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 Kahi Pacarro, Democratic candidate for state House District 19 which includes Waiʻalae-Kahala, ʻĀina Haina, Niu Valley and Kuliʻouʻou.

He is running against the incumbent Democratic representative, Mark Hashem, in the Aug. 8 primary election.

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?

For 25 years, I’ve served this community as a leader and volunteer — building a track record of results in both the private and public sector. The community has called me to lead and I’m ready. I’m fighting to ensure the next generation of locals cannot just survive here, but truly thrive here. When I saw our current representative making decisions that benefit the tobacco industry, Monsanto and other corporations over the needs of our community, I knew I had to step up.

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?

Our community worries the next generation won’t be able to afford to stay in Hawaiʻi. In my first six months, I’ll work with residents to identify the biggest cost burdens our Legislature can address without jeopardizing the budget. That means exploring solutions like eliminating the GET on essentials such as groceries and hygiene products, and lowering income taxes for 99% of residents — because keeping families here starts with making life affordable here.

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

I do not support the monopoly. We need legislative mechanisms that encourage new technologies and competition to lower interisland shipping costs. I recognize our current provider operates at a loss — that’s not sustainable. The focus should be on legislatively strengthening this sector while protecting product quality, workers and our environment. Real solutions mean fostering innovation and competition, not perpetuating the status quo.

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?

Curbing Citizens United was a major win (SB 2471) — not a silver bullet, but a real step toward reducing corporate election interference. I also need to address something unacceptable and still pending (SB 2613): my opponent misled our community and put vital services at risk — especially programs serving youth and kūpuna at Kīlauea Park. This would never happen under my leadership. Our community deserves honest representation and leaders who protect, not endanger, the services families depend on.

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?

We must hold every elected leader accountable for accepting corrupt donations while strengthening publicly financed elections. As candidates, we must refuse money from anyone looking to unduly influence our decision making. I’m leading by example: I accept zero corporate donations. When elected, my constituents will know every decision I make is for them — not for the tobacco industry, Big Ag or Big Pharma. Integrity isn’t just a promise; it’s a practice.

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?

Resilient communities need decentralized, locally-led hubs before, during and after disasters. The Lahaina fires and recent Kona lows proved what we already know — our people activate fast, often ahead of government response. That community strength is our greatest asset. By investing in and expanding existing grassroots groups, and fostering real government collaboration, we can build a more effective, neighbor-driven disaster response network in our district and across our islands.

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 inaction has already cost us billions — we act now or pay far more later. I’ll expedite our statewide green energy transition, block any new fossil fuel projects, and reduce the cost for homeowners, renters and businesses to generate their own clean energy. I’ll pursue legislative incentives that make going green financially accessible for everyone. Smart climate investment protects our land, our people and the future of the generations we’re fighting to keep here.

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?

Yes, there needs to be a limit. Limits on number of bills introduced improve the quality of legislation. Every bill should be voted on its merits — not traded as a political favor. Quid pro quo and horse-trading undermine democracy and hurt our communities. I’m committed to being an effective leader and genuine listener. I’ll hear my constituents, engage with fellow leaders and always vote based on what’s right — not what’s politically convenient.

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?

Lawmakers must attach realistic price tags to their bills and ensure their full legislative portfolio is fiscally balanced. Too many elected leaders dodge the hardest question in public service: where does the money come from? That’s basic fiduciary responsibility, and I won’t shy away from it.

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?

I support capping combined state legislative service at 16 years. The coagulated power held by our longest-serving politicians has contributed to rising costs, crumbling infrastructure, environmental decline and a community that has lost faith in government — particularly Native Hawaiians disillusioned with the Democratic Party. Regular turnover drives innovation and evolution. It’s time to break the cycle and make room for fresh leadership.

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

I’ll increase funding for teachers and programs that raise education quality — attracting qualified educators, eliminating vacancies and raising the bar statewide. I’ll also expand free public Pre-K across Hawaiʻi. My own family benefited from this option; it was a financial lifesaver. For many families, accessible Pre-K isn’t just a convenience — it’s the difference between being able to stay in Hawaiʻi or being forced to leave.

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

I’ll push to expand film industry tax credits, create incentives for local entrepreneurs to grow their businesses here and position Hawaiʻi as the epicenter of the Blue Economy. I’ll also champion local agriculture to produce more of what we consume — reducing our dangerous over-reliance on imports. A diversified economy built on local strength is how we create lasting opportunity for our people.

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?

Beyond eliminating GET on essentials and lowering income taxes for 99% of residents, we can increase the EITC, expand EV charging infrastructure and push for higher taxes on vacant homes to boost housing supply and reduce costs. We can work across agencies to encourage expedited housing permits and subsidized public transit. Diversifying our economy will create better-paying local jobs and reduce our reliance on the continent. Real affordability requires attacking the problem from every angle.