Civil Beat has asked candidates for the Hawaiʻi general election on Nov. 3 to answer a survey about where they stand on various issues and what their priorities will be if elected.

The following comes from Sheila Walker, Republican candidate for state House District 11, covering parts of Māʻalaea and Kīhei, Keawakapu, Wailea, Mākena, Kanahena and Keoneoio.

She will face incumbent Democrat Terez Amato.

Go to Civil Beat’s 2026 Elections Guide for general information, and check out the other candidates on Civil Beatʻs 2026 Hawaiʻi General Election Ballot.

Why are you best suited for the job? And why do you want the job?

I am running because I care deeply about our community and believe every resident deserves to be heard. I am well suited for this role because I have spent my career solving problems, serving others, and showing up for my community. As a small business owner and community leader, I am committed to being accessible, accountable, and focused on practical solutions that improve infrastructure, public safety, education, and our cost of living.

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?

Overdevelopment without the infrastructure to support it is a huge issue. Our roads, emergency evacuation routes, fire protection, police services and traffic have not kept pace with growth. We must plan ahead instead of reacting after problems arise. In my first six months, I will advocate for tying future development to infrastructure improvements, strengthen public safety planning and oppose the proposed development at Big Beach to protect one of Maui’s most treasured natural resources.

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

No. I support diversifying interisland shipping through greater competition because monopolies increase costs and reduce choices for consumers and businesses. I also support repealing the Jones Act, which I believe would lower shipping costs and help reduce the overall cost of living for Hawaiʻi families.

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 supported House Bill 268, which sought to preserve fairness in girls’ school athletics by designating teams based on biological sex. I opposed House Bill 1590, which expanded enforcement tools related to short-term vacation rentals. I believe we need practical solutions rather than additional government enforcement.

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?

Every person is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law, but serious allegations involving public officials must be investigated thoroughly, independently and without political influence. Public confidence is restored when those accused are afforded due process and cases are brought to a clear resolution — whether through prosecution supported by the evidence or acquittal when the evidence does not prove wrongdoing.

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?

Disaster preparedness is one of my highest priorities. We must improve emergency evacuation routes for fires, floods, tsunamis, hurricanes, and other natural disasters. Too many communities on Maui have only one way in and one way out — and in some cases, no safe way out at all. That is unacceptable. I will advocate for additional evacuation routes, improved emergency communications, more emergency response resources and infrastructure that is built with public safety as the first priority.

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?

Regardless of how people view climate change, Hawaiʻi must be prepared for natural disasters and changing environmental conditions. My priority is protecting lives and property through practical solutions, not costly mandates that increase the financial burden on families and small businesses.

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. I believe the Legislature should focus on fewer, better bills. Introducing more than 3,000 bills each session makes it nearly impossible for legislators or the public to thoroughly review each proposal. Quantity is not a measure of productivity.

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. Every bill with a fiscal impact should include a realistic cost estimate before legislators vote on it. Lawmakers have a responsibility to understand how much a proposal will cost taxpayers. The Legislature should also require follow-up reporting to ensure appropriated funds are spent as intended, projects are completed, and taxpayers receive the results they were promised. Too often, money is appropriated with little oversight after the fact.

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 am not convinced term limits are the solution for Hawaiʻi’s state Legislature. Many long-serving legislators have valuable experience and serve their communities well. The greater issue is creating a level playing field for challengers. Incumbents receive far more media attention and are often the only candidates invited to participate in public events, forums, and parades. Voters deserve the opportunity to hear from all qualified candidates—not just those who already hold office.

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

Hawaiʻi’s public schools need greater local accountability. I support reinstating an elected school board that includes educators, parents, and community members so the people most invested in our children’s success have a stronger voice in education policy.

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

Tourism is a vital part of Hawaiʻi’s economy. However, we cannot expect it to carry our economy alone. Each island has unique opportunities to diversify its economy. On Maui, I see tremendous potential in agriculture, technology and medical tourism. We should also make it easier for small businesses to succeed by reducing unnecessary regulations and lowering the cost of doing business.

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?

Hawaiʻi has been a one-party state for decades, and many of the same challenges remain. I believe greater political balance, accountability and competition will produce better policies and better results for the people of Hawaiʻi.