It turns out that Rep. Ken Hiraki (D, Kakaako-Downtown) will have an opponent after all. Elections office clears
Hardway in House raceStar-Bulletin staff
Republican James Hardway had filed to run against Hiraki, but the state Elections Office initially denied his nomination papers, saying he was lacking one signature.
Further examination found that one of the three questionable signatures actually was valid.
"A review of the rejected signatories found that one of the three signatories should have been counted, and as a result, Hardway met the candidate filing requirements," said Rex Quidilla, elections administrative assistant.
Both Hardway and Hiraki are unopposed in their primary elections.
Talk-story time planned
Democrats and Republicans are planning to "talk story" this week with their candidates for House, Senate, lieutenant governor and governor.The Democrats will have a forum Saturday at Kuhio Elementary School cafetorium from 10 a.m. until noon. Refreshments will be served.
Democrats expect Lt. Gov. Mazie Hirono, a candidate for governor, to attend, along with lieutenant governor candidates Clayton Hee and Sen. Matt Matsunaga. Also attending are Sen. Brian Taniguchi (D, Manoa-Moiliili), Sen. Carol Fukunaga (D, Lower Makiki-Punchbowl) and District 12 (Downtown-Waikiki) candidates Jerry Drelling, Douglas Luna, Patrick McCain and Jon Yoshimura.
Also attending will be Rep. Terry Yoshinaga (D, Moiliili-McCully) and Rep. Scott Saiki, who will oppose Yoshinaga due to redistricting. Also expected to attend: House District 21 (Kaimuki-Waikiki) candidate Scott Nishimoto, District 23 (Waikiki-Ala Moana) candidate Robert Morgenweck and District 24 (Manoa) candidates Kirk Caldwell, Tom Heinrich, Jason Iwai and Philmund Lee. Also, City Councilwoman Ann Kobayashi will attend.
Republicans will hold a forum tomorrow at 6 p.m. at Kaiser High School cafeteria. The GOP is promising food, entertainment and door prizes with their rally. Expected to be attending the meeting will be candidates for governor Linda Lingle and John Carroll, candidates for lieutenant governor James Aiona, Dalton Tanonaka and Cam Cavasso. Also attending will be Sen. Sam Slom (R, Diamond Head-Hawaii Kai), Sen. Fred Hemmings (R, Lanikai-Waimanalo), Rep. Bud Stonebraker (R, Kalama Valley-Hawaii Kai), Rep. Bertha Leong (R, Hahaione Valley-Aina Haina) and Rep. Charles Djou, a City Council candidate.
Policy group taps Takumi
Rep. Roy Takumi (D, Waipahu-Pearl City) is taking on a more global perspective on things after being named co-chairman of the Eleanor Roosevelt Global Leadership Institute, a network of state-based leaders who look at the responsibilities, opportunities and implications of the United States' role on the world stage.The institute is a program of the Center for Policy Alternatives in Washington, D.C. The center in 1999 surveyed state legislators and found 89 percent face global issues such as trade, environment, human rights, agriculture and immigration, and want to become more globally aware.
"We are pleased to have someone of Rep. Takumi's experience and expertise to work with us on linking local and global issues," said Carolina Zumaran-Jones, director of the institute.
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