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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 Jeremiah Savage, Democratic candidate for State House District 10, which covers a portion of Waiehu, Paukukalo, Wailuku, Wailuku Heights, Waikapu and Hyashi Village. His primary opponent is Tyson Miyake.

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?

One of the most pressing issues facing our district is the skyrocketing cost of living. Many families are struggling to make ends meet, with housing, groceries, health care and utilities becoming increasingly unaffordable. This crisis affects every aspect of our lives, from the ability to secure stable housing to the quality of education and healthcare we can access.

Affordable housing initiatives: Partner with local developers and leverage state and federal funds to increase the supply of affordable housing by streamlining the permitting process and offering incentives for affordable housing projects. Advocate for rent control measures to prevent exorbitant rent increases and ensure tenants have strong protections against unfair evictions.

Utility and energy cost reductions: Promote the adoption of renewable energy sources to lower utility costs for residents. Implement programs that help residents and businesses improve energy efficiency, reducing their utility bills and environmental impact.

Supporting local agriculture: Encourage the growth of local agriculture by providing grants and technical support to local farmers. This not only reduces food costs but also ensures fresher, healthier food options for our community. Expand food assistance programs and create community gardens to help those in need access nutritious food.

2. How do you feel about the massive income tax cut just approved by the Legislature and the governor? Do you have any concerns that it will force reductions in state services in the years to come?

The recent income tax cut by the Legislature and the governor aims to provide financial relief to residents, especially amid rising living costs. Broad tax cuts often benefit higher-income individuals more, exacerbating economic disparities. We should focus on targeted relief for low- and middle-income families, such as expanding tax credits and investing in affordable housing. 

Sustainable budgeting is crucial. We must balance tax cuts with careful planning to avoid jeopardizing essential services. Exploring diversified revenue streams, like closing tax loopholes and leveraging federal grants, is necessary. Engaging the community in these decisions ensures policies reflect our residents’ needs and values.

I am committed to advocating for balanced policies that provide relief while maintaining essential services and promoting long-term prosperity. Your voice matters in shaping a sustainable and equitable future for our district.

3. Hawaii continues to struggle with pay-to-play politics and corruption in government. What meaningful reforms do you think would change state government for the better?

Hawaii has long struggled with issues of pay-to-play politics and government corruption, undermining public trust and hindering effective governance. To restore integrity and accountability, Mandate real-time disclosure of campaign contributions and expenditures. This ensures voters know who is funding political campaigns and can make informed decisions.

Enforce strict conflict-of-interest rules to prevent officials from using their positions for personal gain. Conduct regular, independent audits of government agencies and programs to ensure transparency and accountability.

By implementing these reforms, we can foster a government that truly serves the people, restoring trust and ensuring a more transparent, accountable and ethical state government.

4. Candidates often say they will support reform proposals in the Legislature. And yet major reform proposals don’t pass. Will you back good-government proposals even if it means going against leadership?

Standing for integrity: I understand the frustration when major reform proposals fail to pass, despite widespread support from candidates. As your representative, I pledge to prioritize the interests of our community over political pressures.

I will support good-government proposals even if it means going against party leadership. My commitment is to serve with integrity and ensure that the voices of our residents are heard and acted upon. I believe in transparency, accountability and ethical governance. These principles guide my actions, and I will advocate for reforms that align with these values, regardless of political consequences.

I will work to build coalitions with like-minded legislators and community advocates to push for meaningful reforms. Together, we can create a strong, united front for change. I will actively engage with my constituents to gather input and ensure that proposed reforms reflect the will of the people.

I am committed to earning and maintaining your trust by standing up for good-government reforms and advocating for a more transparent and accountable state government. Let’s work together to make lasting, positive change for our community.

5. Do you support comprehensive public financing of elections for candidates who choose to participate? Why or why not?

Yes, I support comprehensive public financing it can level the playing field, allowing candidates from diverse backgrounds to run for office without relying on wealthy donors or special interest groups. It shifts the focus from fundraising to addressing the real issues that matter to constituents, leading to more substantive and policy-driven campaigns.

Public financing ensures that campaign funding sources are transparent and accountable, reducing the risk of corruption and undue influence. It builds public trust in the electoral process by demonstrating a commitment to fair and honest elections.

Candidates using public financing can spend more time engaging with voters and less time fundraising, fostering greater community involvement and participation in the democratic process. It encourages more candidates to run for office, leading to a government that better reflects the diversity and needs of the community.

Publicly financed campaigns are more likely to focus on policy solutions rather than catering to the interests of large donors, resulting in better governance and more responsive elected officials.

Supporting comprehensive public financing of elections is a crucial step toward a more equitable, transparent, and effective political system. It empowers candidates to focus on serving their constituents and strengthens the democratic process for all. 

6. Hawaii is the only Western state without a statewide citizens initiative process. Do you support such a process? Why or why not?

Yes, I support implementing a statewide citizens initiative process in Hawaii. This process empowers voters to propose and vote on legislation directly, enhancing democratic participation and ensuring that the voices of the people are heard. It fosters greater civic engagement, creating a more informed and active electorate.

The initiative process allows citizens to address issues that the Legislature may overlook, ensuring critical concerns and innovative ideas are not ignored. It provides a mechanism for the public to push for necessary reforms and policies that reflect the community’s evolving needs and priorities.

The threat of a citizen-led initiative can motivate elected officials to be more responsive and accountable to their constituents. It balances power between the electorate and the government, ensuring that the people’s interests are always at the forefront.

A citizens initiative process promotes collaboration between the government and the public, encouraging policymakers to work closely with community members. Successful initiatives often require broad-based support, leading to comprehensive and widely accepted solutions.

Implementing a citizens initiative process can increase trust in the democratic system, giving the public a direct role in shaping state laws and policies. It would enhance democratic participation, ensure responsive governance, and foster greater accountability and innovation in Hawaii’s legislative process.

7. Thanks to their campaign war chests and name familiarity, incumbents are almost always reelected in Hawaii legislative races. Should there be term limits for state legislators, as there are for the governor’s office and county councils? Why or why not?

Yes, I support implementing term limits for state legislators in Hawaii. Term limits encourage the introduction of fresh ideas and perspectives, preventing stagnation and fostering innovation in the legislative process. Regular turnover ensures that the legislature remains dynamic and responsive to the evolving needs and concerns of the community.

Term limits help level the playing field by reducing the advantage of incumbents with large campaign war chests and high name recognition, making it easier for new candidates to compete. They can encourage more citizens to run for office, leading to a more diverse and representative government.

Term limits prevent long-term entrenchment, reducing the risk of complacency and encouraging legislators to remain actively engaged and accountable to their constituents. Legislators are more likely to focus on effective governance and public service rather than career longevity.

Implementing term limits can increase public trust in the political system by demonstrating a commitment to preventing the concentration of power and ensuring regular opportunities for new leadership. It can help reduce corruption and promote ethical behavior, as legislators know they have a limited time to make a positive impact.

8. What will you do to ensure accountability at the Legislature? Do you support ideas such as requiring the Sunshine Law to apply to the Legislature or banning campaign contributions during session?

As your representative, I am committed to promoting transparency, accountability and ethical governance at the Legislature.

I support requiring the Sunshine Law to apply to the Legislature. This would ensure that legislative meetings and decision-making processes are open to the public, fostering transparency and allowing constituents to stay informed about their representatives’ actions. Open meetings encourage greater public participation and scrutiny, ensuring that legislative decisions reflect the interests and concerns of the community.

Hosting regular town hall meetings and public forums allows constituents to voice their concerns, ask questions and provide feedback on legislative actions. Leveraging digital platforms to share information and engage with constituents ensures that legislative processes are accessible to a broader audience.

My commitment is to serve with integrity and ensure that our government works for the people, promoting trust and confidence in our democratic institutions.

9. How would you make the Legislature more transparent and accessible to the public? Opening conference committees to the public? Stricter disclosure requirements on lobbying and lobbyists? How could the Legislature change its own internal rules to be more open?

To build a more transparent and accessible Legislature, we must implement several key measures. I strongly support opening conference committee meetings to the public. These committees play a crucial role in reconciling differences between House and Senate versions of bills, and their deliberations should be transparent. Providing livestreaming and recordings of these meetings ensures that all residents can follow the legislative process, regardless of their ability to attend in person.

Ensure that the Legislature’s website is user-friendly and contains comprehensive information about bills, committee meetings, voting records and legislative calendars. Develop mobile applications and tools to make legislative information accessible on various devices, ensuring that constituents can stay

Promote civic education programs to inform the public about the legislative process, their rights as citizens, and how they can effectively engage with their representatives. Develop initiatives to engage young people in the legislative process, fostering a culture of active citizenship from an early age.

By implementing these measures, we can make the Legislature more transparent and accessible, ensuring that the public has a clear view of the legislative process and can actively participate in it. My commitment is to foster an open, accountable and responsive government that truly serves the people. 

10. Many people have talked about diversifying the local economy for many years now, and yet Hawaii is still heavily reliant on tourism. What, if anything, should be done differently about tourism and the economy?

Diversifying Hawaii’s economy is crucial for resilience. Provide grants and subsidies to local farmers to boost agricultural production. Encourage locally grown produce through farmers’ markets and farm-to-table initiatives. Promote diverse, high-market-value crops to reduce imported food dependency and strengthen food security.

Invest in renewable energy projects like solar, wind and wave energy. Encourage public-private partnerships to develop infrastructure and create green energy jobs, aiming for energy independence by reducing fossil fuel reliance. Establish technology hubs to attract tech companies and startups. Provide incentives for tech entrepreneurs and invest in STEM education to prepare the local workforce. Partner with educational institutions for training in emerging technologies.

Invest in arts, culture and entertainment to nurture local talent and attract visitors. Promote Hawaii for film and media production, providing tax incentives.

By diversifying Hawaii’s economy, we can reduce tourism reliance and build a sustainable, resilient future. I am committed to advocating for policies that promote innovation, protect the environment and create new opportunities for all residents. Let’s ensure a prosperous, diverse economy for Hawaii.

11. An estimated 60% of Hawaii residents are struggling to get by, a problem that reaches far beyond low-income and into the middle class, which is disappearing. What ideas do you have to help the middle class and working families who are finding it hard to continue to live here?

The high cost of living in Hawaii is straining middle-class and working families. To help them thrive, we need comprehensive strategies. First, partner with developers to build affordable housing and streamline permitting processes. Introduce tax credits for middle-class families, expand the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), and provide tax relief for housing costs.

Promote energy efficiency programs to lower utility bills. Advocate for a living wage that reflects Hawaii’s high cost of living and invest in job training for higher-paying jobs in emerging industries like technology and health care.

Provide subsidies for affordable child care programs and invest in public education to prepare children for future job opportunities. Offer grants and low-interest loans to stimulate local economic growth and encourage residents to support local businesses.

Implement financial literacy programs to help families manage their finances and prevent predatory lending. Support nonprofits providing essential services like food assistance and job training. By implementing these measures, we can create a more supportive environment for families in Hawaii, ensuring all residents have the opportunity to thrive. Together, we can build a future where every family can afford to live, work and raise their children in Hawaii.