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 Robyn McCreary, Republican candidate for State House District 26 which includes portions of Downtown Honolulu and Kakaʻako as well as Makiki, Punchbowl and Kaheka.

Her opponents are Nathan Kenichi Char, Janel Fujinaka, Arjuna Heim, Ian Ross, and Tony Silva.

Go to Civil Beat’s 2026 Elections 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? And why do you want the job?

As a small business owner for over 20 years and a member of the Waikiki Rotary Club, I have spent much of my life serving our community. Through volunteer work and community involvement, I have learned the importance of helping others, giving back and working together. I believe strong communities are built through service, leadership and a commitment to making Hawaiʻi a better place for future generations.

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?

As a 33-year resident of Hawaiʻi I am focused on making our communities safer. The top issues facing our district are crime, homelessness and speeding, with crime being the concern I hear about most. I have already begun working with community members to improve neighborhood safety and, as a legislator, would partner with law enforcement, residents and community organizations to reduce crime and improve quality of life.

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

No, I do not support monopolies. Hawaiʻi residents need more choices for interisland transportation and shipping. High shipping costs raise the price of everyday goods and make life more expensive for families and kūpuna. I support exploring new options, including an interisland ferry, to provide more affordable and reliable transportation and shipping.

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?

One important bill that passed helps individuals save more money for a home downpayment. The bill I wish had passed would have lowered taxes on groceries and medicine, helping working families keep more of their hard-earned income. One bill I wish had failed increased taxes on high-income earners. I believe Hawaiʻi should focus on lowering costs and controlling government spending rather than creating new taxes.

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?

Transparency is essential to restoring public trust. Government spending and budget information should be clear, easy to find and easy to understand. I support giving the Ethics Commission and Campaign Spending Commission the resources they need to investigate complaints and enforce the law. Accountability, openness and strong oversight help ensure government works for the people.

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?

As a videographer, I understand how to communicate important information clearly and effectively. I would use those skills to help residents better prepare for emergencies and understand what to do when disasters occur. I also support improving communication, coordination and planning so our communities are better prepared before an emergency happens.

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?

We need practical solutions to protect our water, reduce wildfire risks, and prevent flooding. I would also work to protect the Papakōlea community from land loss caused by runoff and erosion. Hawaiʻi can protect its natural resources while staying affordable for local families. We should make smart investments that keep our communities safe and preserve our environment for future generations.

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?

No. Lawmakers should be able to introduce new ideas and propose legislation. Instead of limiting the number of bills, we should improve the process by allowing more time for review, discussion and public input. Good ideas deserve a fair hearing and careful consideration before a vote is taken.

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, We have to have transparency on the amount that will be spent. It would be like you ordering a meal, at a Five Star restaurant (without prices) and finding out you can’t afford it.

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 support term limits. I would change legislative terms from two years to four years and limit lawmakers to two terms. This gives elected officials enough time to do their job while ensuring new people and new ideas have a chance to serve Hawaiʻi. If no one steps forward to run, there could be an exception that allows the person to run again.

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

We should learn from schools that are getting good results and share those successful ideas with other schools. I also support expanding career training and practical life skills education so students are better prepared for adulthood. Every student should graduate knowing basic skills such as budgeting, balancing a checkbook, managing money and preparing for a career here in Hawaiʻi.

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

Tourism is needed, however, Hawaii needs better-paying jobs. I think job skills training in schools, helping small businesses grow and supporting local farmers. By creating better conditions for small businesses we can keep more jobs, more money and opportunities here in Hawaiʻi for local families.

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?

I support removing the GET on groceries and medical services to help lower the cost of living for local families and kūpuna. I am also concerned about the way the GET is applied at multiple stages as goods move through the supply chain, adding costs that are ultimately passed on to consumers. Hawaiʻi residents deserve greater transparency and accountability regarding how GET revenues are spent and whether taxpayers are receiving the benefits they were promised.