Ronald E. Hochuli

Full Name: Ronald Hochuli

Name on Ballot: Ronald E. Hochuli

Age: 72

Email Address: bhochuli@hawaii.rr.com

Current Job: Retired

Place of birth: New York City

Campaign website: www.hochuliforhonolulu.com

Job history past 10 years:

Senior vice president, Merrill Lynch Honolulu; deputy director, National Guard Youth Challenge Academy

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

Currently member of Ewa Neighborhood Board. Never campaigned for political office.

Other civic experience or community service?

Member of the board of directors for the Outrigger Duke Kahanamoku Foundation, Kawaihae Transitional Shelter and National Guard Youth Challenge Academy. Member of Sunrise Rotary Club.

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

Arrived in Honolulu in 1968 as a Catholic monk to teach philosophy and theology at Chaminade University. I am married with two sons, seven grandchildren and one great-grandson. Facilitator of the course “7 Habits of Highly Effective People.” Longtime Outrigger Canoe Paddler I.

What makes you qualified to be mayor?

Worked and raised a family in Hawaii. My experience in finance as senior vice president of Merrill Lynch, educating youth as a teacher and vice principal at Saint Louis School, and as deputy director of the Youth Challenge Academy for at-risk youth prepared me to be mayor.

What is your one big idea?

We need to reclaim city government for all the people of Honolulu. Currently, special interests influence how elected officials set priorities and make decisions. We need to end this practice and reform how campaigns are funded. Stopping the flow of money allows elected officials to do the right thing.

What steps should elected city officials take next regarding the rail project?

Mass transit is only part of the solution to improve current traffic conditions. Any decision about rail must be part of a comprehensive solution to significantly reduce current traffic congestion. Proponents of rail admit that traffic congestion, after building rail, will be 21 percent worse in 2030 than it is today.

Why has the city not been able to take more homeless off the street and what would you do to improve the situation?

This is the moment for reflection as we reset priorities, committing money and resources to improve the quality of life for all of our people above the interests of an elite few. City leadership must focus on long-term solutions — not shuffling unsheltered residents from one community to another.

What steps can elected officials take to ensure city employees behave ethically?

An ethical working environment begins with leadership. Honolulu elected officials must themselves be trustworthy. Successful leaders set direction and vision, demonstrate personal character, and act with integrity. It is vital to have a strong and independent ethics commission.

“We must become the change we seek in the world.” — Gandhi

As an elected city official, what would you do to improve the city’s affordable housing supply?

The mandate for city leaders is to address the needs of the citizens who work and live here. If we refocus our efforts on our people, not building homes for the wealthy elite, we will bring down the cost of new homes and improve the quality of life for all.