Name on ballot:

Sam Slom

Running for:

State Senate – District 9

Political party:

Republican

Campaign website:

SamslomforHawaii.com

Current occupation:

Small business consultant

Age:

78

Previous job history:

Tax Foundation;
Of Hawaii; Bank of Hawaii; HPU; Small Business Hawaii, SMS Consultants

Previous elected office, if any:

State Senate 1996-2016

Please describe your qualifications to represent the people of Hawaii.

Business, economic, finance and teaching experience with business ownership and 20 years in public office.

What will be your top priority if elected?

Restore Hawaii’s economy while lowering the cost of living.

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

Enforce existing policies with more testing.

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

Temporary financial assistance.

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?

If necessary yes if they keep their jobs but no $150 million pay increase.

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?

Support existing industry while reducing taxes and regulations to encourage new business.

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

Yes more transparency of charged cops; while supporting good police officers. Merit performance rewards.

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

I support it with better UH management and more access by Native Hawaiians. The TMT is a major factor in diversifying our economy.

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

I believe in less government, especially taxes, spending and debt while encouraging individual creativity.