Candidate Q&A: Hawaii County Council District 2 — Gary Napoleon Jr.

Editor’s note: For Hawaii’s Nov. 8 General Election, Civil Beat asked candidates to answer some questions about where they stand on various issues and what their priorities will be if elected.

The following came from Gary Napoleon Jr., candidate for Hawaii County Council District 2, which covers Hilo and a portion of South Hilo. The other candidates include Blaine Kenji Bautista, Jennifer Kagiwada and Grace Manipol.

Go to Civil Beat’s Election Guide for general information, and check out other candidates on the General Election Ballot.

1. What is the biggest issue facing Hawaii County, and what would you do about it?

Revitalizing and strengthening our economy, especially given the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, is of utmost importance.

Small, locally owned businesses are the heartbeat of Hilo and deserve our support. I plan to showcase small businesses through family-friendly community events and restore downtown Hilo to the gathering place it once was.

2. Overtourism can degrade the environment, threaten biodiversity, contribute to wear and tear on infrastructure, generate traffic and disrupt neighborhoods. What do you think about the amount of tourism on the Big Island and how it’s managed?

While we welcome tourists and the economic benefits they bring, it is crucial to manage tourism in a way that minimizes negative effects.

By educating tourists about how to treat our islands respectfully and sustainably, we can help preserve our environment and maintain the quality of life for residents. Providing information on responsible tourism practices, such as staying on designated trails, respecting wildlife and understanding cultural norms, can make a big difference.

3. What needs to happen to relieve traffic congestion in and around Kailua-Kona and along the Puna-Keaau-Hilo corridor?

The number of single-occupant vehicles needs to be reduced. Enhancing our existing public transit system, as well as encouraging the use of carpools will help to reduce traffic congestion in these areas.

4. The cost of living on Hawaii island is rising rapidly. How are working and middle-class people expected to buy a house or pay the rent as well as take care of other expenses? And how can the county government help?

The cost of living in Hawaii continues to rise and is a challenge statewide. The county government can implement policies such as increasing affordable housing initiatives, providing subsidies or tax incentives for renters and homeowners, as well as collaborating with local businesses to promote stable employment with livable wages.

In addition, the county government can support statewide initiatives which seek to reduce the growing cost of living in paradise.

5. Do you support the construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope on Mauna Kea?

All stakeholders should have equitable voice in the decisions made regarding the construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope.

Existing structures which are no longer in use should be removed. Efforts to educate the public on the potential benefits of the telescope should be communicated more clearly.

6. Homelessness remains a problem statewide, including on Hawaii island. What would you do to come to grips with this persistent problem?

It is no longer sufficient to merely suggest help to the unhoused; we must enforce structured and comprehensive support.

My long-term goal is to establish a comprehensive facility where individuals who are unhoused can receive the medical attention and support they need. This facility will provide access to medical care, mental health support, job training and life skills education. 

7. Half of Hawaii’s cesspools are on the Big Island, some 49,300. Seepage from cesspools can make people sick, harm coral reefs and lead to a variety of ecological damage. By law, cesspools must be upgraded to septic systems by 2050. What can be done to help people who may not be able to afford the conversion?

Affordable payment plans can be put in place for people who may not be able to afford conversion from cesspools to septic systems. 

In addition, I would utilize county connections and resources to apply for grants to support residents struggling with financial costs associated with this conversion.

8. What is the first thing Hawaii County should do to get in front of climate change rather than just reacting to it?

Hawaii County has an established Office of Sustainability, Climate, Equity and Resilience, which I would collaborate closely with.

This office employs dedicated individuals who are at the forefront of community efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, promote renewable energy, enhance energy efficiency and protect our islandʻs biodiversity.

9. Should the Hu Honua biomass energy plant be allowed to start operating? Why or why not?

At this time, the Hu Honua energy plant is not approved for operation.

Given the air pollution this plant will create in addition to the increased cost of electricity for residents, I do not believe this is a viable option for energy production on our island.

10. How would you make the county administration more transparent and accessible to the public?

Social media has significantly enhanced the dissemination of information by providing a platform for rapid and widespread sharing.

I plan to utilize social media to not only share news, ideas and updates in real-time, but to interact and engage with community members. I also plan to utilize social media to increase public awareness regarding important community issues.