STATE SENATE 19 KALAELOA-MAKAKILO
Mike Gabbard
Republican
Age: 58
Job: Entrepreneur running several businesses ranging from healthy living technologies
Past: Councilman, small businessman, educator

What qualifies you to be a state senator?
I don't like saying I'm more qualified than anyone else. All I know is ... we need honest leaders who have aloha and courage to address the needs of the people -- leaders willing to put community interest above self interest.

What should be done to make housing more affordable?
We should reduce red tape and provide incentives to developers so that more affordable housing projects get built faster. We should also look at policies that will a) benefit local residents and b) discourage land and housing speculation.

Does Hawaii spend enough on public education?
As a lifelong educator, I understand the necessity of paying our teachers better so we can retain qualified quality teachers. Additionally, we need to maximize the amount of money spent in the classroom, and minimize bureaucratic costs.

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