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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 Tiana Wilbur, Republican candidate for State House District 45, which covers Waianae and Makaha. Her primary opponent is Christopher Muraoka.

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 most pressing issue in District 45 is the lack of affordable housing. Many families struggle to find homes they can afford, leading to overcrowding and instability.

As a representative, I will be committed to establishing proven incentives that create affordable housing development through tax breaks, streamlining the permitting processes and using state funding for community rental assistance programs.

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?

While tax relief can benefit residents, I am concerned about the recent massive income tax cut’s impact on critical state services such as education, health care and infrastructure.

I pledge to monitor the budget closely to ensure that these essential services are adequately funded. If necessary, I will explore alternative revenue sources to prevent potential cuts that could harm our community’s well-being.

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?

To combat pay-to-play politics and corruption, we need comprehensive reforms. I support stricter campaign finance laws, including limits on contributions from special interests, and real-time disclosure of campaign donations.

Establishing an independent ethics commission empowered with investigative authority is crucial to ensure accountability and restoring public trust in our government.

Politicians should not be able to receive funds during sessions as elected officials.

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 committed to supporting good-government proposals, even as it means challenging leadership.

I agree we must enhance whistleblower protections within state agencies, ensuring that misconduct shall be reported without fear of any retaliation. Upholding ethical standards and transparency is essential for effective governance.

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

This solution shall level the playing field by reducing the influence of big mainland money in our local politics, and shall allow candidates to focus on serving our constituents rather than fundraising.

But we must remember that pay-to-play doesnÊ»t just come in the form of money but also can be by power, influence and manipulation. 

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 establishing a statewide citizens initiative process.

Empowering voters to directly shape policy fosters greater civic engagement and holds elected officials accountable. Citizens should be empowered to propose and enact legislation when legislative action falls short.

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 term limits for state legislators shall bring fresh perspectives and prevent entrenching special interests.

Regular political representative turnover encourages new ideas and ensures that our government remains responsive to evolving community needs. Term limits promote accountability and prevent complacency among elected officials. All elected officials need to remain focused on our only purpose: to serve our communities and the people of Hawaii.

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?

Ensuring accountability is paramount. I advocate for applying the Sunshine Law to the Legislature and banning campaign contributions during sessions.

Transparency is fundamental to accountable governance, enhancing public oversight of legislative activities and reducing undue influence from special interests.

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?

Opening conference committees to the public, enforcing stricter lobbying disclosure requirements and revising internal rules for greater openness are critical steps. Public access to decision-making processes ensures lawmakers are accountable to those they serve, fostering trust and participation.

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 must diversify its economy to reduce reliance on tourism.

I propose investing in sustainable agriculture, renewable energy and technology sectors. Supporting small businesses and fostering local entrepreneurship will create diverse job opportunities and economic resilience, reducing our vulnerability to tourism fluctuations.

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?

To support middle-class and working families, I advocate for expanding access to affordable health care and child care, increasing the minimum wage to reflect the cost of living and investing in vocational training and higher education. Strengthening worker protections and expanding affordable housing options are crucial to ensuring families can thrive in Hawaii.