WEST MAUI — With longtime Sixth District Sen. Roz Baker retiring, there is a crowded field vying to take her place.

The race includes Democrats Shaina Forsyth, Tamara Goebbert and Tenth District Rep. Angus McKelvey; Republicans Philip Raya and Sheila Walker; and Green Party candidate Melissah Shishido.

The new senator will represent South and West Maui (Makena, Wailea, Kihei, Maalaea, Lahaina, Kaanapali, Napili and Kapalua).

The Lahaina News invited candidates involved in Aug. 13 Primary Election face-offs to share information about themselves and their goals.

Lahaina resident Forsyth is running because she believes it’s time for a new chapter in the Hawaii State Legislature.

“Some longtime senators are retiring, including the District 6 senator, and it is the perfect opportunity for a new candidate to be elected. I want to see more people of my generation getting into office. I was born and raised on Maui, I love the people of Maui, and I want to serve the communities of West and South Maui,” she explained.

Forsyth listed housing, the environment/sustainability, and infrastructure (primarily roads and water) as the top three state-related issues this election season.

If elected, her top priority will be housing.

“Too many locals in West and South Maui are struggling to find anywhere to rent, let alone buy,” Forsyth noted.

“Another large focus will be sustainability and preserving our environment. District 6 has incredible, yet vulnerable, coral reefs, and some of the most unique wild places, such as the West Maui Mountains and the Kealia Pond National Wildlife Refuge in Kihei. We need to protect the rare and special plants and animals found in these ecosystems,” she continued.

“Finally, infrastructure is important for our district. Honoapiilani Highway needs to be moved away from rising sea levels, and the Lahaina Bypass needs to be extended north to alleviate traffic in Lahaina. Kihei needs an overpass so that children can safely cross the highway to get to school.”

Forsyth believes Hawaii’s State Government can take better care of Native Hawaiians.

“Too many Native Hawaiians have been on the Department of Hawaiian Homelands’ waitlist for too many years. This year, the legislature and the governor did budget a record 600 million dollars to the Department of Hawaiian Homelands. If I am elected, I will work to ensure that these funds are being utilized in an efficient and timely manner to help build homes and move Native Hawaiians into them,” she explained.

Forsyth, 37, works as a Director of Residences.

After attending King Kamehameha III Elementary School, Lahaina Intermediate School and Lahainaluna High School, she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering Geology from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and Master’s Degree in Environmental Science and Management with an emphasis on Conservation Planning from the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB).

A political newcomer, Forsyth volunteers with Hearts of Montage and the Maui Forest Bird Recovery Project.

She feels her background and education set her apart from the other candidates.

“I hope voters will choose me, as I grew up in Lahaina, and I have a deep connection to our island and our community. I love our special place here in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, and I want to serve our residents,” Forsyth stated.

“I have an educational background that can set me apart from other candidates. My graduate studies in science have given me an analytical approach to problem solving, and I can bring these skills to the legislature.

“Finally, I have a strong moral compass and am driven by my passion to do the right thing. I am not running to serve any special interests. I will fight to do what is right for our community, and I will not be swayed by any of the temptation or corruption that has tainted state legislators in recent years. It is time for new people in the legislature. If elected, I will take my Oath of Office to heart and work hard to serve the people of West and South Maui,” she concluded.

Lahaina resident Raya, 48, also wants to bring change to the Hawaii Legislature.

“I’m running because we need to revitalize our current seats with newly elected officials that truly represent the community and bring fresh ideas and innovative solutions to the table,” he explained.

The small business owner of Swell Life Shop at Aston Kaanapali Shores Resort (retail clothing) and managing partner of Round Table Pizza in Kihei and Kaanapali said the top three issues this year are the “Affordable Housing Crisis,” managing tourism, and supporting small businesses.

If elected, his main goals for legislation include lowering the blood quantum level below 50 percent for Native Hawaiians to reclaim their land; higher teacher pay and a better retirement plan for educators; more designated funding for small businesses; and requiring designated percentages of new affordable housing communities to be guaranteed to our essential workers and educators.

Raya feels the state needs to be more transparent with each county.

“There has been a huge disconnect between elected officials and the people. Mandatory town halls; mandatory live, in-person visits by our officials. Closing that gap and becoming personal with people will create more trust,” he noted.

He has previously volunteered and served on a winning mayoral candidate’s team in Northern California.

Raya attended Chaminade University of Honolulu and studied psychology at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.

He is involved with Ke’eaumoku Kapu and the Na ‘Aikane O Maui Foundation “to better understand Native Hawaiian issues and better represent our Native Hawaiians in government and legislation,” Raya stated.

His community involvement also includes serving on the Board of Directors for the Kahana Ridge Homeowners Association and Financial Board of Directors for Harvest Kumulani Chapel.

If elected, Raya pledges to put people first.

“Voters should choose me because I’m not a career politician. I’m a leader within our community and a small business owner that is Hawaii first and the people first,” he concluded.

Kihei resident Walker said she is running because she cares about Maui and loves the people who live here.

“We’ve been a ‘one-party’ state for way too long, and it’s time to bring back balance and prosperity to Hawaii,” she explained. “I’m a #Hawaiifirst, #Mauifirst, #Godwins candidate!”

According to Walker, the top state-related issues this election season are infrastructure (hospitals, schools, roadways), corruption (drug addictions, high crime, government scandals) and housing issues (affordable housing, homelessness and houselessness, and vacation rentals).

If elected, Walker said she will follow through on completing the Lahaina Bypass, breaking ground on a West Side hospital and realizing the Upcountry Connector Road from Lipoa to Haliimaile.

Walker, 58, said she would pursue “an endless list of perks for local residents, starting with lower taxes, fewer permits, less regulations and a $25 flat fee annual car registration.”

Walker is a former New York City business owner in garment manufacturing. She earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree from Washington University in St. Louis in 1991 and Master of Fine Arts Degree from Cranbrook Academy of Art in 1999.

Her community service includes volunteering with LahainaTown Action Committee, Kihei Community Association, Maui Meadows Neighborhood Association, Next Door App (moderator), Non-Violent Communication (facilitator), Global Covid Summit Maui (executive director), Mandate Free Maui (lead organizer) and Calvary Chapel South Maui.

Walker has never held a political office. She wants to join the Hawaii Senate to pursue prosperity for Hawaii.

“I’m a common sense conservative who will stand up for our constitutional rights,” she noted.

“I believe in bringing balance and prosperity back to Hawaii. I may not be Native Hawaiian, but I understand the meaning of Pono! I’m bold! I will do the right thing! And I have faith in God!”