Ambercrombie vs. Aiona

Former U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie and Lt. Gov. James "Duke" Aiona have fundamentally different philosophies on the role of government.

Abercrombie, the Democratic candidate for governor, believes in an activist government that guides social and economic policy and helps solve problems. He wants the state to more aggressively compete for federal money that could steady state government during the economic recovery.

"Government can and should work to spark the private economy, particularly during tough economic times. This has always been the case," he said in a statement. "Reflecting the will of the people, government can invest in things like infrastructure so that businesses can expand and

operate more cost-effectively -- consider how boat tour businesses are adversely affected by the current neglect to our harbors. Government can invest in higher education to spark research and development by entrepreneurs that have commercial applications. Government can streamline regulations so that small businesses can expand. All of this takes smart use of government resources.

"In Duke Aiona's world every individual family and every business is on their own. My view is that we are all in this together and the people rightfully expect government to work."

Aiona, the Republican candidate, believes in a smaller and less intrusive government that cultivates but does not interfere with a business-friendly environment.

"Government does not create jobs. We're not job creators," he said. "It's the private sector, as we know, that creates jobs. It's the small businesses that create jobs."

Aiona believes government can prod job growth through initiatives such as the federal stimulus package, state capital improvement projects and tax incentives for businesses. But he argues that Abercrombie has exaggerated the potential for new federal dollars to help the state through the recovery.

"That's why I have asked him to show me. Show me where he gets all this federal money," he said. "And he hasn't because he can't."