Updated at 6:50 p.m., Thursday, August 31, 2006

Akaka wins coin toss, will speak last

By Johnny Brannon and Dan Nakaso
Advertiser Staff Writers

Winning the coin toss means Akaka will speak second throughout the debate and will offer the last closing statement. He will also speak last at the press conference scheduled after the debate.

Anticipation was high as the candidates made last-minute preparations for their only scheduled debate before the Sept. 23 Democratic primary for Senate.

Outside the television studios of PBS Hawai'i, where the debate will be held tonight beginning at 7:30, dozens of sign-wavers stood on all corners around Dole Street and University Avenue as cars beeped their horns in support for individual candidates.

More than an hour before the debate, Akaka stood at the podium smiling as television camera operators adjusted their lenses.

Akaka wore his U.S. Senate tie, which is red with white diagonal stripes with the words "United States Senate" on the bottom. Akaka also wore his U.S. Senate pin on his lapel and Senate cuff links, which each bear the seal of the U.S. Senate.

As he walked off the podium, Akaka was accompanied by Walter Dods, First Hawaiian Bank's former chief executive officer.

Case arrived tonight wearing a dark suit, white shirt and burgundy tie with a blue-and-white pattern.