A Joint Undertaking of Filipinos From National Federation of Filipino-American Associations Maui Filipino Community Council Maui Filipino Chamber of Commerce

Filipino community to hold forum

The National Federation of Filipino American Associations, Maui Filipino Community Council and Maui Filipino Chamber of Commerce will host the first Filipino-sponsored candidate forum in the County of Maui on Wednesday, Sept. 10.

Open to the public, the forum is scheduled for 5 to 9 p.m. at the Binhi at Ani-Maui Filipino Community Center at 780 Onehe‘e Avenue in Kahului.

A meet-and-greet with the candidates begins at 5 p.m., followed by the forum at 6 p.m.

The goals of the forum are to provide an opportunity for the Filipino community to meet the candidates, educate voters on candidates’ positions on the issues, and encourage registration to vote in the election.

Each candidate may offer a brief, 40-second introduction. Questions will be posed by a five-member panel consisting of distinguished Filipino leaders and members of the Filipino-owned print media. Candidates may give brief, 30-second responses to each question.

The forum will begin with State Senate candidates, followed by State House candidates and Maui County Council candidates.

Refreshments will be provided; attendees are encouraged to bring pastries, finger dishes or light snacks.

Organizers noted, “According to the 2007 edition of the ‘Maui County Data Book,’ Filipinos comprise over 17 percent, or 22,800-plus, of the population, and we want the candidates to listen to the concerns and voices of the Filipinos here in Maui County. This election is a very important turning point for Maui’s future, and the Filipino community on Maui will help in selecting competent leaders to lead us in solving all challenges.”

Candidates to rally on Lana‘i

An Old-Fashioned, Nonpartisan Political Rally will be held Saturday, Sept. 6, from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Dole Park in Lana‘i City.

Meet Maui County Council Candidates for East Maui—incumbent Bill Kauakea Medeiros and Lucienne de Naie; West Maui—incumbent Jo Anne Johnson, Alan Fukuyama and Chayne Marten; Kahului—incumbent Joe Pontanilla and Netra Halperin; Wailuku—incumbent Mike Victorino (unopposed); South Maui—Don Couch, Wayne Nishiki and Norman Vares; Makawao-Ha‘iku-Pa‘ia—incumbent Mike Molina and Kai Nishiki; Upcountry—incumbent Gladys Baisa and Michael Howden; Lana‘i—Winnie Basques, Alberta de Jetley, Sol Kaho‘ohalahala, Matthew Mano and John Ornellas; and Moloka‘i—incumbent Danny Mateo (unopposed).

State Rep. Mele Carroll, who is unopposed, will attend, along with State Senate candidates J. Kalani English (incumbent) and John Blumer-Buell.

Speakers and invited guests include Maui County Council Chair Riki Hokama, ILWU 142 Maui Division Director William Kennison and West and South Maui Rep. Angus McKelvey.

For more information, call Rally Coordinator Alberta de Jetley at (808) 649-0808 or e-mail sopdej@yahoo.com.

Political rallies set

Friends of Jan Shields is holding a political rally at Lahaina Civic Center on Tuesday, Sept. 30, from 5 to 8 p.m.

A South Maui Rally will be held on Thursday, Sept. 18, at Kihei Community Center.

Shields is a Republican candidate for Senate District 5, representing South and West Maui.

The events will feature prizes, entertainment and dinner. Everyone is welcome to join in the fun.

Tickets are $10 per person. Send checks to Friends of Jan Shields, P.O. Box 11720, Lahaina, HI 96761. Include your name, address, phone number and email address, the number of tickets wanted with the check, and whether you want West Maui or South Maui rally tickets. Tickets will be mailed.

For more information, contact Sharon at Sharon@JanShields4Senate.com or 667-6776.

Ornellas campaign to provide rides

John Ornellas, candidate for the Lana‘i seat on the Maui County Council, and his campaign staff will provide transportation for senior citizens to and from the polling place on Lana‘i on Primary Election Day, Saturday, Sept. 20.

The Ornellas campaign will have four vehicles available. Seniors may call Ornellas at 559-0411 to schedule their ride.