Name on ballot:

Richard S. Fukushima

Running for:

Kauai county council

Political party:

Non-Partisan

Campaign website:

Facebook

Current occupation:

Reitred

Age:

75

Previous job history:

Hawaii State Public Library System
Hawaii Army National Guard
Aloha Contract Services – American Airlines

Previous elected office, if any:

None

Please describe your qualifications to represent the voters of your county.

I have worked with the State Library Systems for 34 years and
served as a Guardsman in the Hawaii Army National Guard for
over 20 years. Knowledge in Government operations and system
should be a priority to helping us get back to “normal” daily operations
and future. We must begin to work together for one goal and to be
safe and loving.

What will be your top priority if elected?

Funding the County government with additional funds from the Federal government
would help boost our economy. We need additional funding to help our residents from unemployment and getting their lives back to normal.

As Hawaii faces the COVID-19 pandemic, what more should county government do to protect residents’ health?

Hawaii should continue to be vigilant and well aware of the situation around us. Limit travel, until more stringent controls can be administered with all those concern in the travel industry. The resources and supplies are limited, but we must find ways to enhance our share of the items so that we can breathe more
easily.

What should county government do to help residents who have been economically affected by the pandemic?

Look for funding for unemployment and more stable jobs for those who need to
get back to work to earn a living. Small businesses are being at a loss. We must
diversify and find work on more sustainable jobs.

Should public worker furloughs, pay cuts or downsizing be used to help the county deal with lower tax revenues and higher expenses during the pandemic? Why or why not?

Yes. I believe that the County’s budget in the Personnel is far too excessive in Salary. Pay cuts and furlough should be implemented and evaluated to have
a check and balance in accordance with what is necessary and urgent kinds of
services that the county provides for the public. The taxes should be lowered.

What specific solutions do you propose to combat homelessness?

Homeless will always be a problem. It is a very dire situation for those who are
homeless of which they choose. We cannot control the homelessness but try
and work with them and provide the necessities for their health and welfare. For some it is not a choice but due to mental illness, poverty, and high costs of living
that drives them to being homeless.

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

I’m not sure of what reforms that you are referring to. I would support reasonable
reforms that are for the majority of the public and not only for the selected few.

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

I would like to thank you for turning in your mail-in ballots and continue to vote
for who are your candidates of choice. I humbly ask for 1 of your 7 votes for me to fulfil my bucket list of being a Councilman. This is my third and final try to help the
county of Kauai with my given experience in Government.
Thank you very much.
Richard S. Fukushima