LIHU‘E — In marketing, similar items seek to distinguish themselves through a process known as “product differentiation.” The same thing happens when two Democratic candidates for Hawai‘i governor continue campaigning to survive the Sept. 18 primary election. The two main
LIHU‘E — In marketing, similar items seek to distinguish themselves through a process known as “product differentiation.”
The same thing happens when two Democratic candidates for Hawai‘i governor continue campaigning to survive the Sept. 18 primary election.
The two main Democratic candidates, former Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann and former U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie, met for a debate on stage at the Kaua‘i Community College Performing Arts Center in Puhi Thursday night.
Hannemann called “not true” Abercrombie’s claim that the state’s business community supports him, adding that Abercrombie hasn’t had a job in the private sector for four decades.
Abercrombie on his part continued to push his complete plans for agriculture, education and many other issues, while calling Hannemann’s ideas mere “lists.”
On the issue of changing the state’s anti-business reputation, Hannemann said his first job as governor would be to restore and fix the state economy, while Abercrombie said he would use federal funds to turn around the state’s negative image toward business.
Both also pledged to revamp the state’s public-education system, Hannemann by making the state Department of Education superintendent a cabinet-level position and Abercrombie by giving money and decision-making authority to principals at the school level.
Hannemann drew one of the largest audience responses by saying the Superferry needs to make a comeback in the state. The reaction was not positive.
While the debate ended too late for extended coverage in today’s issue, The Garden Island coverage of the event will include video on the website thegardenisland.com, and photos and a more-comprehensive story on the debate in the Saturday paper.
Also, watch for an exclusive, one-on-one interview with Hannemann in an upcoming edition.
The Garden Island, Kaua‘i Chamber of Commerce, Kaua‘i Board of Realtors and several entities sponsored the debate, with another debate of candidates for lieutenant governor scheduled for Aug. 12 at 5 p.m. at the Kaua‘i War Memorial Convention Hall in Lihu‘e.
to watch video
footage of the
debate between
Abercrombie and Hannemann.
