Kula Community Association to present candidate forum.

The Kula Community Association presents a unique forum on Tuesday, Aug. 12, starting at 6 p.m. at the Kula Community Center (across from the Holy Ghost Church in central Kula). All Maui residents are invited to attend the Primary Election Candidates Forum to hear from those who are offering to serve as our political leaders.

“Maui is going through enormous change, which demands that we select the best possible leadership,” said KCA Boardmember Dick Mayer.

The evening will include two wide-open races for vacant seats where there are no incumbents. Five candidates are running for Riki Hokama’s Lana‘i seat and four candidates are vying for Michelle Anderson’s South Maui County Council position. Both of these races include former councilmembers who are seeking to rejoin the council: Sol Kaho‘ohalahala from Lana‘i, and Wayne Nishiki from South Maui.

The forum’s featured panel will showcase Summer Starr’s challenge to Rep. Kyle Yamashita for the Upcountry seat in the State Legislature.

The forum will also feature the contest for the South and West Maui Senate seat now held by State Sen. Roz Baker with Democratic competitor Bart Mulvihill in addition to South Maui freshman Rep. Joe Bertram’s face off against newcomer Michael Gingerich

Candidates will be asked questions that explore not only their priorities and style, but also their positions on major issues.

Since the evening’s focus will be on the “hotly contested” primary races, only the candidates who have opposition in the primary will be speaking.

The usual great refreshments will be served all evening. For information, call 878-1874.