WAIMEA — Two candidates for U.S. Congress paid visits to Kaua‘i Thursday morning, on the heels of Independence Day celebrations. Esther Kia‘aina, a candidate for the Second Congressional District of Hawai‘i, stopped at the Ho‘ike Community Television offices to tape
WAIMEA — Two candidates for U.S. Congress paid visits to Kaua‘i Thursday morning, on the heels of Independence Day celebrations.
Esther Kia‘aina, a candidate for the Second Congressional District of Hawai‘i, stopped at the Ho‘ike Community Television offices to tape her three-minute message for Kaua‘i viewers before heading to the Kaua‘i Veterans Center, a talk-story lunch at the Tip Top Cafe and a two-hour radio show at KKCR on the North Shore.
“This is part of Ho‘ike’s ‘Access Democracy’ series,” said J Robertson, the director for Ho‘ike. “Starting July 11 and running through the primary election, ‘Access Democracy’ will allow viewers to get to know candidates for all contested races, including the Office of Prosecuting Attorney. Mazie Hirono is also scheduled to tape a piece as well.”
Hirono, meanwhile, arrived to a full schedule of electioneering on Kaua‘i as well, being invited by Rep. Dee Morikawa to view the storyboards which were installed at various locations throughout Waimea.
“Where else but on Kaua‘i?” said Gerald Ako of the Hawai‘i Government Employees Association, who was with the group at Hofgaard Park in Waimea. “She has lunch and gets to meet with people right in the open. This can only happen on Kaua‘i.”
Among those meeting Hirono were Chad and Alicia Atwood of Little Rock, Ark. The couple, who said they never get to see their elected officials, were thrilled to meet not only Hirono, but Morikawa and state Sen. Ron Kouchi as well.
Dennis Okihara of Obsessions Cafe said the storyboards are an integral part of the walking tour of Waimea, designed to get people to walk through town and visit some of the town businesses and establishments.
“Basically, they park at the West Kaua‘i Technology and Visitor Center, pick up a brochure, and during the self-guided walk through town, learn about some of the historic buildings and locations,” Okihara said.
Following the Waimea stop, Hirono was scheduled to meet with Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School media instructor Kevin Matsunaga and some of the media students before taping her “Access Democracy” message. She also planned to wave signs near the Lihu‘e Airport and attend a fundraiser.
Kia‘aina, a resident of Nanakuli, O‘ahu, is the youngest of seven siblings and has roots on Moloka‘i, Maui, Hawai‘i and O‘ahu. Anxious to get to know Kaua‘i better, she stopped by to have some macadamia nut pancakes at Tip Top.
“There are six candidates for the Second Congressional District,” said Kia‘aina, who has more than 20 years of experience in Congress, working for Ed Case, Robert Underwood and Daniel Akaka. “People may not know all of the candidates, but there are several ways they can see how I can be an effective candidate.”
Kia‘aina said there will be a forum at the Hawaiian Homes next Wednesday which will be aired live from 7 to 8 p.m.
Following that, Hawai‘i News Now and the Honolulu Star-Advertiser are coordinating a debate with the congressional candidates next Thursday, which will be aired live from 6:30 to 8 p.m.
Visit www.kiaaina.com for more information on Esther Kia‘aina and visit www.mazieforhawaii.com for more information on Mazie Hirono.
