2020 Gubernatorial Candidate Survey

In June, the ACLU of Hawai‘i sent a questionnaire to the candidates running for Governor of Hawaiʻi. We crafted this questionnaire to highlight key criminal justice issues affecting the people of Hawai‘i, and to allow voters to make informed decisions. Question topics include privacy and technology, racism, public health and safety, policing, and houselessness*. Candidates were required to respond to each question with “YES” or “NO,” with the option to elaborate on their position with a longer written response.

The survey consists of sixteen (16) YES or NO questions with an opportunity for explanations relating to our integrated campaigns in the areas of Decriminalizing Poverty; Reimagining Policing and Public Safety and Smart Justice.

The purpose of this survey is to gather information on candidates’ positions on important civil rights and civil liberties policy issues that affect the lives of the people of Hawai’i.  We hope that you will take this opportunity to communicate your views on how you as Governor would deal with policy and investments to address mass incarceration in Hawai’i.  

The next Governor has a critical opportunity to protect constitutional rights, reduce our jail and prison population and racial injustice in our criminal legal system, provide chances for rehabilitation and successful reentry, and increase government accountability and transparency in building safe, healthy and equitable communities.

Check out some of their answers below. Read their full survey responses at the bottom of the page.

Learn more about our policy work.

Hawaiʻi Gubernatorial Candidates: Duke Aiona, Vicky Cayetano, Josh Green, Kai Kahele

The general election is on November 8, 2022. Remember that Hawai’i now has automatic voter registration and voters will receive their ballots in the mail for the General Election by October 21, 2022. You can also register to Vote Online. For more information on this please go to elections.hawaii.gov. 

As a reminder: People with felony convictions can still vote once they’re out of prison and jail (even if you are under probation or parole supervision). People in jail pre-trial or convicted of misde­meanor offenses are not barred from voting, but must vote by absentee ballot.