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 Derek Kawakami, Democratic candidate for the office of lieutenant governor.

His opponents are Della Au Belatti, John Choi, Ku L. Bobby Cuadra 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’m grateful to be serving out the final months as mayor of Kauaʻi and have this opportunity to run for lieutenant governor. I am well rounded, having experience in the private sector. I have also served on the Kauaʻi County Council, the Hawaiʻi State House of Representatives, and the board of directors for Kauaʻi’s energy coop. This is an executive role and I bring executive experience. We have delivered results on issues that families care about most.

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?

I would like to build on the momentum created by Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke in regard to early childhood education. The formative building blocks of success are most productive early in a child’s life. I would also like to assist in housing initiatives. My experience as mayor has allowed me to see the critical need for collaboration between the state and counties in order to address land, infrastructure and the permit process in order to lower the cost of housing.

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

The best way to improve our public school system is to support our teachers and make sure that they know they are valued. We should also ensure that the funding that is appropriated ends up in the classroom. And since the state no longer appropriates TAT funding to the counties, that funding can now be dedicated to our schools, ensuring that visitors contribute to the future of Hawaiʻi.

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?

I am the only candidate with a proven track record of executive level experience. As mayor, I have built a reputation of performing well under pressure, being decisive and making tough decisions. I have worked alongside Gov. Josh Green for the past eight years navigating a global pandemic, natural disasters and other tough issues.

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 governor and I have a great working relationship. There have been times where we agree to disagree but it is always done with respect and with the belief that we all want what’s best for our people. If I am lucky enough to serve the people of Hawaiʻi as lieutenant governor, I look forward to a very productive working relationship with Gov. Green.

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?

Restoring trust is one of the wounds of society that only time can heal. The only way to restore trust is to show our people that we are trustworthy. This is one of those times where “action speaks louder than words.” We have to be better role models. Integrity is what we do when no one is looking.

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?

We elect our public officials into office to represent us. So it is critically important that our people participate in our election process. Democracy requires active participation for it to work. It doesn’t require a policy change, it requires people to exercise their right to vote.

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 Hawaiʻi’s goal of achieving 100% renewable energy by 2045, which is possible with focus, practicality and honesty. LNG could serve as a temporary bridge from imported oil if it reduces costs, enhances reliability, and minimizes environmental impacts as renewable technology progresses. However, its use must align with the goal of replacing fossil fuels, not delay Hawaiʻi’s clean energy future. The priority is affordable, reliable power while advancing toward a fully renewable system

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 commend the governor for looking at new ways to address climate change which includes, flooding, sea level rise and wildfires. We need to give this new source of funding some time so we can adequately measure the results.

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?

We need to continue to protect our watersheds. Watersheds are critical for rain absorption, aquifer recharge and stormwater management. Having a thriving agricultural industry is also critically important for food sustainability, floodwater management, wildfire prevention and economic development. Continuing to pursue a comprehensive portfolio of renewable energy that provides firm power is also a top priority. It is going to have to be a shared cost in order for these changes to be made.

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

I commit to fulfilling past obligations made to the best of my ability. Government must be careful about the commitments it makes without understanding the unintended consequences that come with well-intended promises. We are in a period of tremendous uncertainty, global conflicts, increased storm activity, extreme droughts and economic uncertainty all pose tremendous financial risk to all levels of government. Cost to deliver services continues to rise and we are obligated to deliver.

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?

Disasters consistently reveal the courage and resilience of communities. It’s crucial for government to continue funding public safety and ensuring responders have the tools needed to protect and serve. Strong partnerships with federal, county, nonprofit and private sectors are essential for training, planning and drills. Leaders must also be proficient in the incident command system, which standardizes language, clarifies structure and identifies key managers.