2024 HIPHI Candidate Survey

In the lead-up to the August 10, 2024, primary election, HIPHI conducted a comprehensive candidate survey to assess the positions of candidates running for office in Hawai‘i. The survey, which covered 20 critical public health issues, sought to understand where candidates stand on matters such as ‘ohana and kūpuna care, keiki health, tobacco regulation, access to care, safe streets, and cannabis. As a nonpartisan organization that neither supports nor opposes any political party or candidate running for office, this survey was conducted for informational purposes only. 

The survey was sent to all 279 candidates via email, and nearly half (137) responded, revealing strong support for HIPHI’s key priorities. Responses were collected over the summer, and published in July 2024. Candidates were asked to express their stance by selecting one of four options: support, strongly support, oppose, or strongly oppose.

For questions related to ‘ohana and kūpuna care, over 95% of respondents supported each of the critical initiatives, including raising the income limit for SNAP benefits from 200% to 300% of the federal poverty level, establishing a 12-week paid family and medical leave system, expanding programs that serve kūpuna, and providing tax credits to unpaid family caregivers for covering out-of-pocket expenses.

The keiki health questions yielded similarly strong support. Over 97% of respondents backed initiatives such as providing agricultural education programs for PreK-12 students, increasing investment in the farm-to-school program, and ensuring access to free school meals for all Department of Education students. A proposed 2-cent per ounce fee on sugar-sweetened beverages garnered support from 73% of respondents.

Respondents supported questions on tobacco regulation. Over 80% supported ending flavored tobacco sales, increasing the cigarette tax, and empowering communities to implement stricter regulations. Additionally, more than 95% endorsed allocating funds from the tobacco settlement and tobacco taxes toward tobacco prevention efforts.

Access to care garnered strong support from candidates as well. Over 90% supported creating an Oral Health Dental Director position, investing in dental workforce education programs on neighbor islands, allowing dental hygienists to practice to the full extent of their licensure in limited settings, and establishing a pathway for Medicaid reimbursement for Community Health Workers.

Most candidates supported initiatives to improve road safety. 77% supported lowering the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit from 0.08 to 0.05. Even more, 86% supported repealing jaywalking laws and shifting resources to infrastructure improvements that enhance pedestrian safety by slowing vehicle speeds and increasing visibility.

Support for marijuana reform was significant, with 68% of candidates backing legalization for adults aged 21 and over. Repealing criminal penalties for possession of specific amounts of marijuana garnered strong support from 89% of respondents.

The 2024 General Election will be held on November 5, 2024. Find key deadlines, register to vote, track your ballot, and more at elections.hawaii.gov. If you have any questions or are interested in joining our advocacy efforts, please don’t hesitate to contact our policy team at policy@hiphi.org.