Preserving the land is a top priority for the three candidates running for the City Council 2nd District seat held by Donovan Dela Cruz, who is leaving because of term limits.

Vying for the seat that covers the district from Wahiawa to the North Shore and around to Ahuimanu are Ernie Martin of Mililani, city deputy director of Community Services; theatrical technician Ben Shafer of Hauula; and political consultant John White of Kaneohe.

Martin, who ran for the City Council in 2002, has served on the Waipahu Neighborhood Board, the Governor’s Turtle Bay Advisory Working Group and the Executive Steering Committee — Honolulu Weed and Seed.

Shafer, a technician with the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees Local 665, is a first-time candidate. He served as co-chairman of Defend Oahu Coalition, president of Friends of Kahana and president of the Hauula Community Health Center.

White, another first-time candidate, was chief of staff to Congresswoman Mazie Hirono from 2008 to 2009 and legislative aide to Council member Duke Bainum from 2005 to 2007.

Martin, who favors balanced growth, said retaining the district’s rural character and quality of life is high priority for its residents.

"I was born in and have raised my family in the district. … I’ve also had the honor of working for the city for 23 years and have an understanding of what we need to do better," Martin said. "With a law degree, I feel comfortable with the developing policies that will improve our island."

Shafer’s chief concerns are traffic, overdevelopment and preserving agricultural lands.

"There is too much at stake to let special interests continue to have their way with our limited natural resources. … (Therefore) I will not accept any donation for my campaign," Shafer said.

On raising taxes, Martin said, "Energy efficiency cost savings could reduce the city’s utility budget by millions. Fee increases for services utilized by visitors are an option so that the burden doesn’t always fall on the shoulders of our local families. Raising taxes is a last resort."

White said, "Now is not the time to be raising property taxes and fees on already over-burdened taxpayers. … We must look to make government more efficient and seek innovative ways to grow our economy."

However, Shafer said, "If we had to, I would raise property taxes and other fees. I would raise the rates for absentee homeowners, B&B’s (bed-and-breakfasts) and businesses. I would lower the property taxes for homeowners who live in their own homes. For our seniors (kupuna), I would lower their property taxes to its lowest rate possible. No improvements to the property — no increases in property tax — period."

As an interim solution to homelessness on Oahu, Martin said, "I would support creating safe zones with programs that provide the homeless with basic necessities, near transportation centers, and free from city displacement."

For all the candidates, fixing the sewer systems and waste-water treatment plants is essential.

On regulating fireworks, Shafer, a former Air Force Reserve firefighter, had the strongest position: "This issue should be placed before the voters for each county. A $2,500 CrimeStopper reward should be used to catch, apprehend and convict the reckless user. … The city should be reimbursed 100 percent for the use of fire department and other resources needed to stop the hazard caused by reckless usage of fireworks."

The top two candidates advance to a runoff in the Nov. 2 election, unless one of the candidates receives a majority of votes on Sept. 18. County elections are nonpartisan contests.