As I’ve written just recently “Post-Lowell – policy, politics, and elections” , it’s time to pivot.
In response to many friends and neighbors asking for my input and voting recommendations, I’ll cut right to the chase and it’s mostly about Council races.
I’ve not yet come to any conclusion on the Kaua‘i Mayor’s race.
Ditto with regards to the OHA races.
I’m for sure voting 100% for U.S. Representative Jill Tokuda.
I may or may not in the future, review or comment on the Governor/LG and State-wide legislative races. Reviewing the 75 plus races and commenting on those who are “contested” will take some time…and with Lulu, and Lowell, and Nolo having already consumed so much…not sure I have the capacity. But maybe! Ditto with the various County Charter amendments.
The 2 State Constitutional questions, both get a YES from me. Extending the time for the Senate to evaluate judicial appointments AND granting the County governments additional authority to borrow money for infrastructure- both make sense to me.
On proposed Kaua‘i County Charter amendments – I’ve not yet had time to properly evaluate but am leaning NO on the Kaua‘i question proposing to eliminate the Zoning Board of Appeals.
My focus today is on County Council races.
How did I reach my conclusions as to who to cast my vote for?
I have spoken at length individually with each of the below candidates, some of whom I’ve known, and worked with, for years. I’ve also asked others in the community who have direct experience working with them, AND watched/listened/read their responses to questions posed at various public forums and on their websites.
I wrote more about my rationale, thought processes, and decision-making criteria, “Choosing from the imperfect”.
For the Kaua‘i County Council, I will only be casting 5 votes:
Please join me in including the above 5 individuals on your list as well.
Because I also receive calls, texts, and emails from across the islands, below are “If I lived in the district, this is who I would vote for…” for the Hawaii and Maui County Council races.
FWIW – I know personally and have direct experience with every single individual listed below. I offer my support to them without any reservation whatsoever.
Hawaiʻi County Council
District 5 – Matson, Shannon Lopeka
Maui County Council
East Maui – Sinenci, Shane
West Maui – Paltin, Tamara Akiko Maile
Kahului – Kamekona, Carol Lee
South Maui – King, Kelly Takaya
Upcountry – Pahia, Bobby
Lanai – Johnson, Gabe
Molokai – Rawlins-Fernandez, Keani
Mahalo to you the reader for taking these recommendations in the positive spirit in which they are intended. But please do your own research, make a decision you are comfortable with, offer your help and support to the candidates as well – AND VOTE!
Gary Hooser
