Civil Beat has asked candidates for the Hawaiʻi General Election on Nov. 3 to answer a survey about where they stand on various issues and what their priorities will be if elected.

The following comes from Nohe U‘u-Hodgins, Nonpartisan candidate for Maui County Council Makawao–Haʻikū–Pāʻia District.

Her opponent is Stevie Kathryn Chung.

Go to Civil Beat’s 2026 Elections Guide for general information, and check out the other candidates on Civil Beatʻs 2026 Hawaiʻi Primary Ballot.

Why are you best suited for the job of council member, and why do you want the job?

This question is always an awkward question to be asked and to answer. I will say, as a generational resident of Maui, I understand issues facing Maui County and our people on a personal level. With every decision I make, I will feel the effects in the years to come, as will my children and grandchildren. I want to do this job to give a voice to our local people (both past and present), to help design our own future, and to ensure Maui’s children can continue to call her home.

What is the biggest issue facing Maui County, and what is the first thing you would do to address it in the first six months after being elected?

Housing. We have suffered through a decades-long housing crisis and we are still in it. I will continue to support affordable and workforce housing. I will continue to support housing and housing programs to keep our local people home. I look forward to one day being a grandmother with my grandchildren nearby.

Here’s one question from a constituent: What is your position on upcountry speed humps? Would you remove them? Why or why not?

There are places where speed humps work and where there are too many. The speed humps fronting Pa’ia School are important, as there was a fatal car accident that occurred in front of the children during recess. Talking with Public Works and a traffic engineer to discuss which ones are crucial and which could or may be removed would be the first step. I’d like to add that we have experienced 5 road fatalities this year, to last year’s 11 at this time.

The county now has a law on the books to effectively phase out several thousand vacation rentals in apartment-zoned districts starting in 2029. The companion measure to grandfather in more than half of those properties has since been rejected by all three planning commissions. What would you do as a council member about this?

This is an inaccurate statement. We are discussing a new zoning district. It does not automatically grandfather any properties. The new zoning district will allow for a like-for-like use from A1/A2 to H3/H4. This would limit the ability for the property to expand its footprint. Properties will still need a change in zoning, of which that will go through Council, MPC, and then back to Council for final approval. Happy to elaborate more if given the opportunity.

Hawai‘i has a long-stated goal of growing more of its own food. What would you do to further that effort toward increased food sustainability?

I support the Department of Agriculture and all their efforts. I would also suggest that everyone grow or raise something eatable, if possible. I live on a small farm and we give away and sell our fruits. I come from a multi-generational family that understands how to sustainably live on this island.

The county has been moving forward with plans to bring much more of Maui’s water supply under public ownership instead of private. What steps would you take to get a better handle on Maui’s water future?

I have always supported our Water Department in acquiring more water sources. We, as a county government, need to ensure that we can afford to purchase and properly maintain the water systems.

Overtourism can degrade the environment, contribute to wear and tear on infrastructure, generate traffic and disrupt neighborhoods. How well is Maui managing the tourism industry that drives its economy? What would you do differently?

Ensuring that the tourism industry pays for tourism impacts is vital. Improving our communication with the industry and residents to ensure a better understanding of our way of life and how the industry supports our ILWU members is essential. As a generational resident, our local neighborhoods being reserved for residential use is important to me. Also as someone who also loves to travel, I understand the importance of returning home.

What should Maui County do to get in front of climate change rather than just reacting and adapting to it?

This is where science, policy, culture and our ability to predict the future intersects. There is a balance to be found, I think it differs from place to place. Our Hawaiian culture is deeply connected to the ocean, and I don’t want to see it too severed too soon. We should assess potential impacts with an immediate, intermediate, and/or a long-term plan.

Maui has been targeted for enforcement by ICE agents. What will be the position of your office to requests for more cooperation between county law enforcement and federal authorities?

MPD has affirmed its position regarding its unwillingness to cooperate with ICE, of which I absolutely support.

The $1.6 billion federal Community Block Development Grant is the largest disaster loan in U.S. history, but it falls far short of the estimates for recovery from the 2023 wildfires. What would you do to make those dollars count?

In 2018, Puerto Rico received a $10 billion grant after their devastating hurricanes Irma and Maria. I don’t believe our grant is the largest in history. The CBDG-DR grant will be used to rebuild our lost homes, businesses, schools and infrastructure. It will also be used to mitigate the potential of another disaster — all of which is money well spent. We have also benefited from several millions of FEMA aid.

The cost of living on Maui continues to remain high. How can county government help working and middle-class people buy homes, pay rent or otherwise afford to live and work on the island?

We could and should better support the entitlement process that allows for the creation of workforce and affordable housing. Currently, the process can take up to 10 years. Residents will in turn pay for the time it took to process. We live in one of the most isolated places in the world, therefore tangible building materials will be expensive to import. However, we should do better at the soft costs that add to the cost of housing.

What is your assessment of programs combating invasive species in Maui Nui and what other measures would you advocate for you in office?

I have and will continue to support MISC, our office has a great relationship with them. I would love to see stricter standards when transporting goods and people from off-island to better combat invasive species.