Editor’s Note: 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 Jonathan Kennealy, Republican candidate for State Senate District 2 covering Hilo.

He is running unopposed and will face the winner of the Democratic primary in the general 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?

I am well‑suited for State House District 2 because I am rooted in the Hilo community, committed to serving others, and guided by values of integrity, stewardship and respect for Hawaiʻi’s cultural richness. My approach centers on listening, learning and supporting the well‑being of families and communities across the district. I was born and raised in District 2, and I know what the people here need because I am now raising my children here.

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?

The most significant challenge for many families in District 2 is the pressure of daily economic life — the struggle to afford housing, utilities, food and basic necessities while still trying to build a stable future. This affects everything from family well‑being to local resilience and the ability of young people to remain in Hilo. I would do this by removing wasteful bills and implementing bills to support self-sustainability and lowered taxes.

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

No. I believe that allowing more competition in interisland shipping could help ease the financial pressure on Hawaiʻi families. When only a few companies control shipping, prices tend to stay high. When there is competition, companies often adjust their pricing, which can lower the cost of shipped goods. Because so much of what we rely on is imported, even small reductions in shipping costs can make a meaningful difference in our overall cost of living.

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?

The 2026 Legislature focused heavily on affordable housing, infrastructure and community services. I think we could have done a better job with our programs for education and health services. I am very pro-law enforcement, county, state and federal. We must work together for the good of the people of Hawaiʻi.

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?

This is one example of a history of political corruption we have in Hawaiʻi on all levels. To combat this and show the people of Hawaiʻi they can trust politicians again we must enforce maximum charges for all criminal acts from something as basic as lying about living in your district, to pay-to-play, to shoveling tax-dollars to political donors. Regardless of the crime they must do the time.

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?

If on the proper committee, I would bring together the respective agencies, implement a communication directive, and require a bi-annual real-world training. This would open better lines of communication and stop agencies from stepping on each other’s toes or leaving something undone because they think someone else will handle it.

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?

My focus is on practical preparedness and responsible stewardship. Regardless of the cause, Hawaiʻi faces real challenges such as flooding, erosion, severe weather and infrastructure strain. When it comes to costs, I believe in careful planning, transparency, and avoiding unnecessary burdens on taxpayers and property owners. My priority is making sure any adaptation efforts are reasonable, community‑driven and focused on keeping people safe without creating new financial strain.

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?

The real issue isn’t quantity, it’s whether lawmakers have the time and space to give each proposal meaningful attention. Rather than limiting the number of bills, I believe the focus should be on improving the process: clearer priorities, better screening of proposals, and more thoughtful debate. What matters most is ensuring that the bills that do move forward are well‑crafted, transparent and genuinely beneficial to the people of Hawaiʻi.

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?

Yes. I believe lawmakers should have a clear understanding of the financial impact of the bills they introduce. Without a realistic cost estimate, it’s difficult for anyone, legislators or the public, to evaluate whether a proposal is responsible or sustainable. Requiring fiscal information would support transparency, better decision‑making and more thoughtful use of taxpayer resources.

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?

Yes. I believe term limits can strengthen accountability and encourage fresh perspectives. Long periods in office can make it harder for new voices to be heard, and limits help ensure regular opportunities for renewal while keeping lawmakers connected to the people they serve.

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

Hawaiʻi’s education system is struggling, and our low scores show it. I would focus on strengthening the basics: supporting teachers, improving classroom resources and making sure funds are used effectively. My priority is listening to educators and families so we can rebuild a system that truly serves our students.

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

Hawaiʻi needs more economic balance. I believe we can strengthen our future by expanding self‑sustaining industries like agriculture, local manufacturing, and energy production. Building up these sectors creates stability, reduces dependence on tourism and supports long‑term resilience for our communities.

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?

With so many families struggling, I believe Hawaiʻi needs more stability and self‑sufficiency. I would focus on strengthening local agriculture, expanding small‑scale manufacturing and supporting reliable energy production. Building these sectors can create steadier jobs and reduce the pressures that are pushing our middle class out.