Editor’s note: For Hawaii’s Nov. 5 General 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 Asheemo Daily, Green Party candidate for State House District 48, which covers Kaneohe, Ahuimanu, Kahaluu, Waiahole and Kaaawa. His opponent is Democrat Lisa Kitagawa.

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 your district, and what would you do about it?

The biggest issue facing District 48 is the lack of psychological support and relief for working families.

Many families struggle without adequate youth spaces that are safe and accessible for teens, and there’s a critical need for curriculum integrating aina-based arts and healing in education.

As the Green Party, we aim to address these challenges by advocating for increased resources in energy, environmental sustainability and resilience to support the well-being of our community.

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 in balancing economic growth with maintaining essential state services. While tax cuts can stimulate our economy, it’s crucial to monitor their impact on critical services.

I advocate for a careful approach to ensure Hawaii’s long-term financial stability, prioritizing investments that benefit our working families and promote sustainable development.

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?

Meaningful reforms are essential to combating pay-to-play politics and corruption.

I support comprehensive measures such as campaign finance reform and stronger ethics oversight to restore public trust in government. These reforms are vital to ensuring our government serves the interests of all Hawaii residents, not just special interests. 

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?

Yes, I am committed to supporting reform proposals that benefit our community, even if it means challenging established leadership.

As a Green Party candidate, I advocate for policies that prioritize environmental sustainability and social justice.

I believe in transparency and accountability in government, citing my support for environmental sustainability, tobacco- and vape-free policies, affordable housing, education reform, transparency and open government as examples of my commitment to effective governance. 

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

Yes, I support comprehensive public financing of elections.

This approach levels the playing field, allowing candidates to focus on issues rather than fundraising. It strengthens democracy by reducing the influence of money in politics and ensuring fair representation for all Hawaii residents.

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

I support establishing a statewide citizens initiative process. This empowers residents to directly shape policy decisions, promoting a more inclusive and responsive government.

It’s so crucial for Hawaii to embrace innovative approaches that amplify community voices and foster meaningful change. It is so crucial that more “average,” working-class locals run for office to authentically represent our communities. 

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?

Yes, I support term limits for state legislators.

Term limits encourage fresh perspectives, prevent political stagnation and promote accountability. They ensure our legislative body remains dynamic and responsive to the evolving needs of our community. 

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 is fundamental to effective governance.

I support ideas such as applying the Sunshine Law to the Legislature and banning campaign contributions during session to enhance transparency. These measures uphold integrity in our legislative process and strengthen public trust. 

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?

To enhance transparency, I advocate for opening conference committees to the public and implementing stricter disclosure requirements on lobbying activities.

Additionally, updating internal rules to prioritize openness and public engagement will ensure our Legislature serves Hawaii residents equitably. 

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?

Diversifying Hawaii’s economy beyond tourism is essential for long-term sustainability.

I propose investing in renewable energy, aina-based arts and sustainable agriculture to create diverse job opportunities and reduce our dependence on tourism. This approach supports economic resilience while preserving our natural and cultural resources. 

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?

To support Hawaii’s middle class and working families, we must address affordability challenges holistically.

This includes advocating for affordable housing initiatives, expanding access to health care and promoting vocational training programs.

By investing in our community’s well-being, we can ensure all residents thrive in Hawaii’s vibrant cultural landscape.