Name on ballot:

Vicki Higgins

Running for:

State Senate – District 10

Political party:

Democratic

Campaign website:

www.higgins2020.net

Current occupation:

Consultant

Age:

60

Previous job history:

Property Manager – Business Development Manager

Previous elected office, if any:

None

Please describe your qualifications to represent the people of Hawaii.

Lifelong Hawaii Resident; Extensive Experience in Public and Private Sector; Ability to execute greater good – win/win solutions; Vision of Hawaii where everyone thrives; Commitment to service

What will be your top priority if elected?

Diversify Hawaii’s economy with revenue streams that will keep Hawaii families whole.

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

Continue with safety measures in place; delay visitor arrivals; examine those that are “relocating”; protect high risk population, i.e., elderly and those with compromised immunity systems; medical services at no cost.

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

Hawaii has always been economically vulnerable because of our reliance on the visitor industry. It’s time to look closely at some form of Universal Basic Income which will make us “pandemic proof” and not so heavily dependent on visitor industry and imported goods.

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?

These are measures that should be evaluated on an ongoing basis – not just in times of crisis. Government services should be assessed on a case-by-case basis. Some are more essential than others.

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?

In time, I would like us to look at tourism as “gravy” and not the main course. With existing technology, natural resources and innovation – there is no end to opportunities to expand and diversify our economy. With support from my district alone, which consists of more than 53K residents, we have the opportunity to implement any number of business ventures.

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

Yes. With the recent history of corruption, reforms in policing are definitely needed. The public deserves transparency – and reworked functions of LEOs will greatly serve the public. I dislike the term “defund the police” because I don’t think it accurately addresses needed reforms and improvements.

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

With a lot of work still to be done between the state and our Native Hawaiian community, I believe it can be accomplished as a greater good project.

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

I was born 2 months after Hawaii achieved statehood. This district has been my backyard, my playground, my roots for my entire life. I’ve seen the very best of Hawaii, and I’ve seen areas of rapid decline in recent decades. I’ve become deeply concerned that our younger generation encounters too many barriers to small victories that will lead to their success in Hawaii. Yet, I remain optimistic that we can deliver on a promise of a brighter future for the people of Hawaii. Bold leadership, decisive action and thoughtful commitment are qualities that are needed at our state legislature. These are qualities I possess and have demonstrated professionally and personally.