Civil Beat has asked candidates for the primary election on Aug. 8 to answer a survey about where they stand on various issues and what their priorities will be if elected.

The following comes from Andrew Phomsouvanh, Democratic candidate for State House District 21, which includes the communities of St. Luis Heights, Pālolo Valley, Maunalani Heights, Wilhelmina Rise and Kaimukī.

His opponents are Ranell Asuega-Fualaau, Angie Knight, Jake Takaya Morrow and Derek Turbin.

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?

As a lifelong resident of District 21, I understand the challenges facing local families because they are the same challenges my family, friends and neighbors experience every day. Having worked in both state and city government, I bring experience, a strong understanding of public policy and a commitment to public service. I am running because I believe our community deserves accessible, responsive leadership that listens and delivers results.

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?

Housing solutions should improve quality of life, not diminish it. A major issue facing District 21 is balancing Hawaiʻi’s housing needs with concerns about overdevelopment, street parking and emergency access. In my first six months, I would support housing policies that address infrastructure and public safety impacts while prioritizing growth in Transit-Oriented Development areas.

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

Essential services such as electricity, water, transportation, and interisland shipping require strong oversight and accountability. Interisland shipping directly affects the cost of food, construction materials, and other everyday goods. I support a strong regulatory review process and working with the Public Utilities Commission to ensure rate increases are justified, protect consumers and maintain reliable service throughout the state.

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?

Important measures included HB 2270 (Down Payment Loan Assistance Program) and SB 2544 (Hawaiʻi Builds Pilot Program), which help address affordability and housing. I was also pleased to see HB 1573 and SB 2175 advance efforts to reduce youth vaping, and SB 2892 provide funding to address feral chickens, a quality-of-life issue in District 21. One measure I would have liked to see pass was HB 2360, relating to paid family leave.

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?

It feels like public trust in government is at an all-time low. Many people believe government is slow, unresponsive and cannot deliver results. Moving forward, the only way to rebuild that trust is to show up and follow through. We also need to make sure our agencies are properly staffed and equipped to serve residents, which means addressing high vacancy rates. Trust is earned when government works and delivers for the people it serves.

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?

As a communications professional, I believe effective emergency communication and proactive planning are critical to disaster preparedness. Residents need timely and reliable information before, during and after emergencies to make informed decisions and stay safe. I support investments in emergency communications, warning systems, preparedness education and emergency management planning to help communities respond quickly, reduce risks and recover more effectively.

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?

Building resilience today helps reduce costs tomorrow. Climate change is already impacting Hawaiʻi and adaptation must be part of the solution. That includes investing in resilient infrastructure, strengthening local agriculture and reducing our dependence on imported food. Supporting farmers and protecting Hawaiʻi from invasive species today can help Hawaiʻi better withstand disruptions while reducing long-term 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. Many bills originate from residents, community organizations, businesses, advocacy groups and government agencies seeking solutions to real problems. I do not believe worthwhile ideas should be excluded because an arbitrary limit has been reached. Instead of restricting the number of bills introduced, we should focus on improving transparency, public engagement, and the legislative process so proposals can be thoroughly reviewed and debated on their merits.

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. Lawmakers should have a reasonable understanding of the fiscal impact of legislation before making decisions. Cost estimates can improve transparency and help inform public debate. At the same time, estimates are not guaranteed. Costs can change due to procurement timelines, permitting delays, market conditions and other factors. We should require good-faith fiscal analyses while also working to address the inefficiencies that drive costs higher over time.

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?

Experience and institutional knowledge help elected officials be more effective. Being a career politician is not my objective, but I believe lawmakers should have enough time to learn the job and serve effectively. I am open to discussing reforms, including term lengths, but I am not convinced term limits alone will improve government. Ultimately, accountability should remain with the voters.

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

Strong schools start with supporting the people who work in them. One of the best ways to improve our public schools is by ensuring they are properly staffed. The Department of Education continues to face high vacancy rates and hiring challenges. I would support efforts to improve recruitment, retention and hiring processes so schools can attract and retain qualified educators. Students learn best when they have consistent access to the teachers and support staff they need.

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

A strong economy should never depend on a single industry. Tourism will continue to be an important part of Hawaiʻi’s economy, but we should not rely on any single industry and should continue growing other industries alongside it. I support investing in agriculture, food production and small businesses to create local jobs and strengthen economic resilience. By supporting local industries, we can build a more diverse economy and keep more dollars circulating in Hawaiʻi.

An estimated 60% of Hawaii 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?

For many Hawaiʻi residents, stability is becoming harder to find. Beyond the rising costs of housing, groceries and utilities, unexpected expenses such as medical bills, car repairs, home repairs or natural disasters can quickly create financial hardship. I believe government should be proactive in identifying these financial pressure points and pursuing practical solutions that help families absorb unexpected costs before they become crises.