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 Tess Abalos, Republican candidate for State House District 29, which includes Kamehameha Heights, Kalihi Valley and a portion of Kalihi.

She will face the winner of the primary election between two Democrats, incumbent Ikaika Hussey and John Mizuno, in the November 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 running because too many families are struggling with the rising cost of living and concerns about public safety. Housing, groceries, healthcare and everyday expenses continue to put pressure on working families. Too many young people are being drawn into gangs, drugs and crime, while many kūpuna are increasingly becoming victims of crime, scams and abuse. I am seeking this office to focus on affordability, public safety, supporting our youth and protecting our kūpuna.

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 biggest issue facing District 29 is affordability. Too many families are struggling with the rising costs of housing, groceries, healthcare and other basic necessities. One of my first priorities would be to support policies that lower costs, promote responsible government spending and help working families keep more of what they earn.

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

My concern is not protecting a monopoly. My concern is protecting local families. If there are ways to lower costs, improve service and maintain reliable shipping between the islands, those options should be seriously considered.

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 most important legislation addressed housing, public safety and affordability. I would have liked to see more progress on lowering the cost of living and supporting working families, seniors and small businesses. Legislation should be measured by whether it improves affordability, strengthens public safety and uses taxpayer dollars responsibly.

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?

Public trust is earned through transparency, accountability and ethical leadership. Residents deserve confidence that decisions are being made in the public’s best interest, not for personal gain. Going forward, the Legislature should strengthen transparency, enforce ethical standards and ensure public officials are held accountable. Rebuilding trust starts with openness, integrity and a commitment to serving the people of Hawaiʻi.

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?

Recent disasters have highlighted the importance of preparedness. As a lawmaker, I would support efforts to strengthen infrastructure, improve emergency readiness, and ensure residents have access to timely information and resources when emergencies occur.

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 support practical solutions that strengthen infrastructure, improve preparedness and help communities adapt to future challenges. Any policies should be balanced, cost-effective, and avoid placing unnecessary burdens on taxpayers, property owners and small businesses.

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?

I support reforms that promote transparency, meaningful debate and greater public participation in the legislative process. The focus should be on quality legislation that is carefully reviewed and understood by both lawmakers and the public before final decisions are made.

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, taxpayers and small businesses deserve a realistic understanding of the cost of proposed legislation before it is passed. Transparency, accountability and fiscal responsibility are essential to making informed decisions and protecting public 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?

I am open to a discussion on term limits. Experience is valuable, but so are fresh perspectives and accountability. Any changes should be carefully considered with input from the public.

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

I support strong academic standards, greater parental involvement and safe learning environments where students can succeed. Every child deserves a quality education that prepares them for college, skilled trades, careers and responsible citizenship.

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

Tourism is important, but Hawaiʻi should also invest in small businesses, agriculture, skilled trades and technology. Diversifying our economy creates more opportunities for local residents and strengthens long-term economic stability.

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?

Too many families are working hard but finding it difficult to get ahead. I support lowering the cost of living, strengthening economic opportunities, supporting small businesses and ensuring taxpayer dollars are spent responsibly. The goal should be to make Hawaiʻi more affordable for working families and future generations.