District 20 – Calvin K.Y. Say (D)

Full Name: Calvin Kwai Yen Say

Name on Ballot: Calvin K.Y. Say

Age: 64

Political Party: Democrat

Running For: Hawaii House of Representatives

District: 20

Email Address: kotakeshokai@aol.com

Current Job: President, Kotake Shokai, Ltd.

Place of birth: Honolulu

Campaign website: N/A

Job history past 10 years:

President, Kotake Shokai Ltd., wholesale and import business

Ever run for public office? If so, when? Outcome? Yes

1974, lost

1976, won

Other civic experience or community service?

Palolo Community Council, St. Louis Community Association, Palolo Pop Warner Vikings, Jarrett School Foundation, United Chinese Society Organization, 100th Anniversary of Chinese in Hawaii, Pacific Rim Foundation.

Anything else you’d like voters to know about you?

Avid skin diver, ran five marathons, bus tour driver. Have had two jobs since graduating college. Former president of the National Speaker Conference. Former president of the United Chinese Society Organization.

What makes you qualified to be a state representative?

Since 1976 to the present, I have enjoyed serving the people of the state of Hawaii and the district that I represent throughout my career. And I am committed to serving all the people of Hawaii.

Gov. Ige says he will once again propose increases to the state gas tax, vehicle weight tax and state registration fees to help pay for state road projects. Do you support his proposal?

No. We should investigate the funding structure of the highway fund since it is based on the gasoline tax, vehicle weight tax and the registration fee. Also, federal grants to the state of Hawaii

If the Legislature is again asked to extend Oahu’s half-percent excise tax surcharge to finance construction or operation of the rail system, would you support such an extension?

At this time, no. My reasoning is simple. Let’s wait till 2027 when the half-percent excise tax surcharge expires. In the meantime for the next 10 years we evaluate ways to address the $1.5 billion to $2 billion cost overrun that is projected.

Should the state play a role in cracking down on illegal vacation rentals in Hawaii?

Yes, so that the state and county would have a better understanding of the inventory of vacation rentals. The state will be able to determine if they are paying the general excise tax, corporate income tax, personal income and property tax (county).

Should the Legislature require that police officers in Hawaii use “body cameras,” and help to fund the use of those cameras?

No, we should allow the counties to determine if they would like to utilize body cameras for their officers.

Dozens of police officers in Hawaii are disciplined each year for committing crimes or violating departmental policies, but little information is released about the officers or their cases. Do you think there needs to be greater public disclosure?

Yes, if they violate the Code of Conduct three times.