Election, campaign line-up: MHLA endorses Green; UPW endorses Kahele; Tasha Kama fundraiser dinner

Maui Hotel & Lodging Association announces early endorsement of Josh Green in governor’s race

The Maui Hotel & Lodging Association announced its early endorsement of Josh Green for Governor. This endorsement was supported by MHLA Board members representing hotels, restaurants, activities, and other businesses working with the Maui County industry.

MHLA Executive Director Lisa Paulson cited Green’s “steady leadership throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and praised him for his efforts to balance public and economic health across the state.”

“Lieutenant Governor Green worked every day to keep us safe and informed during an unprecedented pandemic that disproportionately affected the local hospitality industry,” said Paulson in a press release announcement. “Our association—and the industry in Maui County—are extremely grateful to him for his leadership during these difficult times.”

Green thanked MHLA for its early endorsement and reiterated the importance of saving the tourism economy throughout the pandemic. 

“There were contingency plans that wouldn’t have allowed [the state] to fully open for another eight months,” said Green. “That would have been an impossibility for you in the tourism industry and across our economy, which would have meant hundreds of thousands of people would have been housing-unstable, food-insecure, unable to pay their mortgages, and unable to take care of their keiki.” 

“[The tourism industry] provides so many valuable things, and it’s not just the economy. It’s the tradition of education and advocacy from this organization, but it’s also your philanthropy. When we had doctors and nurses burning out, and in a desperate state, you provided a home and respite through the Hotels for Healthcare Heroes program. You sustained their spirits as they worked to keep us alive,” said Green. 

Green also shared that he plans to install tourism-specific positions in his potential administration. “We have to transition to the new model of tourism,” said Green. “I intend to place someone in my administration to oversee this transition safely and consistent with your values.” 

Paulson noted the industry’s need for allies during a time when tourism faces countless challenges and community concerns. “The Lieutenant Governor understands our community challenges while acknowledging hospitality’s position as its top economic driver.”

MHLA is a nonprofit organization founded in 1987 to advocate for the Visitor Industry. The organization also provides educational opportunities via the Academy of Hospitality & Tourism and scholarships for UH Maui College students; and benefits the community via the annual Visitor Industry Charity Walk, Excellence in Education golf tournament, and Kupuna Dinner.

UPW endorses Kai Kahele for Governor

United Public Workers AFSCME Local 646 AFL-CIO (UPW) members from across Hawaiʻi and State Director Kalani Werner announce UPW’s endorsement of Kai Kahele for Governor of the State of Hawaiʻi in the 2022 primary election.

“Over UPW’s nearly 80-year history in fighting for Hawaiʻi workers, we have supported leaders who share our vision,” said UPW State Director Kalani Werner. “Kai shares our values of building grassroots support, advocating for working families and a lower cost of living, and ensuring that fundamental rights of Hawaiʻi’s public workers remain protected. These last two-and-a-half years have been challenging for our members who were on the frontlines of the pandemic, and we believe that Kai is the right person to lead our state as we move forward.”

“We are humbled by UPW’s bold and courageous endorsement of our candidacy for governor and stand united with them in our shared commitment to change,” said US Congressman Kaialiʻi Kahele in a UPW news release. “I believe the message we’re sharing is one of courage, strength, and a passion for the people and places that make us proud to call Hawaiʻi home. What’s at stake is far greater than a political office. Our integrity is at stake. Our local values are at stake. Our future in Hawaiʻi is at stake. Together, we will work tirelessly to correct course for our state and return it to those who built it — our working-class families. ”

“Throughout his time in public service, Kai has steadfastly supported workers in the public and private sectors across the state. A father of three, Kai will focus on creating a brighter future for the next generation of working-class families in Hawaiʻi. UPW supports Kai’s plans to improve infrastructure, tackle Hawaiʻi’s affordable housing crisis, diversify Hawaiʻi’s economy and create opportunities for agriculture and business while being responsible to our environment and the Native Hawaiian community,” according to the release. 

In line with Kahele’s campaign pledge, UPW is foregoing a monetary contribution to his campaign. UPW looks forward to providing grassroots support to his campaign. 

Founded in 1944, UPW represents 12,000 public and private sector workers across Hawaiʻi.

Those seeking the Democratic nomination for governor include: David L. “Duke” Bourgoin, Vicky Cayetano, Josh Green, Kai Kahele, Richard Kim, and Clyde McClain “Mac” Lewman.

On the Republican ticket, former Lt. Governor under the Lingle administration, James “Duke” Aina filed a last minute bid.  Others seeking the Republican nomination are BJ Penn of MMA fighting fame and Councilwoman Heidi Tsuneyoshi for the party’s nomination, along with nine others from the party including:  Gary Cordery, George “Big Al” Hawat, Keline Kahau, Lynn Barry Mariano, Paul Morgan, Moses “Momo” Paskowitz, Rob Burns, Tae Kim, and Seaula Tupai Jr.

Nonpartisan candidate Caleb Nazara and Libertarian Gene S. Tamashiro round out the race for governor. 

Friends of Tasha Kama to hold fundraiser dinner, Aug. 17

Update: (July 14, 2022)

Friends of Tasha Kama today announced that a fundraiser dinner for Councilmember and Presiding Officer Pro Tempore Natalie “Tasha” Kama (Kahului Residency District) has been rescheduled to Wednesday, Aug. 17, 2022 at the Kahului Community Center, starting at 5:30 p.m.; doors open at 5 p.m.

The public is invited to join Councilmember Kama for an evening of good food, music by local group “Nevah Too Late,” entertainment by Iola Balubar and members of her Hālau Hula O Keola Aliʻi O Ke Kai, hula by Makana Palakiko and Stellamae Sickels, and more. Member Kama will also share some of her accomplishments and priorities, as she serves both her constituency of Kahului and the larger community of Maui County.

Those who purchased tickets for the July event will receive replacement tickets for the August event in the mail. If you have not received tickets by Aug. 4, please contact Friends of Tasha Kama. Suggested donation is $25; to purchase tickets for the Aug. 17 dinner, visit the Friends of Tasha Kama website at https://www.friendsoftashakama.com/ or call 808-385-3400 and leave a message. Kahului Community Center is located at 275 Uhu Street, off Onehe‘e Avenue.

Update: (July 4, 2022)

The Friends of Tasha Kama (Kahului Residency District) announced that the fundraiser dinner scheduled for this Wednesday, July 6 at Wailuku Community Center has been postponed due to non-COVID-related illness.

Those who purchased tickets to the event may request a refund or hold them for the rescheduled event, which will be announced at a later date.

Any questions may be directed to Campaign Chair Evan Dust at 808-344-7437 or via email at [email protected].

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Friends of Tasha Kama announced that a fundraiser dinner will be held for Councilmember and Presiding Officer Pro Tempore Natalie “Tasha” Kama (Kahului Residency District) on Wednesday, July 6, 2022 at the Velma McWayne (Wailuku) Community Center, starting at 5:30 p.m.

The public is invited to join Councilmember Kama for an evening of good food, music by local group “Nevah Too Late,” entertainment by Iola Balubar and members of her Hālau Hula O Keola Aliʻi O Ke Kai, hula by Makana Palakiko and Stellamae Sickels, and more. Member Kama will also share some of her accomplishments and priorities, as she serves both her constituency of Kahului and the larger community of Maui County.

Tickets are available on the Friends of Tasha Kama website for a suggested donation of $25. For more information, or to request tickets, visit https://www.friendsoftashakama.com/ or call ph. (808) 344-7437.

The most crowded Council race this year is in Kahului, where seven candidates had filed by Tuesdayʻs deadline. The list includes: incumbent Tasha Kama, Cara Flores, Tina Pedro, Carol Lee Kamekona, Buddy James Nobriga, Jack “Jason” W. Schwartz, and Keoni Watanabe.

Election Calendar

• Saturday, July 23, 2022 – Deadline to submit voter service center watchers
• Tuesday, July 26, 2022 – Voters receive begin to receive ballots in the mail for the Primary Election
• Monday Aug. 1, 2022 – Voter service centers open
• Wednesday, Aug. 3, 2022 – Deadline to submit paper Voter Registration Application for the 2022 Primary Election
• Saturday, Aug. 6, 2022 – Deadline for registered voters to request an absentee mail ballot
• Saturday, Aug. 13, 2022 – Primary Election (7 a.m. to 7 p.m.) / Voter service centers and places of deposit close
• Thursday, Aug. 25, 2022, 4:30 p.m. – Deadline to submit ballot questions
• Friday, Aug. 26, 2022 – Deadline to file election objections
• Monday, Sept. 19, 2022, 4:30 p.m. – Deadline to withdraw candidacy for ill health
• Friday, Sept. 23, 2022 – Deadline for Clerkʻs office to mail ballots overseas to voters
• Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2022, 4:30 p.m. – Deadline to submit voter service center watchers
• Friday, Oct. 21, 2022 – Voters begin to receive their ballots in the mail for the General Election
• Tuesday, Oct. 25, 2022 – Voter service centers open
• Monday, Oct. 31, 2022 – Deadline to submit paper Voter Registration Application for the 2022 General Election
• Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022 – Deadline for registered voters to request an absentee mail ballot
• Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2022 – General Election (7 a.m. to 7 p.m.) / Voter Service Centers and places of deposit close
• Monday, Nov. 28, 2022, 4:30 p.m. – Deadline to file election objections

To submit information on campaign fundraisers, endorsements, and community meet & greet events, send items to [email protected].