The emails are starting to come in: “I’m thinking about the upcoming general election and would appreciate any recommendations you may have.”

With ballots set to arrive in about two short weeks, it’s crunch time.

I strongly encourage everyone to dig in, do some research, and then make your own choices.

Every candidate is imperfect, as is the case for all of us.

We each have positive attributes, AND we each have negative sides. The sum total of both, is who we are.

At the end of the day, our goal is to choose a candidate who will serve us well in public office and effectively AND consistently represent our values and priorities.

For me, that means a candidate who puts people and the planet ahead of corporate profits, AND who believes in their hearts that we’re all in this together.

But, how do we know who we can count on to promote and defend these values, and thus who we should cast our vote for?

The absolute best situation is if you know the candidate personally.

You know they’ll return your phone call. You know “when the crunch comes”, on the big important issues of the day, they will vote the right way. You’ve witnessed them “in action”- testifying before the Council or State legislature, volunteering/serving with organizations, working in community.

They’ve been “tested” and clearly deserve your vote.

The best predictor of future performance, is past performance.

If they’re an incumbent office holder, what have they done or not done since first being elected?

Do they keep their heads down, mouths shut, and always vote with the majority? Or are they proactive and willing to take on the tough issues?

When needed, will they stand alone and speak truth to power?

Does the non-incumbent candidate have deep roots in the community?

Have they served in a leadership positions of a nonprofit, youth sports team/league, business, school, community association, or other similar organization?

What’s the worst thing someone’s going to say about them?

What keeps the candidate awake at night?

What’s their “subject matter focus”?

Are they most concerned about the business climate or climate change?

Do they see environmental regulations as “impediments to development” or valuable protections for coastlines, reefs, and streams?

Do they believe “it’s their own damned fault” when considering the plight of the houseless?

Does the candidate believe in equity and inclusion for all people?

Do their religious beliefs prevent them from embracing all our brothers and sisters, even if they happen to believe in a different God or holy book?

Do they believe “We’re all in this together” or “It’s every man for himself”?

Who’s endorsing and funding their campaigns?

Are they primarily “grass roots funded” via small dollar contributions?

Have they taken the “Our Hawaiʻi” pledge and agreed not to accept corporate PAC donations?

Are the large landowners, developers, and big money SuperPacs supporting them?

Have they publicly stated support for publicly funded elections? Do they support closing the loophole currently allowing contractors with government contracts to donate directly to the campaigns of those elected officials funding those same contracts?

Will they say this out loud?

Yes, lot’s of questions to ask and lots of information to filter.

My instincts and naʻau are grounded in my own experience serving 16 years in public office as a State Senator and member of the Kauaʻi County Council AND another 16 years working in the nonprofit world of public policy advocacy.

I don’t always get it right, but when an imperfect is choosing among imperfects, that can be expected.

Which is why YOU must do YOUR homework.

Visit the candidates website.

Google them and read the various “Candidate Q & A” articles you will find.

Call them up, email them, talk to them directly.

If they don’t return your call or email, scratch them off your list.

Of all the “imperfect attributes” – the lack of responsiveness is one of the worst. It’s a nonstarter for me.

Do the work, make an effort, and then and only then compare my conclusions with yours see blog post “I lived in the district this is who I would vote for – 2026 General Election”.

Don’t vote on name recognition alone.

Be an informed voter.

Our democracy deserves it.

Gary Hooser
The Garden Island Newspaper 09/30/26