The nomination period for the 2025 Legislative Council (LegCo) General Election has concluded, with election fervor intensifying. Ta Kung Pao reporters recently visited Cheung Chau and Lamma Island, where election posters adorned the piers and campaign materials were ubiquitous in streets, alleys, and markets. Residents of the Islands District are closely following the election, hoping to elect LegCo Members who prioritize the development of these islands.
Tourism serves as a vital economic pillar for residents on both islands. Many residents expressed hopes that their elected representatives would promote tourism development on the islands, advocate for reduced transportation costs to boost visitor interest, and simultaneously alleviate the daily commuting burdens faced by residents. Additionally, improving community facilities emerged as a key demand, including addressing the issue of disorderly bicycle parking in Cheung Chau and expanding recreational facilities on Lamma Island.
Urgent need to address bicycle parking shortage in Cheung Chau
During a visit to Cheung Chau, Ta Kung Pao reporters observed bicycles haphazardly parked around the pier, encroaching on pedestrian space and tarnishing the island's scenic beauty. Longtime resident Mr. Wong pointed out, "The coastal path used to be a beautiful walkway, but now it's completely cluttered with old bicycles. Elderly people and children risk colliding with them—it's unsafe, spoils the cityscape, gives tourists a poor impression, and hinders tourism development."
Many residents highlighted that disorderly bicycle parking is the most pressing concern requiring immediate attention. Mr. Kwong, who has run a snack shop on Cheung Chau for over 20 years, explained that every household on the island owns at least two to three bicycles. While fixed bicycle parking spaces exist near the pier, their number is far from sufficient, forcing residents to park their bikes haphazardly. Although relevant government departments conduct enforcement operations on Cheung Chau every three months, the effect has been minimal. Residents previously proposed rebuilding the pier to repurpose the old pier space for additional bicycle parking, but the reconstruction plan has been shelved. Kwong said, "We hope the new council members will visit the district more often to understand the actual situation, speak up for us residents, propose improvement suggestions, and push the government to resolve the issue."
Residents Mr. Hung and Ms. Wong shared similar concerns about disorderly bicycle parking, believing it affects the townscape and pedestrian safety. High transportation costs represent another major concern. Additionally, resident Mr. Lo noted that Cheung Chau relies solely on ferries for external transport, with fares becoming increasingly expensive—a round-trip for a family on Sundays costs around HK$200. He hopes the new LegCo will oversee ferry fare increases and suggests introducing a competitive mechanism.
Some merchants hope legislators will advocate for measures to assist small businesses, thereby revitalizing the island's tourism industry. Ms. Chan, who has operated a cooked food stall for 35 years, emphasized that street dining is a unique feature of Cheung Chau. "If businesses struggle and close down, the tourist experience will deteriorate, creating a vicious cycle," she said, adding that she is particularly concerned about whether tables and chairs can be placed outside stalls.
Lamma Island residents hope for ferry fare reductions
Ta Kung Pao reporters recently visited Yung Shue Wan and Sok Kwu Wan on Lamma Island. From the ferry pier to the streets, numerous banners and posters encouraging voters to cast their ballots were visible, alongside campaign flags and banners displayed by candidates. Lamma Island, home to numerous eateries, relies heavily on tourism. Revitalizing the island's tourism industry has become a key issue of concern for local food and beverage businesses during this election.
Ms. Bak, a restaurant owner in Sok Kwu Wan, expressed her greatest concern about how legislators will assist in reviving Lamma Island's tourism industry. She noted that the restaurant business has significantly declined since the pandemic, with seafood restaurants achieving only about 50% of their pre-pandemic seating rates during Golden Week. She hopes new legislators will propose measures to promote island tourism and address the issue of consecutive ferry fare increases, suggesting transportation subsidies for residents.
Bak also pointed out that Sok Kwu Wan's development infrastructure lags behind Yung Shue Wan, with inadequate medical facilities and limited clinic operating hours causing inconvenience for residents seeking healthcare. Streets become deserted after 7 p.m. She hopes the new LegCo members will visit the island more often to engage with residents, gain a deeper understanding of their concerns, and convey their aspirations for improved island facilities and community development to the government. She stated that before voting, she would compare candidates' platforms on the island development before deciding how to cast her ballot.
Resident Mr. Lee expressed concern over ferry fares, particularly on Sundays and public holidays. Additionally, he believes Lamma Island lacks recreational and community facilities, with insufficient leisure spaces. He hopes candidates will propose platforms to improve Lamma Island's community facilities and alleviate residents' transportation costs.
Residents praise legislators for active service
Residents in the Islands District have commended the work of the current LegCo. A Lamma Island resident noted that current legislators have promoted the construction of a new pier, benefiting residents. A Cheung Chau resident praised the LegCo for passing the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance, which has significantly improved public order and brought greater stability to residents' lives. They hope that the new LegCo members will be "down-to-earth," possessing the ability to actively listen, respond quickly, and solve practical problems. They also hope the new members will continue the proactive approach adopted by the current legislators and truly serve as a communication bridge between island residents and the government.
Mr. Lam, a resident of Lamma Island, highlighted the benefits of the new pier currently under construction. "The new pier will make things much more convenient in the future. With a rain shelter, we won't get soaked every time we travel," he said. He hopes the new legislators will maintain their "down-to-earth" approach and actively address residents' concerns.
Ms. Cheng, another Lamma Island resident, praised the current LegCo members, saying, "Whenever we need help and call them, they listen and assist us. They genuinely help residents." She hopes the new members will not only listen to residents' needs but also respond with concrete actions.
Mr. Lo, a Cheung Chau resident, reflected on the positive societal impact of last year's unanimous passage of the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance. Mr. Kwong, owner of a Cheung Chau snack shop, concurred, "After the law passed, those troublemakers dared not come out to cause chaos. Young people aren't being poisoned by harmful ideologies anymore. Society is more stable, and people's mindsets are healthier. We can run our businesses and live our lives with greater peace of mind."
Mui Wo Rural Committee: A more vibrant atmosphere this year
Wong Man-hon, Chairman of the Mui Wo Rural Committee, stated that in recent days, rural residents and candidates have been actively engaging in community outreach together—campaigning door-to-door, putting up flags, and discussing policy platforms. The overall atmosphere is more harmonious and vibrant than in previous years. He noted that as Hong Kong has transitioned from chaos to order and is advancing from stability to prosperity, every candidate is a patriot who loves HK. Each leverages their strengths to compete fairly while maintaining harmony, all aspiring to deliver tangible benefits for the community.
Wong pointed out that under the framework of "patriots administering HK" and the new electoral system, organizations and members of society across the Islands District have proactively explained the importance of elections to residents. With multiple candidates each possessing distinct strengths, the competition provides residents with more choices, which he considers a positive development.
When asked about key concerns for Island residents, Wong highlighted infrastructure development, transportation improvements, local tourism, elderly welfare, and youth development. He expressed hope that Lantau Island's transportation challenges can be addressed by enhancing and expanding access roads. While the Islands District has a smaller population, it covers a vast area. Wong hopes residents can elect LegCo members who are more grounded, genuinely attentive to their needs, and capable of advocating for greater development opportunities for the district.
(Source: Ta Kung Pao; English Intern Editor: Vesper; English Editor: Zoey SUN)
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