KCA forum places candidates in the “hot seat,” asking the hard questions that will influence voters this election season. “We need to stand up for what we believe in… this is our time!”In preparation for the upcoming elections, the Kula Community Association (KCA) held its Primary Election Candidates Forum on Tuesday, Aug. 12, at the Kula Community Center. KCA Board Member Dick Mayer took center stage as the forum’s “emcee,” just as he has since 1979. After three hours of insightful panel discussions, the audience was on its way to digest the evening’s events.
“I think it was very successful,” said Mayer. “It was a good chance for the public to see people and for the candidates to let people know on a broad scale who they are, because a lot of them are newcomers.” The forum covered a variety of issues, including the water predicament, highways, healthcare, energy alternatives, public schools, affordable housing and drug laws. Members of the community listened as 18 candidates from the hotly contested state and county primary races answered questions regarding their positions on pertinent issues. A number of other candidates, who already have the go-ahead to compete in the general election, also attended the forum and took the opportunity to campaign.
Candidates kept their cool answering questions as forum moderators moved the evening along efficiently, sticking to time limits. The evening began by showcasing the wide-open race for the Lana‘i council seat, in which five contenders seek to fill the shoes of Riki Hokama. The group of candidates traveled to Kula to address their struggles as community.
“Lana‘i is very different from Maui when it comes to transient vacation rentals (TVRs),” said candidate Alberta De Jetley. “We’re still evolving and we need to keep our island affordable to residents.” According to candidate John Ornellas, “Regulation is very important and needs to be fair. TVRs are important to our economy, but I want to make sure the people of Lana‘i are listened to… right now, not later.”
For the Lana‘i seat, Winifred Basques and Matthew Mano are also on the ballot, as well as Sol Kaho‘ohalahala, who is returning to politics after leaving the state legislature in 2005.
Running for the vacant South Maui seat, well-known former Councilman Wayne Nishiki responded to moderator’s queries with bold statements, claiming his years working in the community have brought him realizations of holding office.
“You cannot satisfy everyone. So, I will look at the issues, do my homework, ask the right questions,” said Nishiki.
South Maui contender Donald Couch enthusiastically answered a series of questions on housing, water drilling and public safety concerns.
“We need to get a good, strong signal defense system and good marked access routes out when dealing with tsunamis,” said Couch. “We also have to come up with some sort of incentives for police officers to keep them here [to fight violent and drug crimes].”
“The concept of tremendous growth in Kihei is not going to work,” said Nishiki. “Growth should first deal with good, solid, renewable water systems.”
The race for the South and West Maui Senate seat was showcased as good-humored Bart Mulvihill and incumbent Sen. Rosalyn Baker covered Moloka‘i utility issues, schools and subsidizing the airlines.
“There are some interesting things I think we can do to stimulate the airline industry,” said Baker. “One is to waive landing fees. Another thing that we could do is do as Mainland carriers, where they are already exempt from the general excise tax (GET) on jet fuel.”
“We need to do something on a Super Bowl-level to fight flight costs right now,” said Mulvihill. “Our economy is just way too fragile as it is.”
Two candidates took the stage to discuss the race for the West Maui seat. Alan Fukuyama was not present, but incumbent Councilwoman Jo Anne Johnson appeared confident as she answered questions alongside opponent Chayne Marten.
“We need to support our farming community,” said Johnson. “We have all this acreage and if we do additional water storage, help the state to make sure that the Upcountry waterline gets in…that will actually keep down the costs for our produce.”
The race between Natalie “Tasha” Kama and Rep. Joseph Souki followed. Although Souki has been slated as the frontrunner, Kama said she believed that the “usual suspects”—the environment, economy and education—have been taken too lightly. “We need to stand up for what we believe in,” she said. “This is our time!” The two maintained a polite rapport, even as Kama confronted Souki on his involvement with the Hawai‘i Superferry legislation.
Another featured panel highlighted the race for the 12th District Upcountry seat, which rounded out the evening. Olinda’s sweetheart, Summer Starr, and cheerful Rep. Kyle Yamashita respectfully discussed renewing community camaraderie, energy issues and viable agriculture. “Without our rural companies, we are not Hawai‘i,” said Starr. “It’s tragic that 90 percent of crops are brought in… we need to rely on local agriculture now more than ever.” Starr challenged Yamashita on his O‘ahu contribution for campaign financing, addressing the importance of having your own community’s support. Yamashita responded to Starr by saying, “Being a good candidate takes time, effort, hard work and unfortunately, money.”
The forum was videotaped and will be available for viewing on Akaku: Maui Community Television over the next several weeks. Residents can cast their votes at the primary election on Saturday, Sept. 20. The KCA will hold its General Election Forum at the Kula Community Center on Tuesday, Oct. 7, at 6 p.m. For more information, call 878-1874.