Trust, Income Tax And Green Fees: Lieutenant Governor Candidate Q&As
A diverse field is on the ballot for the office left vacant by Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke’s abrupt departure.
A dramatic decision by Sylvia Luke to abandon a bid for reelection to the office of lieutenant governor has created one of the most compelling state races in the Hawaiʻi Primary Election on Aug. 8.
There are 11 candidates on the ballot including the current Kauaʻi County mayor and the longtime incumbent House member for Oʻahu’s District 26. Five are running as Democrats, four as Republicans and one as a nonpartisan.
All of the candidates were sent a survey by Civil Beat that was tailored to the challenges of this executive office, which has typically been a platform for those aspiring to rise to the rank of governor.
The candidates were asked their positions on a range of topics including rebuilding public trust in the Legislature after a bruising year, what causes they would champion using the clout of the position and whether they would support moves toward adopting citizen-initiated referenda to direct policy.
Their responses, if provided, are linked 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. If others submit before the election, they will be added, so check back.
Hopelin Cresencia
Shaena Dela Cruz
Kilakila Kamau
Margaret Meija
Robert Peters
