So who you going to vote for?

Some will keep that answer private and others will wear it on their sleeve (or their car bumper or on the yard sign in front of their house).

As a political columnist writing an opinion column, I’m expected to offer readers my opinion – of which I have many.

But for today’s column I am offering only one.

The race to elect the President of the United States will not be decided by Hawaii’s 4 electoral votes, but rather by the 7 “swing states” – Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin.

On Kauaʻi, our federal legislative and state races are a done deal. There are no serious challengers (as defined by candidates running active campaigns and spending the money needed to win) on the Republican ticket.

Incumbents at all levels will win reelection with large margins.

100% of the “action” here at home is at the Kauaʻi County Council level.

Fern Anuenue Holland, coming in at #9 in the Primary Election is the only challenger within striking distance.

Consequently: Voters interested in bringing to the Kauaʻi County Council new energy, new ideas, and a new spirit of “getting the job done” – must vote for Fern Anuenue Holland.

That of course is my opinion, and it’s formed by serving on the Kauaʻi County Council myself for 8 years, and through my experience working with Fern Holland and with every single incumbent now on the Council as well.

Fern is one of those rare candidates who’s truly a “change-maker”.

While most who sit at the table in the Council chambers are hesitant to rock the boat or explore the boundaries. Fern Holland will likely be the one at the table to raise her hand and suggests the Council be more proactive in its approach to problem-solving.

While 4 votes are needed to actually implement anything at all, Fern will ensure that the public conversation is engaged, and the possibility of change is at least placed on the table.

I for one believe our community is badly in need of more “change-makers” and less “going along to get along”.

Simply balancing the budget and issuing flowery Resolutions is not enough. We need a County Council that actively seeks out solutions successfully utilized already in other municipalities.

Whether it’s supporting small farmers, increasing affordable housing, drug abuse and mental health issues, or the critical nature of our land-fill situation – there is no shortage of public policy challenges.

Can one person really make a difference you might ask?

I think so.

A single change-maker who understands the value of working together in mutual respect with the other Councilmembers, who will do the detailed research needed to develop real solutions, and who knows how to bring community to the table in support – can be the catalyst we need.

There are of course other good and solid members of the Council now sitting in some of those seats. But what’s missing is that invaluable catalyst.

We need Fern Anuenue Holland at the table in the Historic County Building.

And while the ballot says you may “vote for up to 7”, a single “one-vote plunk” will have the largest impact. Bottom line is only vote for those whom you really and truly believe in – certainly no more than 3 or 4 max.

At least that’s my opinion.

Gary Hooser
Policy & Politics
First published in The Garden Island Newspaper 10/16/24