Honolulu Star-Bulletin Local News

Legislators, beware:
You're targeted

A whole host of voters say they hope
to oust those 'do-nothings'

By Alan Matsuoka
Star-Bulletin



Do-nothing. Dud.

Those were the tags put on the state Legislature this year after it ended the session without resolving high-profile issues such as no-fault auto insurance reform and changes to the "high-three" pension system.

And while not entirely accurate - action was taken in other areas - incumbents may feel the heat for their indecision.

According to the Honolulu Star-Bulletin Poll, only 29 percent of the respondents said their current state lawmakers will have their continuing loyalty.

But 35 percent said they would consider other candidates, and 27 percent said they would vote to replace the incumbents.

The sentiment essentially was the same whether the respondent was Democrat or Republican, and for the most part, age was not a factor.

Some ethnic groups showed strong feelings: 45 percent of Filipino respondents and 38 percent of Caucasians said they will vote to replace the incumbent.

Meanwhile, more than half of all those polled thought legislators should have returned in special session to settle the auto insurance debate.

One of those was Big Island resident Joseph Branco, 68, a retired supervisor for the now-defunct Hamakua Sugar Co.

A Democrat, he said lawmakers spent too much time debating same-sex marriage and not enough on issues that affect people who are hurting financially.

Although he liked his legislators, he felt that "a whole new bunch" should be put into office.

"The way I feel, everything is poor. They didn't do anything in this Legislature.

"They should have tackled insurance. And jobs, something for the people. People are struggling."

The Related Story:

Integrity



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