Civil Beat recently ran a fact check on Charles Djou鈥檚 claim in a televised debate that I “voted against the small business tax relief bill that just went before the Congress.” While Civil Beat was of the opinion that the statement was true, I believe it is clearly inaccurate to refer to the bill as a 鈥渟mall business tax relief bill,鈥� and that my opponent鈥檚 statement is false.

The fact check specifically referred to H.R. 6169, which came before the U.S. House of Representatives for a vote this past August. I voted against the measure along with every other Democrat and three Republicans.

In truth, H.R. 6169 was a Republican tax reform bill. It would have required that the next Congress pass a package of changes to the U.S. tax code, meeting very strict criteria embodying conservative Republican tax policy.

The measure reflected neither what was best for our nation nor the advice of most economic experts, who suggest that the best approach to reducing the federal deficit and improving our economy is a mix of spending cuts and revenue enhancements. It also failed to address what I believe are vital principles, including establishing a more equitable tax structure, protecting the vulnerable, promoting domestic manufacturing, and preserving incentives for education, retirement, healthcare, home ownership, and small business.

Moreover, the bill would have curtailed the amount of time a Congressional committee could dedicate to reviewing the proposed changes, as well as limiting the period available for debate on the House floor prior to voting on the bill. While many of us agree on the need for comprehensive tax reform, this is an area that calls for careful consideration, not an expedited process. The American people deserve an open and honest debate about the issues.

Yes, I voted against this potentially devastating piece of legislation. Apparently, given his criticism of my vote, Charles Djou would have joined conservative Republicans in voting along party lines to support it.

I believe that Civil Beat鈥檚 fact check went wrong when, rather than considering the actual effect of the bill, they looked instead at its 鈥淔indings and Purposes鈥� section. That portion of proposed legislation enumerates the effects the bill should have, from the point of view of the bill鈥檚 drafters. However, 鈥淔indings and Purposes鈥� sections are often purely political statements and do not necessarily accurately reflect the effects the bill would actually have. They also are not legally binding.

The purpose section of H.R. 6169 states, among many other things, that the bill would make it easier for small businesses to comply with the tax code and reduce the amount of taxes small businesses pay. However, given the proposal鈥檚 other, primary effects, calling it a small business tax relief bill is misleading.

In the final analysis, Mr. Djou’s claim was inaccurate because it misstated the actual effect of the bill. Upon examination of the legislation itself, his statement was false.

About the author: Colleen Hanabusa serves in the U.S House of Representatives, representing Hawaii鈥檚 First Congressional District. She is currently completing her first term in Congress.

Community Voices aims to encourage broad discussion on many topics of community interest. It’s kind of a cross between Letters to the Editor and op-eds. We do not solicit particular items and we rarely turn down submissions. This is your space to talk about important issues or interesting people who are making a difference in our world. Columns generally run about 800 words (yes, they can be shorter or longer) and we need a photo of the author and a bio. We welcome video commentary and other multimedia formats. Send to news@civilbeat.com.

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While I can’t say why any other candidate is running for Congress, I know that for me the reason is simple: If you want to make a difference, you go where you can make a difference.

The United States Congress is the ultimate legislative body, playing a vital role in the most stable government in the world. Two years ago I asked myself where I could be most effective in serving Hawaii, and I decided that at that moment, it was in the legislative process. As a result, I made a commitment to running for the U.S. House of Representatives.

Congress is partisan, and it always has been. With 435 members serving very diverse constituencies, the House is a complex body. Getting any large group of people to agree on anything is a challenge, but that is an inherent part of having a representative democracy. A member representing a southern agricultural district, for example, will have different priorities than someone from a northern industrial district. It mirrors the complexity of our nation. Diversity and differing opinions are a reality that you have to accept if you want to be effective in having a voice and being a voice for your constituents.

A number of commentators and analysts have observed that this has been the most partisan and divisive Congress in recent history. There are certainly groups and individuals within the House for whom compromise is a bad word, and who are willing to take our nation to the brink in order to get their way. But there are many more who know that compromise is a vital part of legislating, and we work consistently to serve the people we represent.

I am comfortable knowing that I have colleagues on both sides of the aisle who understand that the atmosphere can be partisan without being toxic. Advocacy is not the same as antagonism. The question is not whether we disagree, but how we disagree. I believe that it is absolutely vital that anyone who hopes to go to Congress be willing to participate in that process in a respectful and productive way.

I respect the decision of some of my colleagues to leave Congress rather than continue to face the often-difficult environment we find there. For me, giving up is not an option. Yes, it is challenging and we face a daunting to-do list. The decisions we make today will have far reaching effects, touching the lives and affecting the futures of millions of Americans. But progress and prosperity are only possible if our elected officials, by their actions, acknowledge that Hawaii and our nation deserve that commitment and are worth every bit of hard work.

Facing tough questions is not a reason for me to avoid serving in Congress; it is the reason I go.

About the author: Rep. Colleen Hanabusa represents Hawaii’s 1st Congressional District.

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This election marks an important point in our history. Coming out of difficult economic times, we face questions about how we will diversify and strengthen our economy to better cope with future challenges.

Looking forward, we will also decide now how we will make our state stronger and more sustainable in education, environmental practices, energy production, and agriculture. What will we do today to build a Hawaii where the next generation can live, work, and raise their families? And how will we preserve those values that we hold dear, and that make Hawaii the place that we love?

The person you elect on Tuesday will play a major role in answering those questions, setting those priorities, and obtaining support to make those plans and visions a reality.

In short, this election will define who we are and the Hawaii that we want for our future.

Growing up in Waianae 鈥� one of our state鈥檚 most economically and socially challenged areas 鈥� taught me that a community can work together to solve its problems. I grew up working in the family service station, where I saw first-hand the importance of commitment. I benefitted from an education that helped me achieve my dreams.

I learned that the foundation of effective action lies in a concerted effort and shared commitment to finding solutions. It grows from an acknowledgement of our responsibility to each other, and our individual willingness to contribute all we can to the mutual goal of success.

In my experience, there have always been those who promise that we can accomplish more by offering less. They want us to believe that turning our backs on those in need will encourage them to find their own solution, or that ignoring a challenge will force those who feel the greatest impact to discover a way to cope. They will talk about 鈥済reater priorities鈥� and 鈥渢ough love.鈥�

But saying 鈥渘o鈥� doesn鈥檛 work.

Your next representative in Congress must be committed to finding the 鈥測es鈥� among our challenges.

I have spent twelve years in the Hawaii State Senate helping to find ways to tackle hard questions, building consensus within the body. The state senate has always been comprised of twenty-five very independent people representing variety of views. I have been able to bring them together and pass bills that help the people of Hawaii.

I have proven my independence by challenging the status quo in areas such as civil service reform. I fought waste and complacency by serving as senate chair on the investigative committee examining the state鈥檚 compliance with the Felix consent decree, and encouraging the work of an investigative committee reviewing the operations of the state鈥檚 Bureau of Conveyances. I have fought hard and found a way to preserve our social safety net in the face of the most severe economic downturn in recent history.

Still, throughout my legislative career, I have always maintained my focus on preserving the values that Hawaii cherishes, and that keep it the special place that we love.

Building Hawaii鈥檚 best future will rely on that balance of effective action and respect for our ideals. It won鈥檛 come from repeating political talking points or voting against teachers, the unemployed, or our kupuna. It will come from having the best representative possible for Hawaii in Congress. I believe that I have proven myself the best person to take on that role.

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We in Hawaii define ourselves in part through our values. At our core, we hold dear such shared beliefs as the importance of education in offering our keiki a foundation upon which to build their best futures; a respect for diversity and recognition of the richness our differences bring to our community; and a commitment to serving our neighbors, state and nation so that all have access to and respect from our government.

Looking at current federal laws, there are changes we can make to the governance of our nation to better reflect the values that make Hawaii a special place. We can help make what is good about Hawaii, good about America.

First, in the critical area of education, we need to repeal the current version of No Child Left Behind (NCLB) in order to offer our nation鈥檚 children a better chance at success. The law suffers from three principal weaknesses: a lack of funding to ensure that states can effectively implement the law鈥檚 policies, over-emphasis on standardized testing, and a lack of respect for students鈥� individual capabilities.

As an unfunded mandate, No Child Left Behind turns a policy based on good intentions into a burden on states, which are forced to adjust their spending to meet NCLB targets, regardless of the impact on other state programs. I believe that every state and local government in our nation wants to achieve educational success and offer their students an opportunity for excellence. However, without proper funding, the possibility of meeting reasonable federal educational standards fades.

Practical educational goals cannot focus on standardized testing alone. They must recognize children as individuals, with unique abilities and challenges, and reflect the character of the areas they serve. Hawaii schools, for example, educate a relatively large percentage of students who speak English as a second language, a reflection of our immigrant population. Consideration also must be given to our Hawaiian language immersion schools, which preserve our host culture through distinctive educational programs.

We have seen the impact of innovation in improving our educational system with President Obama鈥檚 Race to the Top initiative, which has inspired administrators and teachers to reform for excellence. Through their leadership, Hawai鈥榠 was one of ten states awarded a grant in the second phase of the competition, receiving $75 million.

Repeal of the current No Child Left Behind and the enactment of balanced, effective and fully funded educational standards will help us meet our commitment to the next generation of Americans.

Similarly, a repeal of the current Don鈥檛 Ask, Don鈥檛 Tell policy, which blocks openly gay Americans from serving in our nation鈥檚 military, will bring to our nation the kind of mutual respect and tolerance of diversity that we value in Hawaii.

Hawaii has a history of acceptance. Our lifestyle today celebrates the meshing of cultures that has arisen from our immigrant history. By contrast, the U.S. military remains one of the last corners of American society that institutionalizes discrimination against individuals based on their sexual preference.

We all understand and respect that our military needs to preserve discipline while maintaining our national security. Still, the claim that openly gay service personnel will disrupt discipline seems all too familiar, and, in the end, unfounded.

In the past, we have heard the same discipline-based arguments to prevent racial integration of the military, and to keep women out of combat positions. In both cases, the military made the necessary changes without disruption.

We must demonstrate that our nation will not accept systematic discrimination against Americans who are willing and able to serve in our armed forces. Despite their desire to stand up for freedom and protect the security of our interests around the world, they are forced to choose between serving our country and speaking the truth about themselves. This is not a choice that any of our citizens should have to make.

Hawaii has proven that diversity can be the hallmark of an enlightened and caring community. We know that acceptance is not always easy, but it is always for the better. Repealing Don鈥檛 Ask, Don鈥檛 Tell will help our nation learn that lesson as well.

Finally, we need to reform our campaign spending laws to ensure that Americans maintain their access to their government.

The current campaign has proven how pernicious outside money can be when voters face choices about who will represent them in government. Outside interests have poured hundreds of thousands of dollars into our state to buy ads and attempt to affect our elections. Once the election is over, they will leave, but not before engraving their mark on our state鈥檚 future by drowning out the voices of our own voters.

The power and availability of outside money comes as the result of the case of Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission, decided by the U.S. Supreme Court in 2010, which removed limits on corporate and union campaign spending. Under that decision, independent expenditures by these groups are virtually unregulated, allowing corporate and foreign money to play a decisive role in elections.

Our campaigns should foster a discussion of real issues and encourage comparisons of candidates鈥� records. Voters benefit most when the electoral conversation casts light on the issues that concern them most.
Instead, experience has now shown us that outside money focuses on misleading attack ads and single-issue arguments that leave voters wondering what really matters.

The focus of campaign spending reform should be on reducing the influence of outside money and ensuring that Americans have access to their government and the information they need to make reasonable choices about their own and their country鈥檚 future.

Hawaii has much that it can teach our nation about the values that lead to a stronger community. By applying these principals to the three existing laws 鈥攁nd to legislation yet to be created 鈥� we can lay the foundation to strengthen our communities and our country.

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Read Colleen Hanabusa‘s response to 10 questions from Civil Beat. Her Republican opponent in the 1st Congressional District race, Congressman Charles Djou, also shared answers to the same questions.

1) Would you support extending the Bush tax cuts? If so, why? If not, what should be done with the tax cuts and why?

I support President Obama鈥檚 position, which would allow the Bush Tax cuts to expire as scheduled for those in the top two to three percent of income鈥攊ndividuals and couples earning more than $200,000 and $250,000, respectively鈥攁nd maintaining tax rates for the middle class.

While Republicans have suggested that tax cuts have no effect on the deficit, the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office says otherwise. According to the CBO, tax cuts have been a primary contributor to increases in the deficit. U.S. House Minority Whip Eric Cantor recently admitted, “If you have less revenues coming into the federal government and more expenditures, what does that add up to? Certainly, you’re going to dig the hole deeper.”

The CBO also found that extending tax cuts for the wealthy would also have the least stimulative effect on the nation鈥檚 economy, so maintaining the tax cuts is also untenable as a long-term strategy for economic recovery.

At the same time, maintaining lower tax rates for the middle class would do more to stiimulate the economy; as Nobel Prize-winning economist Paul Krugman points out, those families and individuals would be more likely to spend the extra income and generate aditional economic activity.

2) Should American citizens suspected of terrorism and arrested on foreign soil be held without trial? Should the government use drones for targeted killings away from the battlefield? Is waterboarding torture? Why or why not?

Waterboarding is torture. Senator John McCain 鈥� a former Vietnam prisoner of war who has first-hand knowledge of what constitutes torture 鈥� and U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder agree on that point. There is also wide agreement that torture does not serve our intelligence-gathering goals; the information our forces gather under torture is simply not reliable. We need to end that debate now and commit ourselves to acting on the world stage in way that preserves our nation鈥檚 dignity, credibility and moral capital.

American citizens suspected of terrorism 鈥� or any criminal charge (drug smuggling, for example) 鈥� who are arrested on foreign soil are under the control of the government that arrests them. If they are extradited to the United States, they are entitled to all of the rights conferred by the constitution and the laws of the United States, including indictment and trial. This is a matter where civil rights trump our fears, and where our courage to act morally tests whether as are who we say we are.

Whether or not the government uses drones away from the battlefield is dependent on the rules of engagement. The use of the word 鈥渂attlefield鈥� indicates that we are at war, and there is an underlying assumption that there is a reason for the war, a defined scope of the war, and authorization defining the war from Congress.

3) Should the U.S. ban deep-sea offshore drilling?

At this time, I favor a complete moratorium on further offshore drilling. The months-long oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico has again illustrated the risk we take in continuing to feed our reliance on oil to fulfill our energy needs. This should reinforce our nation鈥檚 call to reevaluate our policies and recommit to clean, renewable and alternative forms of energy.

Our nation鈥檚 transition to renewable energy sources will take time, but we can encourage development by proving our commitment with action.

A national commitment to developing and deploying alternative energy sources could also pay dividends in Hawaii. We are the most petroleum-dependent state in the union, with our electricity and inter- and intrastate transportation fueled by oil. However, we also possess most of the natural resources necessary to produce alternative energy: winds, wave action, geothermal, and abundant sunshine. A focus on developing renewable energy technologies could bring green jobs and research funds to our state, while also reducing energy costs.

鈥�4) Would you support the U.S. extending its mission in either Afghanistan or Iraq? Should the U.S. consider a preemptive strike against Iran?

While I am and always have been against the war in Iraq, I support the President’s efforts in Afghanistan with the understanding that we have a strategy that has the faith of both civilian authorities and the Pentagon, and that we have an established date for commencing troop withdrawals.

Our handling of our diplomatic and military posture toward Iran must draw upon the lessons we learned in Iraq. Do we have honest, reliable and actionable intelligence regarding Iran鈥檚 actions and intentions? Do our diplomatic relations continue to show promise for effectively addressing our security needs? Does our strategy鈥攄iplomatic or military鈥攃over the range of likely scenarios from commencement to conclusion of our involvement?

We must also recognize the danger inherent in acting alone in the context of worldwide security. We need to make our bonds with the UN stronger and acknowledge that these kinds of questions not ours alone to answer.

5) Do you support the regulation of the financial industry just signed into law? Why or Why not?

I support the regulation of the financial industry that has just been signed into law. The lack of financial regulation, particularly surrounding hedge funds and derivative instruments, played a direct role in the economic meltdown that endangered our entire financial system. It threatened everyone in the country, particularly those least able to recover on their own.

Financial review and regulation should be an ongoing process. While the financial sector is a vital part of our economy, there will always be some tension between our desire to protect the public interest and the finance industry鈥檚 desire to generate greater profits. Our goal should be to constantly monitor and balance those interests. The latest regulatory provisions are a good start.

6) What is the biggest environmental problem facing the country and why? What would you do about it?

The biggest environmental problem facing the country is our failure to embrace alternative forms of energy and end our dependence on fossil fuels and foreign oil. Our reliance on oil has also come at significant strategic and economic costs.

Recent events in the Gulf of Mexico should reinvigorate the United States鈥� commitment to clean, renewable forms of alternative energy. Our nation鈥檚 need to develop new sources of energy should no longer be a debatable point.

Hawaii shows great promise to lead the push toward renewable energy technologies. We are both highly dependent on fossil fuels and possessed of many of the natural resources necessary to produce alternative energy. I will focus on bringing green jobs and research funds to our state, helping to stimulate and diversify our economy while establishing our position as a world leader in alternative energy development.

7) Do you support a cap and trade approach to reducing carbon dioxide emissions or would you favor a carbon tax instead? Or neither?

I support cap and trade because it allows companies to gain rewards for moving toward less-polluting solutions and addressing very serious environmental concerns. It also provides certainty in establishing carbon reduction goals.

The experience with cap systems in Europe and the Northeastern United States has been positive. In contrast, our nation鈥檚 experience with tax systems has been complex and often messy. A cap and trade system is more likely to produce meaningful emissions targets with fewer carve-outs or loopholes than a tax system, and can rely on market forces to set appropriate prices for carbon production. By remaining technology-neutral and responsive to the market, I believe the cap and trade approach is more likely to foster innovation in developing new approaches to carbon reduction.

It goes without saying that my support of cap and trade is based upon the latest proposals for implementing this approach to carbon reduction. My final decision would rest on the particulars of the proposal on the table. It is vital that any system, cap and trade or tax, be equitable, transparent and effective in achieving carbon production targets.

8) Do you support the Akaka bill? If so, what would you tell Hawaii residents will happen if it passes? What will it mean to the state? If not, why not?

My support for the Akaka bill is well known. Its passage will begin a process of negotiation for the formal recognition of a representative Native Hawaiian governing entity, and help address long-standing and legitimate claims. The United States will have an opportunity to more fully address the facts surrounding the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy. Native Hawaiians will move toward greater self-determination. Federal recognition will also help ensure the preservation of our host culture.

I support the Akaka Bill because it will lead the way to answering many legitimate questions, and will ensure that Native Hawaiians need not fear losing their rights.

9) What is the best thing the last Congress did? Why?

The best thing the last Congress did was to pass healthcare reform. Our national goal of providing affordable, quality healthcare for all Americans and reducing the growth in healthcare spending eluded us for too long. It was a historic victory.

Until now, Hawaii has been unique in having the broadest prepaid healthcare system in the nation. The result has been some of the lowest healthcare costs in the United States. I am confident that Americans across the country will enjoy the same benefits from the current national healthcare law.鈥�

What’s the worst thing? Why?

The greatest shortcoming of the last Congress was the failure of bipartisanship. Experience has taught me that passing effective legislation must be a collaborative process, that nobody has a monopoly on good ideas, and that placing partisanship over people leads to a failure of the system that is supposed to represent the people who elected us.

10) Transportation and infrastructure are critical to an island state. How would you work to increase federal support for Hawaii’s roads, airports and harbors?

Hawaii is one state out of fifty, and a small state at that. Having our concerns heard and our needs addressed in Congress will require excellent skills at collaboration and a Congressional delegation that makes the most of every member鈥檚 skills. While no delegation should be expected to vote in lock-step on every measure, the delegation鈥檚 members should represent our state鈥檚 core values and put the interests of the people before individual concerns or party platform.

My experience in the State Senate has taught me the value of collaboration. I have always been known as an independent, but still managed to earn the support of my colleagues and become Senate President. That has involved fostering and preserving an atmosphere of mutual respect, and knowing how to get to the core of a disagreement so that effective negotiation is possible.

A legislator鈥檚 skill is reveled in his or her ability to introduce and pass the laws that serve the needs of the people and the state. It doesn鈥檛 come from taking a hardened stand and refusing to budge.

Our public works projects have, to date, received good federal support. My first goal would be to maintain the relationships that made those successes possible, earning a reputation for someone who understands the issues, does the work that has to be done, and collaborates on an effective solution to everyone鈥檚 concerns.

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We sometimes forget that the individual liberties and freedoms afforded to us also carry with them a duty: the duty to value not only our own independence, but also that of others. My own liberty means less as long as a neighbor lacks freedom.

Our nation was born as a grand experiment in liberty, seeking to perfect freedom. Though we have been less than perfect in practice, we have shown a capacity to learn. That is our strength and our promise to the future.

My two grandfathers were interned during World War II. The irony was that my great grandparents were not, though they were the ones who were the original immigrants. My mother鈥檚 father was interned at Honouliuli on Oahu. He never spoke of the experience with bitterness but would tell me, 鈥淲ar is not good. It makes man do things that you can鈥檛 explain.鈥� I am certain we have learned from the injustices of the internment of our citizens.

Indeed, our experiment in liberty continues. Independence today must be appreciated as a thing both held dear and shared freely. As the country copes with a struggling economy, unemployment, the oil crisis in the Gulf of Mexico, we face many great challenges. Independence grows harder to achieve as we find ourselves increasingly entangled in other interests. However, we know that it is with continued commitment and an ongoing effort to perfect liberty that we can be hopeful that one day every individual, state, and nation will enjoy the same inalienable rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

Despite differing political and religious views, throughout cultures, and across generations, freedom is a universal value each and every individual holds dearest, at whatever cost. The founding principles of liberty and equality that the Declaration of Independence affords us have indeed come at a very great cost. On this day, we also remember and reflect on those who fought and paid the ultimate sacrifice for all, laying the very foundation of peace and freedom that we enjoy today. We owe a profound debt to you.

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