LIHU‘E — Council candidates across the board said they felt the aloha spirit of Kaua‘i voters on the campaign trail. “I’ve had a lot of fun. I never thought I’d enjoy it as much as I do,” said Ed Justus,
LIHU‘E — Council candidates across the board said they felt the aloha spirit of Kaua‘i voters on the campaign trail.
“I’ve had a lot of fun. I never thought I’d enjoy it as much as I do,” said Ed Justus, first-time candidate and co-owner of the Talk Story Bookstore in Hanapepe.
Justus finished 11th of 15 candidates in the primary, and sat in that same position with 16 of 17 precincts reporting general election results for Kaua‘i, Wednesday.
He wasn’t discouraged.
“I never thought I’d be a candidate. … There’s so much aloha from everybody,” he said.
“I feel like it’s just the beginning,” said Justus, adding that he will likely run for elected office again.
“Oh, I think it went well,” Mel Rapozo said of his campaign.
“The response was very positive,” said Rapozo, who will make his return to the council after two years off due to a failed bid for mayor in 2008. “It seemed like a very long campaign. I don’t know why.”
“I think the campaign went great, with good responses across the island,” said Councilman Tim Bynum of Wailua Homesteads. He was elected Tuesday to his third term on the council.
“I really love campaigning. People are more focused on campaigning, election, government,” said Bynum, adding that this year’s was one of the most exciting council campaigns he can recall in some time, with lots of “worthy candidates.”
“I think the campaign went really good,” said freshman Councilman Dickie Chang of Puhi. “You wish you were more organized, had one or two more weeks,” he said, adding that some voters, residents and candidates were ready to have it over with.
“It’s been an incredible experience,” said Chang, who squeaked in for a second term.
“It’s important to meet people face to face because they all have something to say,” he said, noting that people all over the island were very kind to him when he was campaigning in various neighborhoods.
“I think it went great,” said KipuKai Kuali‘i of Lihu‘e. “It was more positive experiences, building on what we’ve done before.
“It was positive, great fun, and the response has been ongoing. We didn’t get discouraged,” said Kuali‘i, who finished eighth, just missing the top seven to be elected.
“My die-hard supporters are my family members and close friends,” said Kuali‘i, noting his father’s motivation. “Now I know where I get my drive from.”
“Well, I had a great time,” said Dennis Fowler of Princeville, who had just returned from his polling place at Hanalei School when reached by phone Tuesday. “I think it went well, especially after the primary (when he placed 14 out of 15 candidates).”
The political forums were “great exposure,” he said, noting he was encouraged by positive feedback from other candidates. This will not be his last time seeking elected office, Fowler said, despite finishing 14th in the general election.
“I really loved the campaign,” said JoAnn Yukimura, former mayor and long-term council member. “I so enjoyed traveling around the island. What a talented, giving, diverse, fun-loving people.”
Residents opened up to her, talking about family and future concerns and challenges. “You realize how blessed we are to live here,” she said. “I’m very grateful for this experience.” Like Rapozo, she too will return to the council after two years off due to a failed bid for mayor.
“I think I did whatever I could do and ran a little bit different campaign,” Council Chair Kaipo Asing said at his Lihu‘e home on election night.
Originally with just five yard signs, he had to purchase new signs for the first time in decades, he said. Asing finished ninth in the general election after serving on the council for almost three decades.
• Paul C. Curtis, assistant editor and staff writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 224) or pcurtis@kauaipubco.com.
