More Issues:

Civil and Human Rights

In Hawaii, our diversity does not divide us; our diversity defines us.

No matter what your race or ethnicity, native or immigrant background, religion or culture, sexual orientation, disability, age or gender; no matter how much money you have; no matter what kind of job you have; everyone in Hawaii counts.

It is critical that we protect the civil and human rights of all our people. We must fight discrimination in all forms, support equal pay for equal work, end human trafficking, and teach tolerance and aloha.

An issue of current significance is civil unions. I have always made clear that I would have signed House Bill 444 if I were Governor. Despite the claims of critics, HB444 was not a same-sex marriage bill. The State Legislature has already defined marriage as between a man and a woman. Some have suggested the issue be put to a popular vote, but a constitutional democracy does not leave the civil rights of a minority up to the political fashion of the moment.

The people of Hawaii have too much history with discrimination not to understand what is happening here. Protecting people’s civil rights cannot be compromised and I am committed to this most essential of constitutional imperatives. Civil unions respect our diversity, protect people’s privacy, and reinforce our core values of equality and aloha.

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Culture and Arts

In an Abercrombie Administration, culture and arts will rise to a level of importance that we have not seen in Hawaii. Our diverse cultures and the Native Hawaiian culture in particular, are essential for the survival of our economy, our communities, and our identities. We will invest in culture and the arts in all forms, beginning by reintroducing their importance in schools, supporting businesses and entrepreneurs, producing and attracting high quality cultural activities and events, supporting Native Hawaiian cultural institutions and activities, and better coordinating and marketing culture and arts institutions. All of this activity will strengthen our visitor industry, but the benefits will also be felt by our own residents and enhance our overall quality of life.

One key area that has important economic ramifications is the film industry, including film, television, digital media, computer animation, and visual effects. In the last ten years, this industry has brought more than a billion dollars in direct revenues to Hawaii. The benefits have come to all islands, employing hundreds of local crew and vendors while also promoting our visitor industry. Hawaii has a growing reputation as a great place for the film industry with excellent local crews, production incentives, and, increasingly, a digitally savvy workforce of young creative people who have chosen to stay in the islands. This critical mass of writers, directors, producers, editors, cinematographers, animators, web designers and crew armed with the latest in low-cost, high-definition production and post-production hardware and software is enhancing our traditional location-based vendor industry with original programming and films.

We will provide adequate resources for the Hawaii Film Office; nurture the independent community of filmmakers committed to documenting Hawaii’s story; support our student filmmakers with expanded educational opportunities; and forge public-private partnerships to build sound stages, post production facilities, and office space. Thanks to broadband and the emerging dominance of the Asian entertainment market, Hawaii is uniquely situated to serve the entire Pacific Rim and beyond.

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Native Hawaiians

While the Governor’s responsibility is to all Hawaii’s people, I recognize the special relationship to Native Hawaiians that is part of our public conscience, enshrined in our laws, and entrusted to our leaders. As Native Hawaiians rise, all of Hawaii benefits.

I will use my experience and relationships with the White House and Congress to advance the interests of Native Hawaiians, work to obtain continued federal funding, and build broader federal support for Native Hawaiian programs. I will continue to support Hawaiian self-determination as a proactive Governor who will consult broadly with all sides, build on the many strengths in the Hawaiian community, and resolve historic controversies with regard to ceded lands, Hawaiian Home Lands, water rights, gathering rights, and other issues. In the House of Representatives, I lead passage of the Akaka Bill three times, and as Governor, I will continue to work until this landmark legislation becomes law.

In an Abercrombie Administration, the state will work as an active partner with Kamehameha Schools and other Hawaiian organizations to advance preschool education, lift public schools, fairly fund and promote the success of Hawaiian charter schools, promote Native Hawaiian enrollment and success in higher education, and build capacity in Hawaiian communities. I also understand and support the unique importance of leadership development among Native Hawaiians in the public and private sectors.

I will continue my long-time support of Community Health Centers and will work to enable Native Hawaiian Health organizations such as Papa Ola Lokahi to become self-sustaining. My health policy focuses on access to culturally appropriate care and addresses substance abuse problems that are particularly devastating in the Hawaiian community, health education, preventive medicine, social determinants of health such as poverty, and the root causes of chronic diseases such as diabetes and asthma, which are disproportionately affecting Hawaiians.

I have always believed and acted on the premise that Hawaiians should control their own destiny, including managing their own resources. I will work with the Hawaiian people to resolve issues of the disposition of ceded lands so that legal obligations are fulfilled and trust is rebuilt. And I will once and for all settle the dispute over ceded lands revenues by bringing all parties together in support of lasting solutions.

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Public Safety

As a former probation officer and educator, I understand public safety and the importance of being firm, consistent and clear regarding criminal justice. The ultimate way to reduce crime is to increase the number of strong, nurturing families and improve economic and social conditions for all. Establishing these standards and making these investments requires leadership, long-term vision and commitment.

We will stop the practice of sending prisoners out of the state, which sends public dollars out of Hawaii instead of creating jobs and community service opportunities here at home. It also often decreases the chances of successful rehabilitation by wresting prisoners away from their families and communities. Instead, they come back more hardened than ever. Sending prisoners out of state is also against the basic values of Hawaii, essentially turning prisoners into commodities to be held by the lowest bidder.

We will build secure prison facilities in Hawaii on the basis of cost-effectiveness, safety, and benefit to the community, and we will maintain the highest standards for corrections staff as represented in current collective bargaining agreements.

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Taxes and Government

We must restore confidence in government in order to rebuild our economy, transform our schools, and achieve all other public goals we have. Reasonable people don’t mind paying taxes if they have faith they are receiving full value for their dollars. But it is clear from my many conversations with people over the last months that trust in government has steadily eroded. This has little to do with the public employee who is doing his or her best with decreasing support. It has everything to do with a lack of leadership.

This leadership begins with the appointments I will make. My concentration is entirely on the campaign and I have made no decisions on any political appointments, but when I do, all decisions will be based on merit. I will look at a person’s character, the respect she or he has in the community and among peers, expertise and creativity, and leadership skills to move an ambitious agenda. When I was made Chair of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Air and Land Forces, I retained the entire staff of my Republican predecessor. I did so on the basis that they were professionals doing a good job for the subcommittee and for the nation. Political party or personal familiarity with me has not been and is not a factor for me. I will, however, look to bring fresh new leaders into government, and my administration will be as diverse as Hawaii with representation of all backgrounds and perspectives. Together, we will reestablish an esprit de corps among public employees—a pride and respect that is earned and well deserved because we will meet the high expectations of the public and serve with honor and humility.

I have made clear that I will work with the budget revenues we have and ensure that public funds are spent responsibly. I’ve done this throughout my career. The people of Hawaii rightfully will not tolerate any tax increase until there are serious discussions on whether we are using our existing revenues in a way that matches our values and priorities. People must be confident in how existing taxes are spent, and under the current leadership in Hawaii, there is much to repair in order to restore this trust.

Related to this is restoring trust in the procurement system. It will be fair and transparent. Serious discussions will ensue with all parties about long-term financial issues such as retirement funds, and reforming elections to make them more accessible and fair.

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Transportation

There are serious transportation issues on every island that must be addressed. President Obama and the current Congress have embarked on a major initiative to modernize the transportation infrastructure of this country. We need to capitalize on every opportunity while we can. As Governor, I will use my accumulated knowledge and relationships to reach out to Washington, D.C. to assist in our plans to restore and revitalize our airports, harbors and roads.

We will also look at how we design our communities to encourage alternative modes of transportation including walking, biking, and mass transit. We need to get more serious and strict about road safety and street racing, provide safe outlets for motor sports enthusiasts, and boost law enforcement on our highways.

With only a single major airline, I believe people need additional options for interisland travel, including the possibility of another airline and an interisland ferry. An interisland ferry system is critical for the future of Hawaii—particularly with regard to increasing food security, supporting local businesses, and improving quality of life. I believe it can be done in a way that is environmentally safe, culturally sensitive, and economically feasible. As one of the earliest supporters of the Hawaii Superferry project, I was dismayed that cutting corners on assessing environmental impacts and inadequate communication with the community eventually stopped the project. For an interisland ferry project to be revived, it must be seen not as a single project, but as part of a comprehensive and integrated economic and transportation plan. I will explore new public-private partnership opportunities including consultation with the military, to develop a successful initiative and ensure all parties are involved and heard.

The other major transportation issue that could potentially affect all people in Hawaii is the City and County of Honolulu’s rail transit project. At a cost of over $5 billion, it will be the largest public works project in the history of Hawaii. For decades, I have been and remain today a supporter of rail transit. In Congress, I delivered on every single funding request for the current project. Rail can incorporate senior and workforce housing adjacent to rail stations; help to contain urban sprawl into rural communities; incorporate small businesses, healthcare, child care and dependent care centers in transit-oriented development; safely transport students to school; and provide an efficient and potentially green alternative to our overcrowded roadways.

Unfortunately, the proper development of rail transit may now be at risk due to political considerations. Whether you are for rail or against it, everyone loses if the project is not done right. I am committed to transparency, respecting different views, and building broad citizen commitment to the project with the betterment of Hawaii as the sole consideration guiding our way—all now lacking. As Governor, I will continue to advocate for rail and be a strong partner with the City and County of Honolulu. I will also address transportation challenges on all islands and make sure that Neighbor Island taxpayers do not end up paying for Honolulu’s rail project.

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