Name: Ernest Yorihiko Martin (“Ernie Martin”)
Age: 58
Current occupation: Attorney at Law
Political experience: Chairman and presiding officer, Honolulu City Council: 6/2011 to 1/2017 and 3/2018 to Present; Budget committee chair, Honolulu City Council: 1/2011 to 6/2011; Member, Honolulu City Council: 1/2011 to present; and member, Waipahu Neighborhood Board, 1991 to 1993, 1995
What should the government’s role be in providing access to health care? What should or should not be covered in a basic policy?
Government has many roles. Ensuring the health of a nation is one of those roles. An unhealthy citizenry cannot fight to defend itself, it cannot develop the tools of progress and its’ children cannot thrive. I will fight for Medicare for All. I will fight to lower prescription drug costs and ensure that a preexisting condition doesn’t stop anyone from getting the care they need.
Deadly mass shootings have fueled arguments for increased gun control. Do you agree? What should or should not be changed about America’s current gun laws?
The recent shootings have only highlighted a long -time challenge in America. I believe we need to reinstate the ban on assault weapons and ban bump stocks. We need to ensure that the ATF has 21st century resources they need to enforce our laws. Gun shows and internet sale loopholes must be closed and background checks expanded. No one who has been convicted of a hate crime or domestic violence should have access to a gun.
In light of recent nuclear threat concerns, should the United States play a more or less prominent role in international relations? What actions should be taken?
I don’t believe this is about the size of our role as much as it is about what we do when engaging on the world stage. The U.S. has always been a leader internationally and we must continue to work closely and respectfully with our allies. I fear the next Congress will spend much of its time reestablishing trust with the international community given how much the current Administration has done these past two years to harm our standing and reputation.
A White House proposal aims to slash the Department of Interior’s budget by $1.6 billion, and shift funds from new land acquisition to the development of oil, gas, and coal. What elements of this plan would you keep, what would you change, and why?
I don’t believe this is about the size of our role as much as it is about what we do when engaging on the world stage. The U.S. has always been a leader internationally and we must continue to work closely and respectfully with our allies. I fear the next Congress will spend much of its time reestablishing trust with the international community given how much the current Administration has done these past two years to harm our standing and reputation.
If you could introduce one piece of legislation, what would it be and why?
I would introduce legislation to ban assault weapons and bump stocks, as there is no valid recreational use for such weapons. Concurrently, I would also introduce legislation that would prohibit special interest groups (“political action committees”) from participating in the election process as we have once again seen where such unqualified and unlimited spending has attempted to negatively influence the voting public. Specifically, I am embarrassed and disappointed in the negative and personal attacks by such special interest groups that have once again surfaced in our State.
Website: www.voteernie.com
