ÌìÃÀÊÓƵ

Editor’s note:ÌýFor Hawaii’s Aug. 13 primary election, Civil Beat asked candidates to answer some questions.

The following came from Romy Cachola, a Democratic candidate for the state House, District 30, which includesÌýSand Island, Mokauea, Kapalama andÌýKalihi Kai. There is one other candidate, his Democratic primary opponent, Marcelino Velasco.

Go to Civil Beat’sÌýElections GuideÌýfor general information, and check out other candidates on theÌýPrimary Election Ballot.

Name: Romy M/ Cachola

Office seeking:ÌýState House, District 30

Occupation: State legislator

Community organizations and prior offices held: Honolulu City Council, past member;ÌýKalihi YMCA, past member, Board of Directors; Filipino Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii, member; Kalihi Business Association, past member, Board of Directors;ÌýIlocos Surian Association of Hawaii, adviser;ÌýNarvacaneos Club of Hawaii, member;ÌýSt. Anthony’s Church Parish Pastoral Council, member;ÌýSt. Anthony’s Church’s Filipino Catholic Club, member;ÌýWaipahu Business Association, past president

Age as of Aug. 13, 2016: 78

Place of residence: Honolulu

1. This year has seen an outsized influence from people who want big changes in how government is run. What would you do to change how the Legislature is run?

Require more accountability and transparency.

2. Hawaii is the only Western state without a statewide citizen’s initiative process. Do you support such a process?

Yes

3. Hawaii has long been dominated by the Democratic Party establishment. Should this change, and if so, how?

Encourage other parties to increase their participation in the election process.

4. What specific steps would you take to strengthen Hawaii’s lax lobbying, ethics and financial disclosure laws?

Require more accountability and transparency.

5. Would you support eliminating Hawaii’s high fees for access to public records when the request is in the public interest?

Yes.

6. Voters complain their elected officials don’t listen to them. What would you do to improve communication?

My policy is always to respond to not just voters but also constituents’ complaints promptly, whether or not we agree or disagree on the issue.

7. What do you see as the most pressing issue facing your district? What will you do about it?

Lack of affordable housing and homeless shelters. Land acquisition and high cost of construction are cost drivers in building affordable housing and homeless shelters. Give incentives, for example, tax credits, and provide free public land (other than important agricultural lands and prime agricultural lands) to developers to address these problems.

8. There is a desire to grow the economy through new development, yet also a need to protect our limited environmental resources. How would you balance these competing interests?

Like the Thirty Meter Telescope issue, we should provide more transparency and accountability on both sides of the issue.

9. What should the Legislature do to improve police accountability?

Police accountability, I believe, is a county matter that should be addressed by their respective counties.

10. Hawaii is the fastest-aging state. What would you do to ensure we’re taking care of our kupuna?

Increase compensation to caregivers, as well as providing early detection service to prevent injury to the elderly.

11. What would you do to improve Hawaii’s public education system?

Provide more funds for public education.ÌýProvide more funds to hire qualified teachers.ÌýAir condition all needed classrooms.