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UP CLOSE & PERSONAL 2010 – Jason Schwartz with LYNN FINNEGAN (R), Hawaii Lt. Governor Candidate; Lynn is presently Minority leader in the State House of Representatives
Summary & Transcript Below…
[00:09 → 01:19] Introduction and Opening Reflections
The session opens with poetic reflections on the state of the world and society. It underscores a paradox: despite technological advances shrinking the world and making global events visible on TV, the deeper human connection and understanding seem to grow more elusive. The metaphor of the world as a stage with actors following “an ancient script of fear and doubt and greed” suggests that humanity is trapped in recurring cycles of challenges. The speaker advocates for “reverence for life” as a fundamental need to achieve peace at multiple levels—globally, nationally, locally, and personally—emphasizing that peace must begin within individuals’ hearts before it can manifest outwardly.
[01:19 → 03:26] Introduction of Lynn Finnegan and Explanation of Lieutenant Governor Role
Jason introduces Lynn Finnegan, who is running for Lieutenant Governor of Hawaii, to discuss her candidacy and the responsibilities of the office. Lynn explains that the Lieutenant Governor’s primary constitutional role is to assume the Governor’s duties if the Governor is unavailable or incapacitated. However, she stresses that it is a significant position that must work closely with the Governor to ensure alignment on policy and vision. The Lieutenant
Governor and Governor in Hawaii run as a joint ticket after the primary, meaning their agendas and political philosophies should be cohesive. Lynn clarifies that running as a ticket ensures political unity and cooperation between the two offices.
Lynn shares her professional background, having served eight years in the Hawaii House of Representatives and leading the Republican caucus for five years. Before politics, she worked for 12 years in the mortgage industry, gaining insight into financial and housing issues. The conversation turns to the housing crisis and mortgage industry’s role in the economic downturn. Lynn acknowledges that overqualification for mortgages contributed to many families facing sudden financial shocks, exacerbated by job losses and decreased home equity. She emphasizes the need for innovation and private-sector job growth as critical for economic recovery, advocating for small business development and reduced regulation and taxes to empower entrepreneurs. Lynn stresses the importance of strong, collaborative leadership that respects diverse viewpoints and is willing to both lead and follow for the greater good.- [06:28 → 08:20] Role of the Lieutenant Governor in Community Engagement
Jason probes Lynn’s perception of whether the Lieutenant Governor’s role is primarily to address social programs. Lynn offers a broader interpretation, envisioning the Lieutenant Governor as a vital bridge between the Governor’s office and the community. While the Governor focuses on managing government operations and fiscal responsibilities, the Lieutenant Governor can connect directly with citizens to understand their concerns, gather input, and bring those community perspectives back to the Governor’s office. This role involves active outreach, listening, and building trust, especially since the Governor’s office can be overwhelmed by daily administrative tasks. 
Addressing concerns about insufficient government resources to meet social needs, Lynn agrees with the sentiment that compassion and problem-solving must come primarily from people, not government bureaucracy. She argues that over-reliance on government fosters dependency, whereas empowering individuals and businesses to innovate and give back strengthens community resilience. Lynn’s campaign framework prioritizes reducing regulation and taxes to foster private sector vitality, enabling people to support others directly. She acknowledges the economic challenges Hawaii faces, including declining state revenues, and stresses that innovative, grassroots economic growth is essential.- [10:16 → 12:18] Clarifying the Lieutenant Governor’s Role and Partnership with the Governor
Jason seeks clarity about how Lynn would balance her legislative background with her new
- [12:18 → 14:19] Engagement with Neighbor Islands and Supporting Local Economies
Lynn discusses her extensive visits across Hawaii’s neighbor islands, noting both shared challenges and unique local needs in areas such as energy, education, and economic development. She emphasizes the importance of respecting county governments’ leadership in identifying their own economic bases and priorities. Lynn advocates for the state government to support these local visions rather than impose top-down solutions. She stresses that empowering counties to define their futures—whether in environmental stewardship, energy policy, or education—will foster stronger community buy-in and improve the effectiveness of state resources. - [14:19 → 17:17] Local Control and Public Access Media Concerns
- [17:17 → 21:19] Political Identity, Bipartisanship, and the Need for Balance
Jason and Lynn discuss political party dynamics. Lynn identifies as a Republican but highlights that good ideas transcend party lines. Both agree that while party affiliation matters, voters often resonate more with policies and leadership qualities than strict partisan identity. Lynn notes that the Republican primary electorate will be her immediate audience, but she welcomes broader appeal. Jason adds that government transparency, accountability, and balanced governance require a healthy mix of parties. He expresses concern that Hawaii’s legislature is overwhelmingly dominated by one party (Democrats), which can stifle open debate and compromise. Lynn, as Republican leader in the House, works to maintain dialogue with the majority caucus and governor’s office, stressing the importance of including independent voters and diverse viewpoints to craft sound policy. 
Jason likens the Lieutenant Governor’s role to a “swivel seat,” balancing community engagement and governmental partnership. Lynn agrees, describing the role as both leader and follower—knowing when to take initiative and when to support the Governor’s agenda. She recognizes that the Governor sets the state’s direction and the Lieutenant Governor serves as a key collaborator, bringing community voices to the administration and aiding in policy implementation. This approach, Lynn believes, will strengthen governance and responsiveness.- [22:24 → 26:10] Closing Remarks and Campaign Priorities
Lynn offers closing remarks, expressing appreciation for the opportunity to meet Maui residents and engage in meaningful dialogue. She emphasizes the critical nature of the upcoming primary election and her commitment to education reform and job creation. Lynn highlights her experience as a parent and board member of public charter schools, which she views as models of reform because they control their own budgets and focus spending on students. She cites that many charter schools avoided furlough Fridays, demonstrating effective local control and resource prioritization. Regarding economic growth, Lynn stresses the importance of fostering private sector innovation by reducing taxes and regulation, which in turn increases state revenues through business activity. She pledges to work as part of a team with Governor Iona to advance these priorities for Hawaii’s future. - [26:10 → 27:04] Closing Reflections and Call for Peace
The program closes by echoing the initial reflections on global and local challenges, reiterating the need to “write another page” with new, hopeful narratives. It calls for “reverence for life” and peace at all levels, reminding viewers that true peace begins within each individual’s heart. This cyclical framing underscores the connection between personal integrity, community leadership, and societal transformation.
Summary Overview:
This conversation with Lynn Finnegan provides an insightful exploration of the Lieutenant Governor’s role in Hawaii, emphasizing partnership with the Governor, community engagement, and flexible leadership. Lynn draws from her legislative and mortgage industry background to address pressing issues such as economic recovery, education reform, and local autonomy. She advocates for private-sector-driven growth supported by reduced government interference and stresses the importance of bipartisanship and balanced governance to ensure transparency and accountability. Throughout, the dialogue balances pragmatic policy discussion with a philosophical call to compassion and peace, bridging personal values and public service.
00:09
Seems like now the world’s so small we see it all right here on our TV Seems like
00:23
The more we bridge the distance, the harder it becomes for us to see. Well, for all the world’s a stage for actors in a play. With an ancient script of fear and doubt and greed. To write another page, to find a better way.
00:46
Reverence for life is what we need For peace in our world For peace in our country For peace on our street Peace in our hearts And it starts with peace in our hearts
01:19
Aloha. Welcome to another Up Close and Personal 2010. I have a very special guest who’s flown in to see and talk to you. This is Lynn Finnegan. Aloha. Thank you, Jason. Thank you for having me. Well, thank you very much. It’s a pleasure to be here. Very much. It’s a pleasure to be here. Lynn is running for Lieutenant Governor, and I’ll let her tell you what a Lieutenant Governor does, which I think is…
01:45
I always said, what is that? Do you stand next to Linda Lingle to learn what she’s doing in case she falls? What does a lieutenant governor do? Well, the lieutenant governor is basically there in case the governor has called away or something happens to the governor. The lieutenant governor steps up and becomes the governor in the governor’s stead.
02:03
IT’S A VERY IMPORTANT POSITION. IT’S ONE THAT NEEDS TO WORK IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE GOVERNOR’S OFFICE TO MAKE SURE THAT THE IDEAS AND THE VISION FOR HAWAI’I MOVES FORWARD WITH THIS, YOU KNOW, IN ONE ACCORD. DO LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR AND GOVERNOR GET LINKED TOGETHER? IT’S INTERESTING THAT I SEE, YOU KNOW, I’M WONDERING, LET’S SAY, FOR EXAMPLE, ARE YOU DEMOCRAT, REPUBLICAN? I’M A REPUBLICAN. OKAY. SO LET’S SAY, FOR EXAMPLE, A DEMOCRAT GOVERNOR WOULD BE THERE.
02:33
So you need to, I guess the word is, embrace whatever they want? I’m just curious how that will work. Well, actually, different states operate differently. And our state operates where the Republican governor, Republican lieutenant governor, after the primary, has to run as a ticket. So there’s only a Republican team versus the Democrat team. And it’s a common question that I get across the state.
03:03
state so that works you’re educating your viewers that’s exactly why we’re here so obviously with you in this kind of a role you didn’t come in blindly you had background before tell us more about what you were doing sure sure um i’ve been in the house of representatives for eight years now and the republican leader in the state house for the last five
03:26
Prior to being elected, I spent 12 years in the mortgage industry. Everywhere from the back office
to the front office to originating wholesale and retail of mortgage lending. And I’ve done that for about 12 years prior to being elected. Well, I was in the mortgage industry too. And I find that to be part of our challenge now. Do you have any ideas of what we’re going to do with all the people in our houses and how we’re going to deal with this?
03:56
I want to say taking mom and dad and kids that are living a normal life and suddenly, this isn’t like a homeless thing over time. This is a sudden shock and our whole system is so shocked. Well, you know, that, yes, the mortgage industry was a huge part of that. Prior to that, I would say, is just our want and our need and our desire to have homes had caused like the whole mortgage industry and real estate industry
04:25
to kind of qualify people for more than what they could afford. You know, and that was like the general basis, I think, of maybe being in a situation now that is a very difficult one for people who, you know, may have lost their jobs or don’t have enough equity to hold them over. And I think right now what we have to do is, you know, we can’t always protect people from completely, you know, falling in a situation like this where you have a,
04:52
worldwide difficulty in economies as well as a national you know difficulty in economy and and
04:59
now statewide um and you know we’re gonna have to get innovative as a people we’re gonna have to uh strengthen our economy through just grit and getting you know businesses back on their feet um and through that i’m i think the private sector and that’s why i’m really for private sector job growth which means that that’s sustainable that’s when you get the innovation and the small businesses they come out they take risks they employ people that will give us a better economy in the future
05:29
and there’s no ifs, ands, or whys about it, it’s gonna be tough. Okay, just to give you a reference point, I vowed till after the election to see who’s in office before I talk about private sector growth and development for jobs, but I have lots of ideas, so I hope to see you in the seat. Definitely. And if you aren’t in the seat, I hope to talk to you, because I believe we can strengthen this whole local economy,
05:59
and get tourism here and create unlimited jobs. I just think that we need now… I was talking to one of the mayoral candidates. He’s a chess player. You guys know who he is. And I said, how do I move the queen from here to there? He said, no, no, no. Queen goes from here to there. I said, no, in this game, we need to get the queen there. We have to think outside the box. So these are times when it takes strong leadership.
06:28
It takes strong collaborative leadership. People that respect each other but are willing to lead and willing to follow. And it’s a delicate balance. But I think what the people of Hawaii want is they want their leaders to be able to speak honestly and respectfully toward each other.
06:45
But in the end, that you stand up for what you believe in and let the people decide. And through that, I think that’s how you start to mend fences. That’s how you start to move in the right direction. The people just want you to answer honestly on what you believe on all of these different issues. And then let them be able to say, yes, this is who I want as a leader. As a lieutenant governor, I’m sure it’s…
07:11
you’re standing there in case. But while you’re in casing, I’m only guessing that Lieutenant Governor would be heavy into addressing social things and taking care of social programs.
07:27
Am I in the right area? I actually see the lieutenant governor in a very different light. I see the lieutenant governor as being an arm out into the community. The governor oftentimes has to take care of running government. It has to take care of balancing the budget and all the finances that have to do with the budget. And yes, they do get to go out there and shake hands and connect with the community. But what the lieutenant governor’s role, what I can see is like a,
07:55
an avenue to reach the governor. I, as the lieutenant governor, would like to work with the community, sit down, have the talk stories, being able to get their input on different things that we would like to move forward in our vision, and then connect back with the governor’s office. And at times, the governor’s office sometimes gets really pulled down with the day-to-day running of the government. I see.
08:20
I think the reason I’m asking is because what seems to be dominant with the viewers is this thing about there’s not enough money to address social needs. And I’m just wondering, you know, I know what you said about small business and innovation. I’d like to flip back into all of us who are in business, that if you see someone that’s hurting, help them. Absolutely. Don’t just point them toward the government. Thank you. The government doesn’t have enough money. That to me is like…
08:49
Yeah, that’s my campaign. Well, you’re absolutely right. And we see eye to eye on this part. You know, when we look to government to solve our problems, we’re actually, in my opinion, enabling a society. And what we really truly need is we need people, not government, to be compassionate. And when you exercise that compassion, it’ll make you a better person as well. And those real relationships between people, not government and people, but people and people,
09:19
can change broken lives. And that’s why I’m for less regulation on business, I’m on less taxes on business and individuals, because with that money, you find that people who have this mindset, they’ll be the first to give. And it’s been proven, the statistics show that, they’ll be the first to give. But when you overtax, and you don’t allow people to innovate and have small businesses,
09:46
they don’t have anything to give. So they’re in survival mode. So that’s my framework in which I move forward and try to help government see it that way as well. As these months are progressing, we’ve seen our economy shifting a lot. And we’re now coming into a period where we’re going to have less revenue with the government.
10:16
Again, I’m trying to understand and put it into perspective with your role as Lieutenant Governor. It’s amazing, I’m finding myself going back to the social, mostly social. Are you going to be there as a bridge for the Governor to be sharing positions in bills, because of your background more, or would you be more
10:43
I’m not really sure. I’m trying to understand the role of lieutenant governor. Well, see, the role of lieutenant governor, aside from stepping in if the governor should not be there, you know, it’s connected with the Office of Information Practices. They do name changes. But for the most part, I believe the role of lieutenant governor is what you make it. You can make it to be anything that you think would be beneficial for the people of Hawaii.
11:10
And that is going to be, of course, in partnership with the governor. People elect the governor to run this state, not necessarily the lieutenant governor. So you have to make sure that what you believe in is very similar to what the governor believes in so that you can partner up in moving that vision forward. And what you told me earlier, which was enlightening to me, is that you run as a ticket.
11:35
So that really is that you are part of a team that happens. You know, and I really do want to create and, you know, the Lingo Iona administration is, you were able to see a snapshot of that partnership moving forward.
11:51
I believe that we can even take it even further and help people understand that no, the Lieutenant Governor is just not a throwaway role, that in partnership with the Governor, that we can be able to define a new partnership for Hawaii, that you’ll be able to see a good partnership of two dynamic leaders that can get out there in the community, run government, and create a vision that will help Hawaii.
12:18
Have you been around to these neighbor islands very much? I have been. We’ve been doing quite a bit of trips. It’s been tiring, I’ve got to tell you that. But it’s been so rewarding to see the differences in the people from all nooks and crannies of all the different neighbor islands. Even on our own island, you see it with a whole different set of eyes when your race expands to the whole state.
12:43
And primarily what I will say, you know, whether it’s in energy, whether it’s in schools and education or business and economic, whatever you want your economic base to be for the different counties.
13:00
How I see things is, yes, we have a lot of commonalities, but we have a lot of differences as well. And what we need to do as a state, as a state government, is seeing how best can we support the different counties, and how best can we stand back and say, counties, you have a county government. You need to identify what that economic base is going to be through your discussions in your counties.
13:29
And how can the state help you in that role? How can the state help you in that vision for your county? Then, you know, people feel like they don’t have the connection, especially on the neighbor islands, to state government. And so instead of wanting to make your fight known at the state government level, why don’t we come to you and say, what is it that you want in your county
13:51
and how can we best support you. But what that means is you’ve got to have that serious conversation on your county as to what your economic base is going to be and what do you want to see environmentally, with energy, in your schools, and take control of that. Well, it’s interesting. Here on this neighbor island, I would say, just like I saw 11 mayoral candidates,
14:19
that’s still one they’re wrestling with a little bit so hopefully through your leadership and interface you know we’ll be growing to better do that because um we you know here i know when linda lingle was here we were talking about education that had local control i’m not sure how her position has changed now that she is there in the centralized have you any exposure to
14:45
The public television thing with the Akaku, the local television station here, suddenly has a request for proposal out, for example, where there’s a potential for someone somewhere else to control activity. Have you had any conversation about that? You know, that’s not my specialty area in the legislature. But if you, you know, I’d be glad to, you know, answer if you have a question. I’m just curious, you know, public access television, just like everything,
15:16
When you shared, you were a Republican. You also shared your awareness of the decentralized and not wanting government to put their hand on everything. And yet you’re in government, so it’s an interesting role. When it comes to public access and sharing of ideas, we’ve had a television station here that’s been run on revenues from the cable bill and had local control. Now that they’ve put it out with this request for proposal to try to find a low-cost bidder, the issue is how can a small
15:46
independent group compete against someone that might have the ability to do all of it under a what do we say a remote location exactly opposite from when you were talking now about government and we as islands to have our own independence so i was just curious you know i’m not specifically in your situation you know like i said i’m for local control so if that means not knowing what this rfp is about and saying that you as a local community
16:16
You don’t have the ability to compete, I guess, with some of the other people that this RFP is going to. Well, the RFP means they’re now putting out what was working on 3% of the cable bills and split up between the college. Thank you very much, Maui Community College. The University of Hawaii, Maui.
16:36
But the difference is that with money being doled out from the DCCA in small portions, it hasn’t given the local group enough
16:49
understanding and clout, really, not understanding, to be able to somehow compete, to get their cost per service, to compete with a larger group. That’s really what I’m looking at. Okay. Well, obviously this conversation needs to be taken into, you know, depth of what you’re experiencing. But I was just… The bottom line for me… What I’m looking at… Yeah, the bottom line for me is local authority is better for me in making up…
17:17
decisions that have to do with I think that’s what I was trying to bring out because I know that you know this is a many times thought of as a democratic state and now the Republicans have changed and things but see a good idea that can be understood locally gives you new appreciation from an audience that may not understand that that might actually be serving you know
17:40
I was thinking about ideas the other day. When I first became a Green Party candidate way back in the early 90s, I met a gentleman who was the chairman of the Republican Party, Gene Vigliel. And when we were talking, I found our ideas matched. And I thought, oh my goodness, am I really a Republican and not a Green? And then I was talking with the Democrats, and I thought, oh my goodness, am I a Green Democrat? And I came to understand that good, solid ideas
18:09
rise above politics. So hearing who you are and not worrying whether you’re a Democrat or Republican is a great thing. The ones that are going to be voting for you here, as I’m understanding it, are the Republicans in the primary. But I think it’s a great thing for everyone to appreciate your position because
18:29
I think that’s a very important thing for all of us to know. Let me share you one other piece of information because you’re saying candidates rise above the political parties, basically, in what your statement was. I will also have to say this. From my observation of eight years being in the legislature, it is extremely important that we have balance.
18:51
yes you have candidates that may have beliefs on that could be republican could be democrat however you want to end up lining that up the bottom line though balance brings transparency accountability and responsibility to the government and right now we do not have that balance we have 90 to 95 percent of all elected officials of one party what does that mean in the end what that means is you you don’t have the accountability
19:20
You don’t have the responsibility, and you don’t have the transparency, because the discussion on many of these issues will stay behind closed doors. And only the decisions after the fact will be made known on the House floor or at the Capitol. How did you get involved in those things? I mean, obviously you came from that background, so you’ve been in the, I want to say, in the trenches. So you really feel that…
19:46
You’re the leader of the minority party, is that what it is? Yes, of the Republican Party. Of the whole party, okay. Of the Republican Party and the State House of Representatives. Right. Yes. So, for example,
19:59
you would be someone that would talk to the committee chairs and things? We talked to, you know, I communicate with the other side of the other caucus or the Democrat caucus with our leader who runs the Speaker of the House. That’s where a lot of my discussion as a leader within the state capitol. I also, because of my Republican leader status, of course, talk with the governor and the executive, you know, fifth floor.
20:27
And at times I have the opportunity to talk with the Senate and talk with the individual members of the Senate. Like I said, the biggest issue that we have here is in order to have that toggle between good ideas that represent, I think, all facets, all different shapes and sizes and cultures in the islands, as you know,
20:49
You can only have that when you have good discussion between both sides. Absolutely. And you’re not having that now. So whether or not you agree with where I am, I believe that there are the 60% of independent people who are in the middle that don’t necessarily call themselves one or the other party. And those people have to understand that you need a mix of both Republican ideas and Democrat ideas to get what they truly want.
21:19
And I think that’s very important for all of us to realize. So now, in this role at Lieutenant Governor, I was just thinking of a swivel seat. So it’s not like, here you are, now you deal with the governor’s office this way, but then you’ll be in the governor’s office going that way. But because you’ll be interfacing more with the public, and like you said, you’re going to be out there more in the communities.
21:40
for the governor rather than… I’d like to. I’d like to. I’d like to work in partnership. And, you know, like I said, even as the lieutenant governor’s role, I see that as a leader follower. You know, a leader follower. Knowing when to lead, knowing when to follow.
21:56
And that’s what needs to take place. You know, a lieutenant governor can’t come up and say, you know, this is my vision for the state of Hawaii. Because ultimately, the people of Hawaii have decided that they want that particular governor to run the state of Hawaii. So you have to work in partnership and you have to support where you have your expertise, where you can bring in, you know, the community, have access to the governor’s office. And I hope to bring that to the table.
22:24
I’m sure that you guys would like to hear a closing statement from our candidate here. I must tell you, I’ve really appreciated this time. It’s really enriched my understanding in general about the role of Lieutenant Governor, and also it’s really nice to meet you. Thank you, Jason. I know that we here on the neighbor islands are very, very appreciative when you come and spend a little time here with us. Definitely. This is my way of getting to know you,
22:50
and sharing our conversation with so many others that would like to be a little bird on your shoulder. Thank you, Jason. I really enjoyed this opportunity to meet you, the people of Maui. It’s been such a fun time getting to know people in Kula and Kihei and Wailuku and Lahaina and all the different parts of Maui. You’ll be seeing a little bit more of me in our media campaign as we get out to you prior to the primary.
23:15
I ask for your vote. It’s a very important election. It’s very crucial. When we talk about education reform, when we talk about job creation in the private sector, who better to take on those issues than people who have made it their passion to do it? And with my background as a parent board member on a local charter school board,
23:41
These are public schools, publicly funded, and my kids both went to public charter schools. Those are the reformers, and we can learn much from that public school, charter school experience. Education reform, I’m not tired to, and I am willing to say that the local school board issue is probably one of the best issues that we can pass for education reform.
24:11
so that we can get that 90% of the dollar down to the level of each school. And then have the principals and the parents and the teachers decide in that community what’s going to be best and focus that energy on the child. I want to share with you this information. 16 out of 31 public charter schools decided that they weren’t going to have any furlough Fridays.
24:36
They did this before any of the other traditional schools could even figure it out. They did it because they took their money that they had the control over and they decided to put that focus on the student.
24:49
You know, that’s true education reform. The second thing in job creation in the private industry, our state tax revenues, our state tax collections come from the things that the state tax collection that we use to fund government comes from that activity, that economic activity of the innovation and the small businesses and those tax collections.
25:12
So we need to do whatever we can, whether it’s less regulation or keeping the money in the pockets of small business and individuals and families so that they can do that investment and they can take on that risk that the public sector doesn’t necessarily have to do. So those are the kinds of things that I think are very core to moving us into the next, hopefully, next executive or administration here in Hawaii.
25:41
need your support. I’m working hard to earn your support in the primary election, which is on or before September 18th. And then after that, should I be fortunate to serve with Lieutenant Governor Iona running for governor, as well as myself, we can work as a team and ask for your support in the general, should that be the case. Thank you very, very much for joining us. Thank you, Jason. It’s aloha mahalo to you.
26:10
Thank you for joining us. We’ll see you again. Lynn Finnegan. Aloha. Aloha. Seems like Now the world’s so small We see it all right here on our TV Seems like
26:40
The more we bridge the distance, the harder it becomes for us to see. For all the world’s a stage for actors in a play. With an ancient script of fear and doubt and grief. To write another page, to find a better way.
27:04
Reverence for life is what we need For peace in our world For peace in our country For peace on our street Peace in our hearts And it starts with peace in our hearts
