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

His opponents are Nathan Kenichi Char, Janel Fujinaka, Arjuna Heim, Robyn McCreary and Ian Ross.

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?

Aloha, I’ve spent over 30 years bringing people together through community service, nonprofit leadership, public service and my work with Da Braddahs. Whether serving on the Mayor’s Office of Culture and the Arts or working with local organizations, I’ve learned how to listen, build partnerships and solve problems. I’m running because I care about District 26 and want to help make it more affordable, safe and connected.

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 is affordability. The housing, childcare, groceries and everyday expenses are a bit much for family budgets. I’m not waiting six months. I’m doing it. I’m meeting with residents, businesses and community organizations. So I can identify immediate needs and be the voice for practical solutions that help working families, kūpuna and young people who are in our community.

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

No I don’t. I believe competition can help lower costs. If there are any changes, we have to protect local jobs and make sure the delivery of food, medication and necessities keep coming in between islands. Hawaiʻi Ohana and businesses already face enough financial pressure, we should check out every opportunity to reduce the costs responsibly.

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?

Tuff Question. As far as I know a lot of bills focused on housing, affordability, and disaster resilience and relief. Because those issues directly affect local families. Would have been nice to see more action on government transparency and accountability. Quicker response to some of the issues. We tend to judge how many bills were passed. The more the better? Maybe. But did they actually improve people’s lives? So difficult to get to every bill in such a short amount of time.

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?

Growing up in the country you earned trust by your honesty and work you did with ohana and neighbors. You have to be transparent and accountable. Maybe the Legislature can strengthen ethics laws and make sure violations are investigated immediately. Building confidence takes time. If the public’s interest is at the forefront of an issue then let the people know.

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?

I have said this for a while we have people in crisis without a crisis coming. I’d work with schools, neighborhood groups, nonprofits, businesses and emergency agencies to strengthen communication and preparedness efforts well before disasters occur. Like a monthly hub in multiple districts. Why wait? My strength is building relationships and resource networks ahead of time. It will help us respond faster and recover more effectively. If we wait too long the people will do it themselves.

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?

It’s already impacting Hawaiʻi through flooding, erosion and extreme weather. If we practice and allow our community to know we have their needs in mind. They will be there to help. Cost would be minimal at best. Allow our community to be vested in a monthly (resilience) hub with all the resources we need. That way there is no burden on our working families and small business owners. We all have ownership in it. Teach our keiki and be proud of it.

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?

As long as it encourages meaningful debate and public participation. I’m down for it. If it’s the amount of bills being presented or process improvements, lawmakers should focus on quality not quantity. Its sad not all bills have a chance to be heard or read. The people deserve thoughtful policymaking, not last-minute decisions made behind closed doors.

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. Of course. How about this, before lawmakers vote on a bill, they need to understand its financial impact. Which would require some type of fiscal analyses. It would save us money in the long run. It would improve transparency and accountability. It would also give a better understanding of the decision-making Process. All while helping us the taxpayers understand the true cost of government programs and proposals.

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?

Ahhh I would be open to a discussion, but I believe voters should decide who represents them. If you’ve voted for the same person for the past 10 years? You’ve done your homework and you still think they’re the best candidate. As a voter I would like that to be held with us. Accountability starts at the ballot box. As a voter who wants change? Then you should have the opportunity to make that change.

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

We have to support the teachers. They should never spend money out of pocket for daily necessities for class. Improve school facilities. Basic academic scores need to improve. Make it fun and interactive. Make career and technical education opportunities more available. Encourage graduates to be prepared for college, skilled trade or Military service. A strong education system is needed for our future. Also, I believe all schools should have Civic Education. Not just as an elective course.

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

I worked in the tourism industry and it’s important. We need to open our eyes to other industries. Like our agriculture and farming. We have great technology with renewable energy. We can learn a lot from our local entrepreneurs. Educational influencers are a thing now in the Islands. Diversifying our economy creates more opportunities for residents and helps make Hawaiʻi more resilient during economic downturns.

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?

Let’s not forget that we have 40% of residents here in Hawai’i that are kūpuna. Address rising cost of living by increasing housing opportunities, make affordable childcare accessible to all who need it. Continue to support workforce development. Make government more efficient. Working families shouldn’t have to choose between staying or leaving Hawaiʻi because of financial instability. Our goal should be helping local families thrive.