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 Tyson Miyake, Democratic candidate for State House District 10, which covers a portion of Waiehu, Paukukalo, Wailuku, Wailuku Heights, Waikapu and Hyashi Village. His primary opponent is Jeremiah Savage.

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?

The issues facing my district are like those felt across the state — availability of affordable housing for our local families and investing in infrastructure such as roads, water and wastewater.

I will continue to work closely with my colleagues, local leaders and community stakeholders to develop a comprehensive strategy to modernize and build the necessary infrastructure that would enable access to more housing solutions for our local families.

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?

I believe the recent income tax cut is a great thing for our residents. It will allow them to have more cash in hand to help alleviate financial pressures and stimulate the local economy. I applaud the Legislature and Gov. Green for looking at creative ways to reduce the rising cost of living for our local families.

Lowering income tax will surely alleviate some of the financial burden of our working-class residents and I look forward to working with my colleagues at the Legislature to ensure that the state’s budget is managed in such a way that the state can maintain its level of service. 

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?

The Legislature has already passed some significant measures to address this. We are moving forward with these reforms, and I believe the ongoing advocacy helps to support continued progress for greater transparency and accountability in our state government.

Our constituents deserve enhanced transparency and accountability. While I’m proud of the steps that the Legislature has taken to pass significant measures to address these concerns, I look forward to continued progress.  

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?

Supporting good-government proposals is essential. Commitment to reform is vital for maintaining public trust and ensuring effective governance.

There were a few good-government measures this session which Gov. Green recently signed into law, and I supported all of them. Leadership has never influenced us on how to vote on any issues. Our votes reflect the voices of our constituents. 

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

I support candidates who choose to participate in public financing, and I also support candidates who choose not to participate.

The larger issue is that we ensure all candidates are following campaign spending laws and I commend the work of the Campaign Spending Commission in enforcing those rules and maintaining the integrity of the campaign finance process.  

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

Hawaii is a close-knit state where legislators are deeply passionate about the district they represent.

Many of our state laws result from constituents and active community involvement. This collaborative approach ensures that the voices of our residents are heard and reflected in our legislation.

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 believe each election cycle functions effectively as term limits. If voters like or don’t like a candidate, it will be reflected in the election results. This process ensures that elected officials remain accountable to their constituents.  

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?

Accountability at the Legislature is crucial. Since the Legislature is part-time, implementing the Sunshine Law could make it more challenging to get work done within the limited timeframe. I support ideas to increase transparency and did not take any campaign contributions during the session. 

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?

Conference committees are open to the public, both in-person and virtually, and they are recorded and available on YouTube. Additionally, the Ethics Commission recently implemented stricter disclosure requirements for lobbyists. I believe these measures significantly enhance transparency and 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?

Following the pandemic and the devastating wildfire in Lahaina, we continue to be reminded of our vulnerability when dependent on a singular industry. We need to diversify our economy to provide stability for our residents, develop the training and skillsets required for a new economy, and to build a reliable workforce pipeline for sustainable growth.

Exploring investment and expansion in other sectors such as technology, agriculture, health care and renewable energy would allow our school systems and private sector partners to develop models that would empower growth.

With regard to the tourism industry, the Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) has done an excellent job in pivoting its messaging and work toward educating travelers to be mindful and respectful when visiting Hawaii, helping to ensure a more sustainable tourism industry.

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?

I will continue to work with my colleagues on policies aimed at reducing the cost of living and improving economic opportunities.

The recent income tax cut is an example of an effort to help our working families alleviate some of today’s financial pressures. In addition, I will continue to find ways to support more housing solutions.