EDITORIAL
Advertiser endorses in state House races
After redistricting and a shuffle caused by incumbents pursuing other offices or other careers, the election for the state House of Representatives this year offers a variety of fresh choices to the voters.
With the exception of four districts where the incumbent was unopposed and was elected outright, there are contested races in every district. In some districts, the battle does not begin until the general.
In others, however, there are intriguing contests in the party primaries.
In choosing whom to select, voters must balance both the needs of their own district and the needs of the state. The best candidates will be those who show a strong interest in their own district's problems and needs but will also have skills or interests that can contribute to the larger work of the Legislature and the interests of the state as a whole.
The Advertiser sought to apply this test in the following endorsements for state House primary races. We made endorsements only in those races where the primary election will either settle things outright or where there is a contested primary.
In a handful of cases, the information we had did not lead to a strong recommendation for an endorsement.
Our endorsements in the state House for the 2002 primary election:
• 4th District: Puna
Democratic
The Big Island can hardly ignore the wisdom of veteran lawmaker Helene Hale.
Republican
No endorsement.
• 6th District: Kailua, Keauhou
Democratic
The Advertiser endorses the executive director of the Kona Kohala Chamber of Commerce and long-time community activist Marni Herkes.
• 10th District: West Maui
Republican
A small-business owner and leader in church and community activities, Patty Nagasako-Peterson narrowly lost in 2000 to Rep. Joe Souki. She deserves another shot.
• 13th District: E. Maui, Moloka'i, Lana'i
Democratic
Lana'i resident and former Maui County Council member Sol Kaho'ohalaha did a solid job as a first-term lawmaker. Voters should advance him to the general election.
• 15th District: Lihue, Koloa
Republican
No endorsement.
• 16th District: Po'ipu, Waimea, Ni'ihau
Republican
No endorsement.
• 20th District: St. Louis Heights., Palolo, Wilhelmina Rise
Republican
No endorsement.
• 22nd District: McCully, Pawa'a
Democratic
Redistricting has thrown two incumbents into a head-to-head race. Scott Saiki, a thoughtful, energetic legislator, has leadership potential and deserves to go on to the general.
• 24th District: Manoa
Democratic
In this busy primary, longtime Neighborhood Board member and community organizer Tom Heinrich would do a solid job representing his community.
• 25th District: Makiki, Tantalus
Republican
In this two-way GOP race, newcomer Mark Horsley demonstrates a sincere interest in improving education. As the father of children with special-education needs, he has firsthand experience with the Felix Consent Decree.
• 27th District: Liliha, Pu'unui.
Democratic
Sesnita Moepono, an attorney, has a broad range of experience in state, community and Hawaiian affairs and is ripe for a stint in the Legislature.
Republican
Corinne Ching is a teacher committed to education reform and has the drive and experience needed to advance her goals.
• 29th District: Kalihi, Sand Island
Democratic
Incumbent Jun Abinsay has turned his full attention to solving the multitude of problems within his district.
• 31st District: Salt Lake, Tripler
Democratic
Grant Tanimoto, the state's deputy director of taxation, has been active as chairman of his neighborhood board and values education enough to say he'd raise taxes to improve the public schools system if need be.
• 35th District: Waipahu, Crestview
Democratic
Julie Duldulao, who served as a state representative from 1989-94, has remained active in the community and deserves a shot at making a comeback.
• 36th District: Pearl City, Palisades
Democratic
One of two incumbents in this race due to redistricting, Roy Takumi, a communications director for the AFL-CIO, is a principled legislator who takes strong stands on social issues.
• 37th District: Mililani, Waipi'o
Democratic.
Nic Musico, the city's Leeward superintendent of environmental services, was strongly involved in establishing the Filipino community's impressive FilCom Center and is also active with the Minority Organ Tissue Transplant Education program.
• 39th District: Wahiawa
Republican
No endorsement.
• 40th District: Makakilo, Kapolei, Royal Kunia
Democratic
Maeda Timson, an energetic member and former chairwoman of the Makakilo/Kapolei/Honokai Hale Neighborhood Board, has worked hard to bring positive change to her community and has fresh ideas on how to strengthen Hawai'i's economy without sacrificing the natural environment.
Republican
Incumbent Mark Moses has been a clear and consistent voice for GOP principles in the Democrat-dominated Legislature.
• 41st District: Waipahu, Village Park, Waikele
Democratic
Annette Yamaguchi, a longtime neighborhood board member, knows her community and clearly cherishes it.
• 42nd District: Waipahu, Honuliuli, 'Ewa
Democratic
Rodolfo Ramos, a former sugar industry mechanic, has lived through big changes in his district. We support his commitment to striking a balance between development and public infrastructure.
• 43rd District: 'Ewa Beach, West Loch
Democratic
Jeff Alexander, a construction project manager, walks the walk as a longtime neighborhood board member and committed community volunteer.
Republican
Pam Lee Smith, a campaign consultant, is another committed community volunteer who thinks it's worth improving Hawai'i's public education system instead of abandoning it to the voucher system.
• 45th District: Wai'anae, Makaha
Democratic
Attorney Maile Shimabukuro's practical and compassionate style clearly makes her the candidate who understands "the realities of the most vulnerable people in society." Plus, she offers specific solutions to problems.
• 47th District: Ha'iku, Kahalu'u, La'ie
Democratic
George Okuda, a retired civil engineer with the Hawaiian Electric Co., cut his political teeth as a legislative aide and ranks improving the economy and education as big priorities.
• 49th District: Kane'ohe, Enchanted Lake
Democratic
Clyde Morita, an environmental and business management consultant, thinks it's worth the money and effort to turn Hawai'i's public school system into the best in the country. So do we.
• 51st District: Waimanalo, Lanikai
Democratic
Tommy Waters, a public defender who has been active in the Hawaiian legal community, has the insight and energy to address a broad range of issues within his diverse district.
