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Full Name: Samuel Satoru Kong
Name on Ballot: Sam Satoru Kong
Age: 56
Political Party: Democrat
Running For: State House
District: 33
Email Address: samkong@hawaii.rr.com
Current Job: State representative
Place of birth: Honolulu
Campaign website:
Job history past 10 years:
State representative
Sam’s Cab, owner/operator
Aiea Florist, owner
Ever run for public office? If so, when? Outcome?
Yes, 2010 & 2012, lost
2014 Won
Other civic experience or community service?
Mana Loa – Nimitz Lions Club
American Legion
Gus Webling Elementary School Council
Various Community Security Watch Programs
Aiea Community Association
Friends of Aiea Library
Anything else you’d like voters to know about you?
My campaign accepts NO donations, NOR do we seek any endorsements. It’s refreshing to be beholden to no one but you, my friend and neighbor.
What makes you qualified to be a state representative?
The Education, Experience, and Relationships gained these past two years are priceless! This allows me to be even more effective as your representative, and to get things done for our community.
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?
No, I do not support the governor’s proposal because we need to take a serious look at the use of all special funds, including the Highway Fund. I would like more transparency and accountability. This year we supported DOT projects with general funds, without increasing your taxes.
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?
No. First, HART and the city have to make some serious decisions before we can even contemplate such a thought. Second, the state has it’s own responsibilities, commitments, and priorities to fund, including Education, unfunded liabilities, prisons, health care, transportation, homelessness, the list goes on, and on.
Should the state play a role in cracking down on illegal vacation rentals in Hawaii?
Yes. While I believe that zoning is a city issue, the state should also ensure that any vacation rental business is paying their fair share of taxes, like the GET and TAT. Yes, we all have to pay our taxes, this is no different.
Should the Legislature require that police officers in Hawaii use “body cameras,” and help to fund the use of those cameras?
No. This is a city and county of issue. In fact, counties are already starting their own body camera pilot programs, without any state intervention.
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?
No. We should always put public safety first. If safety is not the issue, then our purpose should not be to invade the privacy of individual officers in our stellar police force. In addition, current law already provides access to certain police personnel files.
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