Political File
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Tavares runs for Maui mayor -- a job her dad held
Five-term Maui County Councilwoman Charmaine Tavares has entered the race for Maui mayor, a post her father, the late Hannibal Tavares, held throughout the 1980s.
She joins a race that includes incumbent Mayor Alan Arakawa, who is seeking re-election, and former Mayor James "Kimo" Apana, who announced last year his intention to run for the post he lost to Arakawa in 2002.
"I'm energized about my decision to run and committed to making a difference for the residents of Maui County," Tavares said in a news release. "Maui County has real challenges and numerous opportunities.
"I believe my leadership as mayor will provide the direction and action needed at this critical time."
As mayor, Tavares said she wants to make government more efficient, encourage renewable energy and balance Maui's economic interests with the need to preserve the environment and "aloha."
Tavares said she would limit campaign donations to $2,000 per person, half the legal limit.
"I would like to place more emphasis on grass-roots and community support than on big-dollar donations," she said.
Tavares is barred from seeking another term on the Council because of term limits.
Hannibal Tavares, who died in 1998, was the longest-serving mayor of Maui, holding the post from 1979 to 1991.
Terry targets Abercrombie
Republican Mark Terry has announced that he is seeking the 1st Congressional District seat currently held by U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie.
Terry is a real estate agent who lives in Aina Haina, and he was chairman of the Kuliouou-Kalani Iki Neighborhood Board at one time. He has lived in Hawaii since 1988.
"I am running to educate the voters. Win or lose, I can do good for the people by educating people on the issues. Educating voters builds better government in future elections," he said in a statement announcing his candidacy.
Terry won the Republican nomination for the seat in 2002.