Clift Tsuji

Party: Democratic

Age: 68

Job: State Representative, 3rd Dist., State of Hawaii.

Born in Hilo, HI. In Hawaii from birth

Lives: Hilo

Contact: 808 959-9576, cliftsuji@yahoo.com

Job history past 10 years:
2003-2004 Hilo Candy Co., Inc., Vice President. 1969-2003 Central Pacific Bank, Senior vice president (retired)

Ever run for public office? When? Outcome?
2004- State House of Representatives, elected. 2006- State House of Representatives, elected

Other civic experience or community service:
A Dream Come True, HI Island Japanese Chamber of Commerce, Hilo Medical Center Foundation, Business-Education Partnership, HI Shima Hiroshima Kenjin Kai, Big Island Press Club, Pacific Tsunami Museum.

Anything else you'd like voters to know about you?
Education: University of Washington, Pacific Coast Banking School, diploma. University of Hawaii-Manoa, BA speech.

1) Why are you running for office?
My years of dedication to public service have provided me with a good sense of community needs, concerns and dreams. As a native Big Islander growing up in a sugar plantation camp and my banking career have guided my perspective on economic challenges and opportunities. I am fully committed to continue to improving our quality of life---working to make a difference.

2) With state revenue growth slowing, what are your top three priorities for government spending?
Education: The UH system and Hawaii's public schools are the key to the State's investment in our children and future economy. Affordable housing needs to be made available and provided to the those who seek it. Healthcare should be readily accessible and affordable to our citizens.

3) What steps should the state take to reduce dependence on imported fossil fuel?
Bills for solar water heaters, solar energy & expedited permitting for renewable energy are some steps taken in 2008 to lower Hawaii's imported fuel dependency. SB644 requires solar water heaters installation in all new residential development in 2010. HB 2502 permits solar energy facilities on marginal ag land. HB 2863 allows expedited state & county permitting for renewable energy projects.

4) What's the No. 1 thing needed to improve Hawai'i public schools?
The greatest problem is funding. While everyone can agree that our schools need more, our system must strive to be more efficient in getting funds to the programs where they are needed most and most effectively utilizing the available funds. Unfunded mandates from the federal government unduly burden our schools with requirements, yet do not provide the necessary support for goal attainment.

5) How should the state respond to financial difficulties at public and private hospitals?
I supported the creation of HHSC regional boards to provide community-based empowerment. The boards and HHSC administration must be fiscally responsible. Reducing health services to meet its financial crisis should not be the first option. The state provided aid before but we may have to find alternatives to fund the current shortfall even merging the state system with private hospitals to survive.

6) What is the No. 1 quality-of-life issue facing Hawai'i, and what would you do about it?
Hawaii has a lack of adequate public housing. In Hilo, under the leadership of Chad Taniguchi/Hawaii Public Housing Authority, the aging & abandoned Lanakila housing subdivision will be saved from further deterioration. Community volunteers, partnering with construction businesses will renovate these units so they can once again be available to qualified occupants.

7) What's the No. 1 piece of legislation you'd work to pass in 2009?
Agriculture has moved from big plantations to small diversified farms. As our population grows with less ag production, we must focus on local food production. Local sustainable ag encourages less dependency on imported food. Sustainable ag is good for Hawaii & for our economy thus I plan to introduce Bills stressing the need for dedicated funding for ag research, economic development & marketing.