[ OUR OPINION ]
A wrap-up of
Star-Bulletin
endorsementsHAWAII voters should expect their visits to polling booths on Tuesday to be anything but brief. While most of the attention during the campaign has focused on the governor's race, voters will be asked to make many other decisions, partly because of reapportionment, which puts every state House and Senate seat up for grabs.
THE ISSUE Hawaii voters are being asked to choose from among a full slate of candidates and proposed changes in city and state laws.
Over the past five days, the Star-Bulletin has made recommendations for governor, Congress, the Board of Education, Honolulu City Council and constitutional and City Charter questions that will appear on the ballot. Here is a summary of our endorsements:
GOVERNOR: Republican Linda Lingle has proposed changes that are needed to revitalize Hawaii's economy by creating a climate in which competition can thrive. After decades of Democratic rule in Hawaii, she and her running mate, Judge James "Duke" Aiona, propose "a new beginning" that we believe is essential to attract new businesses to the state. Hawaii's reputation for high taxes, bloated government and burdensome regulations must change as it enters the 21st century.
FIRST CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT: Democratic Rep. Neil Abercrombie has worked diligently in Hawaii's interests during his six full terms representing urban Honolulu. While disagreeing with him on some national issues, we appreciate the yeoman work he performs in looking out for the state in such areas as tourism and military affairs. His seniority in Congress enhances his ability to provide further service to the state.
CITY COUNCIL: Pam Witty-Oakland in District 1 (Waianae-Ewa); Gerald Hagino in District 2 (Mililani Mauka-Ahuimanu); Barbara Marshall in District 3 (Heeia-Waimanalo); Robert Fishman in District 4 (Hawaii Kai-Waikiki); John Steelquist in District 6 (Makiki-Kalihi Valley), and Michael Nakamura in District 9 (Kunia-Mililani Town).
BOARD OF EDUCATION: Shannon Ajifu, Karen Knudsen and Randall Yee from Oahu at large; Garrett Toguchi to fill an Oahu at-large vacancy caused by a resignation from the board; Grace Dixon from the Central District; Laura Thielen from the Windward District; Karen Gold James from the Leeward District, and Kelly Takaya King from the Maui District.
State constitutional amendments
BALLOT QUESTION NO. 1: Require state House or Senate candidates to be qualified voters in the districts where they run before filing nomination papers and to remain in their districts throughout their terms. Vote Yes.BALLOT QUESTION NO. 2: Authorize the state to issue special-purpose revenue bonds to help nonprofit private schools, colleges and universities to finance construction and renovation projects. Vote Yes.
BALLOT QUESTION NO. 3: Allow county prosecutors to initiate felony charges by submitting documentation, called "information charging," to a state judge, instead of presenting live testimony before a grand jury or a preliminary hearing before a judge. Vote Yes.
City Charter amendment
Create a position of city auditor to be appointed by the City Council to review the finances and performance of city agencies, with unrestricted access and subpoena powers. Vote Yes.
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Published by Oahu Publications Inc., a subsidiary of Black Press.Don Kendall, Publisher
Frank Bridgewater, Editor 529-4791; fbridgewater@starbulletin.com
Michael Rovner, Assistant Editor 529-4768; mrovner@starbulletin.com
Lucy Young-Oda, Assistant Editor 529-4762; lyoungoda@starbulletin.comMary Poole, Editorial Page Editor, 529-4790; mpoole@starbulletin.com
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