Realtors Association of Maui hosts first “speed candidating” mixer to provide voters with an opportunity to discuss issues with the candidates.What do you get when you mix a group of aspiring candidates, some well-informed constituents and a coach’s whistle? The not-so-obvious answer is, “speed candidating.” If you are not familiar with speed candidating, here is a definition to add to your glossary of political terminologies. Similar to the matchmaking tactic of “speed dating,” speed candidating provides community members with a three-minute window of time to ask questions, express concerns and learn more about the candidates—face to face.
On Thursday, Aug. 28, the Realtors Association of Maui hosted its first “candidate mixer” at the King Kamehameha Golf Club in Waikapu. RAM members and guests arrived at the golf club eager to talk story with the candidates whose names will appear on ballots in November.
Participating “speed candidates” included: Bart Mulvihill (State Senate, District 5); Henry Kahula (State Senate, District 9); Angus McKelvey (State House, District 10); Joe Souki (State House, District 8); Jan Shields (State Senate, District 5); Joe Bertram III (State House, District 11); Kyle Yamashita (State House, District 12); John Ornellas (County Council, Lana‘i District); Michael Gingerich (State House, District 11); Mickey Vierra (State House, District 12); Roz Baker (State Senate, District 5); Summer Starr (State House, District 12); Tasha Kama (State House, District 8); Alberta De Jetley (County Council, Lana‘i District); Bill Medeiros (County Council, East Maui); Chayne Marten (County Council, West Maui); Don Couch (County Council, South Maui); Sol Kaho‘ohalahala (County Council, Lana‘i District); Netra Halperin (County Council, Kahului); Mike Molina (County Council, Pa‘ia-Makawao-Ha‘iku); Joe Pontanilla (County Council, Kahului); Michael Howden (County Council, Upcountry); Lucienne de Naie (County Council, East Maui); Kai Nishiki (County Council, Pa‘ia-Makawao-Ha‘iku); and Gladys Baisa (County Council, Upcountry).
Standing at assigned tables garnished with colorful campaign stickers, buttons and pamphlets, the candidates positioned themselves along the thick-paned windows of the clubhouse, prepared to greet the clusters of residents announced by each blow of the whistle.
As the sound of rambling conversation and laughter began to fill the room, it was almost possible to see hundreds of question marks hovering over the heads of the inquisitive constituents as they moved throughout the room, speaking to each of the candidates.
For some, the event provided a chance to demystify both the candidates’ personalities and their political platforms; for others, it was an opportunity to get a feel for the “human side” of the politicians whose names are on the signs and banners that adorn fences and front lawns across Maui County.
With a warm smile and a handshake, candidates took a minute to introduce themselves to each group of constituents, explaining their decision to run for office and offering a brief synopsis of their short- and long-term plans for Maui County. With the clock ticking, group members listened intently as the candidates condensed several years of personal and professional experiences into just a few short minutes.
Nodding along as he outlined his objectives for Maui’s struggling economy, participants implored State Rep. Joe Bertram III to assist small businesses and work towards bolstering the island’s sagging tourism industry. As he greeted a group of residents, State Rep. Joe Souki asked, “Is there anything that you think I should improve on?”
According to RAM Government Affairs Director Dave DeLeon, the event was designed to engage RAM members in the political process. “It is a completely different dynamic when you can talk to the candidates face to face, rather than listening to them speak at a podium on a stage,” he said. DeLeon said speed candidating was a brand new concept for RAM, one that offered a rare and invaluable opportunity for residents to meet the candidates in a relaxed, informal setting and hear about the issues—straight from the source.
“This is fantastic,” said Lucienne de Naie, contender for the East Maui County Council seat. “Participatory democracy is so important… not only are they learning about me, but I am learning about them.”
From the future of affordable housing to improving Maui County’s public school system, group members did not hesitate to ask tough, direct questions, perhaps encouraged and emboldened by the level playing field feel of the event. And while some candidates may have been caught off guard at times, they were not afraid to answer—or defend their stance on particular issues.
Throughout the morning, the thread of conversation moved through a spectrum of topics, but most of the candidates agreed the top three issues that continuously surfaced involved the debate over transient vacation rentals (TVRs), the fate of Maui’s water supply and deciding rural growth boundaries.
As the final whistle sounded, candidates sat down to lunch with their constituents—and their political opponents. “This is what makes this island so special,” said Councilwoman Gladys Baisa, “We can interact with each other, have a good conversation and share our common love for Maui.”
RAM is planning to hold a head-to-head Candidates Forum following the primary election on Tuesday, Oct. 7, and members and affiliates will be asked to participate in selecting the candidates that RAM will formally endorse. For more information, contact DeLeon at GAD@RAMaui.com.