Candidate Q&A: US Senate — Paul Dolan
“We need to help nurses and others get better pay and smaller workloads. “
Editor’s note: For Hawaii’s Aug. 10 Primary Election, Civil Beat asked candidates to answer some questions about where they stand on various issues and what their priorities will be if elected.
The following came from Paul Dolan, Republican candidate for U.S. Senate His primary opponents are Melba Amaral, Adriel Lam, Bob McDermott, Arturo Reyes and Emmanuel Tipon.
Go to Civil Beat’s Election Guide for general information, and check out other candidates on the Primary Election Ballot.
Candidate for US Senate
Community organizations/prior offices held
1. What is the biggest issue facing Hawaii, and what would you do about it?
The economy. We need to help nurses and others get better pay and smaller workloads. Fight off Hawaii’s 5 percent inflation rateÂ
2. What can the U.S. Congress do to reduce gun violence?
I will introduce legislation vetting people more closely who want to buy and possess deadly weapons.
3. The polarization in Congress is worse than ever. Some say democracy itself is in trouble. How would you work to end the political polarization that divides both the Congress and the country?
I will spread aloha wherever I go.
4. Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid, while currently financially sound, risk future funding concerns because of changing demographics. What would you propose to shore up the country’s major safety net programs?
Tax big companies and the very rich more.
5. Currently, the filibuster rule in the U.S. Senate has prevented the chamber from voting on critical issues. Should it be eliminated? Why?
Keep it. It has a long tradition in our society and government. Also, defeat Biden’s proposal to change our Supreme Court.
6. Is the U.S. on the right path when it comes to mitigating climate change and growing renewable energy production? What specific things should Congress be considering?
Pass strict laws protecting our environment and malama aina.
7. What is your view on the U.S. role in foreign policy? What can the U.S. do to build better relations with the Asia-Pacific region?
We should handle our own affairs first and only get involved in these wars if we are threatened. Keep Asian tourism strong.
8. Should the state renew the U.S. military’s leases on training grounds in Hawaii? Should there be new conditions on the leases and if so what?
Keep them here. We need the money and get free security.
