FL MORRIS / FMORRIS@STARBULLETIN.COM
Sign wavers from both parties turned out in force at the intersection of Dole Street and University Avenue yesterday prior to the debate between gubernatorial candidates Republican Linda Lingle and Democrat Mazie Hirono at KHET on the UH campus.
Lingle and Hirono spar Hawaii television viewers got their one and only chance to see gubernatorial candidates Linda Lingle and Mazie Hirono debate last night in a contest that covered mostly familiar campaign issues and offered no knock-out punches.
in their only TV debate
The candidates debate who is
Lingle's fund raising outpaces Hirono's
best to implement change
Undecided listen closely to debate
By Pat Omandam
pomandam@starbulletin.comFrom privatization to education to the economy, both women deftly fielded questions from reporters, the public and each other during the hour-long debate.
"Change is a buzzword in this campaign," said Hirono, the lieutenant governor and Democratic candidate. "But reckless change is not what we want."
Lingle, a Republican, countered: "At some point, you have to produce change, not just talk about it."
The most anticipated aspect of the debate was the direct questioning between the two women.
Hirono asked the former Maui mayor why she has not lobbied the state Legislature in the past four years, given much of what she proposes as governor has been before lawmakers.
"Where have you been?" Hirono asked. "How many times have you stepped forward in the past four years?"
Lingle responded she has been trying to create a strong two-party system in Hawaii, given Democratic control of the state since 1962. Arrogance, she said, has resulted in corruption and conviction of politicians from the same ruling party.
"This would have occurred regardless of which party was in power. But citizens should be creating a strong two-party system of government so the public interest is protected, rather than just the special interests of the old-boy network," Lingle said.
Later, Hirono asked Lingle about her pro-choice position on abortion, which differs from Duke Aiona, the GOP lieutenant governor candidate. Hirono wondered if Lingle was "out-of-sync" with her own party, which remains pro-life.
Lingle countered her position has always been pro-choice, but she respects others who have differing points of view. She criticized Hirono for attempting to mislead voters on this controversial issue.
The debate was held and broadcast from KHET, Hawaii Public Television, and carried live statewide by the four major television networks, Oceanic Cable, local Japanese language station KIKU-TV, and two radio stations.
This is the first time in the state's history, and only the second time nationally, that two women from the major political parties are contending for a state governor's seat.
One questioned raised by reporters centered on the state Employee Retirement System. Lingle and Aiona both draw pensions from the ERS, because of their past careers in government.
Hirono said there will be enough money to pay pensioners like Lingle and Aiona, but the state economy must be expanded to ensure that the money will be there for retirees in the future.
Lingle said raids of the ERS, as done by the Cayetano administration in recent years to make up shortfalls in the state budget, would not be tolerated in the private sector.
"It's against the law," she said.
Throughout the debate, Hirono repeated how her proposed economic expansion council would partner private and public sectors to move the economy forward.
She promised voters her administration would preserve and protect the best of Hawaii while accomplishing what needs to be done.
"To me, actions speak louder that words. I have always done the right thing for the right reason. I promise you this, a new administration with a fresh approach that will preserve and protect the best of Hawaii," Hirono said.
"I ask you to look beyond sound bites and rhetoric, to truly look at each of us. The bottom line is: Who can you really trust? Change takes real work, real effort. You can count on me, I want to be your next governor, and I ask for your support."
Lingle said voters must support change and not be scared into complacency. She promised that under no circumstances would she ever change the things people love about Hawaii.
"Some day, when your children or grandchildren ask you where were you when the change finally came in 2002, what will you say? It's time to do what needs to be done, to take the bold step and really vote for change," Lingle said.
"I am the candidate for change. My running mate Duke Aiona and I are committed to a better future, to a new beginning for all the people of Hawaii."
