Time to pivot to local elections

In only 60 days the 2020 primary election will essentially be over. Ballots will be mailed out on or about July 22, and most of the voting will occur in the following 10 days. All ballots must be received by Aug. 8. Important: Ballots must be received by Aug. 8 and not mailed by Aug. 8.

This election will be all mail-in, and there will only be a single location available in Lihu‘e on election day where ballots can be dropped off. Those people used to voting in person on election day should be aware that their regular polling station will be closed. Everyone must vote by mail in advance or risk standing in a very long line at the one and only in-person location on Aug. 8.

Yes, life for most residents at the present time is, at best, complicated. For many, the present situation is extremely stressful and full of apprehension as to what the future might bring.

If you are both saddened and outraged by what is happening in cities and towns across the country, know that I am as well.

If you are disgusted with national politics, I get it.

If you are disappointed with local politics, and tired and broke, and totally over dealing with unemployment, COVID-19 and the craziness engulfing the world, I get that too.

While we may not be able to change the greater world in the next 60 days, we can begin to change the world locally here on Kaua‘i and in Hawai‘i. But to do that we have to show up and participate.

The reality is we need to do this because of the bad stuff. The world feels like it’s spinning out of control so let’s grab a hold of things here locally, slow it down and get a better handle on things locally at least.

My hope is that we can shake off the bad stuff for a moment, anyway, and focus on our local elections. The Kaua‘i County Council could possibly be dramatically reshaped due to the two openings resulting from Council Vice Chair Ross Kagawa being termed out and Councilmember Arthur Brun being in jail. And as is the case for every council election, all seven seats are up and subject to change in 2020. But we know for a fact that there will be at least two new people elected to that body. Of course, several “old-timers” are in the race as well, and so the two new people may in fact be not so new.

We need to peacefully protest and fight for meaningful change here on Kaua‘i by supporting those candidates who share our values, who believe that supporting local food production should be a priority and who will protect our natural environment.

We need councilmembers who are going to push and fight and never let up in the effort to create and preserve truly affordable housing. And, of course, we need leaders who are brave enough say out loud that there must be limits on the number of tourists who come to our island.

The primary election is on Aug. 8, and voting will start on July 22. We have a wide selection of candidates running for election to the county council. Personally, I hope to see some new blood, new energy and new ideas rise in the ranks and join the ultimate seven who are elected to serve us for the coming two years.

While showing up to cast your vote by mail is essential, to make true change happen requires much more than that. I encourage all to engage with the individual candidates, by email and by phone for now.

Yes, visit their websites to learn a bit about them, but go that extra mile and actually reach out and talk to them. Their responses to your emails and phone calls will, of course, tell you a lot. As the COVID-19 restrictions are loosened in the coming months there will likely be an opportunity to meet and talk to candidates face-to-face, and all are encouraged to do so.

When you find someone you like, help them. New candidates without islandwide name recognition especially need your help and support. Running an islandwide campaign is challenging and expensive. If you find a candidate you like, consider making a campaign contribution. Put a sign in your yard and a bumper sticker on your car. When the time comes to hold signs on the highway, be there with them. Your help is needed. You will enjoy the camaraderie of a campaign, and your help could make the difference between winning and losing.

Our community needs good leaders to help guide our collective future. Our leaders need an engaged and informed community to help guide them in their decision-making.

Most who hold office genuinely want to please their constituents and do the right thing. It is up to those constituents to pay attention and communicate with their elected leaders early and often, and loudly when necessary.

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Gary Hooser formerly served in the state Senate, where he was majority leader. He also served for eight years on the Kaua‘i County Council, and was the former director of the state Office of Environmental Quality Control. He serves presently in a volunteer capacity as board president of the Hawai‘i Alliance for Progressive Action and is executive director of the Pono Hawai‘i Initiative.