Editor’s note: For Hawaii’s Nov. 8 general election, Civil Beat asked candidates to answer some questions.

The following came from Calvin Say, a Democratic candidate for the state House, District 20, which includes St. Louis Heights, Palolo Valley, Maunalani Heights, Wilhelmina Rise and Kaimuki. There is one other candidate, Republican Julia Allen.

Go to Civil Beat’s Elections Guide for general information, and check out other candidates on the General Election Ballot.

Name: Calvin K.Y. Say

Office seeking: State House, District 20

Occupation: Businessman

Community organizations/prior offices held: Palolo Community Council; St. Louis Community Association; Palolo Pop Warner Vikings; Jarrett School Foundation; United Chinese Society Organization; 100th Anniversary of Chinese in Hawaii; Pacific Rim Foundation.

Age as of Aug. 13, 2016: 64

Place of residence: Honolulu

1. This year has seen an outsized influence from people who want big changes in how government is run. What would you do to change how the Legislature is run?

With added responsibilities and a much larger state government, the Legislature should move towards a full-time Legislature.

2. Hawaii is the only Western state without a statewide citizen’s initiative process. Do you support such a process?

No, because a minority special interest group may dictate statewide public policy to the detriment of the majority.

3. Hawaii has long been dominated by the Democratic Party establishment. Should this change, and if so, how?

The Democratic Party is a party of diversity and we always have change.

4. What specific steps would you take to strengthen Hawaii’s lax lobbying, ethics and financial disclosure laws?

We have strict laws at this time on lobbyist, ethics and financial disclosure, but will be open to changes.

5. Would you support eliminating Hawaii’s high fees for access to public records when the request is in the public interest?

Public records should be accessible presently. The laws promote a system that is balanced and fair.

6. Voters complain their elected officials don’t listen to them. What would you do to improve communication?

Attending more community meetings and town hall meetings.

7. What do you see as the most pressing issue facing your district? What will you do about it?

Quality of life for seniors, public education for our students, public housing in Palolo.

8. There is a desire to grow the economy through new development, yet also a need to protect our limited environmental resources. How would you balance these competing interests?

Listening to all sides and then make a decision in everyone’s interest.

9. What should the Legislature do to improve police accountability?

Public disclosure after three strikes. Rather than focus on the recording, better funding and training.

10. Hawaii is the fastest-aging state. What would you do to ensure we’re taking care of our kupuna?

Support caregivers.

11. What would you do to improve Hawaii’s public education system?

Higher salaries for our teachers.