John Roco.

By Maui Now Staff

John Roco is a candidate for the US Senate in the State of Hawaiʻi.  He is a republican candidate, and is among a list of 10 individuals identified as candidates on the 2014 primary election ballot.

The complete list of candidates (in alphabetical order) includes: Joy Allison (N); Cam Cavasso (R); Brian Evans (D); Harry J. Friel, Jr. (R)’ Colleen Wakako Hanabusa (D); Michael Kokoski (L); Eddie Pirkowski (R); Arturo Pacheco Reyes (N); John P. Roco (R); and Brian Schatz.

Full Name: John P. Roco
Date & Location of Birth: blank
Current Residence: Waianae, Hawaiʻi
Occupation: Counselor
Elected offices held: (no elected offices)
Education: M.A. Loma Linda University; M.A. Lewis & Clark College; B.A. University of Washington
Community Involvement: Founder, Saint Damien Advocates
Family Status: Married with two children

1. What is the number one issue facing Hawaii, and why do you feel it warrants special attention? How do you plan to resolve this issue? If you have more than one item, please elaborate.

Answer: The number one (issue in) Hawaiʻi in all people’s minds is how a bill such as SB1 was passed so fast with such outside influence, with so little say. There needs to be federal protection of states that want to determine their own morals and values. There are activist federal judges who are imposing will. We need people locally elected and federally who will prioritize protecting the people’s religious, personal, and family rights, whether churches or even public schools. There cannot be this ‘imposing of will’ forcing children to be educated according to some agenda that forces exposure to what many consider indecent practices. I plan to stand up for religious rights- for those who want to retain what they believe in- and do not want to be forced to serve at a same sex marriage or be sued.

1. What are your thoughts on wages for Hawaiʻi workers? What can you do at the federal level to assist Hawaiʻi residents with the high cost of living, and quality of life?

Answer: Instead of ‘imposing’ will on businesses, incentives can be provided- tax breaks for those who will partner up and involve workers. Those could be in the form of ownership shares, or even tax breaks for providing more benefits; it must be ‘win-win;’ I am not for penalizing businesses. That is the wrong way- it is hard enough to survive, as a business owner in such changing climates. Forming ‘win-win’ incentives could work both ways. It could employ owners working creatively with workers- such work could create positive work environments where all are more invested in profit/survivability. ‘Forcing’ benefits or wage increases may at times make some people lose their jobs to support other’s increases. That is not good. There must be a benefit to owners too. Only with owners receiving tax breaks/some other incentives, can wage increases/benefits work best for all involved. Then we truly have a ‘win-win’ situation with survivability- for all.

***Candidate spotlight segments were compiled as a public service to further educate and inform Maui voters about the upcoming primary election on August 9, 2014, and the general election on November 4, 2014. The questionnaires  were distributed via mail following the primary election candidate filing deadline for select races affecting Maui County.  The responses do not reflect the opinion or position of Maui Now or Pacific Media Group.