As concerns about the economy loom over the state, the islands of Maui, Moloka'i, Lana'i and Kaua'i also are grappling with maintaining their rural lifestyles and keeping growth manageable.

The Neighbor Islands feel the rising costs of food, gasoline and utilities even more acutely than on O'ahu, and as tourism continues to struggle, job losses are an immediate concern. Access to healthcare also is a major issue.

In State Senate District 7 (Kaua'i, Ni'ihau), incumbent Gary Hooser, a Democrat, faces Republican JoAnne Georgi. Georgi, a businesswoman, is a strong supporter of the Superferry and wants to reduce the tax burden on small businesses.

The Advertiser endorses Hooser, who has earned his reputation as an influential and effective legislator, rising to the position of majority leader. Hooser, who has been in his Senate seat since 2002, was in the minority in the Senate in calling for an environmental review of the Superferry, and garnered criticism from those who felt he was caving to the ferry's vocal opponents. The Neighbor Island lawmaker's arguments brought a better balance to the discussion.

Hooser also has been in the forefront of efforts to encourage renewable energy and he introduced the measure mandating solar water heating in new homes. Although the bill would have benefited from more clarity, Hooser must be credited with an effort to lessen our dependence on fossil fuels. If re-elected, he hopes to make renewable energy a major focus next session. Hooser's hard work and service to his district have earned him another term.

In Senate District 5 (West Maui, South Maui), incumbent Roz Baker, a Democrat, is facing Republican Jan Shields, who was vocal in the fight for a second hospital on Maui. The Advertiser endorses Baker, who has been an effective legislator. She has fought for funding for Maui schools and was a leader in the enactment of the statewide ban on smoking in public places and workplaces. She also worked to get funding for more EMS ambulances and a Medevac helicopter for Maui County. It is true that Baker, who has been in the Legislature since 1998, angered many of her constituents by her opposition to the second hospital on Maui, but that should not negate her record of accomplishments.

In Senate District 6 (East Maui, Moloka'i, Lana'i), incumbent J. Kalani English, a Democrat, faces Independent John Blumer-Buell, who is active in many community organizations. English, who has been in the state Senate since 2000 and is chairman of the Senate Transportation and International Affairs Committee, has served effectively in the Legislature and has worked hard for his district. He says that maintaining the rural lifestyle and looking toward self-sufficiency are key issues for him. The Advertiser endorses English for re-election. He is a seasoned senator who can best help steer the communities in his district, which face difficult times as the economy sours.

In House District 9 (Kahului, Pa'ia), incumbent Bob Nakasone, a Democrat, is facing Republican Henry Kahula Jr. Nakasone, a veteran legislator, has been an effective representative. The Advertiser ensorses Nakasone for another term.

In House District 10 (West Maui), incumbent Angus McKelvey faces Republican Ramon Madden. McKelvey, first elected to the House in 2006, has worked hard for his district. He has pushed bills to address traffic issues, a major concern in his district, and has also been involved in renewable energy measures, something that must be a key focus of the next legislative session. The Advertiser endorses McKelvey as the stronger candidate.

In House District 11 (South Maui), incumbent Joe Bertram III, a Democrat, faces Republican George Fontaine, a retired Maui County police captain. Bertram has long pushed for more bike and walking paths, walkable communities and sustainability. Many of his ideas have appeal, but this district — at this critical time for Hawai'i — needs a representative with a sensible platform and a commitment to dealing with key issues facing the district. That candidate is Fontaine. Fontaine understands medical tort reform is needed and has strong ideas on the necessity of moving forward quickly on increasing renewable energy in the Islands. Fontaine was instrumental in several efforts while at the Maui Police Department, including the Kihei Patrol District, and wrote a federal grant request that resulted in hiring eight officers under the community-oriented policing program. The Legislature needs the ideas and experience he would bring.

In House District 12 (Upcountry Maui), incumbent Kyle Yamashita, a Democrat, faces Republican Mickey Vierra. Yamashita, who has been in the House since 2004, has focused on the needs of farmers in his district, including water quality, and has sought funding for area schools. Yamashita, a businessman, provides a voice in the Legislature from the small-business perspective. That will be important as the next legislative session grapples with difficult budget decisions. The Advertiser endorses Yamashita.

It is no exaggeration to say Hawai'i is at a crossroads and tough decisions will face legislators in 2009. Voters should make their ballot decisions with that in mind.