A key GOP message in legislative races is likely to be that government is still too big a burden on small business, and that Democrats are responsible.

"Ninety-seven percent of our businesses are small, and they provide a majority of the jobs," he said. And when it comes to small business, "people were really disappointed in the last legislative session, and it's now two in a row."

Comedian Ed Ka'ahea, first vice chairman for the Kaua'i Republican Party, said the GOP needs to maintain its dialogue with small business, and also with the state's working people.

"We need to let people know that they are overtaxed and under-represented," he said.

Republican delegate Katherine Thomason, an accountant who is also the state's deputy comptroller, said she joined the Lingle administration because she felt state operations needed change. She was dissatisfied that her daughter's public school used photocopies instead of textbooks, and that small businesses lack opportunities to bid on state contracts. Then, when she got into government, she discovered that different agencies weren't talking to one another.

"I was real disappointed," Thomason said.

The administration has enacted or is working on programs to address those and many other issues, she said.

"It's never too early to get geared up for 2006. We need to re-elect the governor because we're not done," she said.

Morioka said he draws encouragement from a strong showing at this year's convention — a little more than 300 people — since attendance is usually lower at conventions on Neighbor Islands. He said the attendees also seem to be younger than in years past.

And although people can't avoid talking issues, most of the 2005 convention agenda is about fundamental political organizing, Morioka said.

"We're working on training, educating members on fund-raising, getting out the vote, home-district organization and how to market our message," he said. Three organizers from the Republican National Committee are attending meetings and providing guidance, he said.