The Neighbor Islands will send to the state Capitol several fresh faces this legislative session, as a result of open seats left through retirements and other departures of established lawmakers. And this wave of change comes at an opportune time: Maui, Hawai'i and Kaua'i counties — all trying to cope with the pressures of growth and development — could benefit from an injection of new ideas.

Nowhere is that more evident than in Puna's 4th District. Of the candidates vying for this spot, Democrat Faye Hanohano has earned The Advertiser's endorsement. As an administrative lieutenant at Kulani Correctional Facility and state secretary-treasurer for United Public Workers, Hanohano brings a career perspective that will be helpful in deliberations over the needs of our prison system and other criminal justice issues as well as experience advocating legislation at both state and national levels.

In the neighboring 2nd District of Hilo, however, this election presents an opportunity for a new Republican representative in Sharon Vannatta, whose support of school choice and regulatory streamlining deserve a hearing. Similarly, J. William Sanborn, the GOP's nominee to the 7th District (N. Kona, S. Kohala), has a considerable public service record and ideas about improving medical care for the district that show promise.

The Advertiser supports re-electing incumbents Clift Tsuji, D-3rd District (Hilo Kea'au, Mountain View); Robert Herkes, D-5th District (Ka'u, S. Kona); Bob Nakasone, D-9th District (Kahului, Pa'ia); Kyle Yamashita, D-12th District (Upcountry Maui); and Mele Carroll, D-13th District (S. Maui, Moloka'i, Lana'i).

Democrat newcomers Angus McKelvey and Joe Bertram III both have government experience and ideas for improving roads and schools in their 10th (W. Maui) and 11th (S. Maui) districts.

The Advertiser continues to have concerns with Democrat Joe Souki's past ethics conflict over a fee received in a Bishop Estate deal, and is not endorsing in his 8th District (Wailuku, Waiehu) race with insurance agent Tom Cerizo, who could bolster his resume with more public advocacy or other service.

In Kaua'i's contested races, County Councilman James Tokioka, 15th District (Lihu'e, Koloa), and Roland Sagum III, a former deputy planning commissioner, 16th District (Po'ipu, Waimea, Ni'ihau), offer the best government and planning expertise for a first term in the House; both are Democrats.