Bob Nakasone

Party: Democratic

Age: 69

Job: Owner, Ameritone-Maui (paint & wall-covering retail stores in Wailuku and Lahaina).

Born in Paia, Maui. In Hawaii from birth

Lives: Kahului

Contact: (808) 871-7734, fobn@hotmail.com

Job history past 10 years:
Owner, Ameritone Maui. State House of Representatives

Ever run for public office? When? Outcome?
1977-1982 Maui County Council. 1985-1988 Maui County Council. 1993 to date, State House.

Other civic experience or community service:
1983-1984 State Land Evaluation & Site Assessment Commission (on important agricultural lands). 1991-1992 Maui County Charter Commission.

1) Why are you running for office?
Seeking elective office, and serving well, is a way to "give back" to our community. Having lived in Paia, Wailuku or Kahului all my life, I have a good understanding of our community's needs. Now, as the national recession impacts our State, the central Maui district needs to be well-represented in the Legislature. I'd like to continue to represent our community in the State House.

2) With state revenue growth slowing, what are your top three priorities for government spending?
First, our priorities should emphasize the "safety net" of government programs aimed at helping individuals and families. Second, we should expedite the major, long-term infrastructure to stimulate the economy and save jobs. Finally, elder-care needs will increase dramatically within the next few years, and we need to make progress on long-term car financing.

3) What steps should the state take to reduce dependence on imported fossil fuel?
The issues of energy independence and climate change require national solutions. At the state level, we should encourage energy conservation, remove regulatory barriers to alternative energy, and fund efforts to prove the feasibility of using alternative energy locally. Under current conditions, we should not raise fuel taxes solely to make alternative energy cost-competitive.

4) What's the No. 1 thing needed to improve Hawai'i public schools?
Accountability. Legislators blame the Board of Education for any perceived problems, and the Board blames the Legislature for insufficient funding. This "blame game" is wasteful and unproductive. The State Constitution requires an elected board of education. The Legislature should shift revenue-raising authority to the Board so it can be accountable for balancing programs and taxes.

5) How should the state respond to financial difficulties at public and private hospitals?
The Legislature should increase medical reimbursement schedules, initiate a single-payer health insurance system to avoid overlapping medical insurance coverage, limit punitive damages in medical malpractice lawsuits, audit the State hospital system's overhead costs and risk management processes, and focus on the financial implications of the certificate of need process.

6) What is the No. 1 quality-of-life issue facing Hawai'i, and what would you do about it?
Our families need help with long-term care. The financial and emotional strain affects the entire family, even the children. Experts expect a crisis in the near future, as "baby boomers" require long-term care. I intend to continue to work toward a combination of private insurance and tax credits. We need to start somewhere. The sooner we do, the less it will cost in the long run.

7) What's the No. 1 piece of legislation you'd work to pass in 2009?
I have always felt that a legislator's first duty to his district is to secure a fair share of state resources. So the budget is my top priority. As for other legislative priorities, I've already mentioned long-term care financing as my top concern, as well as my agreement with the State Tax Review Commission's approach to tax reform, and my interest in single-payer medical insurance.