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Editor’s note: For Hawaii’s Aug. 10 Primary 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 Kelton Ku’uelani Chang, candidate for Hawaii County Council District 3, which includes parts of Orchidland and Hawaiian Paradise Park, Panaewa, Puainako and Keaukaha. The other candidates are Dennis Onishi, Kaloa Robinson and Leomana Turalde.

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

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

I believe it is crucial to address the issue of homelessness in our district. We must work together with local organizations and service providers to ensure that those experiencing homelessness have access to the resources and support they need to find stable housing and rebuild their lives.

Furthermore, I am committed to advocating for policies that promote economic development and job creation in our district. By attracting new businesses and supporting existing ones, we can create more opportunities for our residents to find stable employment and improve their quality of life.

Overall, my goal is to work collaboratively with my fellow council members, community stakeholders and residents to address these important issues and create a more vibrant and inclusive district for all. Together, we can make a positive impact and improve the lives of our constituents.

2. Overtourism can degrade the environment, threaten biodiversity, contribute to wear and tear on infrastructure, generate traffic and disrupt neighborhoods. What do you think about the amount of tourism on the Big Island and how it’s managed?

I believe we need to find a balance between promoting tourism and preserving the natural beauty and culture of Hawaii. Overtourism can lead to overcrowding, environmental degradation and cultural exploitation. It is important for us to prioritize sustainable tourism practices and work toward creating a more responsible and respectful tourism industry.

One way to address overtourism is to diversify our economy and reduce our dependence on tourism. By investing in other industries such as agriculture, technology and renewable energy, we can create more job opportunities and reduce the strain on our natural resources.

Additionally, we can implement measures such as visitor limits, increased permit fees, and stricter regulations on tour operators to manage the flow of tourists and protect our environment. Education and awareness campaigns can also help to promote responsible tourism behavior among visitors.

Overall, it is crucial for us to find a balance between economic growth and environmental conservation to ensure the long-term sustainability of Hawaii as a tourist destination. By working together as a community, we can achieve this goal.

3. What needs to happen to relieve traffic congestion in and around Kailua-Kona and along the Puna-Keaau-Hilo corridor?

The study will involve collecting data on current traffic patterns, conducting public outreach to gather input from stakeholders, and analyzing various options for improving transportation infrastructure.

The state Department of Transportation will investigate the findings of the study, which will be used to inform decision-making and prioritize projects for implementation. By taking a holistic approach to planning and design, the corridor study aims to enhance mobility, accessibility and quality of life for residents and businesses in the area.

 4. The cost of living on Hawaii island is rising rapidly. How are working and middle-class people expected to buy a house or pay the rent as well as take care of other expenses? And how can the county government help?

Hawaii island needs more affordable housing options for residents.

This could include supporting small businesses, promoting sustainable tourism, and investing in industries such as agriculture and renewable energy. By taking proactive steps to address these issues, we can help ensure that Hawaii remains a place where all residents can thrive and enjoy a high quality of life.

It is important for the county government to prioritize the needs of its residents and work toward creating a more equitable and sustainable economy for all.

5. Do you support the construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope on Mauna Kea?

No, not yet, but I believe this would be a monumental moment for the Hawaiian people, as it would not only showcase their deep connection to the stars and our ancestors, but also their ability to adapt and thrive in the modern world of astronomy and space exploration.

The collaboration between Hawaiian infusion and astronomy would create a unique and culturally rich experience for all who visit the TMT, blending traditional knowledge with cutting-edge technology. The TMT would serve as a hub for education, research and cultural exchange, bringing together scientists, astronomers and the local community to explore the mysteries of the universe and celebrate the rich history of Hawaiian astrology.

It would be a place where people of all backgrounds can come together to learn, share and marvel at the wonders of the cosmos. The TMT would not only be a symbol of Hawaiian pride and achievement, but also a testament to the power of collaboration and cultural preservation. It would be a beacon of hope and inspiration for future generations, showing them that anything is possible when we come together with curiosity and respect for its indigenous cultural heritage.

 6. Homelessness remains a problem statewide, including on Hawaii island. What would you do to come to grips with this persistent problem?

The lack of affordable housing and high cost of living in Hawaii only exacerbates the problem, making it difficult for families to find stable housing.

Many homeless individuals in Hawaii struggle with mental health issues, substance abuse, and lack of access to health care. It is a complex issue that requires a multi-faceted approach. Nonprofit organizations, government agencies and community members must work together to provide support and resources to those experiencing homelessness.

It is important for us as a community to come together and support those in need. Whether it be through volunteering at a local shelter, donating to organizations that provide services to the homeless, or advocating for policy changes that address the root causes of homelessness. We all have a role to play in helping our neighbors in need.

By working together and showing compassion and empathy toward those experiencing homelessness, we can make a difference in the lives of individuals and families struggling to find stable housing in Hawaii.

7. Half of Hawaii’s cesspools are on the Big Island, some 49,300. Seepage from cesspools can make people sick, harm coral reefs and lead to a variety of ecological damage. By law, cesspools must be upgraded to septic systems by 2050. What can be done to help people who may not be able to afford the conversion?

This financial stimulus can come in the form of grants, low-interest loans, or tax incentives.

To implement this financial stimulus, it is important to establish partnerships with government agencies, private land holders, and foundations that have a vested interest in improving water quality and public health. These partners can provide funding for cesspool upgrades, either through direct financial contributions or by leveraging their resources to secure funding from other sources.

Additionally, it is important to establish clear guidelines and criteria for eligibility for funding, to ensure that the financial stimulus is targeted toward those who need it most. This may include prioritizing funding for low-income households, areas with high levels of water contamination, or properties that are located near sensitive water bodies.

By working collaboratively with government agencies, private landholders, and foundations, we can create a sustainable financial stimulus for cesspool upgrading that will help to protect our water resources and improve public health.

8. What is the first thing Hawaii County should do to get in front of climate change rather than just reacting to it?

Some key steps to take to become a state that is proactive in addressing climate change include:

Developing a comprehensive climate action plan that outlines specific goals, strategies and timelines for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to the impacts of climate change.

Investing in resilient infrastructure that can withstand extreme weather events and rising sea levels. This may include upgrading stormwater systems, building seawalls and relocating critical infrastructure away from flood-prone areas.

Conducting vulnerability assessments to identify areas that are at risk of inundation in the future due to sea level rise or increased storm intensity. This information can help inform land use planning decisions and prioritize investments in adaptation measures.

Engaging with federal agencies and seeking out funding opportunities to support climate resilience efforts. This may include applying for grants from the Federal Emergency Management Agency or the Department of Housing and Urban Development to fund infrastructure upgrades and community resilience projects.

 By taking these proactive steps, we can better prepare.

9. Should the Hu Honua biomass energy plant be allowed to start operating? Why or why not?

The operation of the Hu Honua biomass energy plant can be seen as a positive step in many ways. Firstly, it helps in the conversion of waste materials into usable energy, which is a crucial part of waste management and promoting renewable energy sources.

Biomass energy is considered renewable because it uses organic materials that can be constantly replenished. It also helps to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, which are non-renewable and have a significant environmental impact. Furthermore, the operation of the plant could potentially create jobs and boost local economies.

However, there are also valid concerns associated with such plants. The burning of biomass releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. Although it’s argued that this carbon can be reabsorbed by the next crop cycle, there’s still an immediate release that needs to be considered.

Moreover, it may also encourage overproduction or lack of efforts towards reducing and recycling waste.

In conclusion, the decision to allow the Hu Honua biomass energy plant to start operating should involve a careful evaluation of these potential impacts and benefits. It’s important to ensure that such projects are sustainable and meet regulatory standards to mitigate any potential environmental damage.

10. How would you make the county administration more transparent and accessible to the public?

In terms of enhancing transparency, there are three main ways this can be achieved:

Open local government data: Make all non-sensitive data accessible to the public. This includes expenditure reports, council meeting minutes, and project status updates. This will allow citizens to track what the county administration is doing, how funds are being utilized, and how decisions are made.

Public meetings: Increase the frequency and visibility of public meetings where county officials can share updates, discuss issues and answer questions from residents. Record these meetings for those who cannot attend in person.

Accountability measures: Implement stronger mechanisms for accountability such as independent audits of funds and operations, performance evaluations of county officials, and procedures for citizens to report concerns or issues.

 Regarding accessibility, here are several steps:

Digital platform: Develop a user-friendly website where citizens can access information about county projects, submit queries or complaints, apply for permits or licenses, and pay taxes or fees.

Community outreach: Organize regular town hall meetings and community forums where citizens can voice their concerns directly to their representatives.

Customer service improvement: Train our staff to provide timely and helpful responses to public inquiries as well as maintain a robust call center.