Editor’s Note: In July 2012, Civil Beat sent six questions to each of the candidates registered to run in the Aug. 11 primary for Hawaii Senate District 2. All five responded, including Russell Ruderman. The questions and answers are reproduced below in full. Read responses by Wendell Ka’ehu’ae’a, Bob Herkes, Gary Safarik and Daryl Smith to see how Ruderman’s positions compare to those of his competitors. Click on each topic listed below to read Civil Beat’s question and Ruderman’s response.

• General Excise Tax
• Environmental Regulatory Review
• Gambling
• Sunshine Law
• Best and Worst Legislation
• Overlooked Issue

Preferred Candidate Name: Russell Ruderman

Senate/House District Number: Senate District 2

Date of Birth: 01/14/1954

Place of Birth/Hometown: Heidelberg, W. Germany (born on U.S. Army base to American military family)

Current Profession/Employer: Business Owner/Grocer

Education/Alma Mater(s): Pennsylvania State University, B.S. Biology with honors 1975. Overbrook High School, Philadelphia, PA 1971

1. With the exception for Honolulu rail, the state has not raised the general excise tax in decades. Would you consider increasing the GET to help the state meet its budget demands?

I would only consider this only if this is the only way to fully fund our Dept. of Education & restore social services. The GE increase would be my last resort. If this situation occurred, I would prefer increases in state income tax or property taxes, rather than the more regressive GE tax. ↩ back to top

2. Lawmakers proposed relaxing environmental regulatory review to spur development and job growth in the 2012 session, and the issue is expected to resurface next year. Where do you stand?

I strongly oppose ‘fast-tracking’ of developments. If a project requires an EIS, then an EIS must be done. Didn’t we learn anything from the Superferry, a disaster due to trying to rush it and avoid proper procedures? Certainly major developments such as an undersea cable or major power plants must go through environmental review. ↩ back to top

3. Gambling — are you for it or against it? If not, why not? If so, what type of gambling and with what kind of restrictions?

I oppose gambling in Hawaii, because it tends to harm the lowest income people. The only gambling I would reluctantly consider is a state lottery if that funded schools. ↩ back to top

4. The Sunshine Law is a hallmark of an open democracy accountable to its citizens. Yet, the Legislature exempts itself from this requirement. Do you support more transparency in government operations, or are there legitimate reasons to conduct some of the people’s business behind closed doors?

I support the Sunshine Laws, and oppose efforts to weaken its intent. ↩ back to top

5. What is the best legislation — and worst legislation — that the Legislature has approved in recent years? Please explain.

Best – Publicly funded election program currently on ‘trial basis’ on Big Island. I would move to protect and expand this, because the corporate influence in politics is beyond reason and is now harming our democracy.
Worst – Defense of Marriage Act – All citizens deserve equal rights. ↩ back to top

6. What is an issue that you would champion at the Legislature — one that perhaps has not received much attention, or an issue that is important to your district?

Renewable Energy – I would propose a bill that instructs the PUC to remove restrictions on solar power. Specifically, remove the 15% limit, and require utilities to maximize solar capacity.

Education – I would propose a bill that equalizes funding for charter schools, restores all funding to Dept of Education, and creates more local control of schools. ↩ back to top