Dwight Takamine

Party: Democratic

Age: 56

Job: Lawyer- self-employed.

Born in Honoka'a, HI. In Hawaii from birth

Lives: Laupahoehoe

Contact: (808) 969-9805, Info@DwightTakamine.com

Web site: www.DwightTakamine.com

Job history past 10 years:
Representative, Hawai'i State Legislature, House of Representatives.

Ever run for public office? When? Outcome?
1984-2006, 12 wins.

Other civic experience or community service:
Hawai'i Bar Association, Hui Urama, Laupahoehoe Train Museum, Big Island Substance Abuse Center, Hamakua Lion's Club.

Anything else you'd like voters to know about you?
At the heart of our family and community are the basic values of hard work, integrity and putting others first. I believe these ideas serve as the guiding principles for effective public service.

1) Why are you running for office?
I have benefited from the support of my family and community, and I believe that it is my responsibility to use my education and experience to give back. Just as those who came before us, we must be stewards for our children and future generations. I believe I can make a positive difference for the people in the district.

2) With state revenue growth slowing, what are your top three priorities for government spending?
Decision makers will need to carefully balance the need to fund the safety nets we have in place with investments in efforts to stabilize the economy. State government can make wise capital investments that keep people working and build projects whose functions further stimulate economic activity and growth.

3) What steps should the state take to reduce dependence on imported fossil fuel?
We should develop policies that increase the usage of alternative and indigenous sources of energy such as solar, wind, wave and hydro at the expense of fossil fuels. The state should provide support for the development of local biofuels that will in turn also sustain agriculture and the character of our rural communities.

4) What’s the No. 1 thing needed to improve Hawai’i public schools?
Sustaining the push for finding funding equity for neighbor island schools that centralization can bring and realizing the benefits of developing identities for each school by integrating more closely with the community served. There is a direct correlation between community involvement and student achievement, and we must continue to strengthen community governance initiatives.

5) How should the state respond to financial difficulties at public and private hospitals?
The state should finally bring all the stakeholders to the table to better align interests in the system for the people We need to address the revenue shortfalls caused by low reimbursement rates, change the structure of our public health care system and look at additional funding mechanisms. We also need to use financial incentives to bring physicians to rural areas.

6) What is the No. 1 quality-of-life issue facing Hawai'i, and what would you do about it?
The rising price for gas, electricity and food reflect the tough economic times confronting families. The strategic, long term solution should include developing sustainability, especially concentrating on the development of alternative and indigenous sources of energy that will provide the infrastructure for future economic growth and diversification.

7) What’s the No. 1 piece of legislation you’d work to pass in 2009?
My priority would be to substantially increase the capacity of Hawai’i Community College. We need to continue building on progress made in recent years in closing our per capita income gap with other counties. Increasing opportunity means expanding this gateway for both traditional and non-traditional students to enter our island workforce, fill a critical need and make the most of their lives.