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 Micah C.K. Kalama, Democratic candidate for state House District 51, which includes Waimānalo, Keolu Hills, Lanikai and parts of Kailua.

He is running against incumbent Lisa Marten and Steve Haumschild in the Democratic primary.

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 best suited to serve District 51 because I was born and raised in Waimānalo and come from a multi-generational family rooted in this community. As a coach, nonprofit leader and volunteer, I work directly with residents and understand the challenges families face. I’m running because I believe our communities deserve strong, accessible representation focused on solutions for housing, cost of living, public safety and opportunities for future generations.

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 51 is housing affordability. Too many local families and working residents are being priced out of the communities they grew up in. In my first six months, I would focus on policies that expand affordable housing opportunities, support first-time homebuyers and reduce barriers to homeownership. My goal is to help local families stay in Hawaiʻi and build a future in the communities they call home.

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

I do not view interisland shipping as a monopoly issue alone. It is a critical part of Hawaiʻi’s economy that provides local jobs, fair wages, and strong workplace safety standards. The larger concern is the high cost of living and the cost of goods reaching our islands. We should focus on improving efficiency, increasing competition where appropriate and reducing costs for families while protecting local workers and essential shipping services.

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 issue addressed by the 2026 Legislature was affordability. Hawaiʻi families continue to struggle with housing, taxes, utilities and the rising cost of living. I would have liked to see stronger measures supporting affordable housing and homeownership for local families. I am cautious of legislation that increases costs on residents or small businesses. Every bill should be judged by whether it makes life more affordable for Hawaiʻi’s people.

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 essential. As a first-time candidate, I’ve learned that Hawaiʻi already has campaign spending and ethics laws designed to promote transparency and accountability. Those safeguards are important, but we should always look for ways to strengthen public confidence. I support greater transparency, accountability and clear consequences for misconduct. Residents deserve to know their elected officials are serving the public, not special interests.

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 storms showed that Hawaiʻi must do a better job preparing for emergencies. I live in a flood-prone area and saw firsthand how neighbors often became the first responders when help was delayed. As a lawmaker, I would support infrastructure improvements, better resource coordination and stronger emergency response plans. We must learn from past events, protect our natural resources and ensure communities receive timely support when disasters 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 believe we should take a practical approach to climate change. Recent storms and flooding have shown that our communities are vulnerable and must be better prepared. As an island state, sustainability and affordability must go hand in hand. I support investing in resilient infrastructure, community education and public outreach so residents understand the risks and solutions. We must help families and businesses adapt without placing unnecessary financial burdens on them.

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?

Over 3,000 bills is a significant number, but legislators are elected to review and advance ideas that improve our communities. Rather than focusing solely on limiting bills, I believe we should ensure there is enough time for meaningful review, public input and debate. As a first-time candidate, I recognize the importance of understanding the impacts of legislation. We should also consider whether a more full-time Legislature would better serve 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. Lawmakers should have a realistic understanding of the financial impact of the legislation they introduce. Taxpayers deserve transparency, and legislators should know both the benefits and costs before asking the public to support a bill. Fiscal analyses help improve accountability, encourage informed decision-making and reduce unintended consequences. Good policy should not only solve problems but also be financially responsible and sustainable for Hawaiʻi’s future.

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 think term limits are worth discussing, but ultimately voters have the power to decide who represents them. Strong community involvement is the best form of accountability. In many ways, that’s why I’m running, to provide another choice, hold leadership accountable and represent voices that feel unheard. Our democracy works best when residents stay engaged, informed and active in shaping the future of their communities.

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

To improve our public schools, we must support teachers with competitive wages, resources and opportunities to succeed. We also need greater accountability from school leadership, ensuring principals and administrators are meeting goals and delivering results for students. Investing in school facilities, strengthening community involvement and creating safe, positive learning environments will help our students and schools reach their full potential.

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

Tourism will remain a major part of Hawaiʻi’s economy, and we should continue to support the workers and businesses that depend on it. However, we can do a better job using tourism revenue to invest in housing, infrastructure, education and local workforce development. We should also grow industries such as agriculture, renewable energy, technology and ocean-based enterprises while building on Hawaiʻi’s unique strengths and resources.

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?

Too many local families are being priced out of Hawaiʻi and forced to move to the “9th and 10th islands.” We need policies that keep housing affordable, provide tax relief for working families, and prioritize local ownership. I support stronger limits on speculative investment properties and exploring restrictions on nonresident investors purchasing multiple homes while local families struggle to buy their first. Homes should strengthen communities, not simply serve as investment assets.