Report on the Poll of Senate District 22

By Laura Figueira

Linda Figueira

It is hard to recall a more intense campaign season than the recent 2010 elections. Now that all of the hype is over, the real work begins and our attention should remain focused on results. Plans for the upcoming 2011 session of the State Legislature are already underway and, as promised in the last issue of the North Shore News, I would like to share the results of a recent survey of voter opinions in the 22nd Senatorial District. Conducted in late October, the random sample of 300 residents has a margin of error of 5.6%.

When asked if the government should sponsor a “safe haven” camp site for homeless people in Wahiawa and the North Shore, 64% indicated support for the idea. This issue will continue to demand the attention of our policymakers and innovative solutions appear to have public support.

On the question of the realignment of Kamehameha Highway at Laniakea, 74% of residents
support open space between the highway and the ocean. The Department of Transportation has
already signed a contract with the consultant for this project and a community outreach effort
should begin soon. On a broader transportation issue, the community is evenly split on the rail
transit line from East Kapolei to Ala Moana. The response to the rail question was nearly identical
to the follow-up question that asked if people commute outside of the area for work or school. Of
the 49% who said they commute each day, 92% use their cars.

Another question that appears to be evenly divided in the community is the issue of shark tours. When asked if they felt the tours out of Haleiwa Harbor pose a legitimate safety risk to other ocean activities, 51% of residents said yes while 49% of people questioned do not feel there is a real safety concern. Of this group, 72% think the tours help to stimulate the local economy and should be allowed to continue to operate out of the harbor.

Another issue that has generated controversy in the community is a local developer’s proposal to construct a two-story replica of the historic Haleiwa Hotel. 58% of residents in the District indicated support for the proposal while 42% expressed opposition. Continued public discussion of the proposal seems entirely appropriate.

On the subject of providing protection for the sand dunes at Kaena Point by restricting private vehicles to a single designated roadway with branches for beach access, 79% of residents support the proposal. When asked about how the economy should grow in the Wahiawa-North Shore area, agriculture received 84% of the responses, followed by small business at 75%, aquaculture at 73% and tourism at 52%.

There were two questions that will have an impact beyond the district and will probably surface
during the upcoming Legislative session. On the subject of a possible increase in the general
excise tax to balance the budget, 37% indicated support while 63% were opposed. On the question
of civil unions, 52% of residents support the civil unions bill and 46% were opposed, leaving 2%
who were undecided or refused to answer.

Hopefully, the community response to this survey will help legislators and community leaders
make important decisions affecting the future of our district. It may also inspire you to get
involved to make sure your opinion is counted. You can find a more detailed report on the survey
on the North Shore Chamber of Commerce website at www.gonorthshore.org. Aloha & Mahalo.

Senate District 22
Mililani Mauka, Wahiawa, Whitmore Village,
Schofield, Kunia, Mokuleia, Waialua, Haleiwa, Pupukea, & Sunset Beach