PDHblog
This is a place for members of Progressive Democrats of Hawai‘i to express their thoughts
and exasperations about political happenings. The opinions and views are not necessarily
those of PDH's steering committee or membership as a whole.

Alright here are my thoughts about the races we are voting on for “priority help.” I am still researching each of these myself and will add more info as I come across it. Please feel free to jump into the discussion with thoughts of your own — for or against any of these.

Hirono, Mazie U.S. House, 2nd CD: This one is pretty much a no-brainer for me. While not always super-inspiring, Mazie has progressive credentials and I think she has a lot of potential to do good in this seat. I would vote to endorse if I could, but I live in the 1st CD.

Tokuda, Jill - Senate Dist 24 (Windward Oahu): This is the seat being vacated by Bob Hogue so that he can run for US Congress. Since there is no incumbent, the seat is arguably up for grabs. An Advertiser piece on this race points out that Both Tokuda and her republican opponent are quite young (30 & 26 respectively). To me, that means that whichever of them is elected will likely have some fresh ideas, but will also be largely subject to influence by their party leadership. After a quick google search, she seems to have decent qualifications and falls on the “right” (i.e. my) side of the issues in areas that I could find. I am leaning toward voting for endorsement.

Yamamoto, George - Dist 19: I don’t know much about George Yamamoto, but the fact that he is running against Mike Gabbard is HUGE to me. In case you don’t remember, Mike Gabbard led the “save traditional marriage” fight. This seat is also being vacated, so there is no incumbent. I lean toward voting for endorsement simply because of who he is running against.

McKelvey, Angus - House Dist 10 (West Maui): don’t know much… will add more as I learn…

Abe, Mike - House Dist 19 (Kaimuki): Running against incumbent Barbara Marumoto means that it is an uphill battle for Mike. I have interacted with Mike on several occasions. He is a good guy and I think he would do well for the district and be a good progressive ally. I will vote to endorse.

Belatti, Della Au - House Dist 25 (Makiki): Seems to be very promising. Leaning toward voting for endorsement… will add more as I learn.

Moepono, Sesnita - House Dist 27(Liliha-Kapalama): I have heard good things about her. Will look up more.

Rhoads, Karl - House Dist 28 (Downtown): Heard good things about him too… will look up more.

Sugimura, Jane - House Dist 32 (Aiea)

Har, Sharon - House Dist 40 (Kapolei)

Iwamoto, Kim Coco - BOE: Have met her a few times. Like her. Think she will be a great, fresh voice for the BOE. Will vote to endorse.

Knudsen, Karen - BOE: Decent member on the board… much better than some of the other options. Will likely vote for her in the election in order to keep others, like Lingle-appointed Darwin Ching (if only he believed in his namesake!), out.

I will add more thoughts to this as I gather more information about each of these races.