Full Name: William John Halversen

Name on Ballot: William Halversen

Age: 58

District / office: Hawaii County Council District 2

Email Address: billhalversen@gmail.com

Current Job: Unemployed

Place of birth: Long Island, N.Y.

Campaign website:

Job history past 10 years: Drywall hanger

Construction

YMCA counselor

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

Yes, last election, I was running for the same position as I am seeking now.

Other civic experience or community service?

Volunteered to clean sidewalks on Bayfront.

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

I’ve been here since 2000, and have gained a lot of friendships and trust from my peers.

Schools and education and job training are my top goals.

What makes you qualified to be a Council member?

I have no experience in politics. I’ve become aware that there are many projects that the Council is facing right now, and I believe I can really make a difference.

What are your top five priorities for the county?

1. Build a football stadium for Hilo High School

2. Secure our financial cash flow

3. Generate a way to break away from fossil fuel

4. Build a mini-golf course at Lincoln Park

5. Be successful with all my plans.

What is your one big idea?

My most important goal is to develop an Economics and Development Department for Hilo High School’s 12th-grade students which would be financially profitable. We would use these profits to support the students in their business ventures.

The Hilo landfill is nearing capacity. When it closes, should trash from East Hawaii be hauled to the Puuanahulu landfill, or not?

No. I think we should build another transfer station by the northern borders of District 2.

The basic fare for the Hele-On bus system is $2, but the system still requires taxpayer subsidies to operate. The county has demonstrated that a lower fare can increase ridership. Should the fare be reduced, increased or left the same?

I think that the price should stay the same, but don’t charge for luggage.

The gasoline tax in Hawaii County is now 8.8 cents per gallon, about half that of Kauai, Maui and Oahu. Do you support increasing the county gas tax to provide more funding for maintenance of county roads and the Hele-On bus system?

No, I don’t believe we should increase the gas tax. We can (find) other resources to fund the road maintenance and improve Hele-On’s bus service with more buses and revised schedules.