Civil Beat has asked candidates for Hawaiʻi elections to answer a survey about where they stand on various issues and what their priorities will be if elected.

The following comes from Inam Rahman, Democratic candidate for State Senate District 19 covering Pearl City, Waipahu, West Loch Estates, Honouliuli and Hoopili.

His Democratic challenger in the Aug. 8 primary is incumbent Rachele Lamosao.

The winner of the primary will face Republican candidate Elijah Pierick 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 bring experience in healthcare, business, community service and public policy. As a physician, former Hawaiʻi Medical Association President, founder of The Diabetic Clinic, former legislative assistant, and Democratic Party District Chair, I offer practical leadership focused on affordability, healthcare, housing, public safety and accountable government.

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 Senate District 19 is the high cost of living. My first priority would be expanding affordable and workforce housing through streamlined permitting and responsible development. I would also work to lower healthcare costs and support targeted relief for working families and kūpuna.

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

No. Hawaiʻi benefits from fair competition that helps control the cost of food, medicine, and other essentials. Any changes must protect local jobs, ensure reliable service to all islands and maintain a secure, resilient supply chain.

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?

SB2471, which limits the influence of corporate and dark money in Hawaiʻi elections, was among the most important bills of 2026. I also supported efforts to address housing affordability and workforce development. I would have liked to see stronger ethics and campaign finance reforms, including greater transparency in political spending and lobbying. During the session, I testified on approximately 30 bills and often proposed amendments to strengthen accountability and effectiveness.

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?

The $35,000 cash payment allegations have damaged public trust and highlight the need for stronger ethics safeguards. To rebuild confidence, the Legislature should strengthen campaign finance laws, increase transparency in lobbying and financial disclosures, ensure fair and consistent enforcement of ethics laws and expedite corruption investigations. Public office is a public trust, and I will continue to support ethics reforms, accountability, transparency, and integrity in government.

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, including the Maui wildfires, flooding and severe storms, show Hawaiʻi must improve emergency preparedness. I support resilient infrastructure, flood mitigation, emergency communications and community preparedness. As a physician, I understand the importance of maintaining healthcare access during emergencies. Our goal is to save lives, protect property and build more resilient communities.

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?

Climate change is already affecting Hawaiʻi through flooding, stronger storms, coastal erosion, and wildfire risk. I support resilient infrastructure, flood mitigation, emergency preparedness, renewable energy and risk assessments to address vulnerabilities before disasters occur. I would pursue federal funding, grants and public-private partnerships to help manage costs. My goal is to keep Hawaiʻi affordable, resilient and economically strong.

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?

Yes. The Legislature should reduce the number of bills introduced each session and focus on measures with the greatest public benefit. Bills that pass committees deserve a fair opportunity to be heard. I support greater transparency when bills are not scheduled for hearings and a more efficient, accountable legislative process.

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 access to realistic fiscal analyses before voting on major legislation. Fiscal impact statements promote transparency, accountability, and informed decision-making. As a physician, I believe in evidence-based decision-making, and public policy should be no different. Requiring fiscal analyses would help ensure taxpayer dollars are used wisely and strengthen public confidence in government.

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 support reasonable term limits for state legislators. While experience is valuable, term limits encourage new ideas, perspectives and leadership. They create opportunities for more community members to serve while helping ensure elected officials remain responsive, accountable and connected to the people they represent.

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

Children are our future, and a strong public education system is essential to Hawaiʻi’s success. I support recruiting and retaining qualified teachers, improving school facilities, expanding career and technical education, strengthening STEM programs and increasing access to student mental health services. I also support stronger child protection programs and partnerships with families to ensure children are safe, supported, and prepared for college, careers and responsible citizenship.

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

Tourism will remain important to Hawaiʻi’s economy, but we must diversify. I support growth in healthcare, health technology, renewable energy, agriculture and small businesses, along with workforce training. We should strengthen local food production, support sustainable tourism, and expand economic opportunities and affordable housing to retain local talent. The goal is to create high-quality jobs and a stronger, more resilient economy.

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?

The rising cost of living is the biggest challenge facing Hawaiʻi families. I support expanding affordable housing, improving healthcare access, strengthening local food production, providing targeted tax relief for working families, kūpuna, and individuals with disabilities, and growing higher-paying jobs in healthcare, technology, renewable energy, agriculture, and small businesses. My goal is to make Hawaiʻi more affordable, strengthen the middle class, and help local families thrive.