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 Loren Keola Doctorlero, Democratic candidate for State House District 39, including Royal Kunia, Village Park, Honouliuli, Ho‘opili and a portion of Waipahu.

His opponents are Danny de Gracia, Corey Rosenlee and Wayne Kaiwi

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?

Service has been the defining thread throughout my life. It’s a value I learned from my family and one that has guided me through coaching, nonprofit leadership and community service. Through those experiences, I’ve learned how to listen, build partnerships and bring people together to solve problems. I’m running to give back to the community that shaped me and help ensure future generations have the same opportunities that helped shape my life.

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 our district is whether local families can continue to build a future here. Rising housing costs, overcrowded schools, homelessness and affordability challenges are all part of that concern. In my first six months, I would focus on building partnerships by bringing together key stakeholders to identify practical solutions. By strengthening pathways to housing, education and good-paying careers, we can create more opportunity and help families stay and thrive in Hawaii.

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

Hawaiʻi depends on reliable interisland shipping to move food, medicine, building materials and other essential goods. While I support efforts to lower costs for residents and businesses, I also recognize the importance of maintaining dependable service and supporting local jobs. I am open to exploring ways to increase competition and affordability, but any changes should strengthen, not weaken, the supply chain our islands rely on.

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?

The most important legislation focused on strengthening Hawaiʻi’s workforce and expanding pathways to opportunity. Investments in career and technical education, workforce development and apprenticeships help students and working adults build sustaining careers. I would have liked to see more progress creating clear pathways from education to careers. Some measures also deserved additional review of their long-term costs and impacts.

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 earned, not assumed. The events surrounding the $35,000 brown paper bag reinforced the need for greater transparency and accountability. Just as importantly, elected officials must be consistently visible, accessible and engaged with their communities. People deserve leaders who listen, communicate honestly and remember that public office is a position of service. Trust is rebuilt one action at a 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?

Recent weather events have shown that preparedness requires resilient infrastructure and strong partnerships. Recent flooding has impacted our canals and transportation network, including traffic restrictions that remain today. I would support investments in flood mitigation, infrastructure upgrades and emergency preparedness while bringing agencies, businesses, nonprofits and residents together before disasters occur. Strong communities recover faster when they prepare together.

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?

Climate change is already affecting Hawaiʻi through stronger storms, flooding and extreme weather. Building a more resilient Hawaii means investing in infrastructure, strengthening local food systems and preparing communities before disasters occur. At the same time, adaptation must be practical and affordable. By leveraging federal funding and partnerships, we can protect people, property and our economy without placing an unfair burden on working families.

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?

I don’t believe the number of bills is the issue. Legislators should be free to introduce ideas on behalf of their communities. The bigger challenge is ensuring bills receive adequate review, public input and transparency throughout the process. I would support reforms that encourage earlier discussion, greater public participation and more thoughtful deliberation so important decisions are not rushed in the final days of session.

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. Fiscal analyses can be a valuable tool for lawmakers and the public alike. While estimates will never be perfect, understanding the potential costs and impacts of legislation can help inform better decisions and improve transparency. Good policy requires balancing priorities and resources, and providing more information during the legislative process can help strengthen public confidence and accountability.

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?

I understand the arguments for term limits and believe there is value in regularly creating opportunities for new voices and perspectives in government. At the same time, experience and institutional knowledge are important, particularly in a legislative process that can take years to navigate effectively. While I am open to discussing term limits, I believe the larger goal is ensuring government remains accountable, transparent and responsive to the people it serves.

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

As the district continues to grow, we must ensure our public schools keep pace. Families are already seeing the impacts of overcrowding, and planned school facilities must be fully funded, built on schedule and designed to support student success. We should also strengthen career pathways through dual-credit programs, career and technical education, apprenticeships and employer partnerships so students can graduate with a clear path to college, the trades, military service or the workforce.

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

Tourism will remain a critical part of Hawaiʻi’s economy and supports many families in District 39. Rather than move away from tourism, we should strengthen it while creating new opportunities in sectors such as film, technology, healthcare and the skilled trades. West Oʻahu is well-positioned for this growth, particularly through workforce development and emerging industries connected to University of Hawaiʻi West Oʻahu. Economic diversification is about creating more pathways to good-paying careers.

An estimated 60% of Hawai’i 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?

Too many families are working hard but falling behind because the gap between what things cost and what people earn continues to grow. We need to address both sides of that equation by increasing housing supply and reducing barriers that drive up costs while investing in education, workforce development, apprenticeships and pathways to family-sustaining careers. My goal is to help more residents build a stable future and remain in Hawaiʻi.