As U.S. Sen. Daniel K. Inouye spoke before an enthusiastic crowd of 200 people at a rally for Sen. Roz Baker at the VFW Kihei Clubhouse the evening of Thursday, Oct. 23, he endorsed Don Couch for the South Maui County Council seat and urged voters to support Couch in his race against long-time politician Wayne Nishiki.

“Don Couch is not a politician,” said Sen. Inouye. “Don is for the people. He’s for jobs, for you, and for the best healthcare for you.”

Couch said he was deeply gratified by the senator’s comments. “He is a hero to all of us on Maui and has served his country in war and peace with honor and dignity,” he said. “His support of my campaign is another indication of the importance of this election, and the critical need to move forward with real change and not get mired in the politics of the past.”

Couch added that he looks forward to supporting Sen. Inouye in his efforts, and applauded his record of caring for Maui County’s working families.