Over the years, David has compiled an impressive record of achievement based on a single goal - to improve our quality of life. His accomplishments did not go unnoticed. In 1992, political columnist Dan Boylan named him one of the best Representatives. He has focused his time and energy on issues such as education, technology, economic development, public access, and legislative reform.
As the father of three children, David is deeply concerned with the future of our children's education. In his first year as chair of the House Education Committee, David introduced an omnibus education bill that gave schools more authority and autonomy by emphasizing Children First. David helped pass legislation that would allow fiscal flexibility, ensure assessment and accountability, encourage school innovation, and improve our school facilities.
In past sessions, David continued his efforts to restructure our public school system with the passage of another omnibus education bill. This bill supports school reforms by empowering schools and making government agencies the supporting framework for schools. It also allows voters to decide if public schools should be governed by an appointed Board. The bill also lets schools implement alternative administrative and instructional programs.
As an engineer, David knows and understands the role technology has in our lives and in the State's information and telecommunications policies. David co-authored the Hawaii Telecommunications and Information Industries Act which established the State information network and created the Hawaii Information Network Corporation. He has also been at the center of Hawaii's efforts to diversify its economy. He was responsible for establishing seed capital and venture capital programs, software development initiatives, and technology transfer programs.
Like the rest of us, David is a concerned citizen. That's why he worked on transforming the Hawaii State Legislature to make government more accessible and accountable. His efforts overhauled the legislative process and created the Public Access Program. Today the Legislature uses telecommunications technology such as fax, video teleconferences, electronic town meetings, and more. David also helped develop ACCESS, the State's first on-line electronic information service. People are now able to instantly access information on legislation from terminals at public libraries and from their home computers. Public hearings and floor debates are now televised so voters know exactly where their legislators stand on issues.
An engineer in private practice and an engineer of change and progress in the State Legislature, David has worked hard to create a better Hawaii for our families. That's the continuing challenge - to engineer a better tomorrow by educating our children today. To use the latest technological advances to help reform our schools, open up our government, and improve our economy. To have the will, the "take-charge" spirit, to get things done. That's what David Ige brings to the State Senate.
