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

The following comes from Wendy Botelho, nonpartisan candidate for Hawaiʻi County Council Member District 2 which includes portions of South Hilo, Downtown Hilo, Bayfront, Wailoa, a portion of Waiākea Houselots, University Heights, Komohana Gardens, a portion of Waiākea Uka, Lanakila, Mohouli, Ainako, Kaumana, Pi’ihonua, Wailuku and Waiānuenue.

She is running against candidates Blaine Bautista, JoNelle Fukushima, William Halversen and incumbent Jennifer Kagiwada in the Aug. 8 primary.

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?

I was born and raised, I live in and want to serve you in District 2. I support local entrepreneurs, farmers and businesses who are the backbone of our economy. I will advocate for good-paying local jobs and opportunities to keep families working and our economy strong. I have strong oversight and accountability in government and nonprofits with more than 20 years of experience.

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

Homelessness: Empower individuals to regain stability and independence, strengthen families and keep Hawai‘i’s children safe and sheltered. I will advocate exploring brain health initiatives to support those affected by homelessness. Drug Awareness & Rehabilitation: Provide our community with tools, resources, and opportunities for effective rehabilitation, prevention and recovery.

Here’s one question from a constituent: How would you make it safer to get in and out of Puna?

Accelerating improvements to Highway 130 and other major corridors. Supporting additional emergency evacuation routes and alternate access roads. Improving dangerous intersections with turn lanes, signals and better lighting. Expanding road maintenance and pothole repair programs. Coordinating with emergency management agencies to ensure communities have reliable evacuation plans. Seeking state and federal infrastructure funding for transportation projects that improve safety and resilience.

The county’s Homelessness and Housing Fund is due to expire in 2027 and some council members are skeptical that the fund has helped solve the problem. Would you vote to extend the fund, and what would you do to come to grips with this persistent problem?

No, I would not vote to automatically extend this fund. Before committing additional taxpayer dollars, we must honestly assess whether the program is delivering meaningful results. I would vote to pause the fund, reassess the outcomes and create new goals with out-of-the-box solutions. I would go to high schools to look for input from students and look for creative new fresh ideas. It is obvious what we are doing is not working and is attracting additional homeless individuals from out of state.

Vacation rentals — illegal or not — are often blamed for reducing availability of affordable housing on the Big Island. What steps should the county take to deal with the proliferation of vacation rentals and create more affordable housing?

Vacation rentals are appropriate in designated zoning areas, but we must ensure they do not come at the expense of housing opportunities for local residents. I support a balanced approach that protects affordable housing, supports our workforce and promotes responsible tourism. Our priority should always be making Hawaiʻi island a great place to live, work, and raise a family.

Half of Hawai‘i’s cesspools are on the Big Island – an estimated 49,000 –  and Mayor Kimo Alameda has already said the county will not meet the state’s 2050 deadline to convert them to cleaner systems. What steps should the county take to address the cesspool issue?

The county should seek federal/state funding to help offset costs of cesspool conversions and reduce the burden on local homeowners. Protecting water quality is important, but we must also ensure that compliance is affordable and realistic. Wastewater systems are reviewed at the building permit process for new construction and development projects. We should focus on securing funding, educating property owners and implementing practical solutions that protect both our environment and our communities.

What specific steps should the county take to relieve traffic congestion in and around Kailua-Kona and along the Puna-Kea‘au-Hilo corridor?

I would support targeted intersection improvements, synchronized traffic signals, additional turn lanes and accelerated road maintenance projects. I would also work with state and federal partners to secure funding for major highway improvements and expanded evacuation routes. Our goal should be to improve traffic flow, reduce commute times, enhance public safety, keeping our roads safe.

Investors have sunk more than $500 million into the Pepe‘ekeo bioenergy plant known as Hu Honua or Honua Ola, but the plant has still been unable to begin producing power. Should the biomass energy plant be allowed to start operating? Why or why not?

Yes, I believe Hu Honua should be allowed to operate if it has met all environmental, legal, and regulatory requirements. Their energy product should be affordable to the consumer. Hawaiʻi Island needs reliable energy sources and, after years of investment and review, projects should be evaluated based on objective standards and compliance with the law.

Both the state and county are showing interest in expanding production of geothermal energy on Hawaiʻi island. What is your position on geothermal power, and what constraints should be placed on it?

Geothermal would work on Hawaiʻi island if done culturally correct. Geothermal projects must demonstrate that it can operate safely, protect groundwater and air quality, and address concerns from nearby residents. Renewable energy is important, but it must be developed in a way that respects both our environment and our communities.

What specific plans do you have to improve disaster preparedness and response on the Big Island?

I would focus on: communication, infrastructure, evacuation and community readiness. I support improving emergency alert systems, strengthening roads and critical infrastructure, expanding evacuation routes and increasing disaster preparedness training for residents. Ensure that first responders have the resources they need to respond effectively. Hawaiʻi island faces unique natural hazards, and we must be prepared before disaster strikes.

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

We should focus on prevention and resilience. Including investing in strong infrastructure, protecting watersheds and forests, and supporting responsible renewable energy. We need to prepare our communities, protect our natural resources and strengthen our infrastructure so residents, businesses and future generations are better equipped to meet the challenges ahead.

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?

Increase food sustainability by making it easier for local farmers and ranchers to succeed. Protection of agricultural lands, improve access to water and infrastructure, invest in farm-to-market systems. Encourage agriculture education and use locally grown food in our schools, public institutions and restaurants.