Adrian Tam candidate Q&A: The incumbent Democrat for state House District 24, which includes Waikīkī, responds to voter questions ahead of the Aug. 8 primary. His primary opponents are Democrat Bulla Eastman and nonpartisan candidate Jonathan Clausen.
The Trade Wind surveyed candidates on key issues and priorities if elected.
Adrian Tam candidate Q&A: Why are you best suited for the job, and why do you want it?
Tam says the district needs steady leadership, practical solutions and a willingness to listen. He cites experience in both the public and private sectors and says he has focused on results for District 24.
He adds that many residents are still struggling with daily costs and that he is running for Hawaiʻi’s future.
Biggest issue in the district and first steps in six months
Tam says noise pollution remains the top concern he hears from constituents. He points to Act 63 of 2023, which created a pilot program using noise detection cameras to target illegally modified loud vehicles.
With cameras installed by the Department of Transportation in 2026 and data collection underway, he plans to introduce a bill to make the program permanent and enable enforcement on illegal modified noisy vehicles.
Constituent question: Interisland shipping monopoly
Tam supports regulating the industry to balance reliable service to all islands with fair pricing. He notes requirements such as serving every island and maintaining minimum sailings per week to ensure consistent service.
Key outcomes of the 2026 Legislature
Tam highlights several significant measures, including Senate Bill 2471 aimed at curbing the influence of corporate PAC money. He says House Bill 2505 is particularly important for his neighborhood.
He adds that House Bill 1588, which would have made Act 63 permanent, should have passed but acknowledges more data is needed.
Rebuilding public trust after the cash-in-bag incident
Tam favors a full-time Legislature and banning outside employment for lawmakers to avoid conflicts of interest. He also supports prohibiting all fundraising during the legislative session, noting that current rules allow non-incumbents to hold fundraisers, which he says can pressure sitting officials.
Preparing for severe weather and disasters
Tam points to the Waikīkī Resilience and Adaptation Project, created in 2023 to plan for long-term sea level rise, erosion and groundwater inundation over 50 to 100 years. If reelected, he says he will continue working with researchers and stakeholders and will keep hosting town halls on preparedness while backing disaster mitigation proposals.
Addressing climate change now and managing costs
Tam cites passage of a green fee to fund sustainable tourism, climate resilience, disaster mitigation and environmental stewardship. He says collaboration with the visitor industry and other stakeholders was key, and that bringing people together will help manage costs for taxpayers, property owners and businesses.
Should there be a cap on bill introductions?
Tam notes the House already limits member bill introductions, with a waiver option. He does not support further limits, saying Hawaiʻi does not lack ideas.
Require fiscal analysis for bills?
Yes, Tam says. He believes realistic price tags would help ensure adequate funding and make balancing the budget easier.
Term limits for state legislators
Tam says he is indifferent. He once favored term limits for fresh perspectives but has since seen significant turnover bringing in new voices.
While incumbents hold advantages, he says voters will choose better candidates when needed, as they did when he first ran.
Improving Hawaiʻi’s public schools
A public school graduate, Tam supports living wages for teachers, stronger financial literacy instruction, on-time and on-budget school capital projects, and expanded STEM programs. He also wants more support for college and career counselors.
Diversifying Hawaiʻi’s tourism-heavy economy
Tam backs growth in sustainable industries such as film, manufacturing and renewable energy. He says film production promotes the state, manufacturing can expand trade and flight options that lower fares, and renewable energy can reduce costs and bolster ecotourism.
Helping residents struggling with the cost of living
Tam prioritizes housing affordability. He says infrastructure expenses for water, sewer, roads and electricity often delay projects or raise prices.
He proposes a dedicated housing infrastructure grant program modeled on Washington state’s Connecting Housing to Infrastructure Program.
