Name on ballot:

Marilyn B Lee

Running for:

State House – District 38

Political party:

Democrat

Campaign website:

marilynlee.com

Current occupation:

retired

Age:

82

Previous job history:

Registered Nurse, Navy Nurse, Wahiawa General Hospital Nurse

Previous elected office, if any:

State Representative 1996-2012

Please describe your qualifications to represent the people of Hawaii.

Legislator for 16 years, registered nurse over 40 years, active in the community , Neighborhood Board member

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

We still have our traffic problem. It is necessary for Hart to develop a plan for the promised Pearl City parking garage so when transit is here folks in Central Oahu will have a place to park before getting on the train

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?

Encourage farmers markets and help lo income workers with rent subsidies. Encourage backyard and community gardens. Make public transportation more accessible.

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?

The POTUS is suggesting this on a national level and agree with this.

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

Our fragile environment is at the breaking point because of great numbers of tourists. I support entrance fees at popular venues such as Diamond Head and an education program for tourist arrivals. Hotels can help with this.

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


The aerospace industry can be much further developed. I also support our Astronomy and tech industries and feel they should be encouraged

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

We need more rental housing, group housing and more development of Accessory Dwelling Units

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

Encourage mask wearing, social distancing and frequent testing. Continue to be vigilant with hand washing and crowd avoidance..

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?

Public school teachers and health care worker shortages must be addressed. Heath care facilities must be modernized and long term bed capacity must be increased.

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

The Legislature may have to propose a constitutional amendment, and they must get all choice related activities into statute.

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

Teachers need to be encouraged to stay and should be paid on a reasonable scale in accordance with our cost of living.Schools should be well maintained and safe for students and staff.

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

More frequent community forums, more frequent appearances of government officials in the community.

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

Yes I support. This is an economic issue and we are making important discoveries every day here in Hawaii. It also provides jobs.

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

I am a gardener not only at home but in a community garden. I have an Ulu tree and find this to be one of the answers to food sustainability for the future. I help butterflies and bees to survive.