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Mayoral hopefuls
air views at
Big Isle forum

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By Frankie Stapleton
Special to the Star-Bulletin

HILO -- The leading Democratic Party contenders in the Big Island mayoral race last night pledged to fight the loss of the island's rural lifestyle, specifically targeting further development of South Kona.

"We must resist any effort to develop South Kona," said state Sen. Robert Herkes, now running against Dr. Fred Holschuh, an emergency room physician and longtime activist who is seeking his first public office.

South Kona has caught the eye of residents since one large project has started construction and two more are proposed for the area.

The two men are the Democratic Party leaders in a field of 12 official candidates to succeed Mayor Stephen Yamashiro, who is prevented by law from running for a third term.

All three were present for a spirited mayoral candidates forum in downtown Hilo at the Palace Theater. Also on the dais were Green Party candidate and former Council Chairwoman Keiko Bonk and Republican Party contender Harvey Tajiri, a former councilman and legislator.

Harry Kim, Hawaii County Defense director before his retirement last year, also seeking his first elected position on the GOP ticket, was absent.

"I wish Harry was here. He's my emotional candidate," said Thomas Brennon.

The Pahoa teacher said he has not been political in recent years, but he was surprised with the turnout and the discussion of issues.

Brennon said he liked what he heard from Holschuh and felt Bonk was "too willing to hire consultants. ... Anybody can do that."

"I understand the community has traditionally been led by the Democratic Party, and tonight the Democratic Party was not the most vocal and progressive, and I am pleased to see we have a choice," said a recent arrival from upstate New York who did not want to be identified.

Retiree Jerry Anderson said he attended the forum because he "likes to hear what people are saying and match their comments with their body language."

"I have some real interest in the election this time," Anderson said. "I think everyone feels we're greatly in need of change."

Longtime resident Paul Mark Clark said the two-hour discussion of issues was the first time he'd had a chance to learn anything about the candidates.

"Obviously, Adler stole the show," Clark said, referring to Jonathan Adler, a nonpartisan candidate who declared that if elected mayor, he would "eliminate the eradication of marijuana on all levels."

Asked if he would vote for Adler, Clark replied, "That's the question, isn't it?"