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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 Wesley Moore, candidate for Hawaii County Council District 7, which covers a portion of Kona and South Kona. The other candidates include Zahz HewLen, Joshua Montgomery, Rebecca Villegas 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?

After talking with family, friends and community members, two common issues mentioned are the condition of our parks and homelessness.

I am committed to ensuring that District 7 receives adequate funds to maintain its current facilities, providing safe spaces for families to enjoy.

Addressing homelessness is a complex issue, but I will collaborate with local agencies to support small businesses and families affected by the lack of policing, ensuring a safer environment for all residents in the district.

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?

The amount of tourism on the Big Island should be carefully controlled to prevent harm to the environment, infrastructure and local communities.

Managing tourism sustainably is essential to protect the island’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.

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

As a representative for Kailua-Kona, I can only speak for Kailua-Kona so I wouldn’t be able to speak on the needs or issues of another district.

I believe that proactive planning for the future is crucial to addressing traffic congestion in the area. Historically, there have been delays in implementing infrastructure projects, but I am committed to advocating for improvements, such as widening the Lako Street intersection to Kam 3, to alleviate traffic issues.

I will persistently push for action by the county to address these concerns promptly.

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 people.

To address this issue, the county government can help by implementing affordable housing initiatives, providing financial assistance programs for homebuyers and renters, supporting local businesses to create more job opportunities, and advocating for policies that promote economic stability and affordability for residents.

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

I do not support the construction of the TMT due to past broken promises and mismanagement, which have eroded trust and make it difficult to proceed with confidence.

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

To address homelessness on Hawaii island, I would prioritize increasing access to affordable housing, offering mental health and addiction support services, working closely with community organizations and expanding outreach programs to connect individuals with necessary resources.

Additionally, I believe it is crucial to consider the impact on local businesses and communities affected by this issue.

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?

I think it is important for the federal and state government to assist Hawaii County residents in transitioning to septic systems.

Many residents are facing financial challenges and may struggle to afford the costly upgrade.

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

Our county is struggling to provide basic amenities such as working bathrooms at Old Kona Airport, completing projects like the skate park after 12 years, updating Kahaluu Beach Park which has been deteriorating for two decades and maintaining our roads.

There have been instances where road repairs are undone due to unforeseen issues like sewer line projects. Without adequate support from foreign governments, our local government may struggle to address these pressing issues.

It is essential for elected representatives to prioritize and focus on addressing the concerns that matter most to the people in our district.

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

The decision on whether the Hu Honua biomass energy plant should be allowed to start operating depends on a comprehensive evaluation of its potential benefits in terms of renewable energy production, economic growth and job creation, balanced against the potential environmental impacts, including air pollution and deforestation for biomass sourcing.

It is essential to carefully weigh these factors and consider input from all stakeholders before making a decision.

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

Ensuring that all taxpaying citizens are informed well in advance about community hearings, being readily available as a representative to address any questions or concerns from the public, and taking decisive action to remove any directors who impede transparency within their roles.