Name on ballot:

Brian S. Lauro

Running for:

State Senate – District 25

Political party:

Republican

Campaign website:

brianlaurosenate.com

Current occupation:

Business owner

Age:

54

Previous job history:

Retired Police Officer

Previous elected office, if any:

No answer submitted

Please describe your qualifications to represent the people of Hawaii.

I have nearly 3 decades of government experience. I know what it takes to find solutions, navigate complicated governmental agencies, and get things done.

What is the most pressing issue facing residents in your district and how would you address the problem?

Cost of living and affordable housing and public safety. I will work to put more money in your pocket by cutting taxes and removing the burdensome regulations that drive up the costs of goods and services, leaving local people with more money to put toward their families and future. Limit the number of out-of-state and foreign investors. Incentivize local home buyers through flexible income requirements and offering affordable mortgage loans and low-interest rates. Build more affordable houses for first-time buyers. Send out-of-state houseless individuals back to their states of origin and bar them from coming back. Support and fund to build world class public safety.

Rising inflation has significantly worsened Hawaii’s already high cost of living. What can be done at the state level to help Hawaii residents cope with high consumer prices?

We can work to put more money in your pocket by cutting taxes and removing the burdensome regulations that drive up the costs of goods and services, leaving local people with more money to put toward their families and future.

Hawaii’s rising gasoline prices are among the highest in the nation. Should Hawaii lower or temporarily suspend state taxes on gasoline to help ease the pain at the pump?

Sure. Although, I would need more details on a specific action plan.

Do you support or oppose efforts to slow or limit the number of tourists to Hawaii? Please explain.

Yes. I support the efforts to slow or limit tourist. Although, we need a viable comprehensive plan.

Can Hawaii’s tourism-dependent economy be diversified, and, if so, what can state government do to support the effort?


I don’t know. But I am willing to pass and support laws that strengthen our economy and cost of living for locals.

What is your plan to increase affordable housing in Hawaii, and to help the counties deal with homelessness?

I will work to put more money in your pocket by cutting taxes and removing the burdensome regulations that drive up the costs of goods and services, leaving local people with more money to put toward their families and future. Limit the number of out-of-state and foreign investors. Incentivize local home buyers through flexible income requirements and offering affordable mortgage loans and low-interest rates. Build more affordable houses for first-time buyers. Send out-of-state houseless individuals back to their states of origin and bar them from coming back.

What would you propose to help protect Hawaii residents’ health during the continuing COVID-19 pandemic?

I don’t believe we are still in a pandemic. Therefore we need to get back to our lives and taking care of our individual health for which has been inhibited by our current government in so many ways.

Hawaii isn’t likely to see a repeat of this year’s $2 billion revenue surplus which allowed higher-than-normal spending on state programs and projects. If elected, what will your top spending priorities be?

Public safety and emergency services. Fighting government corruption. Create voting integrity. And, begin fixing the cost of living and affordable housing.

What, if anything, should state government do in response to the decision by the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn Roe vs Wade?

The US Supreme Court made a just decision and we humbly need to honored and respected it.

What should state government do to support and improve public education in Hawaii?

Hawaiʻi is the only state where all school boards are appointed with no parental involvement. This has led to our state having some of the lowest proficiency tests in the nation. We need to have public accountability, we must put candidates for the Board of Education on the ballot in lieu of governor appointments. Encourage and not criminalize parents in advocating for their children. We need to allocate monies for a safe school security response system, to protect the lives of students and school personnel from intruders and criminals. We need to integrate courses on the Constitution and civic duties into American and Hawaiian history school curricula, from elementary grades to high school. Recruit top-notch teachers and provide them with ongoing training. Revamp the state’s “one-size-fits-all” school system through school choice by allowing them to attend the school of their choice, namely regular school, private school, magnet school, trade school, charter school, or home school. Recreate the 4H Club and other after-school programs, to empower our youth to develop their potential and life skills. And there is much more we need to do to help our keiki to succeed.

What reforms, if any, would you propose to make local government more transparent to the public?

We must ensure that our tax dollars are spent justly and equitably, to meet the needs of our communities. We need to perform ongoing audits on government spending at all levels and publicize reports. Prioritize government spending. Make the repair and maintenance of infrastructure a top priority.

Do you support or oppose the construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope on the Big Island and why?

I oppose the construction until the government adheres to the agreements originally agreed upon.

Is there anything more that you would like voters to know about you?

Due to the reallocation of districts due to the census and the corruption and unchecked fraud involved with the “mail-in-voting,” everyone needs to re-register to vote with correct information and participate in in-person voting this year.