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 Holeka Goro Inaba, candidate for Hawaii County Council District 8, which includes parts of Kailua; Kaloko, Kaiminani, and part of Waikoloa. The other candidate is Caryl Burns.

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 Hawaii County, and what would you do about it?

The biggest issue facing our district is the rising cost of living, impacting everything from housing to healthcare. To tackle this, I intend to introduce legislation to overhaul Chapter 11 of the Hawaii County Code, which pertains to affordable housing requirements in Hawaii County.

A comprehensive report evaluating the current language of this chapter and offering recommendations is nearing completion. We will use this report to propose revisions aimed at increasing the number of affordable housing units.

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?

Overtourism is indeed a pressing concern on Hawaii island, given its potential for negative impacts on the environment and local communities. I believe in implementing sustainable tourism practices, such as limiting the number of visitors to sensitive areas, promoting alternative attractions and investing in eco-friendly infrastructure.

Collaborating with tour operators and implementing visitor education programs can also help manage tourism pressures effectively. Overall, the county and state should work more closely with the Hawaii Tourism Authority and the Hawaii Island Visitors Bureau to ensure that destination management plans are activated and maintained appropriately.

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

To alleviate traffic congestion in and around Kailua-Kona and along the Puna-Keaau-Hilo corridor, implementation of the county’s mass transit plan and implementation of complete street concepts is needed.

This would involve improving public transportation options, investing in road infrastructure upgrades, implementing smart traffic management systems, and encouraging alternative modes of transportation such as biking and walking.

Community engagement will continue to be essential to ensure that any proposed solutions address the needs and concerns of local residents. In addition, proposed developments and their impacts on existing infrastructure must be carefully considered as part of approval processes. 

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 skyrocketing cost of living on Hawaii island is a significant challenge for working and middle-class families. County government can play a role by incentivizing affordable housing development and further reducing real property taxes for homeowners and those offering affordable rentals.

Additionally, supporting initiatives that promote economic diversification and job creation can help mitigate the impact of rising living costs.

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

As a Native Hawaiian, I do not support the construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope on Mauna Kea, however, I support a transparent and inclusive dialogue involving all stakeholders to find a balanced solution that promotes scientific advancement for our future generations, respects Native Hawaiian rights and preserves the environment.

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

Addressing homelessness requires a multifaceted approach that combines housing assistance, mental health services, substance abuse treatment, and job training programs.

I will continue to advocate for close monitoring of the impact and effectiveness of the over $12 million per year that the county is currently spending on programs and services that address homelessness in Hawaii County. This funding currently supports nonprofits, social service agencies and community organizations to provide comprehensive support to individuals experiencing homelessness.

Additionally, investing in affordable housing initiatives and implementing targeted outreach efforts can help prevent and reduce homelessness over the long term.

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?

Upgrading cesspools is essential for protecting public health and preserving the environment. To assist those who may not be able to afford the conversion, the county can explore options such as low-interest loans, grants, and tax incentives for homeowners.

The county is actively working on a Wastewater Master Plan, which will include conversion recommendations for sewage. Additionally, providing technical assistance and coordinating with state and federal agencies can help streamline the upgrade process and ensure compliance with regulations.

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

To address the impacts of climate change, Hawaii County should prioritize resilience planning and mitigation efforts, which it has done by creating the Office of Sustainability, Climate, Equity and Resilience.

This includes investing in renewable energy infrastructure, promoting energy efficiency measures, implementing coastal protection strategies in collaboration with community partners, and enhancing emergency preparedness and response capabilities.

Engaging with scientists, community leaders, and stakeholders is crucial for developing and implementing effective climate change policies.

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

Based on numerous public hearings and the Supreme Court’s decision, Hu Honua should not be allowed to begin operations.  

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

To make the county administration more transparent and accessible to the public, I would like to see even greater use of self-service software and options across county processes. In addition, the administration should work to increase open data initiatives to increase accountability.

Finally, ensuring timely and comprehensive communication with residents, providing accessible information about government activities and decisions, and promoting collaboration with community organizations can help enhance transparency and trust in local government.