������Ƶ

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 Isaiah Baclaan, Democratic candidate for state House District 42, which covers portions of Varona Village and Ewa, and Kapolei and Fernandez Village. His primary opponents are Anthony Makana Paris and Summer-Lee Yadao.

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?

As the only candidate in this race who grew up within the district, I understand that our most pressing issue is traffic. This problem affects everyone, regardless of their life stage or economic status.

Having attended our local schools from K-12, I witnessed firsthand the negative impact of traffic on students who must wake up early to reach their classes. As a working adult, I continue to grapple with the same traffic challenges faced by many hardworking residents striving to provide for their families.

I believe it is a shame that our workforce, many of which are parents, sometimes need to sit in two to four hours of traffic a day in order to work just to put food on the table.

As your representative, I will advocate for initiatives and secure funding aimed at repairing roads, fixing potholes and addressing car accidents swiftly. I will support any measures that alleviate traffic congestion in our district, ensuring that our locals spend less time stuck on the roads and more time enjoying a high quality of life with their loved ones.

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 feel that this tax cut is a step in the right direction given the high cost of living in Hawaii. The working men and women will greatly benefit from a tax cut that keeps more funds in their households, not to mention the families that can use any break they can get. These extra funds can be used in a multitude of ways, from self-development and education to reinvesting in our local economy, ultimately benefiting our communities.

Furthermore, I believe it is the Legislature’s responsibility to make tough decisions and ensure fiscal responsibility for all funding derived from taxpayers’ incomes. By governing our current budgets effectively and implementing fair initiatives to grow our economy, the State of Hawaii can achieve a balanced budget that meets our goals without imposing additional burdens on hardworking taxpayers.

This holistic approach not only relieves immediate financial pressures but also fosters a sustainable economic environment for future generations. Through careful planning and prudent management, we can create a thriving community where everyone has the opportunity to prosper.

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?

“Pay-to-play” politics is a term that carries significant implications and undermines the integrity of our democracy. I firmly believe that the focus should be on expanding avenues for transparency. The only way politicians and leaders can regain the trust and confidence of the people of Hawaii is by maintaining an unwavering commitment to transparency and open communication, especially on difficult matters.

When leaders are transparent in their actions and decisions, the public will recognize and appreciate their efforts and results, thereby dispelling the idea of “pay-to-play” politics. Those who attempt to engage in such unethical practices will find it increasingly challenging as leaders hold each other accountable.

Although measures are already in place to enhance transparency, it requires a clear effort from both the community and its representatives to ensure that no one exploits the system. We must work together to identify and close any loopholes that could be used to secure political favors. By fostering a culture of accountability and openness, we can create a political environment where trust is restored, and the interests of the people are prioritized. 

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 leader in my community, my foremost priority is making decisions that genuinely reflect the interests of those I represent. I am committed to supporting good government reform policies that truly benefit my community and its citizens. My main focus would be understanding why some leaders might oppose these policies and finding ways to address their concerns collaboratively.

No policy or solution is ever perfect. However, there are frameworks that strive to address concerns equitably and fairly while adhering to what is lawfully just. As the representative for my district, I would be dedicated to actively participating in discussions on all reform proposals. This involvement allows me to voice my opinions, ensure my constituents’ perspectives are heard, and decide whether to support or oppose key proposals on their behalf.

To me, one of the most critical aspects of being an elected official is giving voice to the people you represent. By being present and engaged in these important conversations, I can ensure that the needs and concerns of my community are not only heard but also acted upon. This is my belief of what true representation and effective leadership is.

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

In short, no. I believe that politics is a serious endeavor requiring significant time and commitment. I do not support the idea of public financing for elections, as this could divert crucial funds from the state budget that are better allocated to more pressing issues.

While there are some arguments in favor of public financing, I do not believe local taxpayers should bear the cost of every future candidate’s election campaign. It is essential to prioritize our state’s resources to address immediate and critical needs rather than funding political campaigns.  

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

I do not believe that a citizens initiative process is the best way to enact policy or social change in our current age. Elected representatives exist to ensure that the voices of genuinely concerned citizens are heard and addressed. Introducing a citizens initiative process risks allowing outside entities to unduly influence our state’s policies and social changes.

Instead, I believe it is crucial for community leaders, concerned citizens and elected officials to enhance their engagement with the existing political processes. This approach ensures that real issues are being addressed and discussed within the framework of our elected legislature and governor, who are chosen to represent the people. By strengthening our current system, we can better ensure that the will of the people is truly reflected in our policies and social advancements.

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?

I believe that the right person will be elected for the position, and no single person’s financial resources or name recognition should override that. History has shown us that incumbents can and do lose elections when they no longer represent or are favored by the voters who ultimately decide the outcome.

Rather than questioning the absence of term limits, we should ask why entrenched politicians, who may have overstayed their welcome, continue to win elections. This question brings us closer to understanding the real issues within Hawaii’s politics.

Ultimately, I trust that the people will decide who represents them in each district. If we present them with strong, capable leaders, they will make informed decisions and vote accordingly.

Providing the electorate with more of the same choices only serves as an excuse to blame term limits and a lack of accountability for political stagnation. It is crucial to offer diverse and dynamic candidates to ensure that voters can elect representatives who truly reflect their values and aspirations. 

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 a representative, my goal would be to ensure that both my colleagues and I remain accountable in all matters of policy, processes and protocol. I strongly support the Sunshine Law and practices such as prohibiting campaign donations during legislative sessions. Representatives must always strive to maintain a clear and unwavering sense of integrity and personal accountability.

As a captain in the Hawaii Army National Guard, I have endeavored to live by these principles, and I would bring the same commitment to elected office. Measures like the Sunshine Law and restricting campaign donations to off-session periods are not only feasible but also reinforce the public’s trust in our dedication to upholding our values.

During legislative sessions, a state representative’s primary focus should be on representing their district’s interests. Campaigning and garnering donations should be the furthest thing from our minds. By adhering to these principles, we can better serve our constituents and honor the responsibilities entrusted to us by the voters.

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?

Having worked three sessions at the Hawaii Legislature, I can attest to the significant efforts made to ensure transparency for the people of Hawaii. From digital notifications and hard copy agendas to regular media engagements, the Legislature is committed to maintaining public engagement with our communities.

However, to further enhance these efforts, the Legislature needs to focus more on educating and involving the community in the political happenings at our State Capitol. A concerted effort on educational initiatives, combined with a robust social media campaign to familiarize the public with legislative processes, would significantly improve transparency in today’s legislative environment. Engaging the community in this manner would foster a more informed and participatory citizenry, ultimately strengthening our democratic processes. 

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?

Hawaii has been synonymous with tourism for generations. We need to focus on revamping our tourism policies in respect to our native culture and sustainability. However, this is only part of the solution, we need to also look at diverse economic alternatives that can secure a sustainable future.

One promising avenue is the expansion of our agricultural sector. By investing in local farming and agricultural practices, we can create new jobs, enhance food security and reduce our dependence on imported goods. This supports our economy but also promotes native culture and healthier communities.

Another potential growth area is the film and entertainment industry. Hawaii’s unique landscapes and rich cultural heritage make it an attractive location for movie and television productions. By fostering a supportive environment for the film industry, we can generate substantial revenue, create high-quality jobs and develop specialized skill sets within our local workforce.

As we strive to refine and improve the way we conduct responsible tourism in Hawaii, we will actively pursue and develop alternative forms of economic endeavors fueled by the rich passions of our local entrepreneurs. I believe through these aspirations we can better the economic outlook of Hawaii for generations to come. 

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 someone who grew up middle class, a son of a disabled WWII veteran father and a Filipino immigrant mother, I can empathize with how difficult growing up and living in Hawaii can be. I would go about improving middle-class life for the citizens of Hawaii through this multifaceted approach:

We will focus on affordable housing. By incentivizing the construction of affordable homes and streamlining the permitting process, we can increase the housing supply and reduce costs.

We will invest in education and job training programs that prepare our workforce for high-demand, well-paying jobs, particularly in technology, health care and renewable energy sectors. These industries offer opportunities for stable, high-income employment.

We will explore tax relief measures for middle-income families, such as tax credits for child care and education expenses. This can help alleviate the financial burden on working families.

We will improve public transportation and infrastructure to reduce commuting costs and time, making daily life more manageable and affordable.

By addressing these key areas — housing, education, tax relief and transportation — we can create a more supportive environment for Hawaii’s middle class and working families, ensuring they can continue to thrive in our beautiful state.