OK. We’ve got the candidates, now that those running for public office have filed their papers. Congrats to those willing to put their name out there and ask for voters to support them. Thirty-three Kauai residents have thrown their hat in
OK. We’ve got the candidates, now that those running for public office have filed their papers. Congrats to those willing to put their name out there and ask for voters to support them. Thirty-three Kauai residents have thrown their hat in the ring to run for 11 state and county seats up for re-election this year, including all 11 incumbents. No matter what detractors might say, it takes commitment and discipline to seek office. Well done.
This is the time of year when the enthusiasm and passion that’s part of politics sometimes begins as residents become more vocal, more adamant, a bit more zealous, about the people they’re supporting for county, state or federal posts. It’s also the time of year when the letters start arriving at The Garden Island from people who want to explain who they’re voting for, and why. We welcome such letters. We encourage them. We believe all people should have a chance to publicly explain why they believe a particular candidate will be the best. We’re happy to provide that opportunity on our Forum page.
There are a few guidelines we ask folks to follow for this primary election, first, and the general election later, in regards to such letters. They’re pretty simple.
• Please don’t go on too long. If you can keep it to 300 words or less, that would be terrific and those letters will get published as soon as possible.
• Focus on the issues. Focus on a candidate’s skills and attributes you believe will help him or her to best serve the public. Focus on a candidate’s experience or their qualifications for public office. Focus on their voting record.
• Avoid personal attacks. If you don’t like someone, that’s fine. But don’t rail against them in unfounded accusations in a letter to the editor. That said, if a candidate has taken a public stand on a particular issue, if you disagree with them, it’s why you won’t vote for them, that’s OK to cover in a letter to the editor.
• Most importantly, be respectful. If we can steer clear of the mud-slinging, stay away from name-calling, avoid the cheap shots, the candidates and The Garden Island would appreciate it.
That said, here’s recap of who’s running for office and a review of the voting process and dates:
Twenty Kauai County Council candidates will face off in this year’s primary election, including all seven incumbents: Jay Furfaro; JoAnn Yukimura; Mason Chock Sr.; Gary Hooser; Tim Bynum; Mel Rapozo and Ross Kagawa.
The remaining candidates running for County Council this year are: Arthur Brun; Felicia Cowden; Bill “Billy” DeCosta; Joanne Georgi; Ron Horoshko; Joseph Kaauwai Jr.; Ernest “Ernie” Kanekoa; Arryl Kaneshiro; Sandra “Sandi” Kato-Klutke; KipuKai Kualii; Tiana Laranio; Arnold Leong; and Darryl Perry.
The 14 County Council candidates who obtain the highest number of votes in the Aug. 9 primary election — two for each vacancy — will then vie in the November general election for a seat on the seven-member board.
Three mayoral candidates — Dustin Barca of Kilauea, Debralynn “Mizdebz” DeSilva Carveiro of Hanapepe and Curtis Lake of Kapaa — will take on incumbent Bernard Carvalho Jr. in the primary election.
The two mayoral candidates who obtain the highest number of votes in the primary election will then continue on to the Nov. 4 general election.
State seats
Rep. James “Jimmy” Kunane Tokioka, the five-term incumbent House District 15, will be challenged by Dylan Hooser in the primary election for the Democratic Party’s general election ticket.
The winner, in turn, will then take on Republican candidate Steven Yoder in the general election.
House District 15 includes Wailua Homesteads, Hanamaulu, Lihue, Puhi, Old Koloa Town and Omao.
Democratic incumbent Derek Kawakami, who also ran unopposed for his state House District 14 seat in 2012, will face off against Republican candidate Jonathan Hoomanawanui in the general election.
That state House district includes Hanalei, Princeville, Kilauea, Anahola, Kapaa and Wailua.
The House District 16 seat is held by two-term Democratic incumbent Daynette “Dee” Morikawa. All four candidates, two Democrats and two Republicans, vying for that state House seat will face off in the primary election — Morikawa and Thomas “Butch” Kahawai for the Democratic Party and Vince Flores and Victoria “Vickie” Franks for the Republican Party — before one candidate with the most votes from each party moves on to the general election.
House District 16 includes Niihau, Lehua, Koloa and Waimea.
And finally, we remind everyone to please take time, learn about the candidates, what they stand for, and then be sure to vote. Look for an election special section next month in The Garden Island to help you learn more about the candidates. By the way, the last day to register to vote in the primary election is July 10.
