Planners decided decades ago to direct development of a "second city" in Leeward O'ahu but never thought a third would sprout there as well: the "tent city" accommodating thousands on Wai'anae Coast beaches.

Lack of affordable housing, a problem statewide, has become most chronically visible in the homeless encampments on the West Side. It's one of toughest challenges facing this district. Its residents and leaders also cite the needs of public education — the buildout of new schools in growing communities and improvement of academic programs for those struggling with federal testing standards.

Improving traffic conditions is also a major concern.

But there are positive developments as well. There are plans for construction of a new four-year university campus and multiple developments that can bring jobs and leisure activities to the area.

This district certainly requires vigorous advocates in the Legislature.

Starting with the 21st Senate District, which extends from Ko Olina to Ka'ena Point, The Advertiser endorses Senate President Colleen Hanabusa, who has championed her community interests and could do so from a position of influence. Her Republican opponent, Dickyj Johnson, will have a tough time competing with Hanabusa's record of accomplishments.

In addition to pressing for funding of the Kapolei Judiciary complex, Farrington Highway safety improvements, Ma'ili Elementary and Wai'anae High upgrades and other projects, Hanabusa has been at the table for discussions on issues with statewide as well as local significance.

She co-chaired the Felix Investigative Committee on special education needs, as well as task forces addressing the state's crystal methamphetamine crisis and the problems at the Hawai'i Youth Correctional Facility.

Hanabusa hasn't ruled out exploring other opportunities for higher elective office in two years, but in the meantime the Leeward Coast needs its veteran at the helm to serve during a time of stringent budgetary shortages.

Shifting to the state House, in the 45th District (Wai'anae, Makaha), incumbent Rep. Maile Shimabukuro is seeking a fourth term. The Democrat, a Legal Aid attorney, faces a challenge from Republican Derek Gapol, an Army veteran who now works with the Hawaii National Guard Youth Challenge Academy.

Shimabukuro has kept pace with the district's challenges, securing funds for homeless shelters and turning lanes to ease traffic backups.

She will also pursue some promising ideas that can benefit her district, including promoting affordable housing development and farming initiatives, two key district concerns. One is a plan that would enable participants to help build their own homes on agricultural lots that they would then farm.

The choice is less simple in District 44 (Honokai Hale, Nanakuli, Lualualei, Ma'ili), where freshman Rep. Karen Awana barely survived a primary challenge to her re-election. She again faces GOP opponent Tercia Ku, who chaired her campaigns in 2002 and 2004.

Awana switched parties in December to join the majority, which may have been a factor in the tight race.

Her efforts to link her constituents with various social services — hosting a series of community workshops to help them connect with key local and federal agencies — suggests she has the right idea and potential as an advocate.

Nonetheless, as with many first-time legislators, there's room for improvement. Awana must build on her first two years' experience to deliver the improvements in schools and transportation that her community needs. She should be given another term to reasonably master the legislative process.

In the race to represent District 40 (Royal Kunia, Makakilo, Kapolei, Kalaeloa), Democratic incumbent Rep. Sharon Har faces Republican Jack Legal, owner of a realty company. During her freshman term, Har was energetic and productive; she should return to the Capitol in January.

Har's background as a land-use attorney should continue to serve her district well in the development of what she calls the fastest-growing community in the state, Kapolei. She has lobbied with other lawmakers for the planning of North-South and East-West roads and funds for the University of Hawai'i-West O'ahu.

Finally, Republican Rep. Kymberly Pine is vying with Democratic newcomer Kurt Fevella for the right to represent District 43 ('Ewa Beach, Iroquois Point, Pu'uloa).

Pine deserves another term, her third. She has demonstrated an ability to work with Democrats in pursuit of common goals, including affordable housing legislation.

More recently, she rallied voters to put pressure on the Legislature to keep funding for the North-South Road in the pipeline.

That is the kind of cooperative effort Leeward O'ahu residents should expect from representatives to keep their community needs from falling below the radar screen.

After the election, voters must watch carefully to see that they deliver.