Current job: Pastor/President, City of Joy Christian Fellowship, Hilo, Founder, Joyland Preschools, and a Small Business Owner
Residence: How long you’ve lived in the district: I have lived in the district for 2 years, but have been in business in the same for almost 8.
Background: What qualifies you for the position? What else have you run for? Have you been in public office before and if so, what position? I have keen insight into Social and Public issues through my current job. I have never run for political office, although have been asked since being in my mid-20’s. I did not feel that I was mature enough to run at that time, but now know that there is no such thing as a “mature” politician. There are solutions that I have that will be outlined in this questionnaire.
Major issues: What are the biggest issue in your district/state and your proposed solutions? The biggest issue facing Hawaii in general is a Revenue Shortfall, which is affecting every citizen in the State through cutbacks in services, and a stranglehold on Education. Young through Old are affected.This can be alleviated by repealing the State Personal Income Tax. This would put more money into household budgets immediately. Increase the GE Tax to offset the lost revenue. With a portion of the increased GET, we need to create an Autonomous Department of Education, to clear the backlog of school repairs and construction. The construction aspect would create jobs in the Private Sector, which would put more tax revenue into the DOE budget, thereby helping pay for itself. All schools would be brought back into better usability, leading to better educational opportunities. No furloughs would be continued, as the DOE would be moved out of the General Fund. This transfer of cost would allow the State to bring everyone back to work immediately, and fund all labor costs, budgets and raises. The Autonomous DOE would then have its own funding source, and be able to afford raises, retention and education for its teachers. The added revenue would allow all domiciled resident’s of the State of Hawaii to go to any Community College in the State System either tuition free or at a substantially reduced cost. Better management of the DOE would allow those students who attend Charter Schools, to be better funded, and also allow children currently lost in the shuffle, to attain a trades based education, which would give every child in Hawaii a chance to work, and stay out of the criminal system.
Budget philosophy: What is your budget philosophy? Do you foresee increases in revenue through tax hikes and fees or do you believe in cutting spending? Please see above.
Taxes and fees: Do you believe Hawaii’s taxes should be lowered or increased? If you do plan to raise taxes and fees, which specific taxes or fees would you increase? Or would you sign a pledge that says you will not raise taxes? Please see above.
Rail: If the city has difficulty raising enough revenue for the rail, would you support state tax support for the rail project? Yes. But only through my earlier answers. No additional taxes.
Legalized Gambling: Do you believe gambling should be legalized in Hawaii in any form and if so, in what form? No. Gambling would be needed with the earlier outlined plan.
Public Education: What are your plans to support the public education system while ensuring accountability and results for our students? Do you support an appointed or elected school board? An appointed School Board would better serve the Children by ensuring that only qualified appointee’s steer and govern the educational goals of the DOE.
Economic Growth: What are your plans to promote long-term economic growth for Hawaii? Education and Training of our student’s would lead to more contributors vs. consumers and provide more revenue at the State level. Low interest loans and reductions to other taxes for Small business and Tourism is the answer.
Crime: What is your solution to making Oahu a safer place to live and visit? Truth in Sentencing for convicted criminals. Educational reforms as outlined earlier, would provide for people to earn a decent wage and living, vs. crime. Better education in drug abuse treatment and intervention, as well as an overhaul to the mental health system is necessary.
Second Amendment: Would you support concealed carry or more freedom for law abiding firearms owners, do you feel the current laws should remain in place, or do you believe stricter gun laws should be in place? The key to the statement is “law abiding firearms owners”. They should not be penalized, with stricter gun laws for those who cannot.
Homeless: What is your solution to homelessness? State Housing with transitions and time limits based on criteria for education and job assistance. Those that cannot be educated or job placed due to mental disabilities should be placed in managed housing.
Compact with Micronesia: Micronesians are able to freely move to Hawaii, which they are doing in large numbers to take advantage of the public education system, medical services and other government benefits. But the governor and other public officials say they are taxing Hawaii’s resources and costing the state more than $100 million a year. This is a federal decision, but would you share your view on whether the Compact with Micronesia should remain in place, should there be some parameters put on the Compact or do you have other solutions? The State of Hawaii should have time limits in place and be here for education only. If Micronesians want to become Resident’s of the State, they should be required to follow Federal Immigration and Naturalization Law’s.
Akaka Bill: What is your position on the Akaka Bill? Do you believe it will unite or divide Hawaii? What is your vision for how the Akaka Bill will change Hawaii? The Office of Hawaiian Affairs should be the Governing Entity for the Vision for the Hawaiian Population. The Akaka Bill will divide as well as unite. There will never be 100% support due to conflict within. All Hawaiians should have the right to pick their own leadership with management and oversight of all local, state and federal use on ceded land assets currently in use but not paid for. Free tuition for ALL Hawaiian blood quantum to any UH campus, and a land asset should be afforded each head of household, with reduced taxes for any Hawaiian owned and operated business in the State.
Jones Act: Opponents of the federal Jones Act say it increases the cost of living in Hawaii through a shipping duopoly while supporters say it is needed to ensure port security and American jobs. While this is a federal decision, would you share your view on whether you support an exemption for Hawaii from the Jones Act or should it remain in place? Hawaii’s costs due to shipping are unique, and should be reduced by allowing the State of Hawaii to govern its own Port’s and Harbors, and allow approved shipping companies the ability to do business in them.
Contact information:
Phone: (808) 895-0817 (cell phone)
E-mail: tim4senate@gmail.com
Mail: P.O. Box 69, Kea’au, Hawaii 96749
Web site address:
Campaign Slogan or Theme: “Hawaii Government BY The People, FOR The People!”
Name: Timothy R. Waugh
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