A few observations now that Hawaii’s 2022 primary election is in the rearview mirror:
Let’s start with a sincere mahalo nui loa to all the candidates who quickly removed their campaign signs after losing on August 13. We are impressed by their perfection. These candidates show that they truly care about Maui.
In our opinion, when a politician leaves their signs after a defeat, it says that they are more concerned with promoting themselves and their brand than humbly following the political tradition of the island. Yes, it hurts to lose, but democracy itself depends on the peaceful transfer of power and the acceptance of certified election results.
It will be interesting to see Hawaii voters reject Mainland-style attack ads targeting US congressional candidate Jill Tokuda and lieutenant governor hopeful Sylvia Luke. The doom and gloom super PAC messaging is a stark departure from what we’re used to seeing in Hawaii. Political campaigns here have long used the concepts of love and respect as guiding lights.
Hawaii voters have proven that they prefer to hear what candidates stand for rather than what they oppose. Complaining and undercutting is the easy way for politicians. Why don’t you tell us the solutions you propose? How can your policies make Hawaii better for its people and environment today? What about seven generations down the line?
We wonder if the negative campaigning it took will hold it back in the November general election. Judging by the characters and track record of the two candidates squaring off for mayor of Maui County, we expect an issue-driven fight between incumbent Mayor Michael Victorino and retired 2nd Circuit Court Judge Richard Bissen. It didn’t hit us like a mud.
While incumbents generally enjoy a distinct advantage, that may not be the case in this contest. Bissen collected more primary votes than Victorino, 13,407 to 11,747. He also out-fundraised the current mayor earlier. A late infusion of campaign cash may have helped Victorino close the gap.
There is no denying that money remains a driving force in American politics. Without advertising, staffing, polling and promotion, a campaign has little chance. Ask US Congressman Kai Kahele, who left his safe seat in the Capitol to run for governor. Kahele promised not to accept large donations or hold fundraisers. He finished a distant third in the Democratic primary behind incumbent Lt. Gov. Josh Green and Honolulu businessman Vicky Cayetano.
Of course, spending a lot is no guarantee. Cayetano, wife of former Hawaii Gov. Ben Cayetano, reportedly loaned his own campaign at least $2.235 million. He finished far behind Green with only 20.1 percent of the Democratic vote.
To all the candidates moving forward in the general election, this community looks forward to learning more about what you stand for. We want to hear how you can serve our people and protect our island home.
