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CAMPAIGN 2000

A look at the hot legislative races

No mudslinging in
Liliha-Nuuanu

Waikiki Democrat faces tough incumbent

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By Crystal Kua
Star-Bulletin

The rivalry this time around is less contentious than in the past two elections between candidates for the state House District 27 seat.

That's because incumbent Lei Ahu Isa has a different Republican opponent this year.

During the 1996 and 1998 general elections, Ahu Isa won each time by less than 100 votes in a fight with schoolteacher Corinne Ching.

But Ahu Isa is now facing perennial candidate Ken Akamine, whom she calls "a good guy."

Akamine said that they've decided they'll be no mudslinging in this race.

But both candidates believe they are the better choice for their district.

Akamine says he believes that two terms in office is plenty for anyone in the state House including Ahu Isa.

"I believe in term limitations," said Akamine. "If they stay in far too long, they get too much power."

Akamine said that the key to success is walking the district and meeting those who may not know that he's the same guy who previously ran for office as a Democrat.

"Getting out there, meeting my old friends and people who remember me as a Democrat," Akamine said.

Akamine said his untapped strength is in the number of people who aren't going to the polls, and he's trying to get them to vote. "I need your vote 'cause a lot of people didn't vote."

Both Akamine and Ahu Isa said the district has many independent voters, who may make the difference in the election.

Ahu Isa said she believes that her hard work all year long -- and not just during election season -- will win her a third term in the state House.

"It's just what I do in the community," Ahu Isa said. "I work hard during the year, not just during the campaign."

She said her sitting on the House Finance Committee has been beneficial for her district, especially for schools that have money for playground equipment, electrical upgrades and new facilities. If re-elected, she hopes to get a committee chairmanship so she can help her district in different ways.

"I think they're pretty happy with what I've done," Ahu Isa said of her constituents.

HOUSE DISTRICT 27 Alewa, Kapalama, Liliha, Nuuanu Lei Ahu Isa (D) Occupation: State legislator Background: Vice president for Hilton Grand Vacations; Hawaii Pacific University management professor Ken Akamine (R) Occupation: Newspaper distributor; part-time taxi driver Background: Kalihi-Palama neighborhood board member

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Waikiki Democrat
faces tough incumbent

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By Pat Omandam
Star-Bulletin

In this age of high technology, House Democratic candidate Tom Brower operates his campaign from a virtual headquarters that follows him wherever he goes.

"Where I'm sitting is where it is," said Brower, 35, who is director of development for Ronald McDonald House in Hawaii.

Brower's commitment to public service has again forced a general election showdown against Republican incumbent Rep. Galen Fox for the Waikiki district. Undaunted by his loss to Fox in 1998, Brower, a Honolulu native, wants to represent the district but acknowledged it won't be easy.

"I am very limited on funding," Brower said. "I only accept small contributions from families and friends. I don't accept any PAC money or money from large landowners."

Brower, who is single and lives with his grandparents in Waikiki, said he is running to represent a new generation of community leaders committed to the residents' vision of Waikiki -- safe, clean and green.

To get there, however, means getting past Fox, who has established himself in the district after getting elected in 1996.

"We've made progress on the crime front, and we're making progress on getting more green space in Waikiki," Fox said.

The Hilo-born legislator was raised in Waikiki and Maunalani Heights and worked at the state Department of Business and Economic Development. As an economist, Fox, 57, said he felt he could move things along faster if he were more directly involved in politics.

"Economy is an issue closely related to Waikiki because Waikiki is really the economic part of the state," he said.

Among Fox's top issues -- more parks and open space.

Fox said Gov. Ben Cayetano's plan to turn the Ala Wai Golf Course into a park won't work unless the city has an alternative golf course for residents in suburban Honolulu. There is a community meeting on Oct. 19 at Ala Wai School to discuss the issue, he said.

Meanwhile, Fox knows as a Republican he must continue to campaign hard.

"It's difficult being a Republican in Hawaii. I always treat the Democratic opponent seriously because Hawaii has historically been a Democratic state."

HOUSE DISTRICT 21 Waikiki, Ala Wai Galen Fox (R) Occupation: Legislator; economist Background: State Department of Business and Economic Development and Tourism administrator; served 16 years as a U.S. Foreign Service officer Tom Brower (D) Occupation: Development director, Ronald McDonald House Background: President, Waikiki Residents Association; KSSK Radio news staffer