Neighbor Island communities have grown immensely, intensifying voter concern over healthcare and other social services. In addition, the population explosion continues to fuel worries from voters that their roads can't handle the added traffic and that development will destroy the rural lifestyle that residents prize.

Maui and Big Island growth issues will play out in two races that will be decided in the primary. Because they must vie for attention with the concerns of the state's population core, Neighbor Island residents especially need experienced leadership in place to represent the districts' interests in the Capitol.

In particular, the healthcare crisis in the state's more remote reaches is a critical issue for the next legislative session, looming large in the state Senate's 3rd District, which encompasses the Kohala and Kona communities.

This seat, left open with Republican incumbent Paul Whalen's decision not to seek re-election, is being sought by a current and former state representative: respectively, Josh Green and Virginia Isbell.

The Advertiser endorses Josh Green, who now represents the Big Island's 6th District, (North Kona, Keauhou, Kailua, Kona and Honokohau).

Green has shown a solid record of service to his community during two terms in the House; among his credits, he cites $140 million for road improvements, including widening Queen Ka'ahumanu Highway. They were certainly needed: The district has developed quickly in recent years and residents have been clamoring for traffic relief.

But Green's professional experience, both as a physician and as the House health committee chairman, will help inform the ongoing debate in the Senate over resolving the Neighbor Islands' healthcare crisis, including the shortage of doctors.

In the last legislative session, Green was a strong advocate for sensible medical tort reform and other legislative efforts to stabilize and improve the healthcare industry in rural areas.

In the interim, the discussion over ways to reorganize the state's network of rural medical facilities is continuing; Green's expertise in this area should help direct lawmakers toward right solutions.

On Maui, the House 8th District includes Wailuku, Waihe'e, Wai'ehu, Pu'uohala and Waikapu. Challenger Tasha Kama is seaking the seat, held for 26 years by Joseph Souki, who has had rough seas politically. But Souki continues to ensure that his district and his Island get needed state resources; he should be returned to office this year.

Souki drew down criticism over a Bishop Estate deal he had while estate reforms were on the legislative agenda, but in the decade since, he has continued to be an effective legislator. His style has been to work behind the scenes on local projects, and he helped author the law requiring ignition interlock devices to prevent drunken driving.

As chair of the House Transportation Committee, he has been criticized for his strong advocacy for starting Superferry service to Maui before an environmental impact statement was completed. He staunchly — and rightly — defended the ferry as a valued addition to the state's maritime links.

This campaign season has raised other issues that deserve to be added to the agenda, including the development of renewable energy and the support of sustainable agriculture. The incumbent should see that these concerns get their due next session.

But Souki's experience and ability to get things done are undeniable assets to his constituency.

His efforts helped bring $300 million to his district, enhancing the schools and community college in his district. He is also in the stronger position to push forward efforts to plan a new, much-needed harbor facility.

The wisest course for Maui's 8th District remains the re-election of its senior representative, whose experience will serve his island best.