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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 BJ Penn, candidate for Hawaii County Council District 1, which covers North Hilo, Hamakua and a portion of Waimea. The other candidates include Brittany Anderson and Heather Kimball.

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 Hawaii County, and what would you do about it?

The exportation of local Hawaiian residents is the biggest issue not only in Hawaii County but throughout the state. Residents and future generations should not have to worry about whether or not they can stay in Hawaii. Due to the cost of living, lack of opportunities, and the rapid decline of people’s quality of life, because their basic needs are not being met with ease, many feel they do not have a choice other than to relocate.

Once elected, I will implement new solutions to directly address the housing crisis by increasing the supply and decreasing the demand with eco-friendly options and alternatives without focusing solely on new development. I will introduce a work-to-own housing program. 

Affordable food options and food security are also concerns, which is why I will propose a plan for county farmers and community gardens. Everyone deserves to have access to quality, nutritious and locally-grown food.  

Opportunities for keiki must be expanded and enhanced. The public school system and trade school options need to be elevated so local keiki have quality resources to pursue their dreams, passions and careers while residing in Hawaii.

2. Overtourism can degrade the environment, threaten biodiversity, contribute to wear and tear on infrastructure, generate traffic and disrupt neighborhoods. What do you think about the amount of tourism on the Big Island and how it’s managed?

Tourism in Hawaii County doesn’t seem to be a problem. In fact, tourism allows many small businesses to exist and thrive during peak seasons. In 2023, the average amount of revenue generated on Hawaii island from visitors was approximately $3.5 billion, according to Big Island Now. However, local residents are absorbing higher taxes to maintain the roadways and land preservation. Some of the money generated from tourism should be allocated in a way where the financial burden is lifted from local residents. 

I will propose to implement a “visitor’s tax or fee” upon entering Hawaii County. Local residents would have documentation to bypass the payment booths, similar to a toll road. 

Regulations need to be put in place so that local communities are not impacted by large crowds and unruly visitors. Local neighborhoods and specific plots of land should have kamaaina-only access, or restricted hours to reduce local residents having to compete with visitors for accessibility and enjoying various elements throughout the community.

Although we will always welcome respectful visitors with aloha, locals must come first. No more putting tourism and profit margins above solutions that support and enhance the lives of residents and our community. 

3. What needs to happen to relieve traffic congestion in and around Kailua-Kona and along the Puna-Keaau-Hilo corridor?

There is currently a plan through the Department of Transportation to create a roundabout to help the flow of traffic, which I think is a good place to start. However, there is a need to elevate the roadway and create a small bridge or overpass.

This solution allows the flow of traffic to resume, without creating bottlenecks because of stop signs and delays during peak travel times.

4. The cost of living on Hawaii island is rising rapidly. How are working and middle-class people expected to buy a house or pay the rent as well as take care of other expenses? And how can the county government help?

The housing crisis in Hawaii is something my family and I have been dedicated to addressing since 2005. Once elected, I will propose to increase government support for affordable housing and adopt innovative models such as micro-apartments and accessory dwellings.

New construction is unnecessary in every community, and viable solutions have been overlooked. The Department of Permits and Planning’s permit requirements for residents need to be revised, which includes refurbishing existing or abandoned structures.

Offer a “work to own” housing program for full-time residents working 40 hours or more.

End property taxes for full-time residents.

Create new affordable housing options, such as micro-dwellings and accessory units/communities. Refurbish abandoned and aging structures with eco-friendly materials.

Create better processes to improve the Department of Permits and Planning’s approval process and turn-around times

5. Do you support the construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope on Mauna Kea?

No. Absolutely not. There is no way to construct the telescope without the construction directly affecting the aina, natural resources, ecosystems and water supply.

Just like our neighbors on Oahu learned with Red Hill, leaks happen. Even if catastrophes aren’t intentional or planned, there is no need to risk creating unnecessary problems and potentially destroying the environment and natural resources in the name of “science.” 

The discussion of the Thirty Meter Telescope is something that has been debated for a long time. It’s very simple to me, the aina has to come first because without our natural resources, we will not be able to exist and thrive. 

6. Homelessness remains a problem statewide, including on Hawaii island. What would you do to come to grips with this persistent problem?

I don’t believe any community should “come to grips” with the subject of homelessness. In fact, the alarming increase in homelessness throughout the state should be viewed as the source to identify solutions. 

First, we have to ask ourselves, why are so many people homeless? In Hawaii, we have a housing crisis and a homeless crisis. How can both exist at the same time?

We must make housing more affordable so the individuals who can work and provide for themselves have options.

Second, we need to identify the cause of homelessness and start listening to the individuals in need of support. Maybe they are homeless because of housing, the economy, family troubles, mental health, addiction or trauma. We must make more resources and support available.

Homeless individuals are people just like you and me, they are our neighbors. It’s time we start looking for solutions the same way we would for someone we love versus someone we despise with pity or frustration. The only way to address this crisis is with aloha and without judgment.

I will work with local businesses and nonprofit organizations to ensure we can address the concerns by serving and supporting our neighbors in need. 

7. Half of Hawaii’s cesspools are on the Big Island, some 49,300. Seepage from cesspools can make people sick, harm coral reefs and lead to a variety of ecological damage. By law, cesspools must be upgraded to septic systems by 2050. What can be done to help people who may not be able to afford the conversion?

By the year 2050, I hope that new technology and ecological advancements will allow more cost-effective solutions for the residents who will upgrade their septic systems.

Similar to the solar-panel perks and reimbursement options, I will propose a government-supported plan that offers a cost-effective solution or alternative to the current options available. We will prioritize the upgrades for cesspools based on their proximity to ecosystems and essential natural resources. 

Many local residents are knowledgeable about cesspools and septic system alternatives. I will propose a community grant to fund a solution-based Kickstarter Campaign so the transition can begin as soon as an affordable and viable solution is discovered.

8. What is the first thing Hawaii County should do to get in front of climate change rather than just reacting to it?

The subject of climate change can be very controversial, but it doesn’t need to be. 

As the world population increases, natural resources will surely be impacted, not only because of the increase but because there is a lack of preservation proactivity. We should be planning proactively versus as a reaction to a perceived crisis or potential crisis.

We must invest in preserving our natural resources: air, animals, ecosystems, land, plants, power, soil and water. Mico-plastics, pollution, toxic waste and uneducated visitors are all large contributors to the deterioration of the aina. 

We can reduce the carbon footprint by improving eco-friendly transport options and continuing to ban toxic chemicals/materials and anything that pollutes and destroys. The surge of bacteria in local bodies of water is alarming and restricts residents from land and water accessibility. There should be a safe barrier around the island to ensure toxic chemicals are not polluting the environment. 

All transportation companies, including the airlines, should be required to invest a percentage of their revenue into solutions to enhance the environment. Additionally, we need to assess every runoff to determine what toxins are present and address them immediately. 

9. Should the Hu Honua biomass energy plant be allowed to start operating? Why or why not?

No. Based on the information available, they currently do not meet the greenhouse gas pollution reduction requirement. Destroying natural resources to produce energy is not an ideal solution.

I am willing to meet with the Hu Honua leadership team to determine an alternative way to utilize the plant in an eco-friendly manner. 

Once an alternative solution is identified, I will propose a community vote for final approval. The solution must be supported by local residents and reflect a plan our community feels confident about.

10. How would you make the county administration more transparent and accessible to the public?

The community deserves to know the public servants representing them are trustworthy, honest, transparent and genuinely care about the future of Hawaii.

The first step is launching an identification approval process to screen every prospective candidate with a thorough screening process. Many local residents do not know who is supporting them, and they should. We must verify the individual seeking office is approved and vetted as a capable candidate by answering a series of questions and attending an in-person interview conducted by a community board or leaders. 

I will also make upcoming bills and issues accessible to all community members by having an online community resource hub. I want to cultivate more community by sharing education, resources and opportunities for local residents to access at any time. All meetings will be public information, as well as the outcomes. 

Additionally, I propose a community board composed of local community leaders, executives, kupuna, and nonprofit leadership, to discuss multifaceted issues that require discussion and discovery. 

My team will be available to serve the people with the highest level of excellence, professionalism and ethical standards, which ensures District 1 will always be informed, involved and considered — every step of the way.