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

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?

In District 42, the intertwined issues of affordable housing and the rail system present critical challenges. As the rail line begins here, ensuring its integration with our community’s needs is vital. Affordable housing near transit hubs not only addresses housing shortages but also promotes sustainable urban development. 

By advocating for mixed-income housing projects and cooperative housing models, we can utilize rail accessibility to enhance commuting options and reduce reliance on cars, easing traffic congestion and environmental impact. Legislative reforms like conveyance tax adjustments and increased funding for housing initiatives, including cooperatives, will further support this vision.

The connection between affordable housing and rail accessibility is clear: Integrating transit-oriented development with affordable housing initiatives maximizes benefits for residents. It not only improves housing affordability but also enhances overall community livability and economic resilience. By focusing on both fronts simultaneously, we can create a more inclusive and sustainable future for our district, where residents have access to affordable homes and efficient transportation options, fostering a thriving and connected 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?

The tax cut approved recently could mean less money for important things like health care, schools and helping people who need it. I’m worried because this cut includes benefits for people making over $100,000 a year, which might make it harder to keep funding these services.

To avoid these problems, lawmakers need to keep a close eye on how much money is coming in and make sure there’s enough for essential services. They might need to find other ways to bring in money or change tax rules to balance the budget without cutting the things our communities depend on.

While tax cuts can help the economy, they need to be done in a way that doesn’t hurt those who need help the most or make it harder for our state to stay financially secure in the long run.

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?

Government should represent the people, not special interests. Meaningful reforms are essential to achieve this goal.

Limiting the number of bills introduced in the Legislature would ensure more thoughtful consideration of each issue. Stricter rules on campaign finance and lobbying disclosures would increase transparency, revealing who funds political campaigns and activities.

And implementing an independent ethics commission with enforcement powers would hold officials accountable for ethical violations, restoring public trust. We need these kind of reforms to make our government more transparent and accountable.

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?

Reform is essential to ensure Hawaii’s system truly serves its people. I’m committed to backing good-government proposals, even if it means challenging leadership that doesn’t prioritize our community’s values.

For the past year I’ve collaborated with Ku Pono Ka Leo O Ka ‘Aina (KPKOA), a housing advocacy organization, on conveyance tax reform to align with best practices from other jurisdictions. This reform is crucial for affordable housing initiatives, ensuring Hawaii remains accessible to its residents.

Hawaii’s future shouldn’t be dictated by those who can afford to turn it into a playground; it should thrive with its local people. As someone born and raised here, I refuse to see Hawaii lose its essence due to being unaffordable. I’m dedicated to advocating for legislative changes that uphold our values and benefit all residents.

Backing good-governmental proposals and going against any leadership that is not pono is something I have absolutely no problem doing, I actually look forward to it.

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 for candidates who choose to participate. Public financing can level the playing field by reducing the influence of big donors and special interests in elections. It allows candidates to focus more on engaging with voters and addressing community concerns rather than on fundraising.

This system promotes greater transparency and accountability in our electoral process, ensuring that candidates are accountable to the public rather than to private donors. It also encourages a more diverse pool of candidates to run for office, as financial barriers to entry are reduced.

Overall, public financing of elections strengthens our democracy by promoting fair and competitive elections where all voices can be heard, regardless of financial resources.

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 a statewide citizens initiative process. This would enhance democratic participation and empower residents to directly influence legislation.

Such a process is a best practice in other jurisdictions and would complement efforts to reduce the number of bills introduced in the House, encouraging greater community involvement in shaping policies.

Implementing this process in Hawaii would foster a more inclusive democracy where community voices can drive legislative change through petitions and ballot measures. It ensures that popular concerns are addressed more directly and promptly, reflecting the diverse needs and priorities of our communities.

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. Setting a maximum of two consecutive terms would encourage fresh perspectives and ensure that our legislative representatives more accurately reflect the evolving needs and priorities of our community. This would help level the playing field, reducing the advantage that incumbents often have due to their campaign resources and name recognition.

By promoting turnover in office, term limits foster accountability and prevent entrenched political power, ultimately enhancing the democratic process by encouraging a broader range of candidates to run for office. This ensures that our Legislature remains responsive to the diverse voices and concerns of Hawaii’s residents.

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 making all legislative proceedings open to the public under the Sunshine Law. This would ensure that committee meetings and decision-making processes are transparent and accessible.

Banning campaign contributions during legislative sessions is also important to prevent conflicts of interest and keep lawmakers focused on serving the public, not special interests. Legislators should also abstain from voting on bills that could benefit their employers directly to avoid any appearance of bias and ensure fair decision-making.

These changes are essential to maintain trust in our government and hold elected officials accountable to the people they represent.

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?

Since serving in the Legislature is considered to be part-time employment, the hours and scheduling of important meetings, especially committee hearings should be held during hours that local workers would be able to attend.

Stricter disclosure requirements for lobbying activities and open conference committees are also necessary for a more open legislative process. These reforms will ensure that key decisions are made openly, allowing constituents to scrutinize the process and understand who influences legislative decisions.

By making meetings accessible online and providing advance notice of committee sessions, we can foster broader community participation and ensure that the legislative process truly serves the public interest.

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?

We need to reduce our reliance on tourism by supporting local agriculture, fisheries and innovative industries.

Implementing phased tourism restrictions on different islands and requiring tourists to participate in culturally educational programs would help balance tourism’s impact on our local communities and environment. 

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?

Having experienced this struggle since I was 14 years old and having visited countries and states that put people before profit, one of the ways is having universal income by making sure our conveyance tax rate reflects the needs we have as residents in Hawaii.

Subsidies are seen in a negative light, however there is no bridging this gap of the haves and have-nots without subsidies to cover the disparities we have throughout the islands.

To support middle-class and working families, I advocate for universal income through progressive conveyance tax rates. I emphasize stringent scrutiny and enforcement of development policies, particularly regarding military activities, to protect families’ interests.

These measures aim to ensure that living in Hawaii remains affordable and sustainable, prioritizing residents’ well-being over profit-driven policies.