Aloha Friends,

Following the disappointing results of Tuesday night, I wanted to write you this brief note, with a more extended message to follow in the coming days. Many of you have asked about the reasons for our loss, and I will attempt as best I can to analyze and report on that question in the coming weeks.

A message similar to the below was posted on Facebook but I understand all of you may not have seen it. In addition, below also include comments I provided to The Garden Island who have inquired as to “how I am feeling”.

I awoke Wednesday morning at peace with the Council election results, but remain very unsettled by the national situation.

It has been an honor and privilege to serve on the Kauai County Council.  

We ran an incredibly vigorous campaign and I am in awe and deep gratitude to those of you who helped and supported that effort.

My message at the moment is one of gratitude to all of those who have helped me over the past few months. You know who you are.

From the bottom of my heart I thank you for all you have done in support of me and the campaign. I promise you that my commitment, actions and efforts in the future will continue to be focused on helping to make our world a better place.

During the years I have spent campaigning for public office I have lost 4 elections while winning 6, serving so far a net total of 16 years in elective office (including both the Kauai County Council and the Hawaii State Senate).  

The process is such that you give the campaign 110%, the people vote and decide, and then you move forward with the decision made by the voters.  

As the results came in on Tuesday evening, the thoughts that were at the top of my mind were primarily those of not wanting to disappoint or let others down who have worked so very hard to support me and the campaign.  I know and understand that for me personally there are many paths to service and when one door shuts, another always opens

Our island and our State continues to face many challenges and I am committed to remaining engaged in the efforts to resolve them.  My initial plan is to expand my work with the many existing groups and various advocacy organizations and then to move forward in support of independent community based solutions.  

Preserving and expanding the hard won gains in the area of environmental and health protections will remain a top priority.

As I enter the prime of my life, I am excited and somewhat anxious to choose that new path and cross through that new door that awaits me. My goal and hope to all of you who are part of my life and who have been part of this incredible journey, is that we remain connected and continue to work together in our common quest to improve and protect our planet and community.

Imua!