Barbara Haliniak. Photo by Wendy Osher.

[flashvideo file=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kaev9mFqBKg /] Interview and transcription by Wendy Osher

INTRO: Tell us about yourself and your campaign.

Aloha. My name is Barbara Haliniak.  I’m a candidate for State Senate District 7 representing Hana, Upcountry and East Maui, Molokai, Lanai, and Kahoolawe.  I’m running for the office because for too long we have been under-represented in our district, and our voices have not been heard at the state legislature.  What qualifies me to be in the state Senate?  My passionate commitment, my skills as president and chair of various boards, a business owner, and an employer for 14 years.  If elected, I will introduce legislation to amend agriculture laws that hinder promotion and production; and I will amend laws to support job growth that are unfriendly to small businesses.  I invite you to visit my website at http://www.barbarahaliniakforsenate.com/

Question 1:  What are your thoughts on the proposed Advanced Technology Solar Telescope atop Haleakala. Do you support or oppose the project?

The proposed Advanced Technology Solar Telescope atop Haleakala is a subject I recently became aware of.  Because of this recent awareness, I don’t have all of the specifics on its purposes, its footprint, and the cultural impact, and therefore, I defer to answer this question at the moment.  However, I understand that there is a commitment by NSF to make available $20 million over 10 years for an education program at the UH Maui that will grow and conjure the Hawaiian stem, but there needs to be assurances that any development atop Haleakala is pono with native Hawaiian practitioners.  Thank you.

Question 2: Do you support or oppose the construction of a prison in Pu’unene on Maui? Explain.

For the most part I support the Pu’unene facility.  It would replace the Maui Community Correctional Center which is overcrowded at the moment by about 100 inmates.  The new facility would house about 600 inmates; and I understand that the new facility also would have space for healthcare, drug, and sex offender programs, educational and vocational services.  It seems that the biggest concern is not whether there should be a jail or not in Pu’unene, but the cost to build it. 

Question 3:  Discuss your thoughts on clean energy and its role in the Maui Community. How do you envision Maui’s clean energy future and how can the Legislature facilitate that vision?

In a recent meeting on Maui, we were told that Maui has the resources for renewable energy, more than what Maui can use–with wind and the prospect of geothermal.  Maui is well on its way to producing renewable energy.  For Maui the Legislature can encourage and support partnerships with green companies who develop savings apparatus by providing incentives–grants to trade our old refrigerators for energy saving refrigerators, and the same for solar water heaters, and light bulbs.  There was a program on Molokai that offered these trad-outs, and it was well received, and a lot of community houses now have these clean energy appliances.  

Closing Thoughts:

Aloha, my name is Barbara Haliniak, a democrat from Molokai, running for state senate, District 7–Hana, East and Upcountry Maui, Molokai, Lanai, and Kahoolawe.  I invite you to visit my website at http://www.barbarahaliniakforsenate.com/.  Mahalo.