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Editor’s note: For Hawaii’s Nov. 8 General 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 Rebecca Villegas, candidate for Hawaii County Council District 7, which covers a portion of Kona and South Kona. The other candidates include Zahz HewLen, Joshua Montgomery, Wesley Moore and Jennifer Wilkinson.

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

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

Hawaii County District 7, encompassing areas such as Kailua-Kona, faces several significant issues, but one of the biggest concerns is housing affordability and availability. This problem impacts many residents, leading to overcrowding, increased homelessness and economic instability for families.

While in office I have supported affordable housing development, funded supportive housing projects, emergency shelters and engaged the community to ensure that housing policies reflect the needs of District 7.

Addressing the housing crisis in District 7 requires a multi-faceted approach that involves policy reform, community collaboration and leveraging various resources. By implementing these strategies, it is possible to make significant progress in ensuring that all residents have access to safe, affordable and stable housing. 

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?

Tourism is a significant part of Hawaii’s economy, including the Big Island, but overtourism can indeed have serious negative impacts on the environment, infrastructure and local communities.

Managing the balance between benefiting from tourism and preserving the island’s natural and cultural resources is crucial. The Big Island is currently struggling with environmental degradation, infrastructure strain and community disruption directly linked to tourism.

Thankfully there are a number of actions that can be taken to ensure better tourism management. These include the creation of policies focused on sustainable tourism practices, focused on eco-tourism initiatives and capacity limits. We have a lot of room for improvement on our vacation rental regulations and enforcement, as well as policies that prioritize environmental protection.

The Big Island’s tourism industry needs to be carefully managed to protect its unique environment and maintain a high quality of life for its residents. Sustainable tourism practices, improved infrastructure, strict regulation, community involvement and economic diversification are key strategies to achieve a balance between the benefits of tourism and the preservation of the island’s natural and cultural heritage.

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

Traffic congestion in and around Kailua-Kona is a significant issue that affects both residents and visitors. Addressing this problem requires a multifaceted approach that includes improving infrastructure, enhancing public transportation and promoting sustainable practices.

Some key strategies to relieve traffic congestion in District 7 include road expansion and upgrades, increased bus and shuttle services, biking and walking infrastructure, prioritizing smart growth principles, flexible work hours and community education.

By implementing a combination of these strategies, Kailua-Kona can significantly reduce traffic congestion, improve the quality of life for its residents and enhance the overall experience for visitors. The key is a coordinated effort involving federal, state and county government, businesses and the community to create a sustainable and efficient transportation system.

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?

The rising cost of living on Hawaii island is a significant challenge for working and middle-class families, making it difficult to afford housing and cover other essential expenses.

During my time serving District 7 we have implemented several measures to alleviate this burden and support residents in securing affordable housing and managing living costs. Strategies I’ve worked on include incentivizing affordable housing development, supporting accessory dwelling units, funding expanded rental assistance and home ownership programs and supporting local job training and businesses.

Our county government has played a crucial role in addressing the rising cost of living on Hawaii island through a combination of housing policies, economic development initiatives and social support programs. By increasing the supply of affordable housing, providing rental assistance, supporting local businesses and offering financial education, I am determined to continue helping working and middle-class residents achieve economic stability and improve their quality of life.

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

I acknowledge the significance of Mauna Kea and recognize that the mauna is not just a location but a sacred site for many Native Hawaiians. It holds cultural, spiritual and historical significance that goes beyond its geographical presence.

I have the utmost respect for Hawaiian people, their indigenous rights and autonomy. My stance is rooted in a deep respect for the rights of Indigenous people to govern and make decisions about their land and cultural site. I honor and support their voices and decisions regarding what happens to their ancestral lands.

The opposition to TMT by cultural practitioners, community leaders and activists directly influences my opposition to TMT. I support their decision and stand in solidarity with their efforts to protect their cultural heritage and exercise sovereignty.

My stance is rooted in respect for their right to protect their ancestral lands and to make decisions about their cultural heritage. Supporting their position is not only a matter of cultural preservation but also an ethical commitment to justice and equity. While I recognize the scientific potential of the TMT, it is vital that we prioritize the voices and rights of Indigenous communities in such matters.

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

Addressing homelessness on Hawaii island requires a comprehensive, multifaceted approach that tackles the root causes of homelessness while providing immediate support to those in need.

Some of the strategies I have worked on while in office include incentivizing developers to build affordable housing units, forming partnerships with and funding nonprofits, private developers and community organizations to co-develop affordable housing projects.

I utilize the term “workforce housing” to educate community about the difference between “affordable housing” and “low-income housing.” I have provided funding that supports wraparound services including mental health care, substance abuse treatment, job training, educational opportunities and sending people home.

I continue to engage the community in addressing homelessness through volunteer programs and local initiatives collaborating with community policing, the Department of Parks and Recreation, and our local homeless service providers. I am also a strong voice and require service providers receiving millions of dollars in taxpayer money to be accountable for the monies they receive and authentically provide the services they are funded to provide.

By continuing to implement these strategies, our county will continue to take significant steps toward reducing homelessness on Hawaii Island.

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?

Converting cesspools to septic systems is essential for protecting public health and the environment on Hawaii Island. However, the cost of conversion can be prohibitive for many residents.

I am working closely with the Department of Environmental management and support several strategies to help people afford these necessary upgrades. We are working on establishing state and county grant programs to cover part or all of the conversion costs for low and middle income homeowerns, as well as seeking federal funding through the Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean Water State Revolving Fund to support these grants.

I have worked to identify and prioritize conversions in areas where cesspools pose the greatest risk to public health and the environment. Once such area is the mile of Alii Drive between Laaloa and Kahaluu. I supported the allocation of county funding to begin a project to sewer this sensitive area of our coastline.

By implementing these strategies, I will continue to support  homeowners afford the necessary upgrades, protect public health, and preserve the island’s natural environment. Collaboration between government agencies, nonprofits and the community is key to achieving these goals.

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

The County of Hawaii released its Integrated Climate Action Plan on June 30, 2023. This plan outlines a comprehensive strategy to combat climate change and enhance the resilience of the county’s infrastructure and services. The ICAP was developed through a cross-departmental effort, bringing together various stakeholders to ensure a unified approach to climate action.

The ICAP identifies key actions the county needs to take to achieve its climate goals, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions, promoting renewable energy and improving energy efficiency. It also includes measures to adapt to climate impacts such as sea level rise, extreme weather events and other environmental changes. The plan emphasizes accountability and transparency, with tools like the Hawaii Island Sustainability Dashboard to track progress on emissions and other sustainability metrics​.

I passed legislation that established a new Office of Sustainability, Climate, Equity and Resilience to lead our efforts. This office is focused on reducing emissions, promoting sustainable practices and collaborating with the community to advance responsible environmental policies. The creation of this office reflects my commitment to building a sustainable and resilient future for Hawaii.

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

I oppose the operation of the Hu Honua biomass energy plant. My position is based on concerns about its environmental impact, potential harm to local communities, economic feasibility and the availability of more sustainable renewable energy alternatives.

Biomass energy production releases significant amounts of carbon dioxide, particularly when the biomass is burned. This counteracts our efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Carbon released during combustion takes years to be reabsorbed by new plant growth.

The burning of biomass releases pollutants such as particulate matter, nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds, which harms local air quality and poses health risks to nearby communities.

A biomass plant requires substantial water resources for cooling and processing and would strain our local water supply and impact agricultural and residential water use. Biomass energy is more expensive compared to other renewable energy sources such as wind and solar, which have seen significant cost reductions and efficiency improvements.

The Hu Honua plant has already faced legal and regulatory challenges regarding its permits and environmental compliance proving they do not and would not adhere to the environmental regulations crucial for any energy project.

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

During my years of service on the Hawaii County Council I have taken several steps to make the county administration more transparent and accessible to the public.

Some of these steps include advocating for open data policies, hosting town halls and participating in public forums, supporting whistleblower protection, streamlining public records requests, encouraging ethics and transparency training, pushing for comprehensive audit and oversight mechanisms and leading by example.

I remain committed to transparency by making my own actions and decisions as a council member accessible and understandable to the public through updates and engagement.