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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 Ernest Caravalho, Democratic candidate for State House District 28, which covers Sand Island, Iwilei and Chinatown. His primary opponent is Daniel Holt.

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?

Personally, as a resident of the district encompassing Chinatown, Kalihi, Liliha, Iwilei Alewa and Sand Island, I see homelessness and affordable housing as the foremost challenges. Professionally, as a community advocate, addressing these issues requires urgent action. High rates of homelessness not only pose public safety risks but also strain our social services and impact community health.

To tackle homelessness effectively, we need comprehensive solutions like providing permanent housing with supportive services and increasing affordable housing through public-private partnerships and incentives. Enhancing access to health care, mental health services and job training programs are crucial steps toward long-term stability for our residents.

Allowing higher density housing and mixed-use developments, creating land trusts for affordability, and strengthening rent control laws are essential policy measures. Additionally, fostering strong relationships between law enforcement and residents through better lighting, surveillance and neighborhood watch programs enhances community safety.

Personally invested in improving our district’s quality of life, I am committed to advocating for these initiatives to ensure a safer, more resilient community where everyone has access to stable housing and essential services.

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?

Personally, I support the income tax cut as it can provide immediate relief to residents. Professionally, I recognize the need for careful fiscal management to ensure that essential state services are maintained. While the tax cut offers benefits, we must vigilantly monitor government spending to prevent any adverse impacts on public services.

Maintaining fiscal responsibility is crucial to mitigating concerns about potential revenue loss from the tax cut. By prioritizing efficient spending and exploring avenues to optimize budget allocation, we can safeguard essential services without necessitating additional taxes or compromising quality.

Overall, I believe in balancing fiscal prudence with the economic relief provided by the tax cut. This approach ensures that Hawaii continues to provide necessary services while supporting residents through economic challenges.

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?

Personally, addressing pay-to-play politics is crucial to restoring public trust in government. As a resident and advocate for ethical governance, I believe in enacting comprehensive reforms that prioritize transparency and accountability. Professionally, I understand that robust campaign finance reforms, stringent lobbying regulations and strengthened ethics oversight are essential steps toward reducing undue influence in policymaking.

Implementing legislative reforms that enhance public participation and legal accountability will further reinforce these efforts. By reducing the role of money in politics and bolstering oversight mechanisms, we can ensure that decisions are made in the public interest rather than for private gain.

Building public trust through effective governance is paramount. It requires proactive measures to uphold integrity and fairness in our democratic process. By enacting these reforms, we can strengthen our democracy and reaffirm our commitment to serving the needs of all residents in Hawaii. 

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 someone deeply engaged in community leadership, serving as chair of Neighborhood 13 Downtown Chinatown and President of the Honolulu Chinatown Lions Club, I bring both personal commitment and professional insight to supporting meaningful reforms in government. Throughout my involvement, I’ve consistently stood against policies I believe are detrimental to our community’s well-being and advocated for change where needed.

Personally, I understand the importance of transparency and accountability in governance. Professionally, I recognize the complexities of navigating political landscapes while prioritizing the public interest. Supporting good-government proposals, even if it means challenging leadership, is essential for upholding ethical standards and ensuring that legislative decisions reflect the needs of our constituents.

While I don’t have a legislative record to point to yet, my experience in community leadership has equipped me to effectively champion reforms that promote fairness, integrity and effective governance. I am committed to advocating for policies that strengthen our democracy and enhance public trust in government. 

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

Personally, I am a strong advocate for comprehensive public financing of elections for candidates. This aligns with my belief in fairness, equity and accessibility within our democratic process. Professionally, I recognize that public financing can level the playing field, enabling more diverse candidates to participate in elections without being beholden to special interests or large donors.

Public financing encourages a broader range of voices and ideas to enter the political arena, fostering robust debates and better representing the interests of all constituents. It promotes transparency and accountability by reducing the influence of private money in politics, thus enhancing public trust in our electoral system.

By supporting public financing, we can empower candidates who may otherwise be discouraged from running due to financial barriers. This inclusivity strengthens democracy by ensuring that elected officials are responsive to the needs and concerns of all communities, not just those with financial influence.

Overall, I believe that comprehensive public financing is essential for promoting fair competition, increasing voter engagement, and upholding the principles of representative democracy in Hawaii. 

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

Personally, I strongly support implementing a statewide citizen initiative process for Hawaii. It aligns with my belief in empowering individuals to actively participate in shaping their government and communities. Professionally, I recognize that such a process can significantly enhance democratic engagement and accountability.

Allowing citizens to propose and vote on laws directly can bridge gaps between public sentiment and legislative action. It offers a direct avenue for addressing pressing issues and responding to community needs that may not be adequately addressed through traditional legislative channels.

Moreover, a citizen initiative process fosters a more inclusive democracy by encouraging broader civic participation. It gives voice to diverse perspectives and ensures that policymaking reflects the collective will of the people.

Overall, I view the implementation of a statewide citizen initiative process as a positive step toward strengthening democracy in Hawaii. By empowering citizens with this tool, we can promote transparency, responsiveness and greater public trust in our governmental institutions. 

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?

Personally, I believe implementing term limits for state legislators in Hawaii is essential for promoting democratic renewal and ensuring vibrant representation. Professionally, I understand that term limits can foster fresh perspectives, reduce political entrenchment and encourage greater participation in our legislative process.

By limiting the number of terms legislators can serve, we can prevent complacency and encourage new leaders to step forward, bringing diverse experiences and ideas to the forefront. This can lead to more responsive governance that better reflects the evolving needs of our communities.

Moreover, term limits enhance accountability by promoting turnover and preventing concentration of power. They help create a legislative body that is dynamic, responsive and representative of Hawaii’s diverse population.

Overall, I support term limits as a measure to strengthen our democracy and ensure that our government remains accountable and responsive to the people it serves. 

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?

Personally, I strongly support initiatives that enhance transparency and accountability in Hawaii’s legislative process. Implementing a ban on campaign contributions during sessions and extending the Sunshine Law to legislators are essential steps to ensure openness and fairness.

Strengthening ethics rules, improving lobbying regulations and conducting regular audits with public financing will further bolster trust in our government.

Professionally, I believe these reforms are critical for effective governance that truly serves the public interest. By promoting transparency and reducing the influence of money in politics, we can foster a legislative environment where decisions are made based on merit and community needs. Upholding rigorous oversight and accountability measures demonstrates our commitment to ethical leadership and responsible stewardship of public resources.

These reforms not only align with my personal values of integrity and transparency but also reflect my professional dedication to advocating for policies that strengthen our democratic institutions. By implementing these measures, we can build a legislature that works more effectively for the people of Hawaii, ensuring their voices are heard and their trust is earned.

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?

As a committed advocate for transparent and accountable governance, I believe in implementing reforms that strengthen Hawaii’s legislative process. Opening conference committees to the public and enhancing disclosure requirements on lobbying are crucial steps toward greater transparency. Changing internal rules to prioritize openness and leveraging technology for better communication will empower constituents to participate meaningfully in our democracy.

Personally, I value transparency because it builds trust between government and the community it serves. Professionally, I understand that accountable governance is essential for effective policy-making that truly represents the interests of all constituents. By ensuring ethics rules and oversight mechanisms are robust, we can uphold the integrity of our legislative process and promote fair decision-making.

These reforms are not just procedural — they reflect a commitment to inclusive governance where every voice matters. Empowering citizens with access to information and opportunities for engagement fosters a stronger democracy where government works for the people.

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?

Yes, diversifying our local economy is crucial for Hawaii’s long-term prosperity. As a resident deeply invested in our community’s future, I believe in a comprehensive approach that respects our environment and cultural heritage while fostering economic growth.

We must promote sustainable industries like renewable energy and agriculture, which create jobs and protect our natural resources. Supporting small businesses and encouraging entrepreneurship will cultivate innovation and resilience. Investing in education and research will equip our workforce with the skills needed for emerging industries.

Preserving Hawaii’s unique natural beauty and cultural traditions ensures our economy remains diverse and sustainable for future generations. By taking these steps, we can reduce our reliance on tourism and build a stronger, more inclusive economy that benefits everyone in Hawaii.

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?

Addressing the cost of living, especially food affordability, is deeply personal and professional for me as a resident committed to Hawaii’s middle class and working families. We must expand SNAP benefits to all families in need and support local agriculture through robust farmers markets. Subsidizing essential utilities and increasing the availability of affordable consumer goods are crucial steps to easing financial burdens.

Regulating prices for essential goods and services is necessary to prevent price gouging and ensure fairness. Advocating for policies at both state and local levels is vital, prioritizing food affordability, consumer rights and economic justice for all residents. These efforts are about more than policy — they are about ensuring that every family in Hawaii can thrive.

As your representative, I am dedicated to fighting for these initiatives to improve our community’s well-being. Hawaii should remain a place where everyone, regardless of income, can afford a decent standard of living. Together, we can create a more equitable and prosperous future for all residents.