Magaoay, who was first elected in 2000, beat Philips by a relatively narrow margin — 254 votes — in the 2002 election. The Democratic legislator's victory is not necessarily an indication of how voters lean; a majority voted for Republican Gov. Linda Lingle in 2002.

Tackling drugs, promoting agriculture and preventing overdevelopment are among the top issues for residents in the area.

"We just don't want the North Shore to become another overly developed area like some of the areas on Maui," said Kathleen Pahinui, chairwoman of the North Shore Neighborhood Board. "It's very important — maintaining that country lifestyle, making sure that ag is developed, promoted and kept alive."

Magaoay said he is working with city officials and others to provide the area with potable water to increase options for diversified agriculture and prevent land erosion. He also said he would create a task force including farmers, landowners and government officials to come up with a comprehensive plan on how to promote and strengthen the industry.

Philips said she'd like tax incentives for farmers who grow organic produce and would fight to reduce red tape surrounding the agriculture industry. Philips said she would like to see the state Department of Education buy produce from local farmers and that she would advocate for farmers on city matters as well.

In the area of drugs, Magaoay, who was a member of the Democrat-led legislative task force on crystal methamphetamine, said he wants to ensure Lingle releases money to expand drug treatment and prevention programs and evaluate the progress of such programs.

The task force didn't endorse those ideas last session because the communities wanted treatment, Magaoay said. He said he wants to look at law enforcement initiatives now "because this ball is moving, we have treatment.

"We need to take a good look at it because it's going to come back again," he said.

Philips said she is building a community coalition called "No Ice in Paradise" that focuses on educating residents on prevention as well as working with law enforcement and rehabilitation efforts.

She said she wants to focus more resources on prevention and law-enforcement programs, and supports restoring "walk and talk" and "knock and talk" drug investigations.

"I think rehabilitation programs have a role to play as well, but if you're not stopping the bleeding at the source, then you're just going to have a flood," she said.

Philips said she wants to boost police presence in the community by providing incentives to attract and retain officers, such as "high-quality medical benefits."

In the area of improving public education, Magaoay said he supports higher salaries and better benefits for teachers. He said it "takes a special dedication" for teachers to work in rural areas such as his district because of the longer commute and other issues.

Magaoay also said more repair and maintenance projects need to be completed at the schools.

Philips supports Lingle's effort to place a question on the ballot asking whether the Constitution should be amended to break up the school system into districts with local boards.

But the bottom line, Philips said, is getting more resources into the classroom. One way to do that is to give teachers individual spending accounts, she said.

Philips also said she would push for upgrades in classrooms and facilities.