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 Rocklin Youngstrom, Republican candidate for State House District 46 covering the communities of Wahiawā, Whitmore Village and Launani Valley. 

Her opponents are the incumbent Amy Perruso and Daniel Gabriel.

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?

I’m running for District 46 because I care deeply about our community and want to be a strong voice for the people who live here. My experience working at the Hawaiʻi State Legislature, combined with having lived in both Waialua and Wahiawā, has given me a strong understanding of the issues facing our district. I’m committed to working hard, listening to residents, and delivering results on priorities like public safety, affordability, and opportunities for Hawaiʻi’s keiki.

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?

One of the biggest issues facing District 46 is public safety. Many families are worried about crime, drugs and feeling less safe in their own neighborhoods. In my first six months, I would meet with residents, police officers, and community leaders to hear their concerns and identify practical solutions. My focus would be on supporting law enforcement, addressing illegal drug activity, and making sure our neighborhoods are safe places to live, work and raise a family.

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

No. I believe more competition in interisland shipping can help lower costs and improve service. Hawaiʻi families and businesses already pay high prices for many goods, and having more shipping options could help make everyday items more affordable. Any changes should still make sure all islands continue to receive reliable shipping and essential supplies.

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 of the most important bills this year was HB 1962, which strengthened protections for domestic violence survivors in family court proceedings. I also supported measures like SB 2843 that maintained strong penalties for domestic violence offenses. As someone who believes public safety starts at home, protecting victims and holding abusers accountable should remain a priority.

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?

The Legislature must do a better job of being transparent and accountable to the public. When incidents like this happen, they damage trust in government and make people feel like there are different rules for those in power. Lawmakers should strengthen ethics laws, increase transparency in the legislative process, and ensure that anyone who violates the public’s trust is held accountable. Hawaiʻi deserves a government that works for them, not special interests.

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?

District 46 was hit hard by the recent Kona low storms, and a lot of families saw firsthand how damaging flooding can be. As a lawmaker, I would push for improvements to our drainage systems and make sure our communities have the resources and information they need before disasters happen. Protecting our homes, families and small businesses has to be a priority, and I want to make sure our district is better prepared for the next emergency.

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?

My focus is on addressing the impacts of severe weather; flooding, coastal erosion or severe storms, District 46 families want practical solutions, not political debates on climate change. I support investing in infrastructure, maintaining drainage systems and improving emergency preparedness so our communities are better protected. We need to be mindful of costs and avoid placing unnecessary financial burdens on taxpayers, homeowners and small businesses.

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?

Yes, I think there should be limits or stricter controls on the number of bills introduced each session. With thousands of bills, it becomes difficult to properly review them, and too many decisions end up being rushed. A more focused process would help lawmakers prioritize what matters most, improve transparency and reduce last-minute deal-making.

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?

Absolutely. Taxpayers deserve to know how much they’re paying and what they’re paying for. It would also help prioritize the bills that are actually feasible and make the whole process more transparent and accountable to the public.

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 would support term limits. Without them, it’s easy for the same people to stay in office for too long, and we lose fresh ideas and new leadership. I think term limits would help bring in new voices and keep lawmakers more connected to the communities they serve.

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

I would work to make sure schools are teaching more real-world life skills, like basic financial literacy; things like how to budget, write a check, understand credit and manage money. These are skills every student needs after graduation, and I think they should be part of what public education covers.

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

Response not provided.

An estimated 60% of Hawaiʻi 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 would focus on lowering everyday costs by supporting more housing, cutting unnecessary regulations, and helping local businesses grow and create jobs. We also need responsible government spending so we’re not adding more pressure on taxpayers.