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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 Frankie McCurley, Republican candidate for state House District 40, which covers portions of Lower Village and Ewa Beach, and Iroquois Point. His primary opponents are Cory Asuncion and Julie Reyes Oda.

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?

Many issues face our community here in Ewa Beach. There is the safety and health concerns originating from the Puuloa Range Training Facility, the safety of our keiki as they travel to and from school, overcrowding with new construction and aging infrastructure, the rise in the homeless population and the rising cost of living in paradise, and these are just the tip of the iceberg.

The most formidable challenges we face mirror the broader struggle across our island and our nation: a fracture in fundamental family values and moral education. The alarming surge in juvenile crime throughout the Leeward Coast stands as a stark testament to this crisis.

We must chart a course toward restoring faith and devotion at the heart of our families. We need to work together, drawing strength and wisdom from our kupuna down through our children, forging a safer community where both can find value within themselves and others. I would partner with the community, churches and other nonprofits to develop programs that put the power back in the hands of the family; therefore, returning it to the people where it belongs.

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 legislative achievements are commendable, and I applaud the governor’s endorsement of legislation that promises a glimmer of hope for our families. This is undeniably a stride toward a brighter future.

Yet, we must acknowledge that this is but a modest ripple in the vast waters of our economic challenges. We need bold action that delivers immediate and substantial relief to the people of Hawaii. We must advocate for tax reductions on the necessities like food, housing and health care. As your state representative, I am committed to crafting holistic strategies that provide swift relief. Our families cannot afford to wait.

I hold reservations about the potential adverse impacts these tax cuts could have on essential services. These concerns must not be taken lightly; we must prioritize urgent needs while ensuring that our state’s fiscal policies are managed responsibly and with transparency.

It is imperative that the public plays an active role in the decision-making processes that shape their lives. Together, we can build a Hawaii that thrives on the principles of collaboration, education and fiscal accountability — a Hawaii where every family prospers.

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?

The first step to restore the people’s faith in government is to rebuild trust, this is paramount. As representatives we must be unwavering in our pursuit of transparency and accountability. Government works for the people. Any hint of financial greed, that attempts to break the culture of integrity in the legislative process, calls for swift action.

By implementing robust oversight, we can eradicate corruption and guarantee that the actions of our officials reflect the will and welfare of the people they represent.

It is crucial to foster a culture within our state government where integrity and ethics are demanded. This commitment to moral leadership is essential to reignite the trust of the public. Let us unite in our resolve for a state government that looks beyond partisan clashes and works together to represent and uphold the values Hawaii holds dear.

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?

In the spirit of collaboration and fiscal prudence, I stand firm in my dedication to champion initiatives that embody the essence of good governance. Leadership transcends decision-making; it’s about aligning the decisions made with our core values and the pressing needs of Hawaii’s families. I know I already stated this, but the Legislature is the people’s institution, accountable to them.

My commitment is to transcend partisan boundaries, fostering a bipartisan approach to enact substantial ethical and moral reforms. As your representative I will prioritize the welfare of my constituents above all else and have the courage to uphold what is just and fair even when it means challenging established party positions or leadership directives.

By working together, we can cultivate a Legislature that truly represents and serves the interests of the people.

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

Embracing a comprehensive public financing system for elections is a transformative step toward cultivating a democracy that truly reflects the will of the people. It’s a commitment to elevating voter engagement and ensuring that every candidate has a fair chance to be heard, free from the disproportionate sway of special interest groups. This initiative promises to enrich the democratic process with a diversity of candidates, offering voters a broader spectrum of choices that align with their values and aspirations.

When it comes to supporting this initiative, I am undecided. We must be vigilant against any undue financial strain on the people of Hawaii or the potential for misuse of the program.

Effective oversight and unwavering transparency are the pillars upon which this program’s success rests. Safeguards must be installed, like strict eligibility criteria, caps on the spending allowed, regular audits, transparent reporting, real-time disclosures of money provided by any form of special interest group and strict penalties for campaign violations.

By implementing these measures, the program would be able to fulfill its noble objectives and allow Hawaii to forge a path to a more equitable and representative electoral model.

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

The introduction of a statewide citizens initiative process is a powerful tool to invigorate civic participation and empower the people to directly fashion the policies that govern their daily lives. It’s a clarion call for a democracy that not only listens but also acts upon the voices of its people.

I champion a citizens initiative program that is meticulously regulated and thoughtfully crafted. This type of program can serve as a vital check on legislative power, ensuring that our elected representatives prioritize the common good in their decisions.

Yet, we must proceed with caution. This process must be safeguarded against the undue influence of those with money that could sway the collection of signatures. We must ensure that complex issues are not hastily decided upon without comprehensive discussion. And we must prevent ballot overcrowding, which risks overwhelming and deterring voters from participating.

By addressing these concerns, we can preserve the integrity of the initiative process and foster a more engaged, informed and active electorate.

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?

Term limits stand at the forefront of our quest for a rejuvenated state government here, and I wholeheartedly champion this cause with a keen awareness of its complexities. Term limits ensure that the power to invoke change is not the permanent domain of any single individual, safeguarding the legislative process from stagnation. They open the doors for new voices, brimming with innovative ideas and perspectives, to shape our future.

The debate surrounding term limits is critical. The departure of seasoned legislators, with their deep well of knowledge and experience, can be a loss felt across our state. The positive momentum of these change-makers cannot be lost.

Term limits emerge as a pivotal instrument to foster dynamic administration. We must, however, approach this tool with a discerning eye, fully engaging with the community to gauge its reactions and measure their pulse and comprehend its collective resolve.

I advocate for term limits that are not rigid but adaptable, designed to encourage innovation while maintaining stability within our state government. These limits must evolve with the needs and best interests of Hawaii’s people, ensuring that our government remains of the people, by the people and for the people.

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 am committed to promoting transparency and accountability in government. I believe that the principles of the Sunshine Law, promoting openness in government proceedings, should be extended to the Legislature. This extension of the Sunshine Law should especially target opening conference committee proceedings. This would allow for greater public oversight and participation in the legislative process the way it is meant to be.

In addition, I support the idea of banning campaign contributions during legislative sessions. This would help to eliminate potential conflicts of interest and ensure that legislators are focused on serving the public interest, rather than fundraising.

However, these changes cannot be achieved by one person alone. It requires the collective effort of all legislators and the active participation of the public. I encourage everyone to get involved, stay informed, and hold their elected officials, including myself once elected, accountable. Together, we can create a government that truly serves the people.

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?

Empowering our families and nurturing core values are at the heart of my approach, and I promise to act once elected. I will strive to help build a government, with my fellow colleagues, that believes in transparency and communicates every step of its process to its people.

If a bill that you know would benefit you was dismissed in a committee, wouldn’t you want to see it? By opening the conference committees to the public, it brings our constituents closer and restores their trust. They will witness the legislative process firsthand.

Lobbying is an important part of the democratic process but without proper oversight it can spiral out of control. The solution: hold training on the reporting system and disclosure requirements, provide a digital reporting platform that permits reporting of their activities in real time and enforce strict compliance and penalties for those who don’t follow their directives. After collecting these daily reports, we will make them available to the public. They will be able to interact with the information through an easy to access format. Regular audits will be scheduled to ensure continued transparency.

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?

Imagine a future where our economy is not just fueled by tourism, but also by a dynamic blend of high-paying sectors such as technology, science-based firms, agriculture and entertainment. Tourism will continue to be a crucial part of our economy; we must strive to enhance it further. This vision can only become reality through our community’s collective efforts.

We must work together to alleviate tax burdens and eliminate regulatory obstacles for our small businesses, particularly on the Leeward coast. By doing so, we can stimulate new growth and innovation. Let’s collaborate to position Hawaii as a bustling business hub, attracting investors who value our cultural diversity, respect our lifestyle and are excited to explore our resources, including the untapped potential of our oceans. This divine resource can contribute significantly to the state’s sustainability goals and Hawaii’s future.

We have land designated for agricultural use. It’s time we put it to good use. Whether it’s local entrepreneurs or those from outside the islands, we can attract them to cultivate the land, grow crops and transform these crops into profitable industries. Let’s prioritize local use first, then look beyond our shores. Together, we can shape Hawaii’s future. Let’s make it happen.

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?

Living in Hawaii is costly, but together, we can change this. Let’s engage our community, understand their struggles and address their needs. Affordable housing is a must. With Ewa Beach homes averaging $781,250, we need to collaborate with local developers to increase affordable units. We must tackle foreign investors and tax vacant properties.

The recent tax cut was a good start, but we can do more. I pledge to advocate for tax reductions on essentials like food, housing and health care.

Let’s work with HOAs to address rising maintenance fees. The average monthly HOA fee in Hawaii in 2021 was $762, compared to the U.S. average of $286. We need to ensure transparency and accountability in their financial practices.

I promise not to support any legislation that increases the cost of living in our paradise. Together, we can make Hawaii affordable for all.