81
Full name: Joseph M. Souki
Name on ballot: Joe Souki
Age: 85
Political Party: Democrat
Running for: House
District: 8
Email address: joesouki@msn.com
Current job: Realtor, legislator
Place of birth: Puunene, Maui
Campaign website: joesouki.com
Job history past 10 years: Realtor and legislator
Ever run for public office? If so, when? Outcome?
Constitutional Convention, 1978, delegate
State House of Representatives, 1982 to present
Other civic experience or community service?
Former trustee, Hale Makua
Former director and now emeritus, Cameron Center
Former director, Maui Economic Opportunity Inc.
Anything else you’d like voters to know about you?
Distinguished alumni, St. Anthony
Distinguished alumni, Woodbury University
What makes you qualified to be a state representative?
Experience, former finance chairman, transportation chairman, and twice speaker of the House, business and community experience.
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?
Yes, Highway finances are not commensurate with the statewide needs for road improvements and new highways.
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?
Yes, however, I would like to see the City and County of Honolulu, participate in the funding. The obvious reason is the deficit in the HART budget and the need to go to Ala Moana Center and the University of Hawaii at Manoa. And to relieve the traffic congestion of West Oahu.
Should the state play a role in cracking down on illegal vacation rentals in Hawaii?
Vacation rentals is normally a county function.
Should the Legislature require that police officers in Hawaii use “body cameras,” and help to fund the use of those cameras?
Body cameras would save our policemen’s lives, as they are under the county jurisdiction the county should pay for the cameras.
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?
By participating in online discussions you acknowledge that you have agreed to the Terms of Service. An insightful discussion of ideas and viewpoints is encouraged, but comments must be civil and in good taste, with no personal attacks. If your comments are inappropriate, you may be banned from posting. Report comments if you believe they do not follow our guidelines.
Having trouble with comments? Learn more here.