Issue Position: Long Term Goals

Issue Position

* Invasive species: Continue identifying and eradicating plants and animals that have the potential to decimate our critical agricultural industry and precious native species. Top priority: immediate 100% removal of the Axis Deer population.

* Banyan Drive modernization and rejuvenation.

* East Hawaii's public schools: New infrastructure, new classrooms, temperature controlled environments, and technology.

* Kulani Prison: Bring our local prisoners back from the mainland, allow local families to be closer to their loved ones and relatives, and save the State millions of dollars that can be re-invested in East Hawaii's economy.

* Papaya export: Increase export to Japan and Asia.

* Lunar Aerospace Facility infrastructure at Shipman Industrial Park.

* Aviation program at the University of Hawai'i Hilo in conjunction with the Hilo International Airport, encouraging education and economic development.

* East Hawaii Charter schools: Expansion, continued funding and additional resources.

* University of Hawai'i at Hilo: Support new fields of study at the University to attract more students for research and technology, particularly in Agriculture, Astronomy, Pharmacy and Entomology.

* University of Hawai'i at Hilo sports programs: Start new programs such as Men's Volleyball, bringing more student-athletes to Hilo, more families visiting their children, more schools to compete against. This will help support our small businesses and increase tourism.

* Tourism: Continue to work with the Director of the Hawai'i Tourism Authority to expand tourism to East Hawai'i by increasing our air and cruise ship traffic.

* "Sister Cities" relationships: Create a long-term partnership with India, the State of Hawai'i and Hilo to create "sister cities" and share knowledge and business opportunities for the future. India is expanding rapidly as a global power in the areas of business and technology. Let's partner with them to expand East Hawaii in the areas of robotics, sustainable energy and new construction technologies.

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