Editorials
Wednesday, September 18, 1996

Peter Carlisle, David Arakawa

Choices in prosecutor and
other elections

WITH the Star-Bulletin poll showing the three candidates for Honolulu prosecutor running neck and neck, it's likely that no one will receive the 50 percent plus 1 majority Saturday required to win the election outright. That would make a runoff between the two candidates with the highest number of votes necessary. At this point we have whittled down our preferences to two candidates for Saturday's vote. We plan to make a single endorsement before the runoff.

All three candidates - David Arakawa, Peter Carlisle and Randal Yoshida - are experienced prosecutors and each is capable of heading the prosecutor's office. However, we have some misgivings about Yoshida - his mishandling of a campaign donation from a hostess lounge, for example. Only after a reporter asked him about the donation did he decide to return it.

Our recommendations for Saturday's election are David Arakawa and Peter Carlisle. Assuming that a runoff proves necessary, we hope to hear more discussion by the two finalists during the weeks ahead that will help us - and the voters - make up our minds.

We also have endorsements in three other races.

For U.S. representative, 2nd District: Patsy Mink in her Democratic primary battle with Robert Bunda. Although we disagree with Mink on some issues, she has been an effective member of Congress and can continue to be. Bunda, a member of the state Senate, has much less experience than Mink. Her seniority is an asset for Hawaii.

For state senator, Palama-Alewa Heights: Suzanne Chun Oakland in her Democratic primary battle with incumbent Milton Holt. Chun Oakland has earned a reputation as a member of the House of Representatives as an advocate for the poor and disabled. Holt's erratic behavior - he admitted beating his wife (they have since divorced), and disappeared during a legislative session when he was needed for committee hearings - should disqualify him from further service in the Legislature.

For state senator, Moanalua-Salt Lake: Rey Graulty, the incumbent, in his Democratic primary fight with Norman Sakamoto. As Judiciary Committee chairman, Graulty has courageously labored for gun control and the rights of homosexual couples. He deserves credit for taking responsible stands on these highly controversial issues.


Date rape drug

A powerful drug that reportedly is being used at epidemic levels on the mainland has been finding its way into Hawaii in recent months. Called Rohypnol, it has gained attention by its use as a "date rape pill." The drug is already illegal, but authorities should move quickly to classify it in the same category as heroin, LSD and other dangerous drugs.

The fact that the drug can be smuggled into Hawaii from Asia, along with its growing use on the mainland, should put drug-enforcement officials on the alert.


Presidential debates

ROSS Perot's inclusion in presidential debates four years ago was understandable. Before his peculiarities became obvious, he had a reasonable chance of winning the election. That is not the case this year, and the Commission on Presidential Debates has recommended that Perot be excluded. President Clinton should accept the recommendation and agree to head-on debates with Bob Dole.



Published by Liberty Newspapers Limited Partnership

Rupert E. Phillips, CEO

John M. Flanagan, Editor & Publisher

David Shapiro, Managing Editor

Diane Yukihiro Chang, Senior Editor & Editorial Page Editor

Frank Bridgewater & Michael Rovner, Assistant Managing Editors

A.A. Smyser, Contributing Editor



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