General Election 2010 Last Minute Voter’s Guide: It’s time!
HONOLULU—It’s Election Day today. Find your polling place here. See a complete list of candidates and other official information at the Office of Elections website: http://hawaii.gov/elections.
Voter info
Voters must vote at their assigned polling place. To confirm your polling place and precinct number, go to http://elections3.hawaii.gov/ppl/ and follow the instructions, or call the Office of Elections at (808) 453-8683 or 1(800)442-8683 from the neighbor islands.
Polls are open from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Be sure to have your picture ID with a signature on it for verification of your identity. Your Voter Registration Notice is not an acceptable form of identification.
If you received an absentee ballot in the mail but have not returned it, you have three options: (1) complete the ballot and drop it off at any polling place on the island where you are registered during voting hours; (2) complete the ballot and drop it at the State Capitol during voting hours; or (3) discard your ballot and go vote at your assigned polling place.
For additional information, call the Voter Hotline at (808) 453-VOTE (8683). “Neighbor Islands” call toll-free at 1-800-442-VOTE (8683).
Website address: www.hawaii.gov/elections.
Persons with hearing or speech disabilities should call the Office of Elections’ TTY phone at (808) 453-6150. Neighbor Islands call TTY toll-free at 1-800-345-5915 or the Sprint Relay Hawaii TRS at 711 (V/TTY); 847-9508 (FAX); Voice Carry Over (VCO): 1 (877) 447-5992; Speech to Speech (STS): 1 (877) 447-8711.
Click here for the candidate list
Click here for Vote-HI.org’s sample ballot
Here’s what’s on the ballot:
U.S. Senator
U.S. Representative District 1
U.S. Representative District 2
Governor
Lieutenant Governor
State Senator
State Representative
County Councilmember
Mayor (Maui and Kauai)
Board of Education
OHA Trustee
Constitutional Amendment Questions
County Charter Amendment Questions (Hawaii Island and Honolulu)
Constitutional Amendment Questions:
Relating to the Board of Education
Shall the Board of Education be changed to a board appointed by the Governor, with the advice and consent of the Senate, as provided by law?
H.B. No. 2376, H.D. 3, S.D. 2, C.D. 1
Relating to the tax rebate requirement
Shall the legislature be provided with the choice, when the state general fund balance at the close of each of two successive fiscal years exceeds five per cent of the general fund revenues for each of the two fiscal years, to provide a tax refund or tax credit to the taxpayers of the State, or to make a deposit into one or more funds, as provided by law, which shall serve as temporary supplemental sources of funding for the State in times of an emergency, economic downturn, or unforeseen reduction in revenue?
S.B. No. 2807, S.D. 2, H.D. 2, C.D. 1
Click here to view the Constitutional Amendment documents
Click here to view the Honolulu City and County Charter Amendment questions
Click here to view the Hawaii County Charter Amendment questions
Here’s a slice of what’s been going on leading up to the General Election: The Hawaii Independent‘s recent campaign commentary, candidate interviews, and other handy links to check out before heading to the polls.
Democracy, unlike this campaign season, has to be issues-driven
First up, The Hawaii Independent columnist and Hawaii Public Radio host Beth-Ann Kozlovich reminds us that while the campaign season is catapulting issues, facts, and insults to front pages and back rooms, these days, it’s tough not to think or be talking about some of them.
In Search of Real Security
With the issues in mind, Jon Letman reported on a discussion on Kauai in August that explored the impacts of a U.S. economy too intensely focused on its military operations overseas. Real security, it was said, will come when Hawaii is not dominated by military spending but instead supports more immediate human needs: health, education, preservation of the environment, sustainable energy, and fostering a culture the builds rather than destroys.
Dread and hope, pride and praise in the aftermath of HB444
The Hawaii Independent‘s Samson Kaala Reiny reported on Gov. Linda Lingle’s ultimate decision on civil unions. The governor called the issue the biggest of the 2010 session.
Campaign signage: What’s wrong with this picture?
Also, The Hawaii Independent‘s East Oahu editor Barb Forsyth took a few pokes at the “art” made by all of Hawaii’s campaign signs plastered to homes.
‘Sanity’ rally lowers the political volume to soothing decibels
Leigh Sholler captures the political mood of Honolulu’s satellite “Rally to Restore Sanity” and “March to Keep Fear Alive” on Saturday.
Opinion: Free airtime would clean up U.S. politics
Hawaii Governor’s Race
Comment: On Duke Aiona, the far right, and the First Congressional District
Comment: Hawaii voters have to understand what comes with an Abercrombie economy
The Hawaii Independent had two very polar views on Hawaii’s governor’s race. Recently released poll numbers have Gary Hooser, the former State Senate Majority Leader who has represented Kauai and Niihau since 2002, baffled at growing support for Republican gubernatorial candidate Duke Aiona. And conservative commentator Steve Jackson is equally concerned about Democratic candidate Neil Abercrombie’s plans for bigger government.
Hawaii’s governor candidates bicker over appointed school board
Hawaii governing philosophies clash at Kona forum
Big Island Video News reported on the debate over fiscal responsibility between gubernatorial candidates Neil Abercrombie and Duke Aiona in Kona.
Hannemann: Environmental groups still peeved over ‘Keep the country country’ ad
Hannemann uses popular slogan in ad, environmental groups demand retraction
The Hawaii Independent‘s North Shore Editor Jade Eckardt covers the reaction of preservation groups, who say Hannemann shouldn’t imply that he’s “keeping the country country.”
Hawaii Pastors Speak Out Against Invoking God In Politics
KITV4 News reports on group of Hawaii pastors who spoke out about what they called a disturbing trend in the current election campaign, particularly in the governor’s race.
Hawaii State Senate
State Senate District 2 candidate Timothy Waugh answers community questions
State Senate District 2 candidate Lee McIntosh answers community questions
State Senate District 2 candidate Michael W. Hale answers community questions
District 2 is composed of Waiakea Uka, Kalapana, Volcano, and Kahuku on Hawaii Island.
Meet your candidates for state Senate District 7
The Garden Island looks at Kauai’s Senate candidates.
State Senate District 8 candidate Larry Price answers community questions
State Senate District 8 incumbent Sam Slom answers community questions
District 8 is composed of Hawaii Kai, Aina Haina, Kahala, and Diamond Head.
State Senate District 9 incumbent Les Ihara answers your questions
Senate District 9 candidate Daniel N. Davidson answers community questions
District 9 comprises Palolo, St. Louis Heights, Maunalani Heights, Kaimuki, Kapahulu, West Diamond Head, and Waikiki Gold Coast.
Senate District 10 incumbent Brian Taniguchi answers community questions
Senate District 10 candidate Eric B. Marshall answers your questions
State Senate District 10 candidate Eric Marshall answers community questions
District 10 comprises Manoa, Moiliili, McCully, and Makiki.
State Senate District 19 candidate Aaron Toa Bonar talks about his decision to run
Senate District 19 incumbent Mike Gabbard answers community questions
District 19 is comprised of Honokai Hale, Makakilo, Kapolei, Kalaeloa, Royal Kunia, Village Park, Waikele, and portions of Ko Olina and Waipahu.
Senate District 20 candidate Tito Montes talks efficiency and fiscal responsibility
State Senate District 20 encompasses Ewa Beach, Ewa, West Loch, lower Waipahu, and Honouluili.
Donavan Dela Cruz drops out of mayor’s race to run for Senate District 22
State Senate District 22 candidate Gerald Hagino answers community questions
District 22 is comprised of Mililani Mauka, Wahiawa, Haleiwa, Mokuleia, and North Shore.
State Senate District 24 candidate Tracy Nakano Bean answers your questions
State Senate District 24 candidate Tracy Nakano Bean answers community questions
District 24 is composed of Kaneohe, Kaneohe MCAB, Kailua, and Enchanted Lake.
Hawaii State House
State House District 6 incumbent Denny Coffman answers your questions
State House District 6 represents North Kona, Keauhou, Kailua-Kona, and Honokohau on Hawaii Island.
State House District 15 candidate Larry Fillhart answers your questions
State House District 15 represents Lihue and Koloa on Kauai.
State House District 20 incumbent Calvin Say answers your questions
State House District 20 is comprised of St. Louis Heights, Palolo Valley, Maunalani Heights, Wilhelmina Rise, and Kaimuki.
State House District 22 candidate Greg Cuadra answers your questions
State House District 22 is comprised of McCully and Moiliili.
Politics trumps service? Manoa Neighborhood Board denies a resident a seat, complaint filed
Pertaining to State House District 24 candidate Zach Thomson of Manoa.
State House District 27 candidate Lynn Vasquez on the issues
State House District 27 is comprised of parts of Nuuanu, Liliha, Puunui and Alewa Heights.
State House District 28 candidate David Chang on the issues
State House District 28 is comprised of Downtown, Chinatown, Palama, Iwilei, and Sheridan.
State House District 29 candidate Ken Harding on the issues
State House District 29 is comprised of Kalihi Kai, Sand Island, Mokauea, and Kapalama.
State House District 30 candidate Carole Kaapu on the issues
State House District 30 is comprised of Kamehameha Heights, Kalihi Valley, and Fort Shafter.
Republican Beth Fukumoto tries to find a middle ground with Hawaii voters
An interview with candidate Beth Fukumoto, running for State House District 37, which includes Mililani and Waipio Gentry.
State House District 45 incumbent Maile Shimabukuro answers your questions
State House District 45 is comprised of Waianae, Makaha, and Makua.
City and County of Honolulu
City Council District 6 race packed with candidates
There were 10 candidates for Honolulu City Council District 6, as of the Office of Elections Candidate Report on July 23. The Hawaii Independent submitted the same list of questions to each of the 10 candidates. District 6 is comprised of a portion of Makiki, Downtown Honolulu, Punchbowl, Liliha, Pauoa Valley, Nuuanu, Alewa Heights, Papakolea, Kalihi Valley, and a portion of greater Kalihi.
See the responses of all District 6 candidates:
Lawrence Fenton 1| 2
Timothy Garry
Shawn Hamamoto 1
Frank Lavoie 1
Carlton Middleton 1
Sesnita Moepono
Dennis Nakasato 1
Tulsi Gabbard Tamayo 1
Robert Vieira 1
Christopher Wong 1
Maui County
County Council candidate profiles for Makawao-Haiku-Paia seat
Lahaina News has published information on four Maui County Council candidates. Mary Ribucan Cochran, Kai Nishiki, Leona Bak Nomura, and Mike White are vying for the Makawao-Haiku-Paia seat on the Maui County Council.
Hawaii County
Race to the Puna Makai council seat erupts
Kauai County
Meet your Kauai County Council candidates
Capitol Hill
Blog: There really is no substitute for hearing a candidate in person
The Hawaii Independent‘s Barb Forsyth shares her views on seeing Congressional candidate Colleen Hanabusa in person.
Republicans, Democrats still battling over Bush-era tax cuts
U.S. Senate candidate Lloyd Jeffrey Mallan answers your questions
Lloyd Jeffrey Mallan is running for Hawaii’s U.S. Senate seat.
U.S. Representative candidate John Willoughby answers your questions
John Willoughby: ‘I will never betray my personal values or principles for political favor’
John Willoughby is running for the Hawaii’s 2nd Congressional District seat.
Comment: Chastising moderates within the Republican Party driving away independents
Will union ties help or hinder Democrats against a Republican Congressional incumbent?
The L.A. Times’ Carol J. Williams spoke with Congressman Charles Djou (R) and Congressional candidate Sen. Colleen Hanabusa (D) about the Hawaii GOP’s strategy of criticizing the influence of organized union labor.
Board of Education
Board of Education candidate information: It’s not too late to find out about them
Right now, we can resolve to learn about our BOE candidates and not leave the ballot blank
Office of Hawaiian Affairs Trustees
OHA Trustee
Island of Oahu (1)
Peter Apo (NS)
Jackie Kahookele Burke (NS)
Walter Meheula Heen (NS, incumbent)
Videos of all 3 Oahu OHA candidates [Olelo]
OHA Trustee
Island of Maui (1)
Boyd Poki Mossman (NS, incumbent)
OHA Trustee
No Island Residency Required (3)
Rowena M. N. Akana (NS, incumbent)
Kama Hopkins (NS)
Leona Mapuana Kalima (NS)
Joseph Kuhio Lewis (NS)
Kealii J. Makekau (NS)
William (Willy) Meyers (NS)
Michael Malulani Odegaard (NS)
Oswald (Oz) Stender (NS, incumbent)
John Waihee IV (NS, incumbent)
Constitutional Amendment Questions
Letter: Keep politics out of schools, vote ‘no’ on appointed BOE
The Hawaii Independent‘s conservative columnist Steve Jackson had quite a bit more to say about Hawaii’s Republican push to the primaries and the “Democratic status quo”:
Verbatim: Wharton wishes Willoughby success in 2010 General Election
Comment: Rida Cabanilla Arakawa election mailer criticized for not following rules
Mililani forum wrap up: Candidates talk ag lands, House Bill 444, and GET
Comment: Obama is the establishment
Blog: President’s economic plan offers no real incentives to small businesses
Comment: Help wanted! The world needs skilled labor
Comment: Political parties are overplaying their hands
Comment: Hawaii’s one-party domination isn’t cutting it
Comment: The 14th Amendment must be protected
Comment: On the precipice of a double dip recession
Comment: Youth and newfound energy cross paths in Hawaii’s Republican party
The Hawaii Independent columnist Gary Hooser didn’t hold back on his thoughts of the GOP and then some:
Comment: Democrat or Republican ... does it really matter?
Comment: Relating to the regulation of the poor and unwashed
Comment: On Duke Aiona, the far right, and the First Congressional District
Other election resources
Great links at HawaiiPoliticalInfo.org.
Hawaii’s over-50 voters expected to come out big again in the fall elections
AARP created a voter guide with top issues resulting from its survey for each election race. All candidates for governor, lieutenant governor, and State Legislative races were invited to answer and the on-line guide is available at www.aarp.org/hi. For the Congressional race, candidates will be queried following the primary.
Olelo provides Primary Election programming seven-days-a-week
Since August 29, Olelo Community Media has been providing Hawaii viewers an extensive portfolio of elections programming, including debates, forums, and candidate profiles.
Pride At Work sends surveys to primary election candidates
Pride At Work Hawaii’s legislative action committee sent primary election issue surveys to all candidates for governor, lieutenant governor, State House, and State Senate. The surveys asked candidates’ positions on LGBT and workers rights, affordable housing, women’s reproductive rights, maintaining government services, health care, and more.
Meet your Kauai candidates
The Garden Island has Q&As with candidates representing Kauai and Niihau.
Candidates on the issues and personal commitments
Kanu Hawaii polled members to find out which issues are most important to the Kanu Hawaii community. They then asked candidates where they stand on those issues and about the personal commitments they’ve made to help address them.
Voting for next prosecutor: Hawaii human trafficking issue
Pacific Alliance to Stop Slavery took a look at responses by the Honolulu City Prosecutor candidates regarding human trafficking.
Hawaii League of Women Voters website hosts candidate statements
The Hawaii League of Women Voters will provide voters the statements of candidates running in the September 18 primary election. The State Office of Elections formerly posted this information on its website but discontinued the service citing budgetary constraints. Voters can access the candidate information by clicking on the “Candidates—Election 2010” on the League’s home page at www.lwv-hawaii.coM.
Editor’s note: We’re still adding links and resources to this. If there’s any particular news story you think people should read before going into the polls or if there are any other online resources we should point to, please email [email protected].