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 Gary Cordery, Republican candidate for the Office of Governor.

He is running against Republican candidate Ken Fujiyama in the Aug. 8 primary election.

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 bring a life of experience, solving problems with integrity and honor, embracing humility and wisdom. I choose excellence over mediocracy. As a husband, father and grandfather, businessman and community servant, I love Hawai’i. These islands of unique beauty have endured mismanagement for decades. Her people live under tremendous stress and anxiety. I am running to open opportunity, create abundance and ensure stewardship of her resources, bringing accountability and hope for the people.

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?

Cost of Living. It is constraining opportunity and forcing outbound migration. It’s reflected in every aspect of our lives: housing, transportation, health care, and everyday necessities. We will reduce the taxes, fees and the scope of government. We will Protect our Kūpuna by freezing property taxes at the age of retirement on their primary residence. Eliminate GE tax on food and medicine, reign in entitlement abuse and change the business climate from burdensome to opportunity and support.

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?

Act 11 attempts to reign in corporate campaign spending. This is a political stunt and does not address the political donations from local Unions or national Pacs such as Act Blue. These donations can influence politicians creating an invitation for corruption. These donations should be banned. Our office of transparency and audits, along with whistleblowers will limit the culture of corruption, restore trust and integrity with the AG and prosecutions. Hawai’i people will have equal justice.

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

We will employ many strategies to reduce the cost of housing. Utilizing state lands to provide 15k fee simple homes between 400k-600k. We will amend the 5% of zoned land to 6%, this additional land will be for local families to purchase and partner in the construction phase, creating generational wealth. The state will launch an independent permit department and adopt housing programs that work elsewhere. Finally, we will secure federal tax credits to offset monthly mortgage costs.

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?

I disagree with the premise of your question. The Green administration and AG have sued the Trump administration numerous times spending millions of taxpayer monies. My stance will be honorable, working with integrity, representing all Hawai’i people within the constitution. There are many critical decisions to be made: Military, DHHL, Jones Act, Transportation, Energy, Entitlements, Currency, etc. It is vital we have a mutually respectful relationship that opens doors to resolve long standing issues.

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?

Yes! This is another tax and the taxes generated are not targeted as described in its presentation for passage. The revenue generated must address tangible environmental issues in communities. There should be no coordination between taxing agencies, commissions and NGO’s. Allocation of these revenues generated requires transparency. We must prioritize projects that preserve our water, shoreline and other natural resources, not projections, pet projects or non environment related considerations.

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?

I would define/clarify the term climate change in relationship to the 17 point 2030 Global Sustainable Development Plan. Hawai’i is currently implementing goals 11 (Sustainable cities and communities), 13 (Climate action) and 15 (Life on Land). This will assist the publics understanding of Hawai’i (Office of Planning and Sustainable Development), its impact on taxes, agency spending, mitigation policies and property rights. This information will ensure the public rights to know why and how to plan.

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?

LNG in Hawai’i can hardly be considered “Temporary.” The PUC began approving measures in 2013. In 2016 Hawai’i approved its first LNG terminal. The AES power plant was converted to LNG in 2022 and the LNG pipeline is under construction now. All with very limited community awareness or participation. LNG is subject to global supply chains and costing taxpayers $1 billion. I am not necessarily opposed, but considering new technologies like Hydrogen, Fission and SNR’s are solutions for the future.

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

Yes, I am committed to these cuts. We will enhance tax relief beyond current measures. Current cuts lack transparency. How are these cuts being paid for? We will provide stewardship and audits ensuring the people resources (taxes) and provide services without associated waste. Hawai’i’s 20.5 billion dollar budget for 1.4 mil people is a staggering number. New Hampshire has 1.4 million people but a $7.75 billion dollar budget. I believe our tax burden is out of control. The answer is management.

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?

The lack of strategic planning is obvious to nearly all Hawai’i people. Solutions include, ongoing maintaince of infrastructure, thoughtful development, listening to the people for the solutions in their neighborhoods, pre-staging equipment 72 hrs for critical transportation and evacuation needs, staffing emergency teams in communities and staging water. Issuing Emergency Proclamations do not provide for advanced planning; this is reactive ensuring unnecessary loss of time and added suffering.

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?

Hawai’i should have both. Currently there is only one method for citizens to amend law, the Constitutional Convention. Where every 10 years the people have the opportunity to amend the state constitution. Yet, every session bills became law, some with overwhelming opposition. This is not a representative government. These two processes would increase citizen participation and provide political accountability.

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?

With Hawai’i homeless rate highest per-capita in the nation, resolving this issue requires assessment. Why are the people on the street? In doing so, tangible solutions can be implemented. Remove department incentives which grow programs, then invest in the people. Incentivize work programs creating pathways to prosperity and dignity for all, including workforce participation for all who are able as a condition for entitlements. This will lead to community and wholeness.