(Editor’s note: The Legislature is in full swing. Here’s what some of your elected officials say about some of the issues. Call them, write them, tell them how you feel. Seriously, they love to get e-mail … and they need to know how you want them to vote.)

Sen. Russell Kokubun

– Most would agree on the top two or three major issues facing this year’s Legislature, but which do you believe needs to be addressed immediately?

1) Developing and adopting a balanced biennium budget.

– What is the best way to address it?

1)Balancing the State’s Biennium Budget is necessary and will involve drastic cuts, so it is imperative that decisions be made based on protecting essential services and programs.

– Is there any issue you believe should be addressed, but likely will not get attention this session?

1) Adopting the comprehensive Hawaii 2050 Sustainability Plan.

– Budget cuts are inevitable. Which areas are most vulnerable and which areas will you fight to protect?

1) I will focus on the healthcare and human service safety net programs which are vulnerable.  It is also important to me to emphasize programs that work for food and eneregy self-sufficiency.

– Are there any issues specific to your district?

1) Besides the relevence of healthcare and human service provision to residents of the 2nd District, I believe highway safety improvements are critical; providing agricultural infrastructure particularly irrigation systems; and capital improvement projects for the public schools.

– How can Big Island residents help you get things done?

1) Communication is the key.  Let me know if I’m on the right track and get involved by submitting testimony and speaking with as many legislators as possible.

– Perennial issues such as gambling, assisted suicide and same-sex marriage are likely to crop up again. A quick ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answer on each, please ..

1) No

2) Generally supportive but depends on the details of the bill

3) More supportive of the Civil Unions legislation

– What’s the best part of your job? What’s the part you enjoy the least?

1) Meeting so many interesting and dedicated individuals.

2) Having to do most of the legislative session business in Honolulu and missing the beauty of the Big Island

– Which annual Big Isle event do you look forward to the most? Ironman, Merrie Monarch, Kona Coffee Cultural Festival, Waimea Cherry Blossom Heritage Festival, Big Island Film Festival, or something else?  

1) All are good and personally, I enjoy my grandchildren’s birthdays the best.

– What was the last CD you bought?

1) Buddy Guy – “Damn Right I Got the Blues”

– Where’s your favorite Big Island spot to relax and enjoy the scenery?

1) My home and farm in Volcano.

– Where can your constituents find you? (Phone, e-mail, snail mail, etc)

1) Russell S. Kokubun

2nd Senatorial District

Ka`u, Puna & Hilo

Hawaii State Capitol, Room 407

415 South Beretania Street

Honolulu, HI 96813

Phone 808-586-6760 ; Fax 808-586-6689

From the Big Island, toll free 974-4000 + 66760

Email senkokubun@Capitol.hawaii.gov