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 Chad Schimmelfennig, Democratic candidate for state House District 17, which includes the island of Niʻihau, a portion of Omao, Kōloa, Poʻipū, Lawai, Kalāheo, ʻEleʻele, Hanapēpē, Kawaanui Village, Pākalāl Village, Waimea and Kekaha.

He will face Democratic incumbent Dee Morikawa in the primary election on Aug. 8.

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? And why do you want the job?

Throughout my life, I’ve served my country, community and culture. With deep family roots in this district, I bring a perspective grounded in past, present and future. I believe a representative must genuinely connect with the people they serve. Through active community involvement, I’ve built relationships across our district and stayed engaged in key issues. I seek this office out of kuleana—to ensure our voices are heard—and will serve with accessibility, integrity and respect.

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

Right now, housing is the biggest issue facing our district and communities across Hawaiʻi. Whether called affordable, workforce, gap or low-income housing, too many local families struggle to find homes they can afford. I don’t claim to have all the answers, but leaders must stay open to solutions across government, private and community efforts, and build on work already underway. I would focus on listening, learning and working with stakeholders to move housing projects.

Here’s one question from your constituents: Do you support maintaining a monopoly for interisland shipping?

No, I do not support maintaining a monopoly on interisland shipping. Hawaiʻi’s reliance on a single carrier exposes us to higher rates, labor disputes, service disruptions and delays in essential goods. Because we import most of our food and consumer products, any disruption directly impacts families, businesses and our economy. I support fair, healthy competition to improve pricing, service and reliability, with safeguards ensuring consistent interisland service.

What do you think were the most important bills to come out of the 2026 Legislature? What failed that should have passed? What passed that you wish had failed?

While I did not track every bill before the Legislature, I monitored and provided testimony on HB 2400 and HB 1990. I supported HB 2400 as a DHHL beneficiary because it expands funding for the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, which is critical for housing and infrastructure. I opposed HB1990 because it would expand county authority to fine residents for unpermitted structures, potentially creating financial hardship and risking liens or foreclosure.

The 2026 session was also overshadowed by an issue of public trust: $35,000 in the brown paper bag given to an “influential” state lawmaker. What do you think the Legislature needs to do going forward to rebuild public confidence in state government?

Personally, I believe the “brown paper bag” incident understandably raised public concern and skepticism. Based on available information, the Legislature responded appropriately given the circumstances, moving quickly to address the allegations and call for a thorough investigation. Many legislators also acted swiftly and transparently in condemning the conduct. Moving forward, rebuilding trust will require continued transparency, accountability and strong ethical standards.

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 could you as a lawmaker do to help your district be better prepared?

I recognize communities are often reactive rather than prepared. Recent disasters across Hawaiʻi exposed gaps in planning, communication and response, and opportunities to improve. On Kauaʻi, I support stronger fire mitigation, KEMA capacity, and community preparedness. The Hanapēpē wildfire led my family to improve our emergency planning. As a lawmaker, I will work with residents, first responders, agencies and community groups to close gaps and invest in preparedness etc.

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 am not a climate expert and believe leaders should be honest about what they know and don’t know. Hawaiʻi is already experiencing coastal erosion, flooding, wildfires and weather changes. I would learn from scientists, emergency managers and communities. I was raised with respect for land and ocean stewardship, guided by kilo and moʻolelo. From the Hanapēpē fire, we saw wind patterns and community response matter.

Over 3,000 bills are introduced every session and there is always frantic horsetrading in the final days of session. Do you think there should be a limit on the number of bills introduced to enable more meaningful debate?

It is difficult to weigh all factors, but I do not support limiting the number of bills a legislator may introduce. Districts have unique needs, and lawmakers must be able to bring forward constituent concerns in a short session. Rather than caps, we should improve the process. High bill volume can strain debate, but limits may increase political bargaining and deal-making.

Hawaiʻi lawmakers are often in the dark about how much a piece of legislation will cost because the Aloha State is the only one in the nation that doesn’t require a fiscal analysis for bills. Should lawmakers be forced to put a realistic price tag on the legislation they introduce?

I am still learning about the arguments for and against requiring fiscal analyses for every bill in Hawaiʻi. As the only state without this requirement, it raises valid questions and I’d like to understand the history and rationale behind that. Before supporting any change, I would consider both benefits and unintended consequences. Legislators should understand the potential costs and impacts of their bills. Fiscal transparency is key to sound decision-making and public trust.

There are no term limits for state legislators in Hawaiʻi, so incumbents tend to win. Would you seek to change that? Why or why not?

There are valid arguments on both sides. Term limits may bring fresh perspectives, reduce stagnation and limit entrenchment by encouraging new voices. However, effective lawmaking requires time to learn the process, build relationships and gain institutional knowledge. Without limits, incumbents often have advantages that discourage competition and limit opportunities for challengers. Ultimately, both systems involve trade-offs with no clear best answer.

What would you do to help improve the state’s public school system?

As an educator and administrator with experience in DOE and charter schools, I’ve seen a recurring issue: policy is often written as if both systems operate the same, but they don’t. Their funding structures and resources differ, so what works for DOE may not translate to charters. We need to evaluate bills with both systems in mind, ensuring impacts are considered separately.

Hawaiʻi is heavily reliant on tourism. What would you propose to diversify Hawaiʻi’s economy?

Hawaiʻi’s reliance on tourism leaves us vulnerable to economic shocks and disruptions. While tourism remains important, we must diversify by strengthening other industries. Value-added agriculture—processing and branding local crops in Hawaiʻi instead of exporting raw goods—offers opportunity. The state should support farmers with infrastructure, sensible regulation and market access. This creates jobs, food security and a more resilient economy that complements tourism.

An estimated 60% of Hawaiʻi residents are struggling to get by. It’s a problem that reaches far beyond low-income folks and into the middle class, which is disappearing. What would you do to help?

This is lived experience on Kauaʻi: despite education and two incomes, rising housing, food, utilities and fuel costs still strain us. DHHL housing made a difference, showing housing is central to affordability. We must increase housing supply, cut barriers, and support workforce and affordable housing. Local building keeps money in our economy. Partner with Habitat for Humanity, county of Kauaʻi and PAL. No single solution, but housing is key.