State legislature
Menor, Sonson lose Senate bids
Democratic Sen. Ron Menor lost his bid for re-election yesterday after a controversial drunken driving conviction during this year's legislative session.
Political newcomer Michelle Kidani beat Menor by 123 votes.
Menor said his DUI conviction was a major factor of the campaign and that Kidani had emphasized it in her campaign.
"There is no question that the DUI was an issue that many people focused on," Menor said. "We felt that we if could run a campaign that emphasized our experience, people would weigh the issue in view of our experience."
Menor had hoped to emphasize his work with the Senate Energy Committee and also on transportation issues.
GEORGE F. LEE / GLEE@STARBULLETIN.COM
Trailing after the second printout in yesterday's primary election, Sen. Ron Menor thanked his family and supporters gathered at a Mililani home for their help.
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"We had a strong and positive campaign," he said.
Menor spent 48 hours in jail and was fined $800 after pleading no contest to a drunken driving charge stemming from a traffic stop April 27. His two sons, ages 11 and 17, were in the vehicle with him.
Menor later apologized to his family, colleagues and constituents for his actions.
Kidani said she ran a low-budget campaign based mostly on walking the Mililani district and holding signs.
"I am very grateful to the hard-working people of my campaign and I guess for those who voted for me, it shows they wanted change," said Kidani, who worked for Mayor Mufi Hannemann as executive assistant for the city Neighborhood Board Commission.
Last night Menor, a 22-year legislative veteran, said he was hurt by the low voter turnout.
"At this point I will step back and spend more time with my family," he said. "I am still relatively young, so I will weigh my options."
In another contested primary race, freshman Democrat Sen. Clarence Nishihara won against Rep. Alex Sonson, who jumped from his House seat to challenge Nishihara.
A former educator, Nishihara said that he knew he was running in a district that is heavily Filipino against a House member who is Filipino-American.
"I think we all feel energized so far," said Nishihara. "We have advertised a lot in Filipino radio stations and I hope that had some reach."
GEORGE F. LEE / GLEE@STARBULLETIN.COM
Waipahu Rep. Alex Sonson was consoled by his daughter Marie, left, last night after the first printout showed he was trailing in the election. He said in prior elections he always led on first printouts. On the right is supporter and sign-waver Sandra Tolentino.
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In another state legislative race, Democratic newcomer Chris Lee beat Ikaika Anderson and will now go up against former state Rep. Quentin Kawananakoa in the general election.
The early estimates of voter turnout show that few registered voters paid any attention to yesterday's primary election.
"It looks pretty dismal," said Rep. Pono Chong, vice speaker of the state House.
"I guess there really were not any races to bring out people," Chong said.
He said it was too early to say how the elections would affect the race for leadership in the state House for next year.
"I think right now it looks good for the present leadership," Chong said.
VOTER VOICES
18th Senate District
SAMUEL NOMURA
Age: 48
Home: Waipahu
Voted for: Alex Sonson
Why: "He tries to do what's best for the people in our community. I've known him to never back down. He does his job well."
JOEY ALCANTRA
Age: 32
Home: Waipahu
Voted for: Clarence Nishihara
Why: "He helped a lot with the Filipino Community Center since Day One. He supported us."
HERMOGENA APUYA
Age: 59
Job: Seamstress
Home: Waipahu
Voted for: Alex Sonson
Why: "We like Sonson because of the projects he has done to improve Waipahu."
LYNEL HERMANO
Age: 25
Job: Medical assistant
Home: Waipahu
Voted for: Clarence Nishihara
Why: "He's done well so far so why change it."