Dangerous Dogs And Deadly Roads: Hawaiʻi County Council District 5 Candidate Q&As
The Hawaiʻi County seat is heavily rural with a unique set of challenges.
Five nonpartisan candidates are on the primary election ballot vying to represent the vast Big Island council region of Hawaiʻi County Council District 5, which takes in Kurtistown, Mountain View, Glenwood, Orchidlands Estates, Ainaloa, Hawaiian Acres, Fern Acres, Eden Roc, Fern Forest Estates, mauka of Pāhoa Town, Kaohe Homesteads, Kamaili Homesteads, Kalapana, ʻOpihikao, Kehena and Kaimu.
The county district is currently represented by council member Matthew Kānealiʻi-Kleinfelder who is now running for State House District 5, which overlaps with the same communities.
All of the candidates were sent a survey from Civil Beat, asking for their views on a range of topics.
Responses are linked in alphabetical order under their official ballot name, which you can also compare all in one spot on Civil Beat’s 2026 Hawaiʻi Primary Ballot. If others submit before the election, they will be added, so check back.
Hawaiʻi’s 2026 elections are right around the corner and Civil Beat’s elections guide is here to help with essential information, candidate positions, news stories and more.
