ÌìÃÀÊÓƵ

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 Linda Clark, Democratic candidate for state House District 13, which covers Molokai, Lanai, Kahoolawe, a portion of Kahului, Haiku, Peahi, Huelo, Nahiku, Hana and Kipahulu. Her primary opponent is Mahina Poepoe.

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?

District 13 includes the islands of Maui, Molokai, Lanai and Kahoolawe. Housing shortages and affordability is crucial.

I will work to increase the availability of affordable housing by supporting policies that encourage sustainable development, streamline permitting processes and provide incentives for affordable housing projects.

By working collaboratively with residents, experts and stakeholders, we can overcome these challenges and create a brighter future for District 13.

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 cuts in Hawaii offer several benefits but also come with potential drawbacks.

On the positive side, these tax cuts increase disposable income for residents, allowing them to spend more on local goods and services, which can stimulate economic growth. Businesses may find the state more attractive for investment, potentially leading to job creation and further economic development. Additionally, small businesses might benefit from the reduced tax burden, enabling them to expand and hire more employees.

However, the tax cuts also present challenges. They can lead to significant revenue shortfalls, potentially resulting in budget deficits and reduced funding for essential public services like education, health care and infrastructure. This could adversely affect the quality of life for residents who depend on these services. Moreover, tax cuts may disproportionately benefit higher-income individuals, potentially increasing income inequality within the state.

To compensate for reduced revenue, the state might need to increase borrowing, leading to higher debt and future financial liabilities. While the tax cuts can provide immediate economic benefits, they risk undermining long-term fiscal stability if not managed carefully. Balancing these pros and cons is crucial for Hawaii’s sustainable economic health.

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?

Meaningful reforms can address these issues and improve state governance.

First, implementing strict campaign finance laws and enhancing transparency in political donations can reduce money’s influence.

Strengthening ethics regulations and establishing an independent ethics commission can ensure accountability.

Increasing transparency in government operations, enforcing anti-corruption laws with severe penalties and protecting whistleblowers are crucial steps.

Lastly, promoting civic engagement and public participation can empower citizens and ensure their voices are heard. These reforms can foster a more transparent, accountable and trustworthy government in Hawaii.

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? If you are an incumbent, can you point to an example of a reform that you supported?

As a committed advocate for good governance, I will back meaningful reform proposals, even if it means going against leadership. Genuine reform is essential for restoring public trust, ensuring transparency and maintaining accountability in government.

Supporting good-government proposals, such as stricter campaign finance laws, enhanced ethics regulations, and increased transparency, is crucial for addressing issues like pay-to-play politics and corruption.

I believe in prioritizing the public’s interest over political convenience, and I am prepared to challenge the status quo to achieve these goals.

Backing reform proposals may involve difficult choices and standing up to powerful interests, but it is necessary for creating a more just and effective government. By supporting these reforms, I aim to foster a political environment where integrity, accountability and transparency are paramount. My commitment to these principles will guide my actions in the Legislature, ensuring that I remain steadfast in advocating for the changes needed to improve our state government, regardless of opposition from leadership.

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

I support comprehensive public financing of elections for candidates who choose to participate. Public financing levels the playing field, allowing candidates from diverse backgrounds to run for office without being beholden to wealthy donors or special interests. This system promotes a more equitable and representative democracy by reducing the influence of money in politics.

Public financing encourages candidates to focus on policy issues and voter engagement rather than fundraising. It can help to reduce corruption and the perception of corruption by limiting the potential for pay-to-play politics. Additionally, candidates who utilize public financing are more likely to be responsive to the needs and concerns of their constituents, rather than catering to the interests of major donors.

By providing public funds, it ensures that elections are about ideas and qualifications rather than financial resources. Public financing also encourages greater voter participation and trust in the political system, as citizens feel their voices are genuinely represented.

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

I support establishing a statewide citizens initiative process in Hawaii. This process empowers residents to propose and vote on laws directly, fostering greater civic engagement and ensuring the government reflects the people’s will. It serves as a check on the legislative and executive branches, encouraging more responsive and accountable governance.

Carefully designed with clear guidelines and safeguards, the initiative process can address issues overlooked by elected officials and strengthen democracy by enabling direct public involvement in the 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, there should be term limits for state legislators in Hawaii, similar to those for the governor’s office and county councils. Term limits can help reduce the entrenched power of incumbents, encouraging fresh perspectives and new ideas in the Legislature.

By preventing long-term incumbency, term limits can promote greater accountability and responsiveness to constituents.

Additionally, term limits can reduce the influence of campaign war chests and name familiarity, creating a more level playing field for challengers and enhancing democratic competition. They can also help mitigate the risk of corruption and complacency by ensuring regular turnover in legislative positions.

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?

To ensure accountability at the Legislature, I support ensuring transparency and public access. Additionally, banning campaign contributions during the legislative session would prevent conflicts of interest and reduce the influence of money on decisions.

Stricter ethics regulations and an independent oversight body with investigative authority are crucial for maintaining high standards of conduct. Encouraging public participation through town hall meetings and public hearings can further enhance accountability.

These measures will create a more transparent, accountable and trustworthy legislative process in Hawaii.

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 make the Legislature more transparent and accessible, I support opening conference committees to the public and implementing stricter disclosure requirements on lobbying activities.

Additionally, changing internal rules to ensure all meetings are live-streamed and archived online, with advance public notice of agendas, would enhance transparency.

Regular town hall meetings and public hearings previously mentioned can further promote public engagement. These measures will create a more open, accountable and inclusive legislative process in Hawaii.

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?

To reduce Hawaii’s heavy reliance on tourism, we should invest in sectors like renewable energy, technology and agriculture. We need to promote sustainable tourism practices, support local businesses and enhance infrastructure.

These steps can diversify the economy while preserving natural and cultural resources.

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?

With an estimated 60% of Hawaii residents struggling financially, including a shrinking middle class, urgent measures are needed to support working families.

I propose increasing affordable housing options through incentives for developers and community land trusts. Strengthening workforce development programs and investing in vocational training can provide opportunities for career advancement.

Additionally, expanding access to quality education and affordable child care supports families’ economic stability. Implementing tax policies that alleviate the burden on middle-class households and small businesses is crucial.

By fostering a supportive environment for local businesses and entrepreneurs, we can create more jobs and economic resilience.