MEDIA RELEASE

The Hawaii County Democratic Party Convention is 9 a.m.-4 p.m. May 3 at Sangha Hall, where more than160 delegates will gather to hear speeches and consider proposed modifications to the County’s Party’s Platform, Resolutions, and Rules that will eventually go to the Hawaii State Democratic Convention on May 24-25 in Honolulu.

Numerous elected officials are confirmed speakers including Governor Neil Abercrombie, U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz, and U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa.

Invitations have been extended to all Hawaii Island State Senators, State House Representatives, county officials and all Democratic candidates with active campaigns for either statewide or county positions, including OHA Trustees.

Also, important to all Hawaii State Democrats, Tony Gill, candidate for the Chairmanship of the Hawaii State Democratic Party, will also be given an opportunity to address the delegates, as well as other prospective candidates.

Of particular note, there are two proposals from the Rules Committee that are of interest this year.

The first proposes to periodically move the biannual State Convention to the neighbor islands. This one will be sure to get some attention, especially at the State Convention.

Secondly, the Hawaii County Democratic Party is serious about establishing a fair, consistent, and transparent state-wide procedure for the selection process of candidates for appointments to fill mid-term vacancies for State Senate and State House positions.

This county level pro-active approach is to firmly embed defined procedures to ensure that Hawaii County Democratic Party is accountable, responsive and inclusive to everyone who is Proud to be a Democrat.

The convention is open to the public.