Five candidates are in the running in the district made up of Big Islandʻs southwest corner.

Candidates from South Kona, Kaʻū and Puna share their responses to questions about water, agriculture, waste and other environmental challenges in their districts.

“For geothermal to be a viable reality, it needs to be safe, give back to the community, be culturally sensitive, and involve Native Hawaiian leadership.”

“I support hosted STVRs where the owner lives on-site, but unhosted multi-property operators should not be allowed.”

“The county needs to seriously commit to developing a secondary permanent route in and out of Puna.”

“The main issues with our disaster response has been slow state and federal help.”

“We need to support affordable housing programs near existing employment areas.”

6 candidates answer key questions facing the incoming mayor of the Garden Isle.

“Promote the conversion of unoccupied and under-occupied residences to provide housing.”

“Our goal should be that no homeowner is forced into financial hardship to comply with the cesspool mandate.”