Editor’s note: For Hawaii’s Nov. 5 General Election, Civil Beat asked candidates to answer some questions about where they stand on various issues and what their priorities will be if elected.

The following came from Sylvie Madison, Republican candidate for State House District 6, which covers Honaunau, Napoopoo, Captain Cook, Kealakekua, Keauhou, Holualoa and Kailua-Kona. Her opponent is Democrat Kirstin Kahaloa.

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

1. What is the biggest issue facing your district, and what would you do about it?

The lack of attainable home ownership and rental homes is the root of so many issues in Hawaii. This shortage impacts families, making it difficult for them to stay together and thrive, not just get by.

On my street alone, one mainland owner has four homes she uses as short-term rentals. This trend must change to prioritize Hawaii residents rather than mainland owners.

State and county efforts have been inadequate while Hawaii homeowners hesitate to offer long-term rentals, fearing difficulties in evicting non-paying tenants. The Hawaii Landlord-Tenant Code (HRS 521) needs updating to provide better legal protection for landlords.

Businesses also struggle as potential employees have nowhere to live. This housing shortage particularly affects health care and agriculture. Hospitals rely on traveling medical professionals who need temporary housing, and farmers also face housing challenges. Building new hospitals and moving toward a self-sustaining food system requires addressing the housing crisis.

To help, there should be fewer restrictions and permitting hassles for residents, especially on agricultural parcels. Many in my district use water catchment systems, so accessory dwelling units (ADUs — what the state calls rental units) wouldn’t strain the county water supply. Addressing these housing issues is crucial for Hawaii’s future.

2. How do you feel about the massive income tax cut just approved by the Legislature and the governor? Do you have any concerns that it will force reductions in state services in the years to come?

It’s certainly positive, and I hope we can actually feel its impact without it getting lost amidst rising inflation, increasing electricity costs and the high cost of living. Additionally, I hope it leads to a reduction in the size of our state government.

Essential state services need not be curtailed if we can eliminate wasteful spending. Let’s start with spending on immediate and urgent local problems that affect us now — before we spend our resources on global issues.

3. Hawaii continues to struggle with pay-to-play politics and corruption in government. What meaningful reforms do you think would change state government for the better?

I would rephrase the statement to “Hawaii continues to allow pay-to-play politics and corruption in government.”

I would like to start by saying I have no conflicts of interest. I am not a paid employee of any nonprofits (nor have I ever been) that would financially benefit from legislation, grants or state contracts, nor are any of my family. I am not a politician running for self-interest or self-seeking reasons. I will not accept any union endorsements or donations.

I am a grassroots candidate and small business owner selling Hawaiian fishing lures. My husband, who was a missionary kid, is a real estate photographer.

Upon approval of my candidacy by the State Elections Office, I completed a “candidate disclosure” with the Hawaii State Ethics Commission. The commission must gather more comprehensive information. Reforms should prevent any conflicts of interest in the awarding of state contracts to businesses associated with legislators.

I would also advocate for future Public Utilities Commission members to be elected by the public rather than appointed. The PUC oversees the rates for shipping (Young Brothers, Matson) and energy (HECO). I think it is quite interesting that a current PUC commissioner, appointed by former Gov. Ige, worked for HECO.

4. Candidates often say they will support reform proposals in the Legislature. And yet major reform proposals don’t pass. Will you back good-government proposals even if it means going against leadership? If you are an incumbent, can you point to an example of a reform that you supported?

Absolutely. My priority is serving the best interests of the people, and I will back sensible government reforms that promote our state’s prosperity. I want voters to know that if elected, my loyalty will lie with the constituents of my district.

One of my main motivations for running for office was witnessing numerous bills receive public testimony, only for legislators to ignore the people’s voice and vote in favor of special interest groups and other influential entities.

I am already meeting with community leaders on both sides of the political spectrum. This includes people in marine conservation, small and medium business, agriculture, law enforcement and retirees to see what their main concerns are. I welcome anyone in House District 6, Kailua-Kona (south of town), Holualoa, Keauhou, Kealakekua and parts of Captain Cook, Napoopoo, Honaunau, to reach out to me.

Across political affiliations — be it Democrat, Republican or Independent — we frequently share common goals. Living on some of the most remote islands globally presents us with shared challenges. To overcome these challenges, collaboration is paramount, both inside and outside the chamber.

5. Do you support comprehensive public financing of elections for candidates who choose to participate? Why or why not?

Taxpayer dollars should not be used for elections. I have to show personal initiative, effort, grit and determination to make my candidacy happen. I must earn the support and donations of the voters.

Taxpayers should not have to pay for candidates, especially with political views that they do not agree with. Being a leader is being willing to invest your own time, effort and resources rather than being dependent on the state for funding.

6. Hawaii is the only Western state without a statewide citizens initiative process. Do you support such a process? Why or why not?

Yes, Hawaii is not a corporation. More power to the people.

Hawaii residents should have the ability to bypass their state Legislature and place proposed statutes directly on the ballot. This empowers the voting public, amplifies their voice and enhances engagement in the legislative process.

7. Thanks to their campaign war chests and name familiarity, incumbents are almost always reelected in Hawaii legislative races. Should there be term limits for state legislators, as there are for the governor’s office and county councils? Why or why not?

Yes, of course. Even the most powerful job in the world, the president of the United States, has term limits. Nothing changes if nothing changes.

8. What will you do to ensure accountability at the Legislature? Do you support ideas such as requiring the Sunshine Law to apply to the Legislature or banning campaign contributions during session?

I like Sen. Brenton Awa’s policy of “no gifts.” It’s very clear and does not allow for a gray area. If elected I will happily adopt the same rule.

I fully support an open legislative function and campaign contributions should only be allowed after a qualified candidate files their papers during an election cycle.

I support all transparency. We are not a corporation protecting proprietary secrets. We must have transparency to earn the public’s trust.

9. How would you make the Legislature more transparent and accessible to the public? Opening conference committees to the public? Stricter disclosure requirements on lobbying and lobbyists? How could the Legislature change its own internal rules to be more open?

We are elected to represent the people who elected us, so we work for the people, who are essentially our employer. Censoring any part of the legislative process should be prohibited.

How can we expect to earn public trust if conference committees are not open to the public?

HRS 92, the Sunshine Law: “Opening up the governmental processes to public scrutiny and participation is the only viable and reasonable method of protecting the public’s interest. Therefore, the legislature declares that it is the policy of this State that the formation and conduct of public policy — the discussions, deliberations, decisions and action of governmental agencies — shall be conducted as openly as possible.”

That seems clear to me.

10. Many people have talked about diversifying the local economy for many years now, and yet Hawaii is still heavily reliant on tourism. What, if anything, should be done differently about tourism and the economy?

Hawaii is heavily reliant on tourism. It’s a fact. We need to provide more support for the niche businesses within our larger tourism industry.

Big game fishing is a massive industry worldwide. Kona is the blue marlin capital of the world. People come from all over the world to fish here. From Honokohau Harbor and Keauhou Harbor (which is in my district) it takes just minutes to reach productive water. This is very unique.

Fishermen here tell me the Department of Land and Natural Resources does not support them or their industry. Other niche ocean recreation businesses such as snorkel and scuba diving, coastal adventure cruises, say they are in the same boat. Increasingly restrictive regulations by the DLNR, and no help from the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, leaves these industry segments without the support they need to grow and contribute to our state’s largest economic generator.

I understand the tourist industry. I lived and worked in Phuket, Thailand, for almost 14 years, primarily in tourism. I began as a scuba diving instructor and was the public relations manager for five years at a boutique hotel before starting my own business, an online health food store (in English) catering to visiting tourists and the expat community.

11. An estimated 60% of Hawaii residents are struggling to get by, a problem that reaches far beyond low-income and into the middle class, which is disappearing. What ideas do you have to help the middle class and working families who are finding it hard to continue to live here?

The high cost of living is a significant burden on Hawaii residents. With 80% of our food and goods being imported, monopolies and mismanagement in shipping have driven up costs by 40%, which are directly passed on to residents. Additionally, Hawaii residents pay the highest electricity rates in the nation, nearly three times the U.S. average or Guam.

The PUC plays a crucial role in this issue, as it sets and approves rate increases for HECO and shipping. If elected, I will advocate for legislative reforms of the PUC, ensuring its officials are either elected by the public or confirmed by the Legislature, to guarantee fair pricing for all.