Lingle, Kusaka on board for Republican Party lu’au

LIHU’E – The Kaua’i Republican Party is hosting a fund-raising lu’au Saturday,

Jan. 29, from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Kukui Grove pavilion.

There will be

Hawaiian food prepared by the Malama ‘ohana of Kekaha, refreshments, and

entertainment from Robbie Kaholokula and Na K Productions.

The lu’au is a

chance to “mingle with Lingle,” as former Maui Mayor Linda Lingle, chair of the

state Republican Party, will be in attendance. Mayor Maryanne Kusaka has also

confirmed her attendance.

Some 300 tickets have been sold for the event,

said Bill Harper of Kalaheo. Lingle, according to Harper, has put together the

party’s strategic plan for the entire state.

The party’s state convention

is in May.

Tickets for the lu’au are $25 in advance, $30 at the door,

available by calling Rosie Holt, *82-823-6369; Hoff, 332-9745; or Ulla Heyn,

826-1107.

Holt, who is the new chair of the Kaua’i Republican Party, said

she’ll be happy if there is a Republican candidate for each line on the ballot

this year.

While a charter amendment changed elections for mayor, County

Council and prosecuting attorney to nonpartisan, state and federal elected

offices are still contested by members of various political parties.

“We

just need changes. That’s all there is,” Holt said. She hopes all Democratic

incumbents up for re-election in state and federal elections will be challenged

by Republicans, if for nothing else so there is “competition to get the blood

going.”

Holt moved up to chair from first vice chair in the Kaua’i

Republican Party when Juan Lugo’s business activity picked up and he wasn’t

able to devote the time necessary to the position.

John Hoff of Lawa’i

moved into the first vice chair slot, Holt said.