Democrats gather for unity rally

LIHU‘E — The Democratic Party completed its unity rally sweep through the state by hosting several hundred people, including Kaua‘i candidates for various offices and their respective supporters, Tuesday at the Kaua‘i Veterans Center in Lihu‘e.

“With 85 days remaining until the general election, this is about Kaua‘i’s candidates,” said Steven Nishimura, the Kaua‘i coordinator. “It’s been a rigorous primary election, but it’s not over yet. We have two candidates for the office of prosecuting attorney from the same party. I don’t think that has happened before. There is a lot more excitement remaining.”

Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. said this was a time to look at the a‘ama crab syndrome, in which captured crabs climb over each other to escape. Instead of working to pull people down, people should work it out so they can work for the people, he said.

“This is a true spectrum of freedom,” said Gov. Neil Abercrombie, noting the presence of several military veterans as well as “the only female candidate to have served in the military,” at the veterans center. “The spectrum of freedom is reflected in the election (process). Think of the people in Syria and Egypt. If they were meeting like this, if they could meet like this, their lives would be in danger.”

Abercrombie said he appreciates how candidates wage a strong campaign and when it’s over, are able to come together, unite and move forward for one another on behalf of the people.

U.S. Sen. Daniel K. Inouye, whose roots are embedded on Kaua‘i, said Kaua‘i is his favorite island, but that he was disappointed in Saturday’s turnout for the primary election.

“This was the lowest turnout, at 39.2 percent of all registered voters,” Inouye said. “Keep in mind that people gave blood and continue to give blood so people can have the right to vote. If people don’t support democracy, it may disappear.”

He challenged Kaua‘i to surpass the 1959 election turnout, when Kaua‘i had an 87 percent turnout of registered voters.

“We have a U.S. Senate race which could be determined by voter turnout,” Inouye said. “A person’s vote makes a difference.”

Mazie Hirono, the Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate, agreed. She noted that in 2002, Kaua‘i was the difference for her, and just Saturday, Kaua‘i proved to be pivotal in her win over Ed Case.

James Tokioka, in introducing Tulsi Gabbard, the Democratic candidate for U.S. Congress, said he brought his daughter Emma, an eighth-grade student at Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School, to meet and be inspired by the candidate who overcame all kinds of obstacles, winning in all precincts but one, to earn the right to advance to the general election.

Gabbard, in return, pointed out Kaitlin, who will be celebrating her 18th birthday in a few days.

Kaitlin was very patient, waiting at the Kaua‘i Chamber of Commerce forum for a chance to meet Gabbard, the candidate said.

“And when she finally got to meet me, she was overcome with tears,” Gabbard said.

“Kaitlin said she was so happy, those were happy tears. She is going to become a teacher and is excited about being able to teach younger children about democracy.”

Kaua‘i political hopefuls — including those for the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, the Office of the Prosecuting Attorney and the Kaua‘i County Council — were scheduled for presentations along with the leaders of the Democratic Party.

Sept. 7 is the first day to request for absentee mail ballots for the general election, states the county’s website. Oct. 8 is the last day to register to vote for the general election.

The early voting period runs from Oct. 23 to Nov. 3 at the Historic County Building Annex basement.

Oct. 30 is the final day to request absentee mail ballots and Nov. 6 is the general election.

• Dennis Fujimoto, photographer and staff writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 253) or dfujimoto@ thegardenisland.com.