On the Issues
As Barack Obama stated in his Democratic National Convention speech, “…all across America something is stirring… this election has never been about me. It’s been about you.” I have an open-door policy so that I can hear from the people I represent. It is only through listening to people’s concerns that you can learn which problems need solutions. No matter the issue – I have focused my efforts on solving problems that affect real people. That is why I hold community forums like “Congress on Your Corner” so I can hear first hand, the most important issues facing my constituents. Issues on the environment, education or the economy – I have been to Hana, to Kalapaupa, Hanalei, Kapolei and Hilo to listen. Serving as your congresswoman, is a privilege and it means fighting side by side with island families, businesses and communities to solve real problems. Knowing how to work with my colleagues to find common ground and move legislation allows me to get results for the people of Hawaii’s District 2.
EDUCATION: Investing in our children's future
Education is the great equalizer. We should be investing more into our children's future. Every family should have access to high quality early education, great public schools, and affordable college.
ECONOMY: Stimulating local economic growth
Hawaii's economy depends on its small businesses, which provide the bulk of employment in our state. This is why I sought and received an appointment to the Small Business Committee. I strongly support increased federal investment in infrastructure, including our roads, mass transit, sewer and wastewater facilities.
ENVIRONMENT: Preserving ecological treasures
I support protecting and strengthening the environmental laws that have sheltered our wilderness, endangered species and ecosystems and the quality of our air and water. I oppose drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) as well as in other environmentally sensitive areas.
RENEWABLE ENERGY: Helping our nation towards energy independence
I am committed to helping our nation towards energy independence. We must strengthen our national security by reducing our dependence on foreign oil. By employing new technology, we can lower energy costs and have greater efficiency. We must shift to cleaner energy to reduce global warming.
TRANSPORTATION: Invest in infrastructure
Need to invest in nation's infrastructure: Our nation's aging and outmoded infrastructure is crumbling. Congestion on our highways and streets has a significant economic cost, as well as a personal cost to those who waste hours of their lives stuck in traffic.
HEALTH: Every family deserves access to high quality health care
- Coverage: Health care is a right - not a privilege. It is appalling that 44 million people in America - the richest country in the world - do not have health insurance. Every family deserves access to high quality health care.
AGRICULTURE: Essential to Hawaii's economy and quality of life
Agriculture is essential to Hawaii's economy and quality of life. Hawaii's farmers and ranchers provide us with locally grown food; produce fresh and value-added products for export (flowers, macadamia nuts, coffee, sugar, etc); good jobs; and enhance our quality of life by providing open space.
FILIPINO VETERANS: Fulfilling our obligations to them
Today, out of the 250,000 Filipino World War II veterans, only 18,000 are left. Of that number some 2,000 reside in my home state of Hawaii. As Filipino veterans are entering the sunset years of their lives, Congress is running out of time to fulfill our obligations to them.
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