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 Markus Owens, Democratic candidate for State Senate District 20, which includes the communities of ʻEwa Beach, Ocean Pointe, ʻEwa by Gentry, Iroquois Point and a portion of ʻEwa Villages.

His opponent is Republican Bob McDermott.

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’m running because District 20 deserves a senator focused on results, not politics. As a public servant, communications leader and small-business professional, I’ve spent my career solving problems, managing budgets and advocating for local families. I understand the challenges facing our community — from the high cost of living and housing affordability to traffic and public safety. I bring real-world experience, strong community ties, and a proven commitment to delivering for West Oʻahu.

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 ʻEwa Beach is the rising cost of living, especially housing and transportation pressures on working families. In my first six months, I would focus on advancing policies that increase affordable housing supply, speed up permitting for new housing, and improve transportation options for West Oʻahu. Families need immediate relief, and I will prioritize practical, results-driven solutions that help residents afford to live, work, and raise their families here.

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

I do not support an unchecked monopoly in interisland shipping. Hawaiʻi families and small businesses rely on affordable, reliable transport of goods. We need transparency, fair rates and strong oversight to prevent price pressures on consumers. While ensuring service reliability across the islands, I support expanding competition where possible and policies that protect residents from excessive costs driven by limited market choice.

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?

Measures addressing housing production and financing — such as bills SB 2060 and HB 2266 related to transitional and supportive housing — reflect the urgency of expanding housing options across the state. As someone with experience in real estate, I have seen firsthand how limited inventory and high costs impact working families, first-time buyers and renters.

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 rebuilt through stronger ethics laws, greater transparency and consistent enforcement. The Legislature should tighten disclosure rules, improve oversight of lobbying and conflicts of interest and ensure real consequences when violations occur. Open government practices and accessible information are also essential so the public can clearly see how decisions are made and hold elected officials accountable in real time.

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?

Hawaiʻi must strengthen preparedness through resilient infrastructure, coordinated emergency response systems and clear communication with residents before, during and after disasters. Investments in flood control, drainage, shoreline protection, and hardening critical facilities are essential. Equally important is community-level planning so residents know evacuation routes and resources. Preparation must be proactive, ensuring we are ready before extreme weather events 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?

The impacts of changing climate conditions are already being felt in Hawaiʻi, and we must respond with practical, cost-effective solutions. That means investing in resilient infrastructure, flood mitigation and emergency preparedness while prioritizing projects that deliver the greatest public benefit per dollar spent. We must also ensure adaptation costs are shared fairly and do not overburden taxpayers, property owners, or small businesses as we prepare for future risks.

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?

There is merit to exploring reasonable limits or reforms on the number of bills introduced each session to improve focus and allow for more meaningful debate. With thousands of measures introduced, the legislative process can become overwhelmed, contributing to rushed decisions and end-of-session congestion. Any reform, however, should be carefully designed to preserve the ability of legislators to address urgent and important community needs.

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 be required to include a realistic fiscal analysis or cost estimate for legislation they introduce. Requiring a clearer understanding of fiscal impact would improve transparency, accountability, and informed decision-making throughout the legislative process. It would also help ensure that policy proposals are evaluated not only on intent, but on long-term affordability for taxpayers and the state budget.

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 would support exploring term limits for state legislators in Hawaiʻi. Term limits can help encourage new leadership, fresh perspectives, and increased opportunities for community members to serve in public office. As I can pull from an unknown source: “Politicians should be changed as often as diapers; for the very same reason.”

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

Improving our public school system requires sustained investment in teachers, facilities and student support services. I would focus on addressing teacher shortages through recruitment, retention and better professional support, while also ensuring schools have safe, modern, and well-maintained learning environments. Expanding access to career and technical education is critical to meeting the needs of today’s students. The higher the education; the higher the pay.

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

Diversifying Hawaiʻi’s economy beyond tourism requires investment in several key sectors. Expanding tech and innovation industries can create high-wage jobs and attract remote and global businesses. Strengthening ag and food production improves food security while keeping more dollars in the local economy. Investing in renewable energy and research-based industries, including partnerships with the University of Hawai‘i and federal programs, can also provide long-term, stable economic growth.

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 cost-of-living in Hawaiʻi requires a combination of immediate relief and long-term structural change. I’d focus on increasing housing supply and affordability, since housing costs are the primary driver of financial pressure for working families and the middle class. I need to reduce household expenses through healthcare cost controls, energy affordability, and expanded tax relief targeted to working residents. Long-term economic diversification and higher-wage job creation are essential.