D.C. doesn’t look good to mayor Kaua’i County Mayor Maryanne Kusaka won’t be running for a Hawai’i congressional seat in 2002. Kusaka was actively recruited by state Republican Party chairwoman Linda Lingle and others to make a run at the
D.C. doesn’t look good to mayor
Kaua’i County Mayor Maryanne Kusaka won’t be running for a Hawai’i congressional seat in 2002.
Kusaka was actively recruited by state Republican Party chairwoman Linda Lingle and others to make a run at the House seat held by Democrat Patsy Mink.
But Kusaka said working in Washington, D.C. would be a major imposition on her family if she was elected.
“While still weighing options for my political future, I have determined that I will not be running for national office in 2002,” Kusaka said. “It is imperative that I consider the sacrifice that would be required of my generous husband, and the well-being of my mother, who is now 90 years old.”
She said she wanted to thank the “many supporters from throughout the state who have called, written and encouraged my potential congressional candidacy, for the confidence they have placed in my ability to serve.”
Kusaka said she plans to continue supporting the political goals of the Republican Party and to work with Lingle, who is a candidate for governor in next year’s election.
Kusaka also said she has not ruled out the possibility of running for public office at the state level after her four-year term as mayor expires next year.
“I haven’t made up my mind. It is still too early,” she said. “The door is always open.”
Kusaka has been rumored as a possible candidate for lieutenant governor.
For the moment, Kusaka said she wants to focus on two pressing issues facing islanders: The sale of Kaua’i Electric and solid-waste management and disposal.
“I still have a lot to do – community parks, finishing up the Gateway Project,” she said, the latter being the landscaping of roadsides near Lihu’e Airport). “I want to finish up the work so I can feel good about my accomplishments, making a difference in this community.”
Kusaka’s second four-year term as mayor will expire at the end of 2002. Term-limit restrictions exclude her from running again for the office.
Staff writer Lester Chang can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 225) and mailto:lchang@pulitzer.net
