Turnout seen as key to race
By Johnny Brannon
Advertiser Staff Writer
Honolulu mayoral candidates Duke Bainum and Mufi Hannemann say they will aggressively seek support in the Nov. 2 runoff from people who stayed away from the polls in Saturday's primary election, and from those who voted for Frank Fasi.
Voter turnout is expected to increase significantly for the general election because it includes the presidential race, and the additional votes could easily swing the mayoral contest in either direction.
Bainum
Bainum and Hannemann both said yesterday that they believe a high turnout would be to their benefit, while Fasi remained silent about whether he would publicly back either contender.
"We'll continue the message that we do represent a departure from the usual way of doing business at City Hall," Bainum said. "We'll be there for the people's interests, not the special interests, and we'll reach out clearly to that large number of voters who did not vote in the primary" or supported Fasi.
Bainum drew more than 45 percent of the vote Saturday, and much of his support came from areas where turnout tends to be high, such as East O'ahu. Hannemann drew more than 42 percent, much of it from neighborhoods with low turnout.
That leaves Bainum with a good chance for a strong showing in the runoff, but means there could be lots of potential votes for Hannemann if turnout increases significantly in his strongholds, such as the North Shore and Leeward Coast.
Slightly more than 42 percent of O'ahu's 430,285 registered voters went to the polls Saturday.
"I wish more people would have voted, because I think that might have been the difference for us," Hannemann said. "But definitely, our feeling is that the momentum is clearly in our corner."
Bainum and Hannemann agreed that an increased turnout among Republican voters was likely Nov. 2 because of the presidential election. But each said they believed GOP voters would support them.
The bulk of O'ahu's Republicans live in districts that favored Bainum, but Hannemann has been endorsed by some high-profile Republican lawmakers and business groups that include many Republicans.
Fasi drew more than 9 percent of the vote Saturday. He wouldn't talk about the runoff yesterday, but has said before that he doesn't believe either Bainum or Hannemann is qualified to lead the city.
It's not clear that an endorsement would make a tremendous difference for either of the others. Fasi did very little campaigning in this election, and has no large network of volunteers or other resources to throw behind another candidate now.
Mayor Jeremy Harris said Bainum and Hannemann need to inspire voters with their vision for the city's future. During the next six weeks, they should appear together in debates that thoroughly explore major issues, Harris said.
"It's not clear to me what either of them thinks the city should look like in 50 years, or what values they're basing their vision on, what kinds of projects and improvements is that going to translate into, and programs for the community?" he said. "I think you need a broader picture and a broader vision that has not yet been articulated."
The candidates should "engage in more one-on-one debates with detailed questions so that the reality of their responses can be evaluated," he said.
Hannemann said he was ready to appear at "any and all debates," but called for a spontaneous and direct format with no prepared answers.
"I want to have a debate with Duke Bainum, not his consultants," Hannemann said.
Bainum said he was ready to accept the challenge.
"We know that our message stands out very clearly," he said.
No debates have been firmly scheduled yet.
Bainum and Hannemann have spent more than $4 million on the mayor's race so far. Bainum spent a record $2.8 million, or about $33 per vote he received Saturday. Hannemann spent more than $1.2 million, or about $15 per vote.
Reach Johnny Brannon at jbrannon@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8070.
