US Rep. Colleen Hanabusa. US House Office of Photography: Official photo. (left); Gov. David Ige. Official photo. (right)

AARP Hawai‘i is sponsoring a live televised debate between the major Democratic candidates for governor — Congresswoman Colleen Hanabusa and Governor David Ige — on Monday, July 16 from 7 to 8 p.m. at the KHON2 studios.

The debate is part of AARP’s “Be the Difference. Vote.” Campaign to urge all candidates to address issues important to voters 50 and older, and to hold politicians accountable for their promises. Americans 50+ are the nation’s most powerful voting bloc.

KHON2’s Gina Mangieri will moderate the debate. University of Hawai‘i School of Communications Department Chair Gerald Kato will ask questions and there will be videotaped questions from the general public.

The debate will last one hour and the candidates will also have an opportunity to question each other. It will be broadcast live at 7 p.m. and live-streamed online. The debate can also be viewed online upon conclusion.

“AARP has a proud, 32-year history of non-partisan voter engagement and providing voters with information on where the candidates stand on issues important to our members and their families, so they can make their best decisions on Election Day,” said AARP Hawai‘i State President Barbara Kim Stanton. “AARP informs its members and the general public about candidates’ position on issues so they can choose candidates that best represent their views and values.”

More information on AARP’s “Be the Difference.Vote.” campaign is available online.