Council hopefuls try to stand out in crowd

By James Gonser
Urban Honolulu Writer

From left, Muhammad Gazdar, John Anderson, Albert Furuto and Sam Aiona were among 10 council candidates who attended a public forum at Magoo's Pizza parlor yesterday. Fourteen hopefuls are vying for the recently convicted Andy Mirikitani's vacated seat. Jeff Widener • The Honolulu Advertiser

The first meeting of candidates vying to replace convicted felon Andy Mirikitani on the City Council was held at the Magoo's Pizza parlor on University Avenue yesterday, setting the tone for what appears to be a real grass-roots election campaign.

Siting behind a row of small restaurant tables pushed together in a ragged line and in front of the "Sushi Bar" sign, 10 of the 14 candidates took part in the forum. Trying to speak over the constant noise of nearby traffic, the candidates fielded questions from moderator Mike Buck of radio station KHVH, who left half way through the discussion.

"Have you been convicted of a felony?" Buck asked each one.

"No," was the collective reply.

Most of the candidates are political newcomers and do not have political party backing. Many are trying to make themselves and their candidacy known to the public on shoe-string budgets and by walking door-to-door through the neighborhoods.

Candidates attending the forum were; Ann Kobayashi, Sam Aiona, Richard Soo, Kekoa Kaapu, Albert Furuto, Ron Lockwood, Richard Gee, John Anderson, Harris Murabayashi and Muhammad Gazdar.

Candidates John Steelquist, Richard Lee, Danny Auyoung and Joseph Kinoshita did not attend.

A nonpartisan special election will be held Jan. 26 to determine who will represent the Manoa, Makiki and Ala Moana areas. The candidate who receives the most votes that day will take office after the deadline for election challenges passes Feb. 15.

Manoa Neighborhood Board chairman Tom Heinrich, one of the few residents attending the forum, said the event made clear there is a range of opinions and experience among the candidates.

After detailing their personal qualifications for office, the candidates were asked about their primary concerns for the district (parking, crime, business) and if they would support a smoking ban in restaurants.

Soo said that as a firefighter for 26 years and having responding to many fires caused by smoking materials, he would like to see the ban go into effect.

Lockwood said the ban would hurt businesses, especially in Waikiki, but his answer would reflect the will of the people in the district.

Anderson said he supported the ban because the city needs to look after the health of restaurant workers.

Kobayashi said the current bill before the council is flawed because exceptions are allowed and if a ban in going to be put into effect, a total ban is needed to be fair to everyone.

Only Murabayashi said if the restaurant owners want smoking, it should be allowed.

The candidates also were asked how they would improve the image of the City Council in light of the legal and ethical violations linked to councilmembers.

"Everyone here will say they are honest and have integrity," said Aiona, who touted his Republican Party affiliation. "When a person is in power too long, they become abusive. We have to elect people that are not part of the status quo."

Kobayashi, a former state senator, said she stands by her years of public service, and said the way to improve the council is to "treat everyone fairly and responsibly."

Mirikitani, who was convicted of theft, bribery and related charges in connection with a kickback scheme, was sentenced Dec. 6 to four years and three months in prison. His new wife, Sharron Bynum, was sentenced to one year and nine months in prison for aiding and abetting him. They are to report to prison Jan 17.

Reach James Gonser at jgonser@honoluluadvertiser.com or 535-2431.

Correction: Muhammad Gazdar's name was misspelled in the photo caption in a previous version of this story.