Candidate Q&A: U.S. Senate — Bob McDermott

Editor’s note: For Hawaii’s Nov. 8 General Election, Civil Beat asked candidates to answer some questions about where they stand on various issues and what their priorities will be if elected.

The following came from Bob McDermott, Republican candidate for U.S. Senate. His opponents are Democrat Brian Schatz, Libertarian Feena Bonoan, Emma Jane Pohlman of the Green Party and Dan Decker of the Aloha Aina Party.

Go to Civil Beat’s Election Guide for general information, and check out other candidates on the General Election Ballot.

1. What is the biggest issue facing Hawaii, and what would you do about it?

The failure by our senators to close Red Hill. Now, this is an imminent threat to our only sole source aquifer on Oahu.

I was the first elected official to call for closure and decommissioning of Red Hill. I led the way, nice for the congressional delegation to follow, albeit belatedly. As of this writing, there is still no closure date, or even a “target date.”

No sense of urgency from our congressional delegation. None.

2. What can the U.S. Congress do about mass shootings in America? Would you support banning military-style assault weapons and establishing universal background checks? What other measures would you propose to reduce gun violence?

Evil exists, passing more laws that the criminals disregard is pointless. Enforce the laws currently on the books. Let us work to begin to promote a culture of life and the value of other human beings.

3. The Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol and the questions of whether the 2020 election was stolen have shown how seriously divided the nation is. Some say democracy itself is in trouble. How would you work to end the political polarization that divides both the Congress and the country?

I would follow the example of the late, great Sen. Dan Inouye who worked with others (Ted Stevens, Bob Dole) across the aisle, not demonizing them.

4. Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid, while currently financially sound, risk future funding concerns because of changing demographics. What would you propose to shore up the country’s major safety net programs?

These programs are safe and nothing will be done to jeopardize them or their future viability – not on my watch.

5. What is your position on the Senate filibuster?

Keep it.

6. Is the U.S. on the right path when it comes to mitigating climate change and growing renewable energy production? What specific things should Congress be considering?

First, I have 48 solar panels on my roof as it makes financial sense. I want clean air, water and land. However, man cannot control the climate, if so, we should pass a law against hurricanes!

Foolishness. North America was once covered with glaciers, yet they melted and the Earth warmed with no SUVs around, how is that possible? Akua is in charge.

7. The Jones Act requires that domestic freight transport on U.S. waterways be conducted by crews that are at least three-fourths American, and on vessels built in U.S. shipyards, and that are American-owned.What is your position on this law and its effects on Hawaii? Does it need to be amended or repealed?

The Jones Act ensures we have safe,…