Deb Kahookele, Long Beach City Council District 1 candidate, 2026 primary election questionnaire – Press Telegram

Ahead of the June primary election, the Southern California News Group compiled a list of questions to pose to the candidates who wish to represent you. You can find the full questionnaire below. Questionnaires may have been edited for spelling, grammar, length and, in some instances, to remove hate speech and offensive language.

Name: Deb Kahookele

Current job title: Realtor and Small Business Owner

Age: 59

Incumbent: No

Other political positions held: None

City where you reside: Long Beach

Campaign website or social media: debforlongbeach.com

One of the main issues local leaders are grappling with is Long Beach’s current and long-term fiscal position. With major budgetary concerns on the horizon, explain your top priorities for Long Beach’s financial future and plans to achieve them. (Please answer in 200 words or less.)

I will advocate for an independent third-party audit of the city’s overall budget, including homelessness spending, to ensure funds are being used effectively and delivering measurable outcomes.

We cannot continue spending millions without clear results. Every dollar must be tied to performance, accountability and long-term impact — not temporary fixes.

I will also push for zero-based budgeting practices, requiring departments to justify expenses annually rather than relying on automatic increases. This ensures we prioritize essential services like public safety, infrastructure and community programs.

Economic growth is also key. Supporting small businesses, streamlining permitting and activating vacant spaces will increase revenue without raising taxes.

Long Beach residents have been sounding the alarm about the presence of federal immigration enforcement agents and operations in the city. Where do you stand on ICE/CBP actions, and how to plan to address residents’ concerns about this issue? (Please answer in 200 words or less.)

Immigration enforcement is a federal responsibility, but Long Beach has a duty to protect the safety, trust and well-being of its residents.

I support maintaining clear boundaries so that the Long Beach Police Department does not participate in federal immigration enforcement actions, including sharing information or assisting with arrests solely based on immigration status. Public safety depends on trust; our residents must feel safe reporting crimes and seeking help without fear.

At the same time, the city must stand ready to support residents who are impacted. That includes ensuring families have access to resources if a loved one is detained, such as help with food access, rental assistance and connections to legal and community support services.

We should also work with local schools and community organizations to make sure children can continue their education safely, whether that means transportation support or access to at-home learning resources when needed.

Long Beach is a diverse city, and our approach should reflect that.

Homelessness and affordable housing continue to be a top issue for Long Beach residents. What is your position on the city’s current efforts to reduce homelessness and increase affordable housing availability, and how do you plan to improve these efforts? (Please answer in 200 words or less.)

My plan focuses on accountability and proactive solutions:

• Proven partners and audits: We need to move away from underperforming programs and partner with multiple organizations that have proven track records. I will mandate annual audits to ensure these groups are delivering results, not just absorbing tax dollars.

• Proactive prevention: We must shift funding toward preventing homelessness before it starts, rather than only reacting once someone is on the street.

• Real paths to housing: Instead of expensive, temporary hotel renovations, we need diversified shelters that offer a true path to permanent housing.

• Long-term success: We need a tracking system that monitors “success stories” for years, not months. Many individuals cycle back into homelessness; we need long-term drug rehabilitation and support to break that loop.

What is the biggest issue your district specifically faces, and how do you plan to address it, if elected? (Please answer in 200 words or less.)

Public safety is the biggest issue facing District 1, and it is my No. 1 priority. Residents and small businesses deserve to feel safe in their neighborhoods, parks and business corridors.

We need a stronger, more visible safety presence, including increased community policing, faster response times and the resources officers need to be effective. Just as important, we must enforce the laws already on the books, including tools like Proposition 36, to address repeat offenses and ongoing issues on our streets.

Right now, too many residents feel like calling the police won’t lead to action. We must rebuild trust through responsiveness, accountability and consistent follow-through.

Public safety also means prevention. Improved lighting, clean public spaces and coordination with neighborhood groups can deter crime before it happens.

Our small businesses are suffering from theft and a lack of activity because people don’t feel safe. When safety improves, our local economy can recover and thrive.

Safe neighborhoods are the foundation of a strong District 1.

What experience do you bring to the table for this role? (Please limit your answer to 200 words or less.)

I bring hands-on experience, community leadership and a track record of getting things done in District 1.

As a small business owner and Realtor, I understand the challenges residents and local businesses face every day, from public safety concerns to navigating city systems. I’ve spent years working directly in our neighborhoods, listening and helping solve problems.

I currently serve as president of the Promenade Area Residents Association, where I’ve led efforts to improve safety, activate public spaces and bring the community together. I helped lead the development of the first playground in Downtown at Promenade Square Park and organized events that support local businesses and strengthen neighborhood connections.

I am also a co-founder of a nonprofit focused on preventing homelessness through emergency financial assistance, giving me firsthand experience with both prevention and accountability in how resources are used.

I come from a military family and am a retired UFCW worker and current SEIU member, which has shaped my commitment to standing up for working families.

My leadership is hands-on, community-driven and focused on results — not politics.