Candidates for mayor
face off in June 8 debate
Mayoral candidates Duke Bainum and Mufi Hannemann are scheduled to square off in a June 8 debate sponsored by the Waikiki Neighborhood Board.
"They probably both thought it was time that they got together. I'm happy that they're doing it with us," said board Chairman Robert Finley. "Generally we'd like to hear what their positions are going to be, if elected, and hear it at the same time so that we can compare one to the other."
Neither Bainum nor Hannemann could be reached for comment.
But previously, Hannemann complained that Bainum was ducking out of debates with him. Bainum, however, said that scheduling conflicts prevented him from accepting engagements and that Hannemann wanted to debate because he was behind in the polls.
Finley said he wrote a letter to both candidates.
"Hannemann came back immediately and said, 'Yes,' and Duke Bainum's camp came back and said, 'Sure, we'd be happy to do it,'" Finley said.
He said the candidates will be asked questions on issues that are important to Waikiki residents -- the Bus Rapid Transit, the crystal methamphetamine problem, noise, parades and the homeless.
"Waikiki is, of course, important to the whole state, and we'd like to see several things change and we'd like to hear what they think," Finley said.
The debate begins at 8 p.m. at the Waikiki Community Center.