Transit, Burning Trees, Property Tax: Hawaiʻi County Council District 2 Candidate Q&As

A competitive primary for the council seat that includes Downtown Hilo.

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A competitive primary for the council seat that includes Downtown Hilo.

Five nonpartisan candidates are running in the Aug. 8 primary for the Hawaiʻi County Council seat for District 2 currently held by Jennifer Kagiwada.

District 2 includes portions of South Hilo, Downtown Hilo, Bayfront, Wailoa, a portion of Waiākea Houselots, University Heights, Komohana Gardens, a portion of Waiākea Uka, Lanakila, Mohouli, Ainako, Kaumana, Pi’ihonua, Wailuku and Waiānuenue.

The candidates all were sent a survey from Civil Beat asking them to outline their views on a variety of issues including the growth in transient vacation rentals, geothermal energy and housing affordability.

Their responses, if supplied, are linked here in alphabetical order under their official ballot name, which you can also compare all in one spot on Civil Beat’s 2026 Hawaiʻi Primary Ballot.

Blaine Kenji Bautista

Wendy S. Botelho

JoNelle Fukushima

William John Halversen

Jennifer Kagiwada

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Hawaiʻi’s 2026 elections are right around the corner and Civil Beat’s elections guide is here to help with essential information, candidate positions, news stories and more.
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