No. 1 piece of legislation you'd work to pass in 2009?
Adequate support of veterans who have served our country. We can improve our Office of Veterans Services to make sure our federal government is providing for the medical and employment needs of all veterans, and make sure our soldiers who are returning from Iraq and Afghanistan are getting support. The upkeep of veterans cemeteries must be adequate and respectful.