OCCUPATION: State Senator (R, Kaneohe), writer, broadcaster

RUNNING FOR: U.S. Congress, 2nd District



 







MAUI TIME WEEKLY: Why should people vote for you?







BOB HOGUE: I think I’m a

positive person who likes to serve my constituents by communicating

with them. I think I’m the best to stand up for the 2nd District of

Hawai’i. Voters are getting turned off by the negativity in politics.

I’m bringing positivity to the table.





What’s the biggest problem facing your district?







Boy, there’s more than one! As I go around talking to people the

main concerns seem to be keeping Hawai’i Hawai’i, growth, traffic,

improving education. They’re concerned about the environment.





Of those, which is the biggest challenge?







Education is the one I’ve worked hardest in the Legislature on, so I

imagine it’d be the priority at the federal level. As the son of two

teachers and the father of four, it’s very important to me, personally.







What do you intend to do about this problem?







The federal government should have a supportive system, not micro

manage. We probably should amend the No Child Left Behind law, and look

to other Federal programs.





What are your feelings on Hawaiian Sovereignty?







I think it’s important. I supported the Lingle administration in

their desire to get the Akaka bill passed. It’s important that native

Hawaiians receive parity with other native groups. The Akaka bill was

flawed and has to be amended. Ultimately, the people of Hawai’i may

need to vote on this.





What do you think of the Superferry?







Good idea.







George W. Bush?







Committed to his principles.







Land development?







What’s the word I’m thinking of? Planning. We need better planning.







Pakalolo?







Something I’ve never used!







What’s the most difficult thing that ever happened to you?







The death of my wife. It made me a single father of two little

girls. Keeping my family together. But I was blessed by my family and

community rallying around me. I was able to move forward.





What’s the most embarrassing thing that ever happened to you?







Um, hahaha. Gee whiz. Being on the news on one of those days when you just can’t read what’s put in front of you.







Have you seen Anchorman?







That’s just what I looked like! Complete with the burgundy coat, same hair, same mustache!







What’s the last book you read?







I really enjoy Grisham novels. The Broker was the last one I read.







What’s your favorite thing about Maui?







Vacationing. My family used to go every year, but we can’t now, with

college expenses. But we were just there. We like to explore, take

pictures. My daughter and I took pictures at Haleakala.





As a sportscaster, what was the biggest moment you called?







One game sticks out. UH was playing BYU in basketball. The ball got

knocked out onto the open court in the last seconds. Tets Whitlock got

it, and fired one past the three-point line. It swished at the buzzer.

I went crazy, the crowd went crazy. MTW