[ POLITICAL FILE ]
Forums for candidates
are lacking on KauaiLIHUE >> Kauai has run out of stumps for politicians to stand on while giving speeches.
The last scheduled joint public appearance for mayoral or County Council candidates was Tuesday, almost a month before the Nov. 5 general election. A candidate night sponsored by the Kauai Chamber of Commerce scheduled for last week was called off without being rescheduled.
Plenty of fund-raisers and rallies remain, but no joint appearances.
Mayoral candidate Ron Kouchi said he has had no luck persuading service groups such as Rotary or Lions clubs to sponsor debates, a function they traditionally serve in other areas.
"They all said they didn't want to do anything 'political,'" Kouchi said.
Kauai Community College sponsored two days of debates, but they were both immediately after the September primary. Trade associations and groups such as the League of Women Voters sponsored debates before the primary, but not for the general election.
"Candidates really aren't kidding this year when they say, 'One vote at a time,'" Kouchi said.
Rally for Roz Baker
Friends of Rosalyn Baker will be holding a rally for Roz Baker, Democratic candidate for State Senate, District 5 (South and West Maui), 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. tomorrow at the Lahaina Civic Center.There will be chicken dinners and local entertainment. Donations are $5 per person. The rally is open to the public. Call 665-0930 or e-mail rozb@aloha.net.
Group backs reforms
Voter registration on election days. No fund-raising by legislators during the session. Stopping legislative committees from killing bills without a vote.All these measures are supported by the Hawaii Pro-Democracy Initiative, a project that wants political candidates to agree to a set of reforms that cover good government, legislative access proposals and a campaign ethics code.
HPDI Director Robin Loomis said last week this citizens group wants to tackle voter apathy in Hawaii. The state had the lowest turnout of voters nationwide in 2000.
The way to do this, she said, is to have candidates support good government proposals. The project sent out letters to all candidates in this year's election asking them their opinions on 20 pro-democracy proposals.
"We're trying to make a difference," Loomis said.
The group traces its roots to 1992, when reforms such as public voting in legislative committees and cable television broadcasts of committee hearings were passed. Its Web site is www.newhawaii.org.
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