Big Island Now poll results: Voters divided on 2 priority issues this legislative session

Without a doubt, this will be a challenging legislative session with so many important issues to address statewide. The deadly wildfire on Maui that destroyed much of Lāhainā and left 100 people dead has been at the forefront of conversation with leadership from the Senate, House of Representatives and Gov. Josh Green, committing to ensure that bills are passed to help in the island’s recovery.

But what about the other statewide and Big Island concerns? In a poll last week we wanted to know what issues you thought should take priority this legislative session. Out of the 445 votes, 118 voters agreed all the issues listed in the poll were priorities.

However, two topics nearly tied in votes with 68 voting for affordable residential and workforce housing and 67 for legalizing recreational marijuana.

Only 37 people voted on Maui recovery.

A Big Island Now reader, who identified himself to be Howard, posted a comment on the poll saying: “Yes, help Lāhainā but also legalize recreational cannabis and remove sales tax on food and medical services. Offset sales tax loss by increasing income tax on the wealthy (over one million/year income).”

See the full results below:

• Affordable residential and workforce housing 68 (15%)
• Legalizing recreational marijuana 67 (15%)
• Restrictions on short-term vacation rentals 51 (11%)
• Something else 48 (10%)
• Maui recovery 37 (8%)
• Wildfire prevention 22 (4%)
• Addressing water management 12 (2%)
• Affordable child care 7 (1%)
• All of the above 118 (26%)
• None of the above 15 (3%)
• Total Votes: 445