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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 James Logue, Democratic candidate for state House District 20, which includes Leahi, Kahala, Waialae, Kaimuki and Kapahulu. His primary opponents include John Choi, Tina Nakada Grandinetti, George Hooker and Kevan Wong.

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?

The increasing number of homeless individuals is the biggest issue facing District 20.

I do not believe that we can “end homelessness,” as some people simply opt not to live within societal standards, but I do believe we can help those with mental health issues and drug addiction, which also lead to criminal behavior such as trespassing and theft.

To address this, I will prioritize expanding access to long-term mental health care and substance abuse treatment programs. Collaboration with nonprofits, local businesses and state agencies will be crucial to providing comprehensive support and creating long-term solutions for our homeless community.

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?

I fully support the income tax cut. I believe it will benefit our residents by increasing their disposable income, stimulating economic growth and reducing financial burdens.

I am confident that this tax cut will not force reductions in essential state services. Instead, it will curtail the allocation of funds to special interest groups that often contribute large sums to political campaigns. Our focus should remain on efficient use of taxpayer money and prioritizing critical public services.

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?

Implementing harsher penalties for corrupt government officials is essential. These should include barring individuals found guilty of corruption from holding any future office or position in local government.

Additionally, increasing transparency and accountability through robust oversight mechanisms will help prevent corruption and ensure that officials serve the public interest. We must foster a culture of integrity and ethical behavior within our government to restore public trust.

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?

I am fully committed to reforming our state government. As a combat veteran, I believe in the principles of our constitutional republic and democracy. This commitment to transparency and accountability ensures that future generations, including my infant son, can thrive here in Hawaii.

I will support good-government proposals regardless of political pressures, always prioritizing the best interests of 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 of elections. This approach can level the playing field, enabling more candidates to run for office without the burden of significant financial constraints.

It promotes a diversity of ideas and perspectives, ensuring that voters have real choices and fostering a healthier democratic process. Public financing reduces the influence of special interest money and helps candidates focus on the needs of their constituents.

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 wholeheartedly support a statewide citizens initiative process.

This embodies the essence of democracy, allowing residents to have a direct say in legislative matters that impact their lives. It empowers citizens to propose and vote on laws, ensuring their voices are heard and respected.

A citizens initiative process can address issues that may be overlooked or stalled in the legislative process, fostering a more responsive and inclusive government.

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.

Term limits can prevent complacency and ensure that elected officials remain responsive and accountable to their constituents. Fresh perspectives and new ideas are essential for a dynamic and effective government.

By instituting term limits, we can encourage greater political participation and prevent the entrenchment of power that often leads to decreased accountability and responsiveness.

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?

I support applying the Sunshine Law to the Legislature and banning campaign contributions during legislative sessions. Transparency is crucial for maintaining public trust and ensuring that legislative decisions are made in the best interest of the community.

Additionally, banning campaign contributions during the session prevents potential conflicts of interest and ensures that elected officials focus on their legislative duties without undue influence from donors.

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 enhance transparency and accessibility, I advocate for opening conference committees to the public and implementing stricter disclosure requirements on lobbying and lobbyists.

Extending the legislative session would allow more time for thorough review and debate of bills, reducing the rush to pass legislation without adequate consideration.

Additionally, altering internal rules to distribute decision-making authority more evenly among committee members can lead to a more transparent and participatory legislative process.

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?

While tourism remains a vital part of Hawaii’s economy, diversifying our economic base is crucial for long-term stability.

We should promote the growth of the entertainment and film industry, which offers well-paying jobs and unique opportunities for local residents. Additionally, investing in the technology sector and production of hemp products can create new industries and markets.

By supporting innovation and diversification, we can build a more resilient economy that benefits all residents.

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?

As a former SNAP case eligibility worker for the Department of Human Services, I understand the challenges our residents face. Many families and individuals work multiple jobs and still struggle to make ends meet.

To support the middle class, we should consider tax cuts and adjustments to income limits for assistance programs to ensure more families qualify for aid. Investing in affordable housing, increasing the minimum wage, supporting and understanding small business needs and providing better access to education and job training programs are essential steps to help working families thrive in Hawaii.