District 20 – Julia E. Allen (R)

Full Name: Julia Elizabeth Allen

Name on Ballot: Julia E. Allen

Age: 68

Political Party: Republican

Running For: House

District: 20

Email Address: juliaelizabethallen@gmail.com

Current Job: Legislative aide, Office of Sen. Sam Slom

Place of birth: Honolulu

Campaign website: Julia20.com

Job history past 10 years:

Legislative aide, Office of Sen. Sam Slom

I have also worked in a family-owned retail business.

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

House District 20 in 2004, 2006, 2008, 2010, 2012, 2014

I haven’t lost because I haven’t quit.

Other civic experience or community service?

Palolo Lions Club, Neighborhood Board No. 5, First Presbyterian Church of Honolulu, Hina Mauka Board of Directors

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

I have great faith that it is best for individuals to make their own choices. When they do go wrong, they are the best ones to correct the problem. When government goes wrong, we all suffer.

What makes you qualified to be a state representative?

I have extensive experience in business. Now, with more than 10 years at the Capitol, I understand the legislative process. I see how and why things happen, the dangers of vast government overreach, how even good intentions can limit individuals’ choices unnecessarily and produce unintended consequences.

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?

There is no need for any new taxes whatsoever. Government must reorganize and reprioritize its spending to reduce waste. Road construction and maintenance costs must be born for by those who use the roads. These costs are not being shared equitably. Raising the gas tax worsens the situation.

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?

The rail has been a loser from the start, built on false premises and false promises. The tax extends the money grab by the state that unjustifiably takes 10 percent from any Honolulu transit solution. Sunk costs cannot be recovered. We should not throw good money after bad.

Should the state play a role in cracking down on illegal vacation rentals in Hawaii?

There is a consistent demand for alternative vacation rentals. It is a City and County of Honolulu responsibility to manage zoning and permitting regulations that apply to those rentals. The state seeks a reliable method of tax collection. This can be accomplished this without interfering with the prerogatives of the counties.

Should the Legislature require that police officers in Hawaii use “body cameras,” and help to fund the use of those cameras?

Body cameras may be useful in specific situations. A universal requirement for body cameras has not been demonstrated. Money is better spent on advanced training and proper discipline. People need to be able to trust our police force.

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?

The public should have access to information regarding disciplinary problems, the nature of the offenses and the punishment imposed. Shouldn’t we know what happens with any public employee on our payroll?