The complexities and diversity within the urban Honolulu districts require candidates who understand the needs of their constituents and can hit the ground running, as the Legislature gears up for a climate of cutbacks.

In Senate District 12 (Waikiki, Ala Moana), the more substantive candidate is Republican Sen. Gordon Trimble. On issues of critical importance in the area — from development in the Kaka'ako-Ward area to much-needed improvements at Honolulu Harbor — Trimble has more formulated and sensible plans than his opponent, former Democratic Party Chairman Brickwood Galuteria.

Trimble understands the concerns of small businesses, and has worked well within the Democratic majority. On renewable energy, Trimble is on board with efforts to aggressively pursue renewable energy options, and supports the goal of getting 70 percent of our energy from clean-energy sources by 2030. He brings 26 years of experience as an economist and administrator for what is now the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. Trimble deserves another term.

In House District 23 (Waikiki, Ala Moana, Kaka'ako), Democratic incumbent Tom Brower is running against Republican Anne Stevens, chairwoman of the Ala Moana/Kaka'ako Neighborhood Board.

Brower has been an effective legislator and is the best choice for the district.

As a freshman lawmaker, Brower has worked hard in the Legislature. He authored and was able to get several bills through, including legislation to preserve a slice of ever-precious waterfront land in Kaka'ako for an educational children's program; clarify condominium rules in dealing with disputes; and allow small-boaters in Kewalo Basin to use Honolulu Harbor under certain conditions.

Brower sensibly intends to focus on pocketbook issues — reducing the cost of government and finding ways to help residents keep more of their hard-earned dollars top his list. He plans to look at reducing or eliminating the tax on essential food items and prescription drugs.

Brower also supports increasing the percentage of affordable housing in the Kaka'ako development area to 30 percent, and will continue to encourage community input and look out for small business concerns as the development evolves.

Few lawmakers can keep pace with Brower's energy, passion and commitment to serving his constituents. He deserves another term.

In House District 27 (Liliha, Pu'unui), Sesnita Der-Ling Moepono faces Republican incumbent Corrine Ching.

Moepono is the more substantive candidate and deserves support. She comes with a solid track record: She served on the Liliha/Nu'uanu Neighborhood Board for eight years, most recently as its chairwoman; she is chairwoman of the Honolulu Committee on Aging and is a constant figure on neighborhood watch patrols and cleanups.

Though she has not held a seat in the Legislature, her work behind the scenes is well regarded. As an attorney, she worked as chief of staff to the Senate Judiciary and Labor Committee and was a staff attorney to the Senate Water and Land Committee. Moepono helped draft several key bills in the area of unemployment and environmental law, and also worked on the 2007 generic drug law. She also was a budget analyst to the Senate Ways and Means Committee, which would be an asset as the Legislature works to set budget priorities.

Moepono understands the importance of shoring up our tourism market, recognizing the need to balance targeting emerging sectors, such as China, with building on North American markets that have traditionally been strong.

She understands the need for programs to address the state's aging population — something of critical importance in her district. She would work to encourage more assisted-living and care homes — a smart move considering the lengthy waiting lists for these facilities and demographics point to an even greater need ahead. She is also a strong advocate for affordable long-term care, and would like to connect it with Medicaid, similar to what has been done in other states.

As a lifelong, third-generation resident of the district, she understands the issues and would be the smartest choice for her constituents.

In neighboring District 29 (Kalihi, Sand Island) freshman Democratic lawmaker Joey Manahan is facing Republican Shane Yaw. Manahan is the best choice and the stronger candidate in this race.

Manahan has clearly grown into his role, and has become well-versed on key issues facing his district and the state. With three public housing projects in his district, Manahan plans to push for a bill next session calling for a performance audit to examine the private management companies now running state housing projects that have fallen into serious disrepair.

He supports tax credits for lower-income residents to ease the burden on those struggling to make ends meet or who are on tight fixed incomes, and with crime on the rise in his area, Manahan is also part of three neighborhood patrols, walking his district three times a week.

The race is wide open in District 24 (Manoa, University, Mo'ili'ili). Voters there have credible candidates from both parties: Democrat Isaac Choy, a certified public accountant and Republican Jerilyn Jeffryes, a retiree who has worked tirelessly with community groups in the area over the years. Either would serve the district well. Jeffryes connects with the community and has smart ideas in the area of education, pushing for a more equitable system. But Choy is the more pragmatic choice, with a solid background in finance and more sensible ideas on dealing with the economy.

He supports the short-term boost construction projects would bring, would encourage more military spending and looks toward diversifying the economy through renewable energy projects. He stands ready to scrutinize the budget and make the tough choices that will surely come during the next legislative session.

Voters in urban Honolulu have some smart choices. These candidates will help the Legislature chart a prudent course through rough economic seas ahead.