Gordon Trimble

Party: Republican

Age: 64

Job: Senator, State of Hawaii.

Born in Fallbrook, CA. In Hawaii since 1969, arrived from Philippines

Lives: Ala Moana

Contact: 808-255-8805, gordon@gordontrimble.com

Web site: www.gordontrimble.com

Job history past 10 years:
Private Foundation, Asset Manager (1994-present). Fujian Hwa Nan Women's College, Teacher (2005, 2007). Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism (1974-2000).

Ever run for public office? When? Outcome?
Yes, in 2002, won Senate District 12.

Other civic experience or community service:
Rotary International (2008-present). Owners Association of 1350 Ala Moana, Director (2000-2002). Eagle Scout.

Anything else you'd like voters to know about you?
Married to Sonia since 1969. Son, Robert, born in 1970. Graduate of St. Louis High School.

1) Why are you running for office?
For over 25 years, I have lived and worked in this district. The state must now move towards energy self-sufficiency, create a workforce to meet this challenge, and institute ethical standards for all public officials. Representing the needs of the residents of this district is most important and that is why I have never and will never accept corporate or union contributions.

2) With state revenue growth slowing, what are your top three priorities for government spending?
The most important thing for our state's continued development is to harness our natural energy potential. Our state spends over $7B annually on imported oil. Government needs to provide incentives for development of new technologies and provide adequate funding for the new human capital required to fuel these advances. This means focused spending, specifically on students.

3) What steps should the state take to reduce dependence on imported fossil fuel?
Hawaii is blessed with abundant natural resources with potential for energy self-sufficiency. This means growth of new industries that use geothermal, ocean thermal, solar, wave and wind technologies to fuel our energy needs. HECO has already taken Maui to 26% renewable production—this is the direction the state, as a whole, must embrace.

4) What's the No. 1 thing needed to improve Hawai'i public schools?
We need to train a workforce prepared for growth in future industries. This means support for STEM initiatives with smaller class sizes and teacher access to training and classroom supplies. On an individual level, schools need greater accountability and training to properly manage the funds they are given to disburse.

5) How should the state respond to financial difficulties at public and private hospitals?
Hospitals are vital to maintaining a standard of living in our isolated state. When access to healthcare is the difference between life and death, it is government's responsibility to do what it is necessary for access. At the same time, hospitals should be allowed to run as efficient entities—this means minimizing unnecessary costs from medical torts and over regulation by the State of Hawaii.

6) What is the No. 1 quality-of-life issue facing Hawai'i, and what would you do about it?
Unnecessary noise impacts residents and visitors from Waianae to Waikiki. Those who modify mopeds, play excessively loud music or rev engines at stop lights also hurt others. I have lived in societies where mopeds are the most efficient and quiet form of transportation. We need laws that make it more difficult and expensive for people to modify mopeds, blast music, or create a general nuisance.

7) What's the No. 1 piece of legislation you'd work to pass in 2009?
While my platform is energy, education and ethics, mine is a consistent voice for harbor protection. 90% of goods are imported through Honolulu Harbor. When shipping companies raise surcharges, we all feel it. Honolulu Harbor is currently at capacity, needing protection, expansion and renovation. With past successes, I will continue to seek expansion of vital harbor space at Piers 1 & 2.