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The three top candidates for Honolulu mayor think they were able to score points and win supporters in their final debate last night. All 3 candidates
Transit, gambling, figure in Aiea debate
claim victory after
final mayoral debateBy Gordon Y.K. Pang
Star-BulletinHowever, there appeared to be no knockout punches thrown during the hourlong debate sponsored by KITV News 4.
As in the first two debates, the candidates sometimes failed to directly answer questions and instead used the time to rip their opponents' records on the issues.
For instance, all three men did not answer when asked if they would lower property tax rates in the face of higher assessments.
Former Mayor Frank Fasi only pointed out that tax rates increased to counteract a drop in assessments under the administration of incumbent Jeremy Harris. Harris said he is running the city with less in tax revenues than when Fasi was mayor. Former Councilman Mufi Hannemann said the reduction in tax revenues was the result of falling assessments, not any initiative by the administration.
Both Hannemann and Fasi ripped the Oahu Trans2K program designed to find solutions to traffic on the island, but did not offer specifics on how they would solve the problem.
Queried about how the Kapiolani Park bandstand could have been reopened without meeting federal handicapped accessibility requirements, Harris said it was better to open it early to allow for the Okinawan Festival to occur than wait for the necessary equipment for the improvements to arrive.
Hannemann, pressed about what legislation he has initiated during six years on the Council, said he successfully fought for a satellite city hall at Pearlridge and adequate staffing at the Pearl City Police Station, and established a policy for nonprofit groups seeking to rent the grounds of City Hall for events.
Fasi, asked if he could assure voters that campaign contributions would not influence him, said "there's nothing wrong" with choosing a contractor who contributed to his campaign over another company -- all other things being equal.
Harris refused to commit to a full, four-year term as mayor and said he has not yet made up his mind on a run for the governor's seat in 2002. Hannemann and Fasi both promised to stay in the mayor's seat for four years but did not address why they previously left elected office in midstream to run for other seats.
All three men proclaimed victory after the debate.
Fasi said he believed he was able to explain how Hannemann "has no record of accomplishment" while Harris was taking credit for projects that Fasi began.
Harris said he felt successful conveying "that by working as a team with the community, we've been able to accomplish a great deal since I became mayor."
Hannemann said he thought he was able to distinguish himself to the voters as the candidate who would "watch their monies better, make sure we spend more time improving this economy and create linkages with education."
Relief was perhaps what Harris and Hannemann felt after a grueling schedule that required them to be at three debates over consecutive days. Fasi chose not to attend the other two functions.
Harris, fighting the flu this week and waking up with a 102-degree temperature, sucked on cough drops but otherwise looked focused before the forum.
The normally fidgety Hannemann clasped his hands together and bowed his head briefly as the KITV television crew cleared the studio before the debate.
Fasi, who appeared tense before air time sitting next to Harris and refusing to make eye contact with him, smiled only after son David knelt next to him and whispered into his ear.
A lottery or slot machines in Hawaii may be acceptable to Donna Mercado Kim, former city councilwoman and state Senate candidate, though she would not favor casinos. Candidates discuss
gambling, transit
at Aiea gatheringSome completely oppose gambling;
others promise excitement and a
smaller government if electedBy Harold Morse
Star-BulletinKim, a Democrat seeking election in the 15th District (Fort Shafter, Aiea), said revenue from a lottery or slot machines would have to go to education, and a decision on gambling should depend on a referendum.
"Let the people decide," Kim told an Aiea forum last night.
Her remarks were in response to an audience question. About 50 residents turned out for the forum at Alvah Scott Elementary School sponsored by the Aiea Neighborhood Board.
Kim's Republican opponent, Ed Mina, was not present.
State Rep. Bob McDermott (R, Aliamanu-Aiea), opposes gambling.
"I don't think we need it here," he said, noting Hawaii differs from other states. "So let's remain that way."
Eddie Aguinaldo, a Democrat out to unseat McDermott, would favor a referendum. It should be a district decision, he said.
Blake Oshiro, Democratic House candidate in the 33rd District (Red Hill-Aiea), also would favor a referendum. He would not favor casino gambling but might approve of a lottery, he said.
Randall Kusaka, Oshiro's Democratic primary opponent, opposes gambling. "I don't gamble at all," he said.
People who can afford to set aside money for gambling and go to Las Vegas go there for enjoyment, he said. But Kusaka said he fears people who can't afford it would gamble with children's lunch money, rent money and money for other necessities, he said. "I'm against gambling."
One candidate promised excitement if elected.
"We aren't going to have any more dull City Council meetings," said Dick Rowland, vying with Richard Nono, Gary Okino, Darrell Young, Carlota Ader and Ligaya Dela Cruz for Mufi Hannemann's old seat in the 8th District (Halawa-Pearl City).
"Government is out of control," Rowland said. It keeps getting bigger and trying to do more and more and more, he said.
Laws should be simple, comprehensible, predictable and understandable, and repeal may be necessary of laws that aren't, he added.
Okino advocates a fixed-rail mass transit system. "Yes, I am definitely for it," he said. "That's the only long-term solution."
Nono said he favors family values, family safety and family services.
He's opposed to strip bars and other sex-oriented business along Kamehameha Highway.
Ader, Dela Cruz and Young were not present.
Steve Tataii, seeking Kim's former Council seat from the 7th District (Kalihi, Moanalua), called for agricultural expansion and improvement.
Two other 7th District candidates, Romy Cachola and Dennis Nakasato, did not attend.