Keith Amemiya

www.keithamemiya.com

Candidate Survey Response Highlights:

1. What specifically will you do, if elected, to increase the supply of housing at all price-points?
Ensuring safe and affordable housing for all Oʻahu residents is one of my top priorities. I’ve heard from thousands in the community and their voices are loud and clear – we need solutions and not the same excuses we’ve heard for decades. That is why I was the first mayoral candidate to roll out my comprehensive Housing For All Plan.

2. Given the City Auditor’s findings on the procedural and personnel problems at the Department of Planning and Permitting, what immediate steps will you take to address these problems if elected Mayor?
I will bring together the hardworking and understaffed employees of the Department of Planning and Permitting with builders and developers to make progress on backlogs. Solutions include utilizing technology to become more efficient, hiring additional staff, prioritizing affordable permit reviews, and bolstering inspectors and penalties to ensure compliance.

Read full candidate survey here>>>

Rick Blangiardi

www.rickblangiardiformayor.com

Candidate Survey Response Highlights:

1. What specifically will you do, if elected, to increase the supply of housing at all price-points?
There is a direct correlation between economic growth and prosperity, and the demand for housing. This is certainly true in Hawaii. Since a large part of our State’s economic activity is located on Oahu, the problems associated with our housing inventory in Honolulu has become acute, especially for affordable housing. The cost of living in Hawaii is high and, therefore, the amount of personal income devoted to housing is reduced by the cost of other living necessities.

2. Given the City Auditor’s findings on the procedural and personnel problems at the Department of Planning and Permitting, what immediate steps will you take to address these problems if elected Mayor?
It is clear from the findings of the City Auditor that significant improvement in the management and performance of DPP is called for. The lack of timeliness in the processing of permits and approvals undoubtedly impacts the cost of development in Honolulu. Additional staffing and resources will be examined as a possible mitigation measure amongst other reforms. Problems pointed out in the City Audit report also present opportunities for structural changes and modernization to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of this regulating body. This is particularly important to an expeditious recovery from the economic effects of COVID-19.

Read full candidate survey here>>>