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 Dee Morikawa, incumbent 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.

She will face Democratic candidate Chad Schimmelfennig 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?

My whole adult life has been dedicated to public service. I worked for Kauaʻi County for 36 years, mostly in the Department of Parks and Recreation and have been representing my district for 16 years. Because I love this work, I have attended every day of session for all those years. I am effective in my role and have been the Majority Floor Leader for the past eight years, because my colleagues have trust and confidence in my ability to perform the tasks of that position.

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?

Wastewater and expansion of sewer infrastructure is a big issue. However, it is a county initiative and we would need to work with them to address it. Ensuring that our public school facilities get deferred maintenance funding is a top priority that we address every year. If I am reelected my goal is to continue working on legislation that addresses our high cost of living.

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

No one supports a monopoly, but having companies stop operating is a reality. When shippers are not profiting, government needs to step in with policies that are not popular, but may save the industry. We are so dependent on interisland shipping and need to help them survive.

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?

Preserving the Income Tax Relief was successful. Also, balancing the supplemental budget and still being able to fund housing initiatives, addressing federal funding losses and relief for storm damages. If anything failed, it means there would need to be more work on the bill or funding was a problem.

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?

I believe the investigation needs to be completed soon. How long is soon? That’s what is disappointing. We continue to work on legislation needed to bring back public confidence and seriously look at recommendations from campaign spending, ethics and other advocates.

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?

Being on the Public Safety Committee, we hear many bills related to this. Through discussions some issues are resolved, bills that are needed will pass if funding is available. For Kauaʻi, our Emergency Management Agency is top notch and I am confident in their ability to address any situation.

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?

Under the leadership of our Energy and Environmental Protection committee, we are addressing climate change and its costs.

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?

No because we need any and all ideas to be introduced.

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?

For the first time we are experimenting with how fiscal notes can help and it may be a tool that will be used in the near future.

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?

No, because voters have a chance to vote a House incumbent out every other year. I see that as my job evaluation. Seniority is also valuable experience that helps to keep the state moving forward with policy and initiatives.

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

We have done a lot to improve education. When you look at the number of valedictorians and students that have earned college credits before graduating, you know something is working. Expanding early childhood learning with increased access to preschool is also an accomplishment. There is still a lot to do to improve efficiency and accountability.

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

Expanding access to agriculture, so we can grow more local foods, which includes our ranchers. Producing and promoting local brands.

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?

Preserving the income tax relief, building more affordable housing especially for healthcare workers and educators in areas close to where they work. Increasing individual housing pre-tax savings for first-time homebuyers. The House Housing Committee continues to pass legislation every year to address this problem.