1. Should the Legislature be more transparent and accountable? What would you do, given how tough it can be for individual lawmakers to go against leadership, to bring about needed reform in areas like sexual harassment policies, lobbyist regulation, fundraising during session and televising and archiving all hearings?

We live in a democracy where legislators are held accountable by the voters that elect them at the ballot box and through direct communication with their respective elected offices. Legislators and their staffs can be reached by phone, mail, email, fax, social media, and/or walk-in visitations at any time of the workday. That is certainly the case for my state Capitol office where aloha is always served to everyone.

Reform is an ongoing process. Reform measures adopted in the past may need further reforming today simply because times have changed. However, one does not reform simply for reform sake. It must be meaningful and relevant.

2. Hawaii is the only Western state without a statewide citizens initiative process. Do you support such a process?

If it is the will of the people to adopt a process, I support it. However, I remain cautious that this will be used as a tool to advance special interests that are normally vetted through the legislative process. In addition, a major consideration will always be locating the resources and capacity to enact a citizens initiative process.

3. Hawaii has the most lopsided Legislature in the country, with no Republicans in the Senate and only five in the House. How would you ensure there is an open exchange of ideas, transparency and accountability for decisions? What do you see as the consequences of one-party control, and how would you address that?

The open and inclusive nature of the Democratic Party is evident by the diversity of perspectives and political viewpoints of its members. It best reflects the values and uniqueness of the people of Hawaii. Contending political parties fail to demonstrate their relevance and understanding of Hawaii’s people; thus, their abilities to elect members of their own parties to the Legislature falls far short. It is to no fault of the dominant party that other parties are not in play.

A multi-party system doesn’t necessarily ensure open government and transparency. Democratic Party control has existed since 1962, all the while reformist measures have been pursued and implemented. We can ensure transparency and accountability by calling on continued participation of the public and public interest groups in the legislative process. As the majority caucus leader in the Senate I am very aware of the diverse views of our members and the spirited debate that comes from having such a big tent.