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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 Hopena Pokipala, Democratic candidate for state House District 51, which includes Waimanalo, Keolu Hills, Lanikai and a portion of Kailua. His primary opponent is Lisa Marten.

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?

Like most other places in Hawaii, the housing crisis is the biggest issue facing my district. The current median price of a single-family home in Kailua is $1.5 million. This is 12% higher than in  2021, and a 33% jump from prices in 2018. If we don’t take action now, this problem will undoubtedly worsen.

Even those fortunate enough to inherit their family homes are struggling to keep up with the ever-rising land taxes. I have personally witnessed families with long-standing ties to the Waimanalo-Kailua area sell their homes and relocate to the continent where their purchasing power is higher. The very thought of home ownership among my generation is mired in temerity. 

As more locals continue to be priced out of their homes, an influx of foreign investment increases. I look around my neighborhood of Kaohao, the same area both of my grandparents grew up in, and hardly recognize anyone. 

Some solutions I support are tax breaks for multigenerational households and properties that have been in continuous familial ownership for several decades, increased taxes on nonresident investment properties, investments in true affordable housing and cutting through the red tape for households to add on additional units. 

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 income tax cut will primarily benefit Hawaii’s ALICE (asset-limited, income-restricted, employed) households and working class.

The intent behind this legislation is equity, making Hawaii more affordable for families making ends meet while having high-income taxpayers pay a larger share of the state’s income tax.

If executed properly, this approach of leveling the tax field should not lead to a decrease in the ability for the state to provide services to residents. 

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?

Corruption erodes public trust in our government. I believe in implementing any and all deterrents for the misuse of power for personal gain.

Public disclosure of finances is important to identify conflicts of interest. Periodic audits, conducted by independent agencies, are necessary to scrutinize spending and identify irregularities. Whistleblower protection and incentivization should be enacted to encourage the reporting of corruption.

Lastly, a meritocratic system of hiring and promotion, based on qualifications and not nepotism or influence, should be common practice within the Legislature.  

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 believe in advocating for common sense-government action, even if it means taking a different stance from leadership. My primary responsibility is to my constituents and the public good. Good reforms benefit everyone, including those I represent.

Putting forth ideas, even if contrary to leadership, creates opportunity for dialogue that builds consensus and results in more balanced reforms. I’ll make an effort to understand why leadership might oppose the reform as there could be unforeseen drawbacks or logistical challenges. I believe open communication is key.

Ultimately, my goal is to be an effective advocate for good governance. This means working within the system while remaining true to my convictions and representing the best interests of the people.

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

Yes. A comprehensive public financing program for candidates is proven to increase competitiveness of elections, candidate diversity, voter participation and public trust while decreasing corruption.

Hawaii’s program, however, must be improved to make it more effective.  

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

These initiatives seem to favor well-funded special interest groups over the average citizen.

I believe the current process of introducing bills, which allows multiple opportunities for public review, while imperfect, is sufficient. 

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’m in favor of setting term limits that allow legislators to develop expertise but don’t encourage careers focused solely around reelection. These limits should be subject to public debate. 

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?

First and foremost, all politicians are in service to the public. As such, I am in favor of the Sunshine Law applying to the Legislature. I believe all meetings should be open to the public with advanced notice. The public has a right to observe and participate in the processes that inevitably govern our everyday lives. 

I am in favor of banning campaign contributions during session. This would allow legislators to focus on their core duties rather than spending time fundraising. It would also level the playing field between wealthy donors and smaller grassroots initiatives with less finances. 

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?

Open conference committees would be a significant step toward transparency. By allowing the public to observe negotiations, it reduces the potential for backroom deals and increases public understanding of the legislative process. 

Enacting stricter disclosure requirements for lobbyists, including detailed reporting of spending, clients and issues lobbied, would shed light on the influence exerted on lawmakers. Also, we can prevent conflicts of interest by implementing mandatory cooling-off periods for former legislators before they can become lobbyists. 

I believe the Legislature should be subject to periodic audits by an independent ethics commission. Doing so would enhance public trust.

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?

Regarding tourism, Hawaii should invest in traditional Native Hawaiian agriculture methods to leverage its natural resources in a less resource-intensive way. The ahupuaa system worked for hundreds of years; we should take the same concept and adapt it to the modern age. 

As a small business owner, I believe we should purchase locally every chance weʻre given, even if it is more expensive. I know firsthand the challenges that come along with running a business in Hawaii.

We need to incentivize local entrepreneurs and businesses by alleviating the costs and red tape necessary to operate here. Doing so would keep money circulating locally as opposed to being siphoned away offshore. 

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?

My main reason for running for office is because of the severity of our local family diaspora. We need to enact policies that combat this mass exodus and allow local families to not only stay, but thrive here. 

One of the primary drivers of high housing costs is limited supply. The government can encourage more housing development by streamlining permitting processes, zoning regulations, and incentivizing the construction of affordable housing units. We need to support first time home-buyers through low-interest loan and down payment assistance programs.

We should implement policies that reduce taxes on multigenerational households, households that have been in continuous familial ownership for multiple generations, and essential goods and services.

We can also increase taxes on non-primary residence/ vacant homes and use the revenue to fund the aforementioned programs. It’s important to note that there is no single solution and that a combination of strategies will be needed to address the complex issues involved. It is prudent that we pursue every option that keeps local families in place, and mitigates the cost of living here.