Charles (Bo) Aki
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Republican Running for Hawaii state senate, District 22 (Mililani Mauka, Wahiawa, Hale'iwa, Mokule'ia, North Shore)
Charles (Bo) Aki interview Olelo video (24 minutes) Oct 20, 2010
Mililani forum wrap up: Candidates talk ag lands, House Bill 444, and GET [The Hawaii Independent] Sep 24, 2010
Hawaii Senate District 22 Bios of and Q&A's with both District 22 candidates [AARP]
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Oct 23, 2010
Mr. Aki's response to an inquiry from a Haleiwa resident on behalf of herself, family and friends:
1) VACATION RENTALS:
A. What is your position on the current state of illegal vacation rentals in Hawaii?
I oppose all illegal activities, especially when it compromises legitimate and legal interests.
B. If elected, what actions would you take in regard to this issue?
Greater enforcement and perhaps progressive penalties. Oversight would be crucial.
C. What ideas do you have for solutions in regard to the large number of homeless people in Hawaii and/or the North Shore?
We need to define the different categories of homelessness and address each separately. Those that are homeless due to the lack of employment or for financial reasons need assistance in becoming employed and self-sufficient. Those who have addictive behaviors need intervention and treatment for the substance abuse. Medical intervention is needed for those who have mental disorders or impairment. Homeless people who prefer that lifestyle need a place to exist and become a contributing member to the community as well. The priority is serving the unique needs of all the homeless. Let's do more than sweep public areas and offer more help.
2) TRANSPORTATION:
A. What hopes/ideas do you have for more sustainable types of transportation for Hawaii in the future? (ex. Rail, SAFE bikeways, walkable communities, EV, biodiesel etc.)
Many modes of mass transit have not been explored and have been overlooked. Fixed rail is not sustainable and is inefficient. Rail is not in the best interest of Hawaii or its residents. Straddler transportation in Asia moves over 1,200 passengers per unit on existing roads, allowing traffic below; it does not require a dedicated lane or fixed pathways and can be implemented quickly. It can also serve the entire island and utilize new technologies; efficient power units, bio fuel, hybrid engines. Hot lanes would improve traffic, and building more roads with alternate routes are viable as well. New technologies and improved equipment is available and would be a better solution.
B. If applicable: What action(s) do you plan to take in regard to the traffic problem on the North Shore? (between Haleiwa and Sunset Beach)
Logistical challenges can be overcome for alternate routes between Haleiwa and Sunset (specifically Waimea Bay), but it's currently unlikely in the near future. The continuous raiding of the Highway Fund needs to be stopped and redirected to Highways. Realignment of existing routes to alleviate congestion is another viable approach.
3) PARKS & REC:
What are your plans for improving our local parks for usage? (A few North Shore examples are: Sharks Cove basketball courts are in disarray, the park across from Pupukea Foodland could be a nice place for a picnic, the new expensive Sunset rec center does not have basketball/pool/event space etc., — just want to get a feel for what you might try to do in regard to improvements and planning.)
Capital improvement programs are not being funded adequately, especially during the current downturn in the economy.
4) ANYTHING ELSE YOU'D LIKE TO ADD?
For decades our state has stifled, impeded and handicapped business. Long-term tax incentives attract private sector investment. Corporate tax breaks and rebates with infrastructure waivers and dispensation for high tech industries, research and development including alternative energy and cultural preservation is the foundation of long-term growth and development. Hawaii needs to become the preferred state to do business through incentives.
Alternative Energy Solutions: There are several technological innovations that have commercial applications that have been overlooked. Solid oxide fuel cells produce electricity without dependence on fossil fuel and do not emit toxic byproducts or pollution. It is efficient and can be incorporated in our existing power grid. Smaller units can be implemented for smaller inaccessible rural areas, including a single building (home or business) or an entire city. It is reliable, efficient and available for immediate implementation. It is currently saving millions of dollars in electrical costs by several American corporations. Its predecessor, the hydrogen fuel cell, is too costly to produce for commercial applications, requiring expensive exotic materials to manufacture. Solar, wind generation, fusion, fission and geothermal technologies all have merit. Most are inefficient, unstable and unreliable with little or no return on investment and will take years to implement. Hawaii has the highest electrical rate in the country and alternative energy is available and cost effective.
Raising the general excise tax will be counterproductive. Business will not be able to survive much more. The burden will decrease their business, resulting in more unemployment and reduced revenue. This will result in more increased taxes and fees, our current vicious cycle. Hawaii is one of the highest, if not the highest, taxed states in the nation. We pay more and get less than states with adverse weather and larger land mass. Let's account for our tax dollars, control spending and reduce taxes. Therefore improving the quality of life in Hawaii.
It is up to you and your vote! Choose what is best for you. Remember, the more you tolerate a situation the more it will continue. If you desire more laws, elect more lawyers. More jobs, elect employers/businessmen. Better educational system, elect educators. Happy with the direction and quality of life you now have and enjoy? Continue to send the same candidates back, just like we have done for the last 50 years. If you do not vote, you do not have the right to complain. The choice is yours and the results are your children's and grandchildren's legacy.
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Sep 23, 2010
Mr. Aki's response to an Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) survey for the October edition of their Ka Wai Ola newspaper:
Question: What single issue facing native Hawaiians concerns you the most and how would you address that issue as a state legislator?
The Akaka Bill's passage is impending, but our community isn't prepared to engage in the nation-building process that will follow. We cannot legislate community preparedness or awareness, but can require audits and scrutinize budgets to ensure our state-funded Hawaiian agencies are accountable, effective, efficient, and ready for the nation-building process.
Question (Yes or No); Do you support a moratorium on the sale of state ceded lands?
Yes
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