KAPAA — Hawaii’s voters have chosen the people they will be sending to the Republican and Democratic national conventions this summer and Kauai has a few of her own who will be visiting the mainland to cast their votes.
Sandi Combs from Kapaa said she’s honored to be representing Kauai’s Republican Party at the National Convention in Cleveland, Ohio.
“I’ve never done it before, what an amazing opportunity,” Combs said. “It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity no matter who is in the election, but this is the election of the century.”
Combs is one of 19 Hawaii delegates going to the Republican convention in July, along with 16 alternates, and was selected during the May 21 Republican Convention on Oahu.
She said she’ll be throwing her vote into Republican nominee Donald Trump’s basket.
“I think he’s the best man for the job, but supporting him has been a controversial experience,” Combs said. “My husband and I put our signs up in the lawn last July and people literally laughed out loud. But I’m not joking, I believe he’s the best candidate.”
Hawaii’s Democratic party held their state convention on Oahu over the weekend, and Kauai locals Dylan Hooser and Patricia Westerhausen will be heading to the Democratic National Convention, scheduled for July 25-28 in Philadelphia, in support of Bernie Sanders.
Janice Bond, Kauai district 15 chair, said she was very proud of the delegates chosen for the national convention.
“I’ve been so encouraged by the Young Democrats and the youth,” Bond said.
Bond said Kauai had about 60 delegates attend the Democratic state convention.
“A lot of them were first-timers with Bernie and they really took a large part of initiative and leadership in the convention,” Bond said.
Steve Yoder, chairman of the Kauai Republican Party, attended the state convention and said the event garnered the best attendance he’s ever seen.
“The party is very coalesced and solidified for Trump in Hawaii,” Yoder said. “There’s always some stragglers, but we’re all in for the guy.”
He’s expecting a “landslide for Trump” in the election and said he believes Democratic presidential frontrunner Hillary Clinton’s party is losing momentum.
“Donald Trump will beat the pantsuit off of Hillary Clinton,” Yoder said. “There’s a lot of momentum behind Trump.”
Combs said she’s looking forward to the energy at the July national convention because Trump’s campaign will be organizing the event.
“I expect it to be as energized as Donald Trump’s rallies have been,” Combs said, “and the rock and roll hall of fame is in Cleveland. It’s going to be a party.”
The formal nominee for president and vice president for both parties will be announced at their respective conventions.
