Colleen Meyer

Party: Republican

Age: 70

Job: Property manager, self employed. Legislator, State of Hawaii.

Born in Honolulu, Hawaii. In Hawaii from birth

Lives: Kahalu'u

Contact: 808 342-3155, Kahaluucol@gmail.com

Job history past 10 years:
Legislator 1994 to 2008, state of hawaii. Property manager, manage 40 properties, self employed from 1980 to 2008, President of Self Help Housing Corp. of Hawaii, a non profit from 2006 to 2008.

Ever run for public office? When? Outcome?
I first ran in 1992 for the House of Representatives for the 46th district and lost. Ran again in 1994 and was elected and have now served 14 years as the district Rep.

Other civic experience or community service:
Kahaluu Neighborhood Board for 3 yrs., Co-facilitator on King Intermediate SCBM, community member, City & County of Honolulu, Transportation & traffic Mgmt Planning Task Force, American Red Cross.

Anything else you'd like voters to know about you?
I've been an active participant in the Kaneohe/Kahaluu area for 38 years. I'm running for reelection because I believe we need a strong two party system to ensure Thorough debate of all issues.

1) Why are you running for office?
Because we need more republican representation, and People who have run small businesses and signed paychecks. We need mature members who bring real life experience to the job. Too many elected officials are beholden to special interest groups such as Unions, the American Bar association and the Sierra Club. Every piece of legislation should be considered on its merits and shortcomings.

2) With state revenue growth slowing, what are your top three priorities for government spending?
We must crack down on illegal drugs, give law enforcement the support they need, and fund necessary drug treatment programs to stop the cycle. More money to the classrooms in our public schools and improve access to health care and social services.

3) What steps should the state take to reduce dependence on imported fossil fuel?
Promote conservation and energy efficiency measures. Start using renewable energy generation on State owned buildings. Increase tax incentives for Wind, photovoltaic panels,solar, wave, hydro, and geothermal electricity. Streamline the permitting process for these clean sources of power.

4) What's the No. 1 thing needed to improve Hawai'i public schools?
Better Decipline and higher expectations of our youngsters. Children must not get away with disruptive behaviour, everyone suffers if the teacher tolerates it. More money to the classroom for supplies, books, and computers. Start Hiring teachers with Teaching credentials from states other than just Hawaii.

5) How should the state respond to financial difficulties at public and private hospitals?
Number one would be the high cost of mal practice Insurance, by passing medical liability insurance reform that cost would go down considerably. We should continue to keep unemployment insurance rates at the January 1, 2008 level. which would reduce costs. The Public hospitals need emergency funding ASAP and must be allowed to out source services that are too expensive to do in house.

6) What is the No. 1 quality-of-life issue facing Hawai'i, and what would you do about it?
Cost of living. Increases in the cost of utilities, gasoline, and property taxes are near 80% higher today than they were 5 years ago. Food prices as well as other household items are all going up in price due to inflation and fuel costs. We need to elliminate the 4.5% excise tax on food and medical costs, and re-think the new fee passed in 2008 of 50 cents per 1000lbs on ALL imported goods.

7) What's the No. 1 piece of legislation you'd work to pass in 2009?
Initiative, referendum and recall at the State level. We have it at the county level, but as we can see with the recent Rail flap, there are lots of hurdles to overcome before these referendums can be voted on by the people. I believe that any tax increases or substantial new fees should be put to vote by the tax paying public.