J. Kalani English

Party: Democratic

Age: 42

Job: Senator, The Hawaiian Senate.

Born in USA. In Hawaii from birth

Lives: Hana

Contact: 808 579-8778, campaign@kalanienglish.com

Web site: www.kalanienglish.com

Job history past 10 years:
1997 - 2000, Maui County Council, Maui County Councilmember; 2000 - Present, The Hawaiian Senate, Senator.

Ever run for public office? When? Outcome?
1997 - 2000, Two term Maui County Councilmember. 2000 - Present, Three term Senator.

Other civic experience or community service:
President, Association of Pacific Island Legislatures; Vice Chair, National Council of State Legislatures Transportation Committee; Chair, Senate Committee on Transportation & International Affairs.

Anything else you'd like voters to know about you?
Due to limited space -- 400 characters (about two sentences) -- here, more information can be found on my website: www.kalanienglish.com.

1) Why are you running for office?
As a three term Senator, I have the seniority, experience and ability to protect the rural lifestyle we cherish in East & Upcountry Maui, Molokai and Lanai. I also have a proven track record of accomplishments over a 10-year period in pubic office, from the Maui County Council to the State Senate. I want to continue serving these islands in the Senate for a fourth term.

2) With state revenue growth slowing, what are your top three priorities for government spending?
Energy Security, Food Security and Human Development.

3) What steps should the state take to reduce dependence on imported fossil fuel?
1. Create the regulatory framework for "wheeling." 2. Redefine "firm power" to include sources other than fossil fuel and nuclear, such as solar, wind and wave power. 3. Direct the Public Utilities Commission to mandate a standard Power Purchase Agreement (PPP) for independent providers of power. 4. Streamline the process for indigenous power producers to bring their product on-line.

4) What's the No. 1 thing needed to improve Hawai'i public schools?
Smaller classroom sizes with qualified teachers.

5) How should the state respond to financial difficulties at public and private hospitals?
The State must ensure that our entire system remains viable as we reform our medical infrastructure in Hawai'i.

6) What is the No. 1 quality-of-life issue facing Hawai'i, and what would you do about it?
Population pressures are impacting all of us in Hawai'i. The demand for our resources -- water and land -- have degraded our quality of life and have made it more difficult to enjoy our current standard of living. My district: Hana, East & Upcountry Maui, Moloka'i, Lana'i & Kaho'olawe favor a rural lifestyle. I will continue to protect that lifestyle while fostering energy independence for Hawai'i.

7) What's the No. 1 piece of legislation you'd work to pass in 2009?
Food security and production will be a priority in the next legislative session. I will reflect the values of my district by advocating for more local production of our food and for safe, unadulterated food in our markets. This means building a strong economic base for our agriculture industry and helping to diversify our food production sector to better meet local demands.