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 Della Au Belatti, Democratic candidate for the office of lieutenant governor.

Her opponents in the primary election are John Choi, Ku L. Bobby Cuadra, Derek Kawakami and Sam Puletasi.

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 lieutenant governor? And why do you want the job?

I bring integrity, independence and leadership experience developed over 20 years in the Legislature. While I have passed good laws based on solid evidence and policy, many are not being effectively implemented or enforced. As lieutenant governor, I will prioritize transparency, action, accountability and a collaborative style that brings government and community stakeholders together to tackle the challenges we face as a state and deliver results for the people of Hawai’i.

Since the lieutenant governor’s office has few formal responsibilities, Hawaiʻi governors often designate duties to their lieutenant governors. What initiatives would you hope to take on as lieutenant governor?

Expanding Ready Keiki (preschool access) and Connect Kākou (broadband internet) are important for continuity. These programs give working families access to affordable childcare and reliable broadband service for telehealth, online learning, and remote work. As past chair of the Health and Public Safety Committees, I want to help the governor’s initiatives addressing root causes of homelessness. I would also like to bring the Good Government Caucus’ commitment to increased transparency and accountability into this administration.

Here’s one question from your constituents: How can we increase funds for public education and why don’t we prioritize it?

We need to examine and evaluate our overall tax policies, and exercise diligent oversight over government spending. We need to ensure people and corporations are paying their fair share, and invest taxpayers’ dollars into public education, programs and infrastructure that benefit the common good, not just line the pockets of special interests. Oversight and holding people accountable for spending of public monies is necessary to ensure the public is getting the results and value we deserve.

The lieutenant governor becomes governor if the top leader is unable to fulfill their duties. Why do you think you’re qualified to do the top job?

Good leadership starts with listening that leads to taking decisive action. In my 20 years at the Legislature, I have convened colleagues and the community on opposite sides of polarizing issues and yet reached amicable decisions and developed programs that move the state forward. That experience, trusted relationships and knowledge of government and intricacy of complex issues have prepared me well to serve as either lieutenant governor or governor

In prior administrations, the governor and lieutenant governor have sometimes clashed. Does the lieutenant governor’s role include standing up to the governor? Or should the LG simply carry out the governor’s priorities?

The lieutenant governor’s role is designed to be independent from the governor. As a leader, listening to, understanding diverse views from the community, and bringing those different perspectives to tables of power have always been important to me. We have better outcomes for the people of Hawai’i when different perspectives are examined, considered, and allowed to influence decision-making. No lieutenant governor should simply carry out the governor’s priorities.

The lieutenant governor’s office became the focus of public scrutiny this year as Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke was drawn into a bribery investigation. What would you do to restore public trust in government? What specific changes would you propose for the executive and legislative branches to accomplish that?

Last year, I reactivated the Good Government Caucus, a body that cultivates honest dialog and sharing of information between the public and lawmakers. Our biggest win this year was passage of Act 11, curbing dark money influence on elections! As LG, I want to host this Caucus, provide space for meetings, and ensure that reforms receive real support from an ally in the executive branch. These relationships, level of transparency and commitment to reform is how public trust can be restored.

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 institute policy through their ballot? Why or why not?

These are potential options for those frustrated with the legislative process, but I believe passing laws through improved legislative processes is still possible. A Constitutional Convention is another option. We may be at a point when voters choose to have a Constitutional Convention. If this happens, we need to educate and engage the public so that our democracy and our State Constitution remain strong, more responsive and effective for the people of Hawai’i, not just for corporate interests.

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 believe Hawai’i was making steady progress toward its goal of using 100% renewable energy by 2045 and becoming more energy resilient as an island-state. There was no compelling evidence to indicate we could not achieve that goal. Replacing our dependence on foreign oil for another fossil fuel will not help us reach our goal. We need robust, open community dialogue to bring the best ideas forward to enhance our energy resilience and not give up so easily on the Clean Energy Initiative.

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?

Many feel betrayed by how the Green Fee was allocated. After years of advocating for the Green Fee and countless hours by the Hawai‘i Green Fee Advisory Council to vet thousands of projects, the Council and the allocation process have not been placed into law. By not codifying this process, the Green Fee will be subject to overpoliticization, lack of transparency, and public skepticism. I will work with stakeholders to enact a process that empowers community and earns the trust of the public.

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 adaptation requires sweeping, broad infrastructure changes and investment. The starting point must be examining the governor’s Navahine settlement and building a plan that fulfills that promise. Because adaptation will require large investments from all sectors, evaluation of our tax policies and how we prioritize these important needs is the monumental challenge facing us. We need to engage in this process committed to collaboration, achieving our collective goals, and then take action!

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

Hawai‘i’s income tax cuts for working families should definitely continue. Everyday working people need the support and relief as basic living costs continue to escalate. However, tax cuts for the ultra-wealthy should be revisited and readjusted. Billionaires who benefit from our islands need to pay their equitable share of taxes to support Hawai‘i’s infrastructure and other needs.

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. What needs to happen for the state to be better prepared for these events?

Erratic, extreme weather conditions are the new norm in Hawai‘i. Community-based resilience networks have proven to be effective in rapidly responding and protecting our people. As we saw in the recent Kona low storms, government will not be able to respond everywhere at the speeds we need. While we need to continue to invest in public infrastructure and systems that will help us during these events, we must support and build up existing community networks and hubs throughout the state.