Ahead of the 2022 Election, KCFA sent questionnaires to candidates running for office in Hawaii. These responses have been provided by the candidates and have not been edited or transcribed by us. KCFA is non-partisan. We do not endorse candidates, and these responses are for voter education only.
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Question List
In a federal court class action lawsuit, Kona coffee farmers have recovered more than $15 million in settlement payments from companies accused of marketing fraudulent Kona coffee. More effective than lawsuits, however, would be active enforcement of fair labeling laws by the FDA. Â What ideas do you have to accomplish that?
Read 4 Responses (U.S. Congressional District 2)
In recent years invasive species such as Coffee Berry Borer, Coffee Leaf Rust, and Avocado Lace Bug have been introduced into Hawaii and are drastically reducing the income of farmers. What can you do to bring federal funds or subsidies directly to farmers to combat these destructive new agricultural pests?
Read 4 Responses (U.S. Congressional District 2)
When we fly to the mainland, USDA agents scan luggage and remove fruits, vegetables and other plant material to prevent damage to mainland farms. When we fly into Hawaii, there is a voluntary disclosure system and “Amnesty Bins”–and no involvement on the part of the USDA. What are your ideas on how to bring the same type of USDA protections to Hawaii farmers as provided to mainland farmers?
Read 4 Responses (U.S. Congressional District 2)
The 2022 legislative session mandated an economic impact study of the 10% blend law on Kona and other Hawaiian coffee farmers. Will you support the prompt completion of that study and a thorough airing of its contents? Will you support reform of Hawaii’s 10% blend law? And what will you pledge to do to support the change?
Read 11 Responses (Hawaii Governor|Hawaii Lt. Governor|Hawaii State House)
The Hawaii Department of Agriculture has said repeatedly over the last number of years that its budget has been cut so drastically that it cannot perform the various tasks assigned to it by the Legislature. The HDOA’s share of the State’s annual budget is less than one-half of one percent (<.005). To strengthen support for Hawaii farmers, will you support measures to significantly increase funding for the HDOA?
Read 11 Responses (Hawaii Governor|Hawaii Lt. Governor|Hawaii State House)
Because of COVID, the Legislature set up a system for testimony at committee hearings via Zoom. For neighbor island residents, this system for live virtual testimony (like what the Alaska Legislature and the Hawaii County Council have had in place for years) allowed Kona residents to give testimony in 2021 and 2022 without the expense or loss of a day resulting from travel to Honolulu. If elected, will you introduce and support a bill to require and make permanent the system for live virtual testimony?
Read 5 Responses (Hawaii State House|Hawaii County Council)
Kona’s coffee farmers recognize and very much appreciate the unanimous adoption last fall of County Council Resolution No. 223-21 asking the Legislature to change the 10% coffee blend labeling law to a minimum of 51%. As farmer efforts for coffee labeling reform continue, what do you believe the County Council can do by way of additional support?
Read 3 Responses (Hawaii County Council)
Hawaii County is the preeminent agricultural county in the state, but the County does not have a separate County Department of Agriculture. Will you pledge to work for creating such a department to support farmers—and, in particular, to support farmer efforts to combat recently introduced invasive pests like Coffee Berry Borer, Coffee Leaf Rust, and Avocado Lace Bug?
Read 3 Responses (Hawaii County Council)
Please tell us a bit more about yourself and your commitment to agriculture. Mahalo!
Read 17 Responses (All)
Candidate List
U.S. Congressional District 2
Joe Akana
Patrick P. Branco
Steven B. Sparks
Brendan Schultz
Jill Tokuda (did not respond)
Hawaii Governor
Duke Aiona
Vicky Cayetano
Josh Green
Kaialiʻi Kahele
Hawaii Lt. Governor
Keith Amemiya
Ikaika Anderson
Sylvia Luke
Seaula Jr. Tupa’i
Hawaii State Legislature
David Tarnas (District 8)
Nicole Lowen (District 7)
Jeanné Kapela (District 5)
Hawaii County Council
Colehour Bondera
Michelle Galimba
Dr. Holeka Inaba