Candidates keep it civil in Waipahu mayoral forum

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In their first public forum together, three mayoral candidates discussed controversial topics yesterday ranging from the city's proposed $4 billion rail transit system to the island's only landfill.

Mayor Mufi Hannemann, City Councilwoman Ann Kobayashi and University of Hawaii professor Panos Prevedouros differed on several issues - most notably, the rail transit system - but the debate was mostly tame because they weren't given much opportunity to address each other directly.

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To an audience largely with West Oahu ties, three mayoral candidates made their first appearance together yesterday in a low-key public forum, arguing briefly on issues from the city's proposed $4 billion rail transit system to Oahu's only landfill.

It was the first of several public debates planned for the front-runners - Mayor Mufi Hannemann, City Councilwoman Ann Kobayashi and University of Hawaii professor Panos Prevedouros - with only two weeks left until the primary election on Sept. 20.

While the forum, hosted by the Kapolei Chamber of Commerce and the West Oahu Economic Development at the Filipino Community Center in Waipahu, remained tame (or "mild," as Hannemann put it), the candidates were able to get a few jabs in at each other.

"Panos and I have been participating in just about every candidates' forum," Kobayashi said. "We've gone to the neighborhood board forum and it's been great because it's a good way to interact with the community. I'm glad today, Mufi, you're able to join us."

The candidates agreed the largest issue facing West Oahu residents is the increasing traffic congestion, though they disagreed over the best traffic solution.

Prevedouros reiterated his promise that if elected mayor he would scrap Hannemann's proposed light rail system.

"We have major congestion problems and instead of address them head-on, we are using taxpayer money to peddle a steel on steel non-solution on television," Prevedouros said, referring to recent advertisements on the rail transit system.

Kobayashi has been one of the strongest advocates on the City Council for a rubber-tire bus on concrete system. "We need mass transit," Kobayashi said. "Let's move forward whether it's steel on steel or rubber tire on concrete. Whatever is selected, we must move forward and get this done."

Kobayashi criticized Hannemann for not making the process more transparent, saying she had for years asked for specifics of the transit system, such as long-term funding plans and drawings.

Hannemann responded by saying that his administration had provided this information. "When those answers are given, sometimes you don't want to hear that answer," Hannemann said, referring to City Council meetings with the Transportation Services director that have become contentious. "Sometimes you have selective memory."

The candidates answered questions on the Waimanalo Gulch Landfill, a contentious issue for residents on the Leeward Coast who want it shut down, and infrastructure concerns with many developments planned for Kapolei.

All agreed that careful planning of infrastructure is a major concern for Kapolei, though Prevedouros and Kobayashi were vague on proposed solutions to fix problems on roads and potholes while Hannemann cited his current plans.