Editor’s note: 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 ‘Ale Rodas, Republican candidate for State House District 49 which includes Kāne‘ohe and Maunawili on the windward side of Oʻahu.

She is running against incumbent Democratic candidate Scot Matayoshi 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?

The communities of Kāneʻohe and Maunawili are ready for new leadership with fresh, solution-oriented ideas. Residents deserve consistent, transparent representation and effective advocacy. I am best-suited for this position because I bring a new perspective and a proven ability to collaborate effectively. I am not a career politician and cannot be bought. My years of experience leading teams, supporting our most vulnerable community members, and educating our youth prove I am community-oriented.

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?

Affordability sits at the center of many problems. It affects the young, working class and kūpuna. First, I’d press for a temporary suspension of the gas tax and work to propose legislation to reduce the overall tax burden on families and small businesses. I would also improve communication and transparency from the Legislature. My focus will be simple: make government work for residents, protect resources, respond to real community needs and improve financial stability for all.

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

Absolutely not, competition matters. It drives better service, fairer pricing and accountability. Shipping isn’t an abstract issue; it shows up on our receipts. The pressure on businesses eventually gets passed on to families. That’s why recent legislation deserves scrutiny. If a policy doesn’t lower costs or protect residents, then it’s the wrong policy for Hawaii. Bills like HB2386 and SB2694 protect the monopoly and will eventually increase our 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?

I support HB 2021 because it addresses high-speed e-bikes, an issue that residents often raise. It’s especially personal after the fatal moped accident in Kāneʻohe last summer. I’m disappointed HB 2558 failed; it would’ve allowed out-of-state doctors to offer telehealth consultations, easing our physician shortage and improving access to care. I believe HB 1875 on gender-affirming healthcare needed more clarity on policies for minors. Parents deserve transparency when it comes to their children.

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?

Trust is the foundation of good government. When investigating corruption, the public needs to trust that investigations are fair and unbiased. Concentrated power also leads to issues; we need diverse perspectives in legislation and stronger bipartisan engagement. Additionally, ethics around contractors and conflicts of interest need to be tightened. The way forward is clarity and consistency, and a reminder that elected office is a responsibility, not a source of power.

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 lawmaker, I would work with city and state legislators and department heads to plan ahead of disasters, including routine infrastructure maintenance, community-based resilience plans, shelters and food resources. Food security has to be part of that plan. Hawaiʻi depends heavily on imports, and in an emergency, we’re looking at about five days of supplies. That vulnerability needs real action, and supporting local agriculture is part of 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?

Providing clear guidance through state and county agencies on how to strengthen infrastructure, homes and businesses against growing environmental challenges is one way we can begin addressing climate change. Incentivizing property owners, taxpayers and businesses through options such as tax deductions or credits can encourage proactive solutions without placing additional financial burdens on our community. This is one piece of a larger, long-term plan needed to address the ongoing impacts.

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 issue isn’t just the number of bills introduced. It’s the culture that stifles meaningful debate. We need a healthy legislative process that values diverse ideas. For nearly 70 years, one party has dominated. Stronger checks and balances, plus more bipartisan leadership in committees, would do more for the public than an arbitrary cap on bills. Fewer bills don’t automatically mean better government. A more balanced Legislature, with greater openness, brings better outcomes.

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, of course. Responsible leadership means understanding both what a bill might accomplish and what it will cost. Hawaiʻi already carries the highest tax burden and one of the highest costs of living in the country. Taxpayers deserve to know the price tag, where the money will come from, and whether a bill creates long-term financial obligations. Families and businesses have to budget and plan responsibly; our government should be held to that same basic standard.

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, Hawaiʻi incumbents have one of the strongest reelection advantages in the country. Public office should prioritize service over lifelong careers. Experience matters, but political experience is not the only qualification for leadership. Strong leaders bring real-world experience, listen, and ask the right questions. Term limits improve accountability and bring new energy while giving voters more choices.

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

After nearly 20 years as an educator, I can’t ignore Castle High School’s low proficiency rates. This is not a failure of teachers or students, but a sign that we need better support, priorities and accountability. I will push for transparency, including a DOE audit, to ensure funding reaches classrooms and improves student outcomes. Teachers shape every profession and are one of the most important roles in our society; they should be able to own a home rather than depend on affordable housing.

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

Tourism is vital to Hawaiʻi’s economy, but it cannot be our only source of income. I would propose that we shift our focus from being a state that consumes to one that creates and exports. With Hawaiʻi importing much of what we consume, we need to support agriculture, production and small businesses by reducing barriers, simplifying permitting, and expanding market opportunities. Hawaiʻi should be a place where families don’t just visit, but where local families can create, build, and stay.

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?

Hawaiʻi families aren’t struggling because of a lack of hard work; they’re being crushed by the rising cost of living. To tackle this, we must reduce the cost burden by protecting taxpayer dollars and reviewing policies that drive up everyday expenses. Supporting small businesses is also crucial as they provide pathways to the middle class. The people who care for our communities should be able to afford to live in them.