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 Jason Masters, nonpartisan candidate for the office of Hawaiʻi County Council Member District 6, which covers the rural southern and western portions of the Big Island, including the communities of Volcano, Pāhala, Nāʻālehu, Ocean View, Captain Cook, Kealakekua, and Hōnaunau.

His opponents are Zed Kaʻapana Aki, Justin Canelas, Guy Enriques, and Kyle Kepano Jones.

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

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

District 6 deserves practical leadership focused on the needs of our diverse communities. Born and raised in this district, I believe I am best suited for the job due to my diverse mix of education, experience and local upbringing. The county government must be responsive and transparent while protecting our communities character. This has been my dream job since10th grade at Kaʻū High where I participated in legislative shadowing with State Rep. Andy Levin, and the late State Sen. Bob Herkes.

What is the biggest issue facing Hawai‘i County, and what is the first thing you would do to address it in the first six months after being elected?

The biggest issue facing Hawai’i County is its severe housing affordability crisis, compounded by the high cost of living. We must balance growth with quality of life. Too often development occurs while roads, and other services fall behind. In my first six months, I would focus on building relationships with community groups and government partners to identify priority projects, remove barriers and develop practical policies to create affordable housing closer to areas of employment.

Here’s one question from a constituent: How would you make it safer to get in and out of Puna?

Improving access to and from Puna requires a combination of road improvements, emergency planning and coordination with the state. We need to support projects that improve traffic flow and evacuation routes. Public safety must remain a priority as the region continues to grow. The Puna Makai Alternate Route study should be completed, and proposed routes should avoid traversing Hawaiian Home Lands. Additional public transportation options could also help to ease severe daily congestion.

The county’s Homelessness and Housing Fund is due to expire in 2027 and some council members are skeptical that the fund has helped solve the problem. Would you vote to extend the fund, and what would you do to come to grips with this persistent problem?

First, I would review measurable outcomes to determine what is and isn’t working. Homelessness and housing affordability are serious challenges that require accountability and results. A balanced approach would include affordable housing, supportive services and responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars. The fund currently supports many amazing outreach, long-term housing and support programs, and it is imperative that those programs continue, and I would support continued investment.

Vacation rentals — illegal or not — are often blamed for reducing availability of affordable housing on the Big Island. What steps should the county take to deal with the proliferation of vacation rentals and create more affordable housing?

We should expand workforce and affordable housing projects that fit community needs. Policies should recognize the distinct differences between our island’s diverse communities. Vacation rentals create numerous challenges for our communities, removing valuable housing stock resulting in increased prices for residents. I support policies that discourage the proliferation of vacation rentals in residential communities, and that operate within rules that respect neighbors and minimize impacts.

Half of Hawai‘i’s cesspools are on the Big Island – an estimated 49,000 –  and Mayor Kimo Alameda has already said the county will not meet the state’s 2050 deadline to convert them to cleaner systems. What steps should the county take to address the cesspool issue?

The county should focus on realistic, achievable solutions. Stronger partnerships with the state, increased public education and financial assistance programs would help homeowners comply. Communities like Pāhala that are improving wastewater infrastructure may create new opportunities for services such as dialysis treatment. We should focus on steps such as conversion at time of redevelopment and programs that provide financial and technical assistance to comply with cesspool conversion.

What specific steps should the county take to relieve traffic congestion in and around Kailua-Kona and along the Puna-Kea‘au-Hilo corridor?

Traffic relief requires a long-term commitment to infrastructure improvements, better coordination between government agencies, increased public transportation access and opportunities, and smarter planning. We should prioritize projects that improve traffic flow, support alternative transportation options and ensure future development is aligned with transportation capacity rather than adding to existing congestion. We need to support affordable housing programs near existing employment areas.

Investors have sunk more than $500 million into the Pepe‘ekeo bioenergy plant known as Hu Honua or Honua Ola, but the plant has still been unable to begin producing power. Should the biomass energy plant be allowed to start operating? Why or why not?

Decisions must be based on science, environmental compliance and community impact. If the project meets regulatory requirements, protects public health and demonstrates clear benefits to Hawai’i island’s energy needs, it deserves fair consideration. However, community concerns must be fully addressed. Hū Honua must commit to a legally binding agreement to plant new trees to offset facility emissions, and must confirm no air pollution to surrounding communities, and provide follow up analysis.

Both the state and county are showing interest in expanding production of geothermal energy on Hawaiʻi island. What is your position on geothermal power, and what constraints should be placed on it?

Geothermal can be part of Hawai’i island’s renewable energy future, but must be done responsibly, including rigorous environmental review, meaningful community engagement, cultural sensitivity, and safeguards to protect residents and natural resources, especially safe drinking water and clean aquifers. Public trust is essential for any energy project to move forward successfully. Accordingly, I don’t support geothermal projects on Hawaiian Home Lands unless beneficiaries decide they want it.

What specific plans do you have to improve disaster preparedness and response on the Big Island?

We need stronger coordination among county, state and community partners. Priorities include improving emergency communication systems, maintaining evacuation routes, expanding community preparedness programs and ensuring rural communities have access to emergency resources. Preparedness should be proactive, not reactive. We should encourage residents to get involved with community preparedness and strengthen government programs to ensure that all parties are ready for the next disaster.

What should Hawaiʻi County do to get in front of climate change rather than just reacting and adapting to it?

The county should support practical actions that strengthen resilience while protecting our environment, improve infrastructure, protect watersheds, encourage sustainable land use practices and encourage renewable energy. We should consider resilient redevelopment and managed retreat where applicable, wean off greenhouse gas emissions in our energy production, encourage resilient infrastructure investments and require climate change design guidelines for capital improvement projects.

Hawai‘i has a long-stated goal of growing more of its own food. What would you do to further that effort toward increased food sustainability?

Hawai’i island has tremendous agricultural potential. We should support local farmers, improve agricultural infrastructure and reduce barriers for agricultural businesses. We need to consider creating food co-ops to keep food in our local communities. Strengthening local agriculture improves food security and supports our economy. We should discourage rezoning or subdividing of ag lands, encourage more ag. education, and provide financial incentives to sustain and improve our food security efforts.