Name on ballot:

Brian Ley

Running for:

State House – District 4

Political party:

Non partisan

Campaign website:

www.votebrianley.com

Current occupation:

Nuclear technician

Age:

60

Previous job history:

General contractor,

Previous elected office, if any:

Vice chairman county GMAC

Please describe your qualifications to represent the people of Hawaii.

Vice chair of Hawaii County GMAC. Game Management Advisory Council. As a GMAC commissioner, we write Bills, and get legislators to sponsor them. We work closely with both the House and Senate in getting our Bills passed. We got HB 1872, food sustainability and SB 3298, gun range for the Big Island, passed into law this year. I also worked closely with other organizations in either getting Bills passed or stopped. Spend a lot of time in the community talking to people about their concerns and problems, while removing problem pigs. While working with the legislation, I know how badly we need to change our legislative process. I’ll do what is right for the people and not the party or special interest groups .

What is the most pressing issue facing residents in your district and how would you address the problem?

Traffic is a major concern. We need to have several alternate routes out of the Puna district. We need to be pro active in making sure our roads can handle the increased traffic with all the new building permits being issued. Our road capacity is out dated by the time construction is completed. We need to start being ahead of the curve, instead of being behind.

Rising inflation has significantly worsened Hawaii’s already high cost of living. What can be done at the state level to help Hawaii residents cope with high consumer prices?

Self sustainability, reducing taxes and government red tape. The more Hawaii can produce here, the better off we are. Transportation and fuel is the main reason for higher cost of living, this is why we need to look at local food and manufacturing to help keep cost down.

Hawaii’s rising gasoline prices are among the highest in the nation. Should Hawaii lower or temporarily suspend state taxes on gasoline to help ease the pain at the pump?

Short term answer is yes. Long term is repealing the Jones act.

Do you support or oppose efforts to slow or limit the number of tourists to Hawaii? Please explain.

I oppose efforts to slow tourism, until Hawaii can move away from a tourist economy. We need to look into boosting our economy not restricting it. Especially since Hawaii is trying to recover from the last two years.

Can Hawaii’s tourism-dependent economy be diversified, and, if so, what can state government do to support the effort?


Of course we should diversify. We have suffered first hand, on what happens when we depend on a single economy. We need to stop over regulating our businesses. Hawaii is rated the worst state to do business in, and 2nd worst state for personal freedom. We need to turn this around if we want to flourish as a state.

What is your plan to increase affordable housing in Hawaii, and to help the counties deal with homelessness?

Hawaii home lands, needs to let the Hawaiians build their own communities. Allow them to set their own building requirements for each community. Allowing Hawaiians on their land will free up housing shortages, bringing prices down. And of course as always severely reduce the red tape of government in building low income housing.
Second to greatly reduce homelessness we need to address the two major issues, mental health, drug and alcohol abuse. We need more treatment facilities, both inpatient and outpatient. We need to establish acceptable homeless camps. Let’s make it easier for both the homeless and social workers to give and receive help. This would also help charities in making it easier to help distribute food and clothing.

What would you propose to help protect Hawaii residents’ health during the continuing COVID-19 pandemic?

Everyone knows by now what they need to do to protect themselves.

Hawaii isn’t likely to see a repeat of this year’s $2 billion revenue surplus which allowed higher-than-normal spending on state programs and projects. If elected, what will your top spending priorities be?

I think Hawaii should be responsible and pay down on its financial debts, like the state’s pension fund.

What, if anything, should state government do in response to the decision by the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn Roe vs Wade?

Hawaii already has rules and regulations in place. The decision by the Supreme Court, just put it in state’s right. We need to see what the citizens of Hawaii want us to do, if anything about changing our existing rules.

What should state government do to support and improve public education in Hawaii?

We need to find out why Hawaii students are doing so horrible academically, and do whatever is necessary to fix this.

What reforms, if any, would you propose to make local government more transparent to the public?

Stricter sunshine laws, and actually enforce our laws and rules. And dismissing anyone who violates our laws and rules. The rampant corruption in Hawaii has to stop.

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

Moot point since they aren’t going forward with permits. Once again I’m supposed to be representing the people. I’ll vote how the majority of the people want me to vote.

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

My personal opinions and beliefs are mine. I’ll always vote the way the people want me to vote. I won’t pretend, I’m smarter and know what’s best for you. Being non partisan, I won’t be playing party politics. I will respond to everyone who reaches out and will listen to them.I will always put the people first.