Many Kauaʻi friends have been asking about the County Council race.

For the Primary Election, I’m supporting challengers Fern Anuenue Holland and Addison Bulosan.

While all 7 seats are up for election, two incumbents (Kaneshiro and Chock) are “terming out” – I believe both Fern Holland and Addison Bulosan are excellent choices to fill those two slots.

I’ve decided to cast only 2 votes in the Primary.

I will no doubt vote for incumbents in the General Election, but my Primary Election focus (pun intended) is to strongly support both Fern and Addison in their quest to represent all of us on the Council. It is important that both finish in the top 7 on August 13th.

Hence my decision to cast only two votes in the primary.

Incumbent Councilmembers already have the advantage of strong name recognition and should be judged by voters on their public performance over the past two years, and in the next few months leading up to the General Election.

I’ve worked extensively with Fern and know her well. She is smart, does her homework, and is a tireless community advocate who cares deeply about our island. There is no question that Fern Anuenue Holland will be at the table for all of us, working hard to protect our island and improve our quality of life.

Addison is a successful small business owner who knows the importance of building bridges. In an effort to get to know him better, I have met and spoken at length with him on numerous occasions over the past few months. Our conversations have been far-ranging and included public policy topics of substance. I have come away from these conversations confident that when elected, he will serve us well.

For now anyway, I will leave it at that – Fern Anuenue Holland and Addison Bulosan.

Please join me in supporting them both.

Gary Hooser

Note: For those interested in the process and criteria read: Which candidates should be supported?

Note2: For those interested in my choice for Governor and Lieutenant Governor read:

Why I’m supporting Kai Kahele over Josh Green.

I’ve finally come to a decision on the Hawaii Lieutenant Governors’ race.

Note3: As to the OHA races, I am not making any recommendations and encourage all to discuss these votes with members of the community most directly impacted by issues relating to the Office of Hawaiian Affairs.

Note4: I am voting for Jill Tokuda for Congress CD2