Full Name: Lou Ann Kehaulani Jones

Name on Ballot: Luana Jones

Age: 60

Political Party: Nonpartisan

Running For: State House

District: 4 – Puna Makai

Email Address: Luanajones777@hotmail.com

Current Job: Student

Place of birth: Honolulu

Job history past 10 years:

Kupuna, Pahoa High & Intermediate School

Licensed massage therapist

Education specialist, Research Corporation of the University of Hawaii

Ever run for public office? If so, when? Outcome?

I was asked by the district senator and endorsed by the retiring House representative to run in 2006. I lost in the primary to Faye Hanohano by 180 votes, followed by two other Democratic candidates.

Other civic experience or community service?

Pahoa PTSA (SCBM, SCC), HAAS School Board, Neighborhood Place of Puna Board, County of Hawaii Puna Parks Committee, Geothermal Adhoc Committee, Environmental Management Commissioner, “Friends of Pohoiki” – Shoreline Maintenance, Native Hawaiian Education Island Council – Puna Rep., Amateur Surfing Coordinator, Hawai‘i Youth Business Center Board, Puna Scenic By-Ways Committee, Aha Kuka O Wao Kele ‘O Puna Council (OHA), and Hui Aloha ‘O Puna Makai – Kupuna.

Anything else you’d like voters to know about you?

Born in Kapahulu, and raised in Waikiki and Aiea, my father was the late Wilfred Yee (of Lyman descent)and my mother is Loretta Apa (formerly Whaley and Robello). Married to Richard Jones from Warren, Mich., since 1978, my children are Kaeo, Kanoa, Ikaika, Leialoha & Kolekona Kamehaiku (hanai). Fifteen grandchildren.

What makes you qualified to be a state representative?

Born in Hawaii since before statehood, I have spent over 30 years of my life serving and advocating for people. By my allegiance to Puna, my experience, intelligence and integrity, I am more than qualified to be a state representative.

Gov. Ige says he will once again propose increases to the state gas tax, vehicle weight tax and state registration fees to help pay for state road projects. Do you support his proposal?

I would support a gas tax increase, coupled with fair distribution of revenues, so that rural districts can get a fair share. I don’t support increasing the vehicle weight tax or registration fees for residents; scrutinize the DOT budget and investigate alternative sources before dipping deeper into taxpayer pockets.

If the Legislature is again asked to extend Oahu’s half-percent excise tax surcharge to finance construction or operation of the rail system, would you support such an extension?

I would have a hard time supporting the rail dilemma. Where is the accountability? How many more billions for a shortened route? What about maintenance, payroll, parking, etc? Will the fares, passenger capacity, and runs-per-day ever merit the enormous costs to build and maintain it? I think not.

Should the state play a role in cracking down on illegal vacation rentals in Hawaii?

Definitely, the state is the regulating agency and should execute enforcement! Why have regulations without enforcement (like geothermal development — ask Harry Kim)?

Should the Legislature require that police officers in Hawaii use “body cameras,” and help to fund the use of those cameras?

After reading the next question, I would suggest administrative policies that require officers on “probation status” to wear body cameras. “Probation status” could also apply to rookies, or officers with repeated public complaints, to observe their performance quality. The Department should fund it. Just suggesting (not sure of legalities).

Dozens of police officers in Hawaii are disciplined each year for committing crimes or violating departmental policies, but little information is released about the officers or their cases. Do you think there needs to be greater public disclosure?

Public disclosure laws should apply equally to all suspects and criminals, police included. I assume policy violations are dealt with administratively, but because of the degree of authority and public trust involved, police officers MUST be held accountable to uphold the standard of the profession.