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By Craig T. Kojima, Star-Bulletin
Joshua Cooper, chairperson of the poll workers at Precinct 7,
Manoa Elementary School, administers the oath of office to the
crew at 6:15 this morning, as they got their assignments and
prepared for an onslaught of voters and a long day on the job.

Election Day
arrives and it’s
still too close

Finally - It's time for the
public to make choices

Local races will determine more than
just individual winners and losers

ELECTION COVERAGE ONLINE

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By Richard Borreca
Star-Bulletin

As voters go to the polls today, there are more questions to be answered than just who won.

For instance, can Democrats keep the Republicans from gaining a foothold in the state Senate?

Can the GOP sweep the Windward side? Will a united union front keep Democratic Sen. Brian Kanno in office? And can Linda Lingle, GOP chairwoman, pull her party together and gain some power in the Legislature?

"I think in districts where Democrats have difficult races, I think its primarily because of self-inflicted wounds?" said Gov. Ben Cayetano, who lost Attorney General Margery Bronster when senators, including Kanno, rejected her reconfirmation two years ago.

ELECTION COVERAGE In addition to online coverage at Starbulletin.com, you can watch the returns from Hawaii's general election at these television network affiliates and times: KGMB (CBS): 5 p.m. national coverage followed by the 6 p.m. local news. Local coverage follows and will continue as long as needed. KHNL (NBC): 2 p.m. national coverage. Local coverage starts at 5 p.m. and the station will cut back to national coverage when warranted. KHON (FOX): 3 p.m. national coverage. 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. extended world report. Local coverage begins at 6 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., possibly longer. KITV (ABC): 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. national news followed by local news. Local coverage is scheduled from 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.

The close race between Kanno and GOP newcomer, Hank Makini, in Ewa Beach-Makakilo 20th Senate District, forced Cayetano to write a letter endorsing Kanno.

"Although I have disagreed with Sen. Kanno on some issues, I believe he deserves your support for the good work he has done," Cayetano wrote to voters in Kanno's Leeward district.

If Kanno wins, the victory will demonstrate that Hawaii's unions, the backbone of the Democratic Party can still deliver. But a victory for Makini also adds new layers to Lingle's efforts to rebuild the GOP.

By Craig T. Kojima, Star-Bulletin
Sometimes it's a waiting game at the polls, as here at Central
Intermediate School today, where voters line up for a chance
at the next empty booth.

"Everything we have done since I've become chairman of the new Hawaii Republican Party has been aimed toward winning races," Lingle told her fellow Republicans.

Today there are two Republicans in the state Senate, 12 in the state House and one GOP mayor, Maryanne Kusaka on Kauai.

Lingle hopes to grow those numbers: three or maybe four Senate seats; perhaps five more House members and bring in Harry Kim as the new Republican mayor of Hawaii.

Democrats concede some increases are likely, but they scoff at the optimistic GOP projections.

"I think the Republicans do have some good candidates. We have some good ones also," said Cayetano.

Voter Voices

"He's for the minority and Hawaii has
all kinds of minorities. Bush is more of a
follower than a leader. As vice president,
Gore had his own agenda and now
he's stepping up."
Lisa Hookano-Holly
VOTING FOR GORE

"I like what he was saying, it made sense
to me. He's going to let us keep more money
in our pocket. I just like him, period. I liked
his character. He seemed more
presidential to me than Gore."
Irvin Brooks
VOTING FOR BUSH

"The Green Party is in the position to take on
various issues. I definitely believe there should be a
third party. A two-party system cannot address the
issues properly. My father's going to hate
this -- he's a Democrat."
Walter Rodby
VOTING FOR NADER

"And its inevitable that one day the pendulum will swing a little bit back. And if they gain some seats, then its because of their hard work and its because of the problems the Democrats and ourselves have created," Cayetano said.

Although the GOP is a definite minority in local politics, they represent much of Windward Oahu.

GOP strength there would be confirmed if Democratic Rep. Iris Catalani is beaten by Charles Djou, a Republican attorney in the 47th House District covering Kaneohe and Kahaluu. But at the same time, Republican Rep. David Pendleton is expecting a stiff race from Democrat Ikaika Hussey in the Maunawili district. Two years ago, in the governor's vote, Lingle swept the Windward side, except for precincts in Kahuku and Waimanalo.

All the races depend on how many voters turn out today.

Yesterday, Genevieve Wong, city clerk, reports absentee voter turnout was well above the rate two years ago, 17,000 compared to 13,000 in 1998.