Name on ballot:

Robert G Hill III

Running for:

State House – District 8

Political party:

Democrat

Campaign website:

www.hillforhousemaui.com

Current occupation:

Flight Attendant

Age:

59

Previous job history:

Retired Police Lieutenant. Army Reserve Colonel, Lecturer U H Maui Campus. Unicom Operator Kapalua Airport.

Previous elected office, if any:

None

Please describe your qualifications to represent the people of Hawaii.

Courageous, competent and creative leader who is not afraid to speak for the people.

What will be your top priority if elected?

It is time to step up and take a hard stance against illegal drug use. To make it work we need to attack from all angles. Enforcement, rehabilitation, confinement, (if necessary), and re-integration into society. We need to fight this relentlessly and not just “take a few swings” and say we did something about it.

As Hawaii faces the COVID-19 pandemic, what more can be done to protect residents’ health?

We need to protect ourselves. Educate! We need one standard that everyone can comply with. This is not temporary. This is our new world and new way of life. We need to understand that this is not just a new trend. People need to incorporate safety measures and our new way of physical and social living.

What more can be done to help residents who have been economically affected by the COVID-19 pandemic?

Get people back to work. Open up our state systematically and safely then build it back smartly.

Should public worker furloughs, pay cuts or downsizing be used to help the state deal with lower tax revenues and higher expenses during the pandemic? Why or why not?

NO! Punishing those who are always there for our community is not the answer. Punishing those who work in general is not the answer. We need to trim elsewhere. We need to take a close look at our welfare systems and other areas where money is being spent with no “return on investment” that will benefit our state.

Hawaii’s tourism-dependent economy has suffered greatly due to the pandemic. If elected, what would you propose to support and diversify the state’s economy?

Tourism will always be a prominent factor in our economic existence. Agriculture will help but cannot pick up the entire load. We need to look further. Perhaps a State lottery would be welcome in 2020.

Do you support reforms to policing in Hawaii? If yes, please explain what reforms you support.

We need to reform the way people conduct themselves first. Policing has gone through numerous reforms already. We cannot judge an entire department on the actions of one individual if this is the intent of the question that is being asked. Instead of reforming the police, reform the attitudes of the public. Reform the way issues are presented to the public. Be fair!

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

I am willing to listen to both sides

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

I am a democrat and I identify as a moderate democrat. I believe in the second amendment of the constitution. I can work with all sides.