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 State House of Representatives District 11. Four out of five candidates responded, including Kaniela Ing. The questions and answers are reproduced below in full. Read responses by his competitors, Colin Hanlon, Netra Halperin, and George Fontaine. Joseph Bertram III did not turn in a response. Click on each topic listed below to read Civil Beat’s question and Ing’s response.

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

Preferred Candidate Name: Kaniela Ing

Senate/House District Number: House District 11

Date of Birth: 12/24/1988

Place of Birth/Hometown: Maui Memorial Hospital

Current Profession/Employer: Left legislative aide position to campaign full-time

Education/Alma Mater(s): Kamehameha Schools Maui Campus; University of Hawaii at Manoa–Bachelor’s of Art in Psychology, Political Science Minor; Coursework completed for Master of Public Administration at UH Manoa, graduate practicum completed at American University, Washington, D.C.

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?

In times of budget restraints, all options, including tax increases, must be on the table. However, increasing the GET should not be the first option. I support first revisiting the tax code in order to reduce inefficiencies and disparities in our economy. Excessive tax breaks are the same as wasteful government spending. Tax breaks that benefit narrow industries or a single multinational corporate interests create gaps in the budget that are usually recovered (since our state constitution requires a balanced budget) by either increasing revenue or cutting support programs or public worker’s salaries. Similarly, excessive taxation is may sometimes increase economic disparity and inefficiency. By taking an earnest reevaluation of the many tax breaks legislators have given over years of extensive corporate lobbying, and the structure of the state’s tax code, we will be able to regain the balance of protecting local workers and supporting small businesses in Hawaii while minimizing the need to cut program support, infrastructure projects, or worker salaries. ↩ 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?

While some processes have room for improved efficiencies, especially in government projects, it is essential for Hawaii’s future that environmental regulations remain intact. EIS requirements are the backbone to ensuring that Hawaii’s growth does not compromise our quality of life and availability of natural resources in future. Fresh representation requires focusing on long-term planning in government. This means that while growth is vital to keep up with population demands, development must be done sustainably and responsibly. We need to think beyond quick, short-term dollars and recognize the long-term effects of every project–whether it be a big box mall complex or public housing. Spiking property taxes followed by hard-working families losing their homes can be prevented if we plan ahead. We must not build just to build, but rather make sure that every development project has a purpose. It must minimally compete with living affordability for the working family, South Maui’s values and way of life, and the natural environment. This is how our vision has secured endorsements by both the Hawaii Building Trades Council and the Sierra Club of Hawaii. ↩ 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?

Hawaii state law already allows for social gambling, which I support. However, I have not been convinced that the establishment of a casino in Hawaii is in the public’s best interest. Careful planning must be done before we rush into such a project that has the potential to compromise the essence of what makes our islands so unique and attracting to both our residents and visitors. Although I do not support a casino, I do support launching a pilot state lottery to bring in revenue to continue much needed programs for our youth, elderly, and all of Hawaii. ↩ 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 envision a state government that is transparent, responsible, and responsive: a government that innovatively and proactively develops solutions to community priorities in the most efficient way possible. The Sunshine Law is an effective vehicle towards achieving this. However, in a State Legislature consisting of 76 members, the current Sunshine Law may become too much of a burden for legislators to actually get good policy enacted.

I believe the real issue is money in politics and special interests. Many residents, especially in upcoming generation, are jaded by political power in the hands of few individuals and multi-national corporations. Politicians are meant to serve the public interests, but money clouds that purpose. The United States Supreme Court has recently solidified the problem that candidates with the most money win elections, not the candidates with the best ideas. This money usually comes in bunches from large corporations and special interests. Once the candidate is election, the candidate is faced with conflicts in choosing between what the community wants and what the corporation wants. This must change if we want to keep the interests of the people first. I support a comprehensive public funding option for Hawaii elections, similar to the proven-successful Arizona model, to give voters an option to elect candidates who are absolutely free from outside influence. I further vow to protect Hawaii law that prevents “pay-to-play” preference in government contracts given to companies that contribute to certain campaigns. ↩ back to top

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

Hands down, the best and most monumental legislation passed in recent years is the Civil Unions Law, which increased equality of all citizens by increasing the rights of same-sex couples who wished to enter a civil union. Equality under law is a fundamental, common-sense right. Since passage, participation in civil unions has been relatively low, as only 347 couples have obtained them as of May 31, 2012. While steps are being taken to smooth out transitional issues of implantation, we must do more to ensure true equality. I stand alongside President Obama in supporting same-sex marriage in Hawaii and America. Although this is a contentious issue that will be met with much opposition, it is one that believe is worth fighting for what I believe is just and right.

One recently passed act particularly alarmed me as it passed in the 2011 legislative session. When I was nominated to serve as interim OHA trustee for by the board of trustees for Maui to replace Judge Boyd Mossman, a close watch of act 53 was what I vowed to focus on during my tenure. I recognize the potential of the Public Land Development Corporation (PLDC) and its (currently being established) Public Land Development Plan to starkly affect my personal future, cultural rights, and the lives of my generation’s children and grandchildren. Having evolved from its original intent to establish an “appropriate and culturally-sensitive public land development program,” allowing for “limited issuance of commercial use permits for vessels in Ala Wai and Ke‘ehi harbors” the PLDC currently has the capability to lease public resources out to transnational private investment firms. This may now carry over to Maalaea and KKihei boat ramp. I seek to monitor and fairly access the actions of the PLDC under the Department of Natural Resources (DLNR). I will serve as an advocate for community interests in this process and for the protection and responsible use of these ports. ↩ 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?

Economic Diversification. I seek to leverage my background of growing up in a technology-driven, globalized world to make decisions for Hawaii’s future generations that will anticipate societal changes and technological advances. We now live in a world where virtually all public information relevant to our lives can fit in your pocket. Globalization has evolved in a big way and technology will continue advancing rapidly; Hawaii must not fall behind. I am optimistic about upcoming generations positively utilizing new technologies in infrastructure, academics, and especially entrepreneurship, in order to create a diversified economy for Hawaii’s future. To achieve this, public servants must be able to think globally but act locally. We must look beyond tourism and military to diversify our economy. This will take long-term planning in government, which is why I emphasize education (getting highschool built), local jobs and business (leveling the business playing field and keeping our locals at work), and sustainable and renewable practices (becoming a leader in this crucial societal shift). I will support policy and programs that encourage innovation in technology and business, especially for local entrepreneurs with vision for our future. ↩ back to top