Name on ballot:

Brian T. Taniguchi

Running for:

State Senate – District 11

Political party:

Democrat

Campaign website:

No answer submitted

Current occupation:

State Senator

Age:

68

Previous job history:

Attorney
Community Relations Advisor

Previous elected office, if any:

State House

Please describe your qualifications to represent the people of Hawaii.

I have served as an elected official for many years

What will be your top priority if elected?

Public education

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

Stockpile more tests and PPE.

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

Obtain more federal assistance for the unemployed and for small businesses who need help.

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?

It is premature because we are not sure about what additional federal aid will be.

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?

I have supported diversifying our economy since I was first elected 40 years ago in areas like agriculture, high tech and film.
Although it may seem counterintuitive, we also need to provide support to tourism.

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

I voted for SB 285. Other reforms are primarily on the county level.

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

Support.

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

No answer submitted