Food and utility bills, healthcare, education, jobs and traffic rank high on the litany of concerns for Big Island voters, as they do for much of the rest of the state.

There is fear in the air. Hawai'i's economic crisis, rural access to quality healthcare and the need to lessen our dependence on fossil fuels will be major issues when the next legislative session convenes in January. These critical issues demand legislators who are deeply involved in the needs of their own districts, but also can see the larger picture and can make the tough decisions required in times of crisis.

In House District 1 (North Hilo, Hamakua, North Kohala), Democrat Mark Nakashima is squaring off against Republican Steven Offenbaker for the open seat. Both candidates have a good grasp of the issues and cite their ability to work with others. While the voters of House District 1 have solid choices in this race, The Advertiser endorses Nakashima, a former teacher and a Hawaii State Teachers Association field representative.

Nakashima proposes exploring ideas to encourage markets for local farmers, including eliminating the general excise tax for local agriculture. He wants more incentives for residents to use renewable energy sources and supports another look at tort reform in the Legislature as well as a task force to address the issue of physician reimbursements.

In House District 3 (Hilo, Kea'au, Mountain View), incumbent Clift Tsuji, a Democrat, is running against Republican Deidre Moana Tavares. The Advertiser endorses Tsuji, who has legislative experience, serving in the House since 2004. Tsuji, a retired senior vice president of Central Pacific Bank and former vice president of Hilo Candy Co., also has a solid business background that will help during these tough economic times. He backed several measures to reduce Hawai'i's dependence on fossil fuels, including a bill to allow for timely development of an undersea cable to transit electricity generated by wind. It's imperative we keep a strong vision for our preferred energy future.

In House District 4 (Puna), incumbent Faye Hanohano, a Democrat, faces Republican Fred Blas, who is running as a Republican in a predominately Democratic district and has a solid resume of community involvement. Hanohano cites as her achievements several capital improvement projects for her district in the last session — her first as a legislator — including $3.2 million for Pahoa High and Intermediate School and said she wants the state to use more of its own energy resources, such as geothermal, wind, solar and wave energy. While The Advertiser endorses Hanohano as the stronger candidate whose legislative experience will allow her to better serve her district at this critical juncture, she has much work to do. She must hit the ground running. While her record is adequate, Hanohano has several issues to address, access to healthcare and economic development among them. This district deserves strong representation.

In District 6 (Kailua, Keauhou) Republican Andy Smith faces Democrat Denny Coffman in an open seat. The Advertiser endorses Smith, who is Gov. Linda Lingle's liaison for West Hawai'i. He rightly favors reasonable tort reform, higher medical reimbursement rates and direct payments of reimbursements to physicians. He also favors expansion of renewable energy and proactive efforts by the state to encourage airlines to increase flights to Hawai'i. His sensible ideas and his government experience would serve the district well.

In District 7 (North Kohala, South Kohala), incumbent Cindy Evans, a Democrat, faces a challenge from Republican Ronald Dela Cruz. The Advertiser endorses Evans, who has served in the House since 2002 and served as chairwoman of the Public Safety and Military Affairs committee. She has been an articulate representative for this district. Evans wisely supports streamlining government permitting for renewable energy facility construction, eliminating the net metering cap and considering low-interest loans and tax credits or buy downs to help residents install renewable electric generating systems on their property.

In Senate District 1 (Hamakua, South Hilo), voters will choose between Rep. Dwight Takamine, a Democrat and a lawyer who has been in the state House since 1984, and Ted Hong, a Republican, a lawyer and former chief labor negotiator for the state.

This district has solid choices. Both candidates agree the economy is a major issue. Both would work hard to serve the district.

The Advertiser endorses Takamine — his experience will help him navigate through some difficult choices ahead.

Takamine cites the need to diversify the economy to help weather the storm; he also sees the need to invest in developing more diversified agriculture. Above all, he recognizes the need to give budgeting priorities to supporting education, healthcare and human services in making the very difficult decisions on where cuts must be made.

The Legislature faces a session with very difficult choices. Voters should expect and demand dedicated, smart, hard-working public servants. These choices represent a good start.