Maui Election

State Senate President Shan Tsutsui of Maui is among a six-member delegation from the Maui Democratic Party that will attend the National Democratic Convention next week in Charlotte, North Carolina.

An examination of the differences between the two US Senate candidates. It is a rare election that will have national attention, and possibly tip the balance of power in the US for decades.

How they lost, and where they go from here.

A series of voting problems over on the Big Island have prompted a discussion on whether to change Hawaii’s election system. Meanwhile, studies show that mail-in voting encourages greater voter turnout.

The debate, turned single candidate forum, will run from 5 to 6 p.m. and will give the Maui Chamber an opportunity to make an endorsement determination in the race to fill the seat being vacated by US Senator Daniel Akaka who is not running for re-election.

In the winner-take-all Democratic primary for District 9 in the state house, Gil Keith-Agaran maintains his role as state lawmaker, garnering 2,282 votes, or 57.0% of the vote. He edged out his opponent, Joe Pontanilla, who garnered 1,583 votes, or 39.5%.

The live program will start at 5:30 p.m. this Saturday, August 11, and will be carried on MCTV Cable 55, KNUI AM 900, and via a stream on at mauinow.com.

Examining the top two contenders for Hawaii’s 2nd Congressional District.

“Aloha. My name is Kanohowailuku Helm. I’m running for state Senate, District 7, which is to represent Upcountry Maui, East Maui, Molokai, Lanai, and Kahoolawe. Basically, my platform is to look at what we need before what we want. I never aspired to become a politician.”

“Aloha. My name is Stacy Helm Crivello and I am running for Maui County Council, Molokai district. I am seeking your kokua to vote for me on November 6th. Maui County is unique. Each of the islands have unique concerns and issues, and we need to address them as community builders.”

“Aloha. Mufi Hannemann, candidate for the US Congress, 2nd Congressional District seat. I want to go to Washington, DC to help you. I want to help our middle class; I want to protect Social Security, Medicare, improve our educational system for our keiki; and obviously put people back to work.”

The Office of Hawaiian Affairs is stepping up efforts to rally new voters for the November 6 General Election. The campaign involves a new web page, enlisting celebrity spokespeople, and organizing registration drives across the state.

District 11’s state representative seat is the most contested on Maui. District 11 includes Kihei, Makena and Wailea. State your preference here.

“Aloha. My name is Elle Cochran and I am the current West Maui County council representative. This season I am running un-opposed, but that doesn’t give me the excuse to sit on my laurels and ignore my community….”

“Aloha. My name is Rep. George Fontaine and I’m running for re-election for State House District 11, which incorporates Kihei, Wailea, and Makena. As an advocate for small business, I’m working hard and tirelessly to try to get our Kihei High School built.”

“Aloha. I’m Don Guzman and I’m running for the County Council, Kahului Seat…. I was a former Deputy Prosecutor for the County of Maui for five years, as well as serving as a legislative aide for Tom Okumura in the state House.”

“Aloha. I’m Richard Pohle, candidate for County Council, Upcountry residency. I moved to Maui in 1969 with a PhD in Physics to work at the top at Haleakala. I married an O’ahu girl. During my career, I have been the chief engineer in the space program–you would know that as Star Wars.”

“Aloha. I’m Mike White. I’m running for the Maui County Council Makawao, Paia and Haiku seat. As a sixth generation kamaaina, and a business person, and someone who has been involved int he community of Maui for many, many years, I have a keen perspective on what’s important to Maui.”

While Mazie Hirono may prove highly effective at bringing benefits to Hawaii, Ed Case’s independent voting record points to an ability to make bold, principled decisions.

“Aloha. My name is Barbara Haliniak. I’m a candidate for State Senate District 7 representing Hana, Upcountry and East Maui, Molokai, Lanai, and Kahoolawe. I’m running for the office because for too long we have been under-represented in our district, and our voices have not been heard at the state Legislature.”