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2010 Election Calendar

Friday, Sept. 3 – First day to vote at Primary Election walk-in polling places

Saturday, Sept. 11 – Last day to request absentee mail ballots for Primary Election from County Clerk

Thursday, Sept. 16 – Last day to vote at Primary Election walk-in absentee polling places

SATURDAY, SEPT. 18 – PRIMARY ELECTION

Monday, Oct. 4 – Last day to register to vote for the General Election with County Clerk

Tuesday, Oct. 19 – First day to vote at General Election walk-in polling places

Tuesday, Oct. 26 – Last day to request absentee mail ballots for General and OHA Elections from County Clerk

Saturday, Oct. 30 – Last day to vote at General Election walk-in polling places

TUESDAY, NOV. 2 – GENERAL ELECTION

* 19 CHARTER AMENDMENTS ON GENERAL ELECTION BALLOT:
It’s not too soon to begin looking at the Pros and Cons of each – drafted by Ed Haitsuka, Charter Commission Chairman. An attorney with Carlsmith-Ball who has volunteered 200+ hours over the last 18 months to whittle 38 proposed amendments down to the 19 that will appear on the Ballot, Haitsuka’s thoughts can be found at http://co.hawaii.hi.us/council/chartercommision.htm

MEDIA RELEASE

Mufi Hannemann has unveiled his action plan to address the needs of U.S. military veterans and their families at a talk-story luncheon at the DAV Weinberg Hall near Keehi Lagoon.

The event, attended by nearly 200 supporters including current and former members of the U.S. military and esteemed local leaders, included substantive discussion about the issues facing those who have honorably served our country.

Hannemann’s plan for veterans and military families was well received by those in attendance. It aims to address the most pressing issues facing military personnel by expanding state VA services, creating a state veterans court, supporting children of military parents, combating homelessness, supporting our National Guard and reserves, and creating a military families advisory board.

“Mufi’s plan demonstrates that he really understands the challenges our veterans face and truly cares about the well being of each and every one of us,” U.S. Army retired Brigadier General Ed Hirata said. “As mayor, Mufi fought hard for military veterans and their families and we are confident that he will continue to do so as governor.”

“Mufi has a concrete, actionable plan for veterans that will make it easier for retired servicemen in need to get the help they require,” said retired Chief Petty Officer Dennis Egge of the U.S. Navy. “He appreciates the sacrifices veterans and our families have made and has a clear plan to take care of us.”

During the talk story session, the Democratic candidate for governor listened intently as retired military personnel explained the challenges they currently face in getting help for everything from treatment and counseling for addiction to aid for education.

A handful of homeless veterans in attendance told Hannemann about the problems they have had in finding affordable housing and soliciting other services from the VA.

“I am incredibly honored to have the opportunity to speak with these brave men and women who have served our state and country so valiantly,” Hannemann said. “They are the reason we can enjoy our freedom to live in a democratic society. Hawaii needs a governor who will ensure our veterans have the critical support they deserve.”

The needs of our military veterans are a high priority for Hannemann, who has experience in dealing with the issues discussed during the talk story.

In 2005, as mayor of Honolulu, Hannemann worked together in a bipartisan fashion with Gov. Linda Lingle and members of the Congressional delegation to avert the closure of Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard, keeping countless military and civilian jobs in the state and securing Hawaii’s place as the naval hub of the Pacific.

He also made significant progress in finding solutions for the homeless, negotiated agreements to provide benefits to city workers and worked to make Honolulu one of the safest big cities in the nation.

— Find out more:
Hannemann’s Veterans action plan: www.mcneilwilson.com/sites/default/files/Veterans_for_Mufi_Platform.pdf
Hannemann’s military accomplishments: www.mcneilwilson.com/sites/default/files/Mufi_Military_Accomplishments.pdf

MEDIA RELEASE

Sen, Daniel Inouye’s only Democratic challenger has released a video that urges Republican and Independent voters to choose the Democratic Party Ballot in the upcoming primary election.

U.S. Senate candidate Andy Woerner said, “The majority of Hawaii’s elections are decided in the primary election by voters who choose the Democratic Party Ballot. Failing to choose the Democratic ballot prevents you from participating in what has become the effective general election for the state.”

He also points to the fact that since 2004, only three Republican candidates elected to office faced challengers in their primary elections, and each of those three candidates won their primary contests with landslide margins of 30 percent to 90 percent.

Woerner quotes Justice Kennedy of the United States Supreme Court, who once wrote that Hawaii’s election laws “exact severe penalties for one who does anything but vote the (Democratic) party ballot”.

Woerner appears to argue from a different perspective in recent constitutional complaints to the Hawaii Supreme Court, the Governor, and the State Legislature.

In them, he notes Hawaii’s election laws encourage private political parties to use the publicly funded elections of the state as their party nomination processes. But under the State’s Constitution, this gives all voters the right to participate in these private nominations, whether the voter is a member of the political party or not.

As an example, nearly 200,000 voters chose the Democratic Party Ballot in 2008, even though there were only about 50,000 members of the Hawaii Democratic Party.

Woerner makes a compelling case that, “The Party lost complete control of their right to choose their own nominee; a right that has clearly been upheld in the federal courts.”

The Democratic Party agrees with this particular position and passed a resolution to that effect at their Convention earlier this year. A similar resolution was also passed in 2006, but was later rescinded after Senator Inouye argued that it would be a “public relations mistake.”

Woerner contends, “Constitutional decisions shouldn’t be based on public relations, and Sen. Inouye’s position is a glaring example of the arrogance and power of Hawaii’s political machine.”

Woerner’s call for all voters to choose the Democratic ballot seems to amplify his Party’s concerns, while drawing attention to their failure to take action on their own resolutions.

— Find out more:
www.andyforussenatehawaii.com
www.daninouyehawaii.com

County Council candidates from left Brenda Ford, Enock Freire, Kelly Greenwell, Debbie Hecht, Angel Pilago and Jim Rath. (Hawaii 24/7 photo by Baron Sekiya)

Karin Stanton | Hawaii 24/7 Contributing Editor

For the six candidates vying for the two Kona council seats it’s all about jobs and infrastructure.

The two incumbents and their challengers were peppered with questions Tuesday evening at Kealakehe High School in front of more than 200 residents. The forum was sponsored by Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce and moderated by Sherry Bracken.

In District 8 (North Kona), Kelly Greenwell faces Debbie Hecht, Angel Pilago and Jim Rath. Hecht spearheaded the 2% Land Fund amendment, while Pilago and Rath previously have served on the County Council.

In District 9 (South Kona), two-term incumbent Brenda Ford is up against political newcomer Enock Freire, a native of Brazil who first moved to West Hawaii 30 years ago. Freire owns a small consulting business in Kona.

Here’s the highlights, notes and quotes in the order questions were asked and answered:

* What are the top critical issues facing West Hawaii?

Rath: Infrastructure and meaningful concurrency. Put a stop to developers “promising the sun, wind and stars and we get nothing.”

Pilago: Reorganize the council and put the focus back on the community’s needs; advocate open government and continued video-conferencing opportunities outside the Hilo council chambers; build and operate the Makalei fire station and Captain Cook police station.

Hecht: Open lines of communication with constituents; host forums and polls to hear from residents; maintain open door policy; improve infrastructure; repave Kaiminani Drive.

Greenwell: With 25,000-30,000 new homes planned in West Hawaii, create jobs for those residents.

Freire: Put people back to work, specifically farms and farmers; public safety; roads and infrastructure.

Ford: Jobs; alternative fuel plant, for example, diesel, algae and geothermal in West Hawaii; impact fees and concurrency.

* Any ideas on infrastructure and concurrency? (Infrastructure includes roads, sewers, parks and police and fire protection. Concurrency means that developers and/or the county build the infrastructure to support new development.)

Rath: Infrastructure must come before development.

Pilago: Fully utilize available state funds to create Safe Routes to School.

Hecht: Institute park-and-ride system. Use larger parking lots, such as K-Mart and Loew’s, and provide frequent, regular shuttles in and around Kailua Village.

Greenwell: Raise West Hawaii’s profile internationally. Attract outside investment. Realize and capitalize on Hawaii’s role in the well being of the entire planet.

Freire: Eliminate the government burden; have local government step out of the way of small businesses that provide jobs and drive the economy.

Ford: Bring down the cost of electricity by developing on island alternatives, such as hydrogen, diesel, geothermal.

* How much time are you willing to dedicate to the council and do you have other employment?

Pilago: Dedicate 100 percent to council work; has shown that dedication in two previous terms.

Rath: Committed to full-time. Found in two previous terms it was the best 60-80 hour a week part-time job he’d ever had.

Hecht: Committed to full-time. Retired after 30-year real estate and property management career.

Freire: As much time as it will take.

Greenwell: “Do you consider the time I spend awake at night worrying about county business?” Operates family nursery business.

Ford: Already commits 50-60 hours a week, including nights and weekends. No other job.

* What are some of the characteristics and values you will bring to the office?

Rath: Honest, plain-spoken, “blunt at times.”

Greenwell: Born and raised on the Big Island. “I’ve always been here.” Has seen the past, the present and has a vision for the future.

Hecht: Reputation and word are her bond; will treat all people equally.

Pilago: Awarded Silver Star during military service; national environmental award; served on many public service boards and committees; sees council as public service.

Ford: Honest, straight-forward, work for the people and with anyone who is reasonable. “I always do my homework (on county issues).”

Freire: As a father and church youth leader is dedicated to promoting a healthy and safe environment. Teaches his children three things: 1) Be good; 2) Obey immediately; 3) Ask lots of questions.

* Impact fees.

Rath: Charge developers impact fees when zoning changes are approved, rather than tie them to building permits or construction start.

Greenwell: Put infrastructure first to prevent delays due to unforseen hold ups or changing economy.

Pilago: Impact area needs to be determined first, then tack fees onto subdivision code.

Hecht: Model after other communities across the country. Prevent fees from being passed onto new homeowners.

Ford: Impact fees and concurrency are “two prongs and we need both.” County fair share assessment method has no state law supporting it.

Freire: Supports impact fees, but need to go further in ensuring work gets done. County is not set up to act as a developer.

* Parks

Hecht: Parks are basis for eco-tourism industry. Link county parks with National Park Service and Ala Kahakai Trail, develop campgrounds to promote eco-tourism.

Rath: Work with non-profit organizations and other grassroots efforts. Helped kickstart 10 acres of soccer fields in West Hawaii during council terms 1992-1996.

Pilago: Partner with community groups to protect shorelines and natural resources.

Greenwell: Parks are foundation of evolving economy. County is losing opportunities and needs to develop 50-year vision to attract outside funding.

Ford: Praised Mayor Billy Kenoi administration for cleaner parks and motivated West Hawaii crew. Work with community to improve and maintain parks. Pointed to volunteer efforts at Higashihara Park.

Freire: Parks are soul of community. Disappointed more council time has not been dedicated to park development, maintenance and improvement.

* Budget

Freire: Council has obligation to balance budget; roll back tax rates especially for farmers; cut wasteful spending; tie county contracts worth $100,000 or more to incentives and penalties.

Ford: Didn’t support mayor’s latest budget; worked with other councilors to identify $23 million in savings, but only $90,000 was cut; eliminate county worker overtime except for public safety.

Pilago: Can’t willingly accept mayor’s budget carte blanche; role as councilman to examine, probe and find ways to save.

Greenwell: Can’t take money out of the hands of people who will spend it in local economy. “We can’t print it, so we’ll have to find it.” Look to ‘white jet fleet’ of part-time residents, federal sources and find ways to bring people to the Big Island.

Rath: Service and goods industries create jobs, not government. “We can cut enormous amounts out. We’ve done it before.”

Hecht: Can’t continue to take people’s money through more taxes; look to cut county positions that are funded but vacant.

* Ooma (The Ooma Beachside Village development is seeking to rezone a parcel just south of Kona International Airport from conservation to urban. The proposal still is before the state Land Use Commission and has not yet been heard at the County Council level.)

Greenwell: You’ve got to pick your battles and other organizations are fighting this one. Will wait until the issue arrives before the council, but wants to think about alternatives in the meantime. If you don’t want this, what do you want?

Pilago: Against rezoning; favors conservation. “It’s just not a good place for a resort.”

Hecht: Against rezoning. Concerned it is too close to the airport; concerned about future property values.

Rath: Against rezoning. Concerned it is within the airport’s ‘crash zone.’ “It’s a dumb place to put a subdivision.”

Freire: Wont’ be a champion for or against at this time.

Ford: Against rezoning. “It’s cray to put it under the flight path.”

* Council divisiveness

Rath: “I get a gold star next to my name for ‘works well with others.’” Works to convince, not compromise.

Greenwell: Job is to get along, even in not the best circumstances. Picture is way bigger than the council.

Pilago: First task would be to reform the council and create a new majority; concentrate on protecting the public good.

Hecht: Listen to constituents, translate that into legislation and funding. Has experience and skills as facilitator, teacher and mediator.

Freire: Listen to people and stand up against ways West Hawaii has been shortchanged. Reconnect to the real heart of people.

Ford: Disagreement over issues is part of democracy. Wants committee and council chairmen (and women) who will not tolerate incivility or disrespect.

* Agriculture and sustainability

Hecht: State is not doing a good job of timely and thorough inspections; seeking grants and funding to bolster ag; bring electricity costs down for farmers.

Greenwell: Be realistic, Hawaii is tropical state. Competition is not mainland U.S. states, but foreign countries that are able to use banned pesticides.

Pilago: Protect the watershed in order to protect the farmer. Can’t continue to import food that we should be able to grow.

Rath: Farming is a huge risk. Cut taxes and protect the water supply. “That’s about all we can do at the county level.”

Ford: Advocate farm-to-school programs; locally grown food should feature in resorts, restaurants, hospitals; promote biofuel options; adopt The Kohala Center’s ag plan.

Freire: Ag sustainability is “a must.” Adopt reasonable land use policies and develop farmer trade schools.

* Solid Waste

Pilago: “I will never allow trash to be trucked to West Hawaii.” Problem must be solved in Hilo; explore alternate methods.

Rath: Expand the Hilo landfill to the adjacent quarry “and be done with it.”

Hecht: Expand to quarry, while looking for appropriate waste-to-energy methods.

Greenwell: Truck Hilo trash over Saddle Road, convert to ‘black dirt’ for use in building those 25,000-30,000 new homes in Kona region. Current development is polluting nearshore waters.

Freire: Entire countries have successfully adopted waste-to-energy methods. “Digging a big hole and putting garbage in it is a thing of the past.”

Ford: Supports the idea of zero-waste, but realizes we’ll only get 95 percent of the way there. Compost and recycle as much as possible. “You will always need a landfill.”

* Several of the candidates said their websites offer additional information on their websites:
Brenda Ford: www.fordforkona.org
Enock Freire: www.enockfreire.com
Debbie Hecht: www.dhecht.com

The audience at Kealakehe High School for the candidate forum numbered more than 200. (Photography by Baron Sekiya | Hawaii 24/7)

MEDIA RELEASE

The following information is from Susan Dursin and Helen Hemmes, Hawaii County League of Women Voters co-presidents:

While we talk a lot about education in this state, most of us know nothing about the Board of Education (BOE). Did you know that there are 13 members, all elected. That three of those members are from the outer islands? That every two years one of those seats is up for election? That no matter which outer island you live on, you vote for that seat?

No wonder we know so little. Just once in six years the candidates come from our own county. In between, we hear almost nothing about the Board of Education.

Two years ago we re-elected Herbert Watanabe, a Hilo resident. This year we vote for Maui candidates. In 2010 candidates will come from Kauai. If we care about education in Hawaii, we need to learn about how the BOE works. The first step is learning about this year’s candidates.

Three candidates will appear on the primary ballot: R. Ray Hart, Leona Rocha-Wilson and Barry Wurst. In order to find out more and to compare them, go to the League of Women Voters website: www.lwv-hawaii.com/survey.htm

The site has posted brief sketches submitted by the candidates along with their respnses to questions posed by the Hawaii County League of Women Voters.

Information submitted by other candidates from across the state appears
there too. All candidates were invited to submit their information.

MEDIA RELEASE

The public is invited to a nonpartisan, moderated candidate forum 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 31.

Come early, food sales benefit Kealakehe High Culinary Program and Rotary Sunrise by Tante’s Restaurant at 5 p.m.

* County Council District 7, South Kona: Incumbent Brenda Ford, Enoch Friere
* County Council District 8, North Kona: Incumbent Kelly Greenwell, Debbie Hecht , Angel Pilago, Jim Rath

Moderator is Sherry Bracken, news reporter for Hawaii Public Radio and host of the LAVA 105.3 fm and KKOA 107.7 fm weekly broadcast, Island Issues.

For further information, call Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce at 329-1758.

Gubernatorial candidates (frmo left) Mufi Hannemann, Daniel Cunningham, Tony Clapes, John Carroll and Neil Abercrombie, with moderator Sherry Bracken, at the forum Thursday, Aug. 26 at Kealakehe High School. (Hawaii 24/7 photo by Karin Stanton)

Karin Stanton | Hawaii 24/7 Contributing Editor

Five gubernatorial candidates had their chance to impress West Hawaii voters Thursday evening at a forum at Kealakehe High School. The slate of candidates included the two Democrat leaders, a Republican, a non-partisan candidate and Hilo’s own Free Energy Party nominee.

Predictably, Hannemann and Abercombie squared off on this election’s hot topics, while the other three candidates presented slightly different agendas.

Following the forum, a quick survey of some of the 300 attendees found most arrived with their minds made up, although they were interested to hear all the candidates. No-one, however, said anything they heard at the forum changed their votes or their opinions of the candidates.

Another governor forum at Kealakehe High School is slated for Oct. 14, after the primary election.

Here are some selected highlights, quotes and notes from the two-hour forum, which featured moderator Sherry Bracken asking the questions and the candidates having 90 seconds to reply:

* Top priorities

Carroll: Would start a class-action lawsuit to eliminate the Jones Act. (The Jones Act of 1917 requires cargo moving between U.S. ports travel on ships that are made, owned and crewed by Americans. It has long been criticized for stunting commerce and raising prices for Hawaii residents.) This would be a boost for local business and agriculture and help the economy without relying on government and tourism. Keep the islands’ environment pristine.

Cunningham: Institute a state-owned bank and publicly owned power companies. Diversify energy sources.

Clapes: Remake state government as a instrument of the people, make government more efficient, more open, easier to deal with and friendlier. “Right-size” or downsize government. Restructure the Department of Education so it deals only with state-level education issues.

Abercrombie: Start turning federal money into local paychecks. Work on food security and renewable energy to make Hawaii more sustainable and provide jobs. Invest in Hawaii’s human capital.

Hannemann: Get long-delayed Capital Improvement Projects started, including at Kona International Airport and Honokohau Harbor, to create jobs. Release education funds in a more timely fashion. Work toward a University of Hawaii West Hawaii campus. Focus on the environment.

* Creating jobs, especially on the Big Island

Hannemann: Move forward with the airport modernization plan, harbor improvements, and the Oahu rail project, which will create 4,000 construction jobs and 10,000 long-term jobs.

Abercrombie: Denounced job creation through the “imaginary rail system” and focus on areas that can grow on the Big Island. For example, capitalizing on the UH-Hilo College of Pharmacy and expanding health care employment opportunities.

Cunningham: Start a state-owned bank that can help fund construction jobs. “We’re headed for a cliff if we don’t do something drastic.”

Clapes: Everything revolves around education. With a good foundation, Hawaii students will have better opportunities.

Carroll: Eliminate the Jones Act, which will open agricultural shipping opportunities. “Agriculture should be No. 1.”

* Agriculture

Carroll: Eliminate the Jones Act. Currently, Hawaii cattle are shipped to British Columbia and trucked to Oregon and California. Take advantage of fiber optics communication and high-tech avenues to make Hawaii a center of trade and commerce.

Abercrombie: “If people aren’t making money farming, it’s gardening.” Farmers need business skills. Water is vital; repair and improve irrigation systems to lower costs. Use federal funds to support farmers.

Hannemann: Farmers farm, but need help with marketing. Department of Agriculture has been the “Rodney Dangerfield of this administration.” Joint effort between state and federal agencies to combat invasive species.

Cunningham: Agriculture depends on lowering electricity costs.

* Tourism

Cunningham: Depends on a healthy eco-system. State can’t be over-run by concrete. The mongoose needs to go.

Carroll: Keep costs and taxes down. Create extensive network of bike paths to promote eco-tourism. Take advantage of sporting activities; host national and international sporting events, such as the Pan American Games.

Hannemann: Build synergism between ag-tourism, cultural tourism, eco-tourism. Can’t just have tourism recovery on Oahu. It needs to be felt on the neighbor islands.

Clapes: The more successful tourism is, the more natural beauty is replaced by towers. For most people, it’s an option to visit, not a necessity. Take care of the natural resources.

Abercrombie: Understand why people come here, then invest and take care of it. Market Hawaii. Use the Transient Accommodation Tax to develop the infrastructure to benefit visitors and residents.

*Education

Carroll: Board of Education is emasculated, teachers are underpaid. Local councils should make management decisions.

Clapes: Local boards are needed to oversee individual schools. Teaching quality, by and large, is good. Problem lies in the bureaucracy.

Hannemann: Doesn’t matter whether superintendent is elected or appointed. Demand financial accountability.

Abercrombie: Education issues should not be confrontational. Superintendent should be a member of the governor’s cabinet. Authority should be given to teachers, staff and principals to achieve a high level of accountability. Governor should take personal responsibility for education system.

Cunningham: Take advantage of technology and Internet to boost home-schooling. Funds should go to the teachers who are doing the job.

* Raise the General Excise Tax?

Hannemann: No

Cunningham: No

Clapes: No

Carroll: Eliminate it

Abercrombie: No

* Civil Unions

Clapes: “It’s not proper for me to answer.” The matter is in the courts; wait for that decision.

Cunningham: We are all created equal. Solve the tax problem and it would solve the civil union problem.

Carroll: Against same-sex marriage. Supreme Court is likely to decide states must recognize other state’s unions.

Hannemann: Believes in sanctity of marriage between man and woman; civil unions tantamount. Willing to work on a bill that focuses on equal benefits.

Abercrombie: Marriage definition is not an issue. Believes in equality in benefits and protecting civil rights.

Thursday, Aug. 26

* Neil Abercrombie sign waving
7 a.m. at Lako Street and Queen Kaahumanu Highway in Kona. Contact Pat Stolfa at 326-9779.
3:30 p.m. at the entrance to Honokohau Harbor. Contact Bita Wicart at 322-6677.

* HIHA Meet the Candidates for Governor Forum
3-4 p.m.
Kealakehe High School
Room D-102
Candidates Hannemann and Abercrombie have agreed to participate. Candidate Aiona has been invited.
This is an opportunity for us to:
1. Educate the candidates about our healthcare problems on the Big Island and our solutions for addressing them.
2. Learn about the candidate’s views and plans related to health while they are in office.
3. Demonstrate that the Alliance is an organization with which to collaborate.

* Kona Kohala Chamber of Commerce Candidate Forum
6 p.m., Kealakehe High School

Friday, Aug. 27

* Neil Abercrombie sign waving
4 p.m.in Waimea on Mamalahoa Highway near Ikua Purdy Monument. Contact Patti Cook at 937-2833.
4 p.m. at Milolii Junction, South Kona. Contact Barbara Dalton at 328-0408.

* Angel Pilago

Saturday, Aug. 28

* Duke Aiona

Tuesday, Aug. 31

* Neil Abercrombie sign waving
7:15 a.m. across from the Aloha Theatre in Kainaliu. Contact Jeanie Bevanmarquez at 987-6249.

* County Council Candidate Forum, Dist 7 & 8
When: Tuesday, Aug. 31, 6 p.m.
Where: Kealakehe High School Cafeteria

Thursday, Sept. 2

* Kona County Farm Bureau is hosting a candidate forum for County Council races 6, 7, and 8. The Forum will be held at KCFB’s bay next to the Hawaii Island Food Basket in Honalo /Keauhou area. The building is at the marshalling yard. Approx. 1/2 mile north of Honalo junction on Kuakini Hwy. We will have a sign out on the highway.

Saturday, Sept. 11

* Tea Party Roadside 9/11 Gathering
On Saturday, Sept. 11 – Patriot Day – all Kona Tea Party participants are invited to bring flags and patriotic signs to the site in front of the Mormon Church on Queen K Highway from 11 a.m. as long as they care to stay. All CANDIDATES and their ardent supporters are personally invited to wear their T-shirts, wave their signs and become more known to the community a week before the primary election.

Thursday, Oct. 14

* Kealakehe High, 6-8 p.m., Governor forum

Tuesday, Oct. 19

* Kealakehe High, 6-8 p.m., State House Kona and South Kohala districts

MEDIA RELEASE

Hawaii County Mayor Billy Kenoi and Kauai County Mayor Bernard Carvalho, Jr. have endorsed Mufi Hannemann in his bid for the governor’s seat in September’s primary election.

The announcement was made Wednesday on the steps of Honolulu Hale, where the three described the success of their collaboration through the Hawaii Council of Mayors and the importance of greater cooperation between all levels of government to revitalize the economy, support agriculture, partner on education and social service issues, and address other challenges.

Kenoi said, “Mayor Mufi has been instrumental in bringing together the mayors as a team to focus on issues that affect each of our counties and the state. He has built a solid working relationship with leaders in each community and we look forward to continuing to work with him to move our counties and our state forward.”

Carvalho said, “We have a lot of positive momentum right now. The relationships we’ve built between the mayors and our staff with leaders around the state, the nation and the world, have been key to the successes we’ve experienced. Moving forward, I believe that collaboration will be critical to our continued success over the next four years.”

Hannemann said, “It’s incredibly gratifying to have the support of Mayors Kenoi and Carvalho, with whom I’ve worked side by side for nearly two years now. We’ve been through a lot together, whether it was lobbying for federal stimulus funding on Capitol Hill, promoting tourism, negotiating labor pacts, or presenting our case before the Legislature to retain the county share of hotel room tax revenues.”

“The spirit of collaboration that’s marked the relationship among mayors is what I want to take to the State Capitol. We — the mayors, legislators, and public officials across the state — must be working together to solve our problems and attain our goals. Billy and Bernard’s endorsements are a strong indication of their belief in what we have done, and will continue to do, together.”

Highlights of the mayors’ work together include:

* Tax Sharing: Honolulu identified and distributed nearly $8 million in mobile phone tax revenues to its sister counties – taxes that had been collected by the state government but not distributed to the counties. The distribution was the result of a Public Service Company Tax review conducted by Honolulu, which found that the city was not receiving any tax from a provider of wireless services.

* Legislation: The mayors lobbied the legislature for government liability statues, county representation on the Employer-Union Health Benefits Trust Fund and Employees Retirement System, and other legislation, and shared their concerns regarding state support for the homeless, support for agriculture, and economic stimulus efforts.

* Transient Accommodations Tax: The mayors were united in opposing a proposal considered by legislators to take away the counties’ share of the hotel room tax revenues and succeeded in preserving the county allocation through vigorous, collective lobbying.

* USCM: Hawaii’s four mayors have been members of the U.S. Conference of Mayors and lobbied together on Capitol Hill and at the White House for a share of federal stimulus funding, approval of the Travel Promotion Act, and support for the agenda of the USCM.

* Tourism: For first time, the mayors joined state and county tourism officials last summer for a special marketing campaign in Los Angeles to promote travel to Hawaii. They also traveled to Tokyo in October at the invitation of Marriott International to promote travel to Hawaii.

* Collective Bargaining: The mayors negotiated with leaders of the public sector labor unions, the HGEA and UPW, to resolve differences and finalize agreements for new two-year pacts after talks stalled.

MEDIA RELEASE

Responses to questionnaires sent by the Legislative Committee of the Kona Coffee Farmers Association to candidates for Hawaii Governor, Lt. Governor, U.S. Congressional District 2, State Rep. Districts 5 and 6, and County Council Districts 6, 7, and 8 show overwhelming support from candidates for:

* Reform of the state law which permits the deceptive use of the “Kona Coffee” name with only 10% genuine content and no identification of the origin of the other 90%;

* Putting in place a video conferencing system to effectively bring the voice of Neighbor Island residents (including that of Kona coffee farmers) to State Legislative committee hearings; and

* Serving 100% Hawaii-grown coffee (including 100% Kona coffee) at events sponsored by these Hawaii office holders.

The entire summary of responses may be found at: http://konacoffeefarmers.org/Candidates%202010.pdf

For further information, email info@KonaCoffeeFarmers.org

By Solomon Singer | Candidate, State House District 4

At a time when the Democrats and Republicans are under fire for corruption, mismanagement, and poor leadership, you would think nonpartisan would be the winning ticket.

But first, you need to get past the Primary Election. And the election laws, slyly crafted by the parties, are designed to keep out all but party affiliates.

It’s like forced union membership. If you want to work in politics, you need to join their parties.

That doesn’t sit well with me, the nonpartisan candidate running for State House District 4 (Puna). Besides being the youngest candidate in the country at 18 years of age, I am also an idealist. And I refuse to bow to the partisan pressure to join if you want to serve. I want to represent and answer to the people, not to some party.

Some call me naïve to run as a nonpartisan, since no candidate without party affiliation has ever won a race in Hawaii, or even made it past the Primary. This reflects a corrupted Primary election process. I have filed a complaint with the Chief Election Officer concerning gross bias in the Primary ballot.

For example, the Select A Party section on the front of the Primary Election ballot lists, in order, the Libertarian Party, Green Party, Democratic Party, Free Energy Party, Nonpartisan Ballot, Republican Party.

Note that there is no Nonpartisan Party, only a Nonpartisan ballot. Voters are told to select a party, instead of select a ballot. This biases voters against selecting the nonpartisan ballot.

This may also result in voters selecting a party in addition to selecting the nonpartisan ballot, which can disqualify those votes.

There are also very different rules for nonpartisan candidates than party members, which could cost a nonpartisan candidates the election.

There is a minimum number of votes a nonpartisan must get to progress to the General Election. This does not apply to party candidates.

A nonpartisan candidate, even one running unopposed by other nonpartisans, must receive either 10 percent of the total vote for that race, or must beat at least one party’s winning candidate. An unopposed party candidate, however, automatically gets into the General Election.

The Primary ballot fails to mention that nonpartisan candidates have different and higher standards to meet than party members. This can mislead voters who may support a unopposed nonpartisan candidate, but assume the nonpartisan will automatically get into the General Election and so therefore cast their votes in a more contentious party race.

I am running unopposed by any other nonpartisan for the House seat, and many of my supporters are confused about the election process. Even the Hawaii Tribune Herald newspaper, which did a story on the House Seat race, assumed I would automatically progress to the General Election, apparently either ignorant of the election requirements for nonpartisans, or optimistic about my chances.

Of course, the big question is why a nonpartisan candidate should be forced to run in a Primary Election in the first place. According to the voter’s guide distributed by the Office of Elections, “The Primary Election is a nomination process to choose candidates who will represent the political parties at the General Election.” Obviously, this should not apply to nonpartisans, who, by definition, have no party.

But, again, the rules were made by the parties. And the outcome of these rules is that only the parties have gotten into the General Election. That is, unless I break through the party barrier.

— Find out more:
www.voteforsinger.com

Friday, Aug. 20

* Enock Freire sign waving

No worries if you can only come for a short time. If you have access to a Hawaiian flag, bring it with you so we can decorate the parked cars.

- Friday 8/20, 6 a.m.
Ushijima Store, Honalo-Kainaliu
- Friday 8/20, 3pm
Ushijima Store, Honalo-Kainaliu

* Duke Aiona opens Waimea headquarters

WHEN: 2-2:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 20

WHERE: Duke Aiona for Governor Waimea Headquarters, 65-1190 Mamalahoa Highway

WHAT: Lt. Governor Duke Aiona and Mrs. Vivian Aiona will join family and friends for the blessing and grand opening of the gubernatorial campaign’s Waimea Headquarters, which will be the third headquarters for the campaign on Hawaii Island. Following the event, Aiona will participate in the Big Island Roundup, a $10-per-ticket fundraiser for his campaign, at Kahilu Town Hall, 67-1186 Lindsey Road.

Monday, Aug. 23

* Neil Abercrombie sign waving

6:30-8 a.m.
Keaau-Pahoa Bypass Rd/ Hwy 130 intersection, makai-Hilo bound side
Contact: Philip Matlage at 982-7617 or philipmatlage@yahoo.com

Thursday, Aug. 26

* HIHA Meet the Candidates for Governor Forum
3-4 p.m.
Kealakehe High School
Room D-102

Candidates Hannemann and Abercrombie have agreed to participate. Candidate Aiona has been invited.

This is an opportunity for us to:
1. Educate the candidates about our healthcare problems on the Big Island and our solutions for addressing them.
2. Learn about the candidate’s views and plans related to health while they are in office.
3. Demonstrate that the Alliance is an organization with which to collaborate.

* Kona Kohala Chamber of Commerce Candidate Forum
6 p.m., Kealakehe High School

Tuesday, Aug. 31

* Duke Aiona

Private Dinner Celebration at the: Sheraton Keauhou on the Pavillion on Tuesday, August 31 at 5 p.m. – $1,000 per person

With Gov. Linda Lingle in attendance, we will wish her a big mahalo for her leadership in moving Hawaii forward and envision the new opportunities that we will embrace with the Spirit of Aloha.

Buy tickets online: https://www.donationtickets.com/donationticket/eventTicket.asp?guidEvent=5E5E5C59

Saturday, Aug. 31

* County Council Candidate Forum, Dist 7 & 8
When: Tuesday, Aug. 31, 6 p.m.
Where: Kealakehe High School Cafeteria

Thursday, Sept. 2

* Kona County Farm Bureau is hosting a candidate forum for County Council races 6, 7, and 8. The Forum will be held at KCFB’s bay next to the Hawaii Island Food Basket in Honalo /Keauhou area. The building is at the marshalling yard. Approx. 1/2 mile north of Honalo junction on Kuakini Hwy. We will have a sign out on the highway.

Thursday, Oct. 14

* Kealakehe High, 6pm til 8, Governor forum

Tuesday, Oct. 19

* Kealakehe High, 6 pm til 8, State House Kona and South Kohala districts