Civil Beat has asked candidates for the primary election to answer a survey about where they stand on various issues and what their priorities will be if elected.

The following comes from Calvert Williamson, nonpartisan candidate for the Office of Governor.

He is running against three other nonpartisan candidates in the Aug. 8 primary election. They are John Giuffre, Bu Laia Hill and Clyde McClain Lewman.

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 governor? And why do you want the job?

I am best suited for the job because I understand the challenges facing Hawaiʻi’s working families firsthand. I am running because too many residents are underpaid, overworked and being priced out of the islands they call home. My goal is simple: higher wages, tax relief for working families and kūpuna, affordable homeownership, accountable government and an economy that keeps more of Hawaiʻi’s wealth in Hawaiʻi. One job should be enough.

What are the biggest issues facing the state, and what are the first things you would do to address them in the first six months after being elected?

Hawaiʻi’s biggest challenges are the high cost of living, housing affordability, stagnant wages, healthcare costs and the loss of local wealth to outside interests. In my first six months, I would launch a comprehensive review of taxes and regulations affecting working families, begin an independent audit of major state projects, establish a task force on housing and homeownership, expand support for local agriculture and businesses, and develop plans to increase wages and keep more wealth in Hawaiʻi.

Here’s a question from one of your constituents: What specific policies do you plan to implement to prevent and crack down on elected officials who abuse their office for personal gain, in order to begin restoring the public’s trust?

To restore public trust, I will support stronger ethics laws, independent investigations of corruption, mandatory financial disclosures, stronger whistleblower protections and tougher penalties for officials who abuse their office. I will establish an independent forensic audit unit to investigate waste, fraud and misconduct, require greater transparency in government contracts and ensure taxpayers can see how public funds are spent. Public office is a public trust.

With the median home price in Honolulu now above $1 million, what steps would you take to make housing more affordable?

Housing becomes affordable when people can afford to buy a home. I will focus on increasing wages, reducing taxes on working families, expanding workforce and starter homes, supporting local ownership, discouraging speculation and improving transportation that connects residents to jobs and housing. Hawaiʻi’s housing crisis will not be solved by one policy—it requires a statewide commitment to putting local families first.

The office of the governor has taken a non-combative stance with the Trump administration over many policy issues. What would be your stance with the federal administration and why?

My loyalty is to the people of Hawaiʻi, not any political party or administration. I will work with the federal government when it benefits Hawaiʻi and challenge it when it does not. Whether the issue is housing, healthcare, disaster relief, military impacts, or economic development, I will take a practical approach focused on results. The people of Hawaiʻi deserve a governor who puts their interests first, regardless of who occupies the White House.

Questions have been raised about how the new Hawaiʻi green fee to mitigate climate change is being doled out. Do you share those concerns and how should they be addressed in the future?

I do not object to visitors helping pay for the environmental and infrastructure impacts associated with tourism. My concern is ensuring the funds are spent wisely and benefit local communities. Green Fee revenues should be transparent, independently audited, and prioritized for wildfire prevention, water infrastructure, disaster preparedness and community resilience. Visitors enjoy Hawaiʻi’s natural beauty and a portion of that cost should help protect it for future generations.

What would you do in office to address the here and now of climate change? And how would you address the costs to taxpayers, property owners and businesses to adapt?

Climate change requires practical action. I will invest in water security, wildfire prevention, coastal protection, resilient infrastructure and renewable energy, while supporting local agriculture to strengthen food security. The costs should not fall primarily on Hawaiʻi residents. I will pursue federal funding, require major polluters and outside corporations to contribute their fair share, and ensure every dollar is spent transparently and efficiently to protect taxpayers.

Do you support a temporary transition to liquefied natural gas as Hawaiʻi pursues a goal of using 100% renewable energy by 2045? Is that goal attainable?

I support evaluating liquefied natural gas as a temporary bridge if it lowers energy costs, improves reliability, and reduces dependence on imported oil while renewable capacity is expanded. The goal of 100% renewable energy by 2045 is worth pursuing, but it must be guided by affordability, reliability, and available technology. Hawaiʻi’s universities, schools, and energy companies should be on the front lines of developing renewable energy solutions and creating local jobs.

Lawmakers in 2026 largely preserved historic income tax cuts. Will you commit to protecting the tax cuts? Why or why not?

Yes. I support preserving the tax cuts and providing additional relief. My goal is to eliminate state income taxes for residents earning $200,000 or less, remove the excise tax on food, and reduce vehicle registration fees. However, these changes must be implemented responsibly and only after determining the state’s budget can support them. Government should first reduce waste, improve efficiency and grow the economy before asking taxpayers to pay more.

In recent years, Hawai’i has experienced a series of damaging and dangerous weather events that have exposed weaknesses in our planning, preparation and response. How would you position the state to be better prepared for these events?

Hawaiʻi must prepare before disasters occur, not react afterward. I will order a statewide assessment of vulnerabilities to wildfires, flooding, hurricanes, drought and other hazards, while evaluating water availability and drainage systems. We must ensure adequate water for firefighting, strengthen emergency planning and invest in resilient infrastructure. When disasters occur, we must also have emergency housing and recovery resources ready to protect displaced families.

Hawaiʻi has no initiative or referendum process, yet some in the public are frustrated each year when the Legislature kills important legislation without explanation. Is it time for Hawaiʻi to join the 26 states that allow voters to create policy through the ballot? Why or why not?

I believe in the legislative process and that elected officials should be accountable for making policy. However, when important issues with broad public support are repeatedly blocked without transparency, voters should have a direct voice. I am open to a carefully designed initiative and referendum process with safeguards against abuse. Government works best when it remains accountable to the people, not when good ideas die without explanation.

Despite recent progress, there are more people homeless on the streets and in shelters than there were in 2022. What will you do during your term to reduce homelessness and prevent more people from becoming homeless.

Homelessness is driven by housing costs, low wages, mental illness, addiction and a lack of affordable options. My focus will be prevention first: higher wages, tax relief, affordable homeownership and more workforce housing. For those already homeless, I will expand treatment, job training, transitional housing and support services. We must address the root causes of homelessness while helping people regain stability, dignity and independence.