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Dr. Henry Makini, 39, an optometrist, will run as a Republican against incumbent state Sen. Brian Kanno. Optometrist eyeing
Kanno’s seatMakini graduated from St. Louis High School and Pacific University. He played football in high school and college and performed for 10 years with the Pacific Island Band.
Kanno recently sent residents in his Ewa Beach-Makakilo district a letter apologizing for voting against the reconfirmation of Margery Bronster as attorney general in 1999. Critics claimed the vote to dump Bronster was a reaction against the state administration's investigation of Bishop Estate.
In his announcement today, Makini emphasized his roots in the district, pointing out that he has operated a business in the Kapolei Shopping Center for five years and practiced for five years in Nanakuli, where he started a vision screening program for students at Waianae coast elementary schools.
Also announcing his candidacy today is Chris Hart Kessell, a radio talk-show host and advertising executive. He will run as a Republican against state Rep. Noburu Yonamine in the Pacific Palisades-Pearl City Highlands district.
NORTH SHORE REP: Outgoing Democratic state Rep. Alex Santiago has bestowed best wishes on Board of Education member Marilee Lyons, who is resigning to run for Santiago's North Shore House seat.
Santiago, who has decided not to run for re-election in the 45th House district, was among the well-wishers at Lyons' last BOE meeting Thursday. Asked if his appearance meant endorsement of Lyons, he replied, "I'll let people interpret what they want."
WINDWARD SENATE: Two veteran Republicans, Sen. Whitney Anderson and former Rep. Fred Hemmings, are in a primary fight for a Windward Senate seat. Hemmings filed Friday for the Kailua-to-Waimanalo seat now occupied by Anderson.
Hemmings served six years in the state House before running unsuccessfully for governor and lieutenant governor. Anderson has been in the state House and Senate for 20 years, and is one of two GOP senators in the 25-member Senate.
A Senate GOP primary battle was canceled Friday when former state Sen. Stan Koki decided not to run in the Kaneohe-Enchanted Lake district against former TV sportscaster Bob Hogue. Koki said he decided against the race for family reasons and will support Hogue.
Democrat Marshall Ige, who has been charged with campaign spending violations, is the incumbent. He has taken out papers, but has yet to file for re-election.
PUAHALA PICNIC: The Puahala Homes Tenants' Association plans a picnic with all candidates on Aug. 26 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Lanakila District Park. The association will also sponsor voter registration and give candidates for all offices from mayor to Board of Education a chance to give a 10-minute speech and talk with members of the Kalihi community, according to Johnny Jackson, vice president of the association. For more information, call 853-2412.
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