The announcement that Hawaii’s U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard was going to run for president was met by a few people on Kauai with surprise, praise and hope Friday.
Carol Manera Texeira of Wailua said, “I just heard the news and the shock hasn’t worn off yet. I know it was coming down the pipe, but to actually hear it. I guess we’ll have to wait and see.”
Dr. Ramon dela Pena, emeritus professor and regent, University of Hawaii, was also shocked by the news.
“It’s still a long way off, and this is a pretty big jump. I’m not much into big politics, but whenever people — whether they’re in politics, education, or sports — do something big for Hawaii, I’m all for it and will support them,” he said.
“This is a big honor for the state of Hawaii when anyone from Hawaii can go up there and do good for the people — I’m always for that. Go for it!”
When asked about Gabbard’s chances of winning a nationwide election, Lihue resident Gigi Hudson had this to say:
“I don’t know if she has the clout to pull it off, but it would be nice to see a young, Democratic woman in the office.”
Hudson’s husband Derek also said he would like to see Gabbard in office.
“We need somebody with new ideas,” he said, but added she may struggle to get supporters in other parts of the country. “I don’t know if she’s known on the East Coast or in the Midwest at all.”
Several people asked to comment by TGI said they hadn’t heard the news of Gabbard’s intention of running for the president and declined to comment.
