Joey Manahan

Party: Democratic

Age: 38

Job: Full-time Legislator.

Born in Manila, Philippines. In Hawaii since 1991, arrived from Menlo Park, California

Lives: Kalihi

Contact: 808 386-9240, manahanjoey@yahoo.com

Job history past 10 years:
2006 to Present State Representative 29th District. 2004 to 2006 Neighborhood Commission Office, Neighborhood Assistant. 2001-2004 Legislative Staff State House of Representatives and State Senate.

Ever run for public office? When? Outcome?
My first run for public office in 2006 was successful, and I am currently the State Representative for the 29th District.

Other civic experience or community service:
1998-1999 UH Office of Multicultural Services. 1999-2001 UH Katipunan Club.

Anything else you'd like voters to know about you?
Over the past two years, I was able to secure over $40 million in funding for our schools, housing, harbors, and much needed health and social services in the 29th district.

1) Why are you running for office?
My passion is in serving the community, and I am grateful for the opportunity. While we have accomplished much in the last two years, there is still much work that needs to be done. Given a proven track record, I hope to continue serving as an advocate for the needs of our district as well as those of our State.

2) With state revenue growth slowing, what are your top three priorities for government spending?
1) Education--the repairs and maintenance backlogs of our schools should be a spending priority as well as capital improvements such as electrical upgrades. 2) Health and Human Services--making sure our health centers continue to be accessible, so they can provide much needed services and programs to assist our communities. 3) Housing--the repair and maintenance of public housing is paramount.

3) What steps should the state take to reduce dependence on imported fossil fuel?
The State should encourage the use and development of natural sources of energy such as geothermal, wind, wave, and solar by streamlining the permitting process to access these resources which are prevalent in Hawaii. A combination of these alternative forms of energy would significantly reduce our dependency on imported fossil fuels, however we must also be careful to access only what is needed.

4) What's the No. 1 thing needed to improve Hawai'i public schools?
Maintaining student facilities and keeping teacher morale up is essential to improving our public education system. The Legislature should support initiatives that would significantly reduce the repair and maintenance backlogs of our schools and support teachers by giving them the necessary tools they need to carry out their duties as well as provide them with incentives to stay with their jobs.

5) How should the state respond to financial difficulties at public and private hospitals?
We must continually look for ways to match federally funded programs such as the Disproportionate Share Hospital or 'dish' payment program for both public and private hospitals. This year, $17.7 million in Federal and State funds were appropriated to both public and private sector hospitals to provide care for uninsured patients. As a member of the Finance Committee, I supported this initiative.

6) What is the No. 1 quality-of-life issue facing Hawai'i, and what would you do about it?
The cost of living is very high for the average citizen due to the importation of consumer goods and our dependency on fossil fuels. I would support legislation that encourages alternative forms of energy as well as measures that would ease the tax burden from lower and fixed income wage earners.

7) What's the No. 1 piece of legislation you'd work to pass in 2009?
In the same way housing should be affordable, I believe access to health care is equally as important. I would propose a measure that would make access to health care including long term care, if not mandatory, at least affordable for the residents of our State. These are also quality of life issues we all face and should have access to regardless of our station in life.