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For more than 40 years, the people of Hawaii have had little choice. One party has dominated politics in these islands. Over time, the majority party became entrenched in special interest politics and lost its way.

Long-standing issues, such as affordable housing, homelessness, jobs, Native Hawaiian rights, and education reform were left unresolved, as no one was there to balance the political landscape and hold those in office accountable for their inaction.

In 2002, Governor Lingle and I provided a balancing force — a check on one-party rule. More importantly, we accomplished real results.

On the economy, education and energy, we brought fresh ideas and innovative solutions.

I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished, but I am by no means satisfied.

I am running for Governor to ensure balance, integrity and good judgment in state government while reducing the financial burden on our working families and small businesses, creating jobs and investing in the quality of our education system.

As Governor, my most important job will be jobs.

To achieve this, I will focus on cultivating a business-friendly environment that creates job opportunities and keeps Hawaii open for business.

That’s why I met with more than 120 small business owners in 100 days. I met with economists, and I met with working families.

I listened to their concerns, hopes and ideas. And they helped me shape an economic action plan that will spark job growth now and build a vibrant local economy.

As Governor, I will:

• Accelerate the private-sector creation of job opportunities;
• Minimize government-created delays and uncertainty for businesses;
• Modernize our airports, harbors, highways and communications links;
• Increase Hawaii’s tourism marketing and outreach to emerging markets;
• Support investment in naturally competitive industries;
• Attract foreign investment, especially from the Asia-Pacific region;
• Create a globally competitive tax system;
• Invest in Hawaii’s human capital;
• Continue Hawaii’s progress toward a clean energy future; and
• Manage the government’s finances knowing it comes from hard-working people like you.

To bring about long-term prosperity and broad-based economic growth, I will make education reform a top priority.

As Governor, I will:

• Propose a budget that directs 90 percent of every education dollar into the classroom;
• Negotiate a new teacher evaluation system that rewards performance;
• Implement “Race to the Top” educational reforms;
• Support public charter schools and home schools;
• Champion a world-class University system; and
• Call for a comprehensive, independent audit of the DOE, which hasn’t been conducted in nearly 40 years.

I am the only candidate who will create jobs and reduce the financial burden on our working families and small businesses, ensure we get the most out of every dollar we invest in education, and provide a check to balance a state legislature dominated by one party.

I am honored to have been afforded the opportunity to pursue my calling to serve the people of Hawaii and to lead this great state toward a brighter future.

I believe in the people of Hawaii and our collective ability to solve the big challenges facing our working families and small businesses.

I want to work hand-in-hand with our citizens to do just that.

Our campaign will be won at the grassroots level, and we’re going after every vote in every community on every island.

It is only through an active and engaged public that we will achieve lasting resolutions to the immediate issues we face, and I ask you now to join our campaign to be a part of this effort.