Maui polling place, file photo by Wendy Osher.

By Wendy Osher

Two Maui residents filed papers recently becoming the first official candidates from the Valley Isle for the upcoming 2012 Election.

Alan Fukuyama pulled papers on the first day of the candidate filing period, and filed his papers the following day.  He is seeking election to the Kahului Council seat being vacated by Joe Pontanilla who reaches his term limit this year.

Fukuyama announced his plans to run for the Kahului seat in November, saying his move from Lahaina to Kahului earlier in the year was prompted by his decision to care for his mother.

Also pulling papers for the Kahului seat is local attorney, Don Guzman, who held a campaign kick-off party in November.  Guzman pulled papers fro the seat on February 2, 2012, but had yet to file according to the last candidate filing update posted on February 9.

Kihei resident, Antonio Gimbernat became an official candidate for the US Senate after filing papers for the seat on February 7.  Gimbernat is on the Democratic ticket and is joined by three others who have already pulled papers for the race.

Others on Maui who have pulled papers, but have not yet filed include:

• Patric Brock: US Congressional District 2, Kihei resident and Libertarian.
• Robert Carroll: East Maui Council, Hana resident, incumbent
• Eleanora Cochran: West Maui Council, Lahaina resident, incumbent
• Joseph Blackburn, II: Wailuku Council, Wailuku resident
• Michael Victorino: Wailuku resident, incumbent
• Donald Couch Jr.: South Maui Council, Kihei resident, incumbent
• Michael White: Makawao Council, Makawao resident, incumbent

The candidate filing deadline is 4:30 p.m. on June 5, 2012.

Until the state legislative reapportionment plan is complete, individuals may begin filings for only: county, Office of Hawaii Affairs and federal seats.