Pete Hoffman Runs For Mayor

[opihikao]

FYI: (*Snipped - More at link)


http://www.hawaiitribune-herald.com/news...ayoral-bid


By NANCY COOK LAUER West Hawaii Today
Former Kohala Councilman Pete Hoffmann on Monday became the first candidate to formally announce he’s running for Hawaii County mayor.

“I think the county needs strong and effective leadership, and I believe I’m the right guy to do this job at this time,” Hoffmann said.

Hoffmann’s the first, but he’s by no means the only candidate considering a run for mayor. Other names that have surfaced for the open seat include state Sen. Russell Ruderman, former Mayor Harry Kim, Hilo Councilmen Aaron Chung and Dennis “Fresh” Onishi, Marlene Hapai, an unsuccessful Republican candidate for state House, former Hilo Councilman J Yoshimoto and frequent candidates Wendell Kaehuaea and Kawika Crowley.

If history is any indication, it’s likely a lot more people will jump into what will be a crowded field for the empty seat once candidate qualifying begins in February. Current Mayor Billy Kenoi is term-limited.

Other potential candidates who mentioned the possibility or have been mentioned by others, are Council Chairman Dru Kanuha of Kona, Hamakua Councilwoman Valerie Poindexter, Civil Defense Director Darryl Oliveira, state Sen. Josh Green and former state Rep. Faye Hanohano, all said Monday they have no plans to run.

Hanohano, who had previously said she was considering a mayoral campaign, said Monday she’s now looking at running for a seat on the Office of Hawaiian Affairs Board of Trustees or returning to the state Legislature in either a House or Senate seat. Meanwhile, she’s running as a delegate for the Native Hawaiian constitutional convention planned for February.

Thoughts? Not just on Mr. Hoffman, but the other "tidbits"...Here we go, folks, another election season. Good luck to all.

JMO.

[shockwave rider]

Marleen Hapai would be interesting, she has been fighting the good fight trying to support Hawaii having any semblance of a 2 party system for a long time. Her family goes way back in Hawaii politics, and she would know which doors to knock on in Honolulu when advocating for Hawaii County, in spite of being a Republican those doors would open for her. She is intelligent, educated and community minded with deep roots here and I've never heard even a whisper of scandal, corruption, or even back room dealing related to her, which is rare in Hawaii politics, although that may be because she hasn't ever had any power or influence to sell.

[kalakoa]

This island needs a mayor who has no aspirations other than to be mayor.

[Rob Tucker]

I met Marleen Hapai once when she was running for some office or another... I asked her what her base platform was. She looked startled and had no answer... then her husband came over to explain her positions (or lack of) to me.

Not too impressed. This was at a Marleen Hapai campaign Talk story... so questions should have been expected.

But she would be interesting.... I'll agree to that.

[KeaauRich]

I interacted with Marlene back when Hawaii was considering allowing civil unions. She was a vocal opponent of civil unions/strong supporter of "traditional marriage" and also opposed allowing same sex couples to adopt children. Her recommendation for the civil unions issue was to form a task force to do a "social impact study." Oh, and it took her ten days to respond to my email and then she called me by the wrong name.

It's been almost six years since then, but I remember her name. And because I have a long memory, she won't be getting my vote

[shockwave rider]

All my interactions with Marlene were in a different context related to her volunteer work in government, in that context she came across as knowledgable and reasonable. But being anti marriage equality would be a deal breaker for me at a state level, probably at a local level too, even though the Supreme court ruling takes the issue off the table in terms of state action, that position reflects a world view I wouldn't be real comfortable with.

I remember being frustrated with Illagan, Fred, and Emily all having no clue when asked their positions on a wide range of things at candidates "Talk Story" events. These were questions they should have thought about before becoming candidates. What is the deal with Hawaii pols getting into races (and even winning) without being able to articulate their positions. Illagan has been in office far too long to still give the "I'll have to research that and get back to you" answer.

[Rob Tucker]

Well, this topic is on Pete Hoffman and I am sure he can give you his positions on things. I know he is not afraid to take on controversial issues. He has a hell of a resume and I think he is honest. Perhaps too honest.... the unions don't want honest people at the top. The prefer people like Billy who can be bought.

[Mendo]

Agree with Rob here. Pete is honest and gives straightforward answers. As for Chung, he is smart but has been the loudest apologist for Kenoi's violations. If someone sees nothing wrong with the Mayor's pCard abuse, he/she does not deserve this job. We need some integrity in that office. Right now, Hawaii County gov't is a statewide joke. And I agree with others that an elected official or even a candidate should give a position on basic issues. Iligan still says "I'll ask and see what the people want" after 3 years in office. Marlene is nice and seemingly honest, tho hearing about her anti-equality views is disturbing. Maybe she's 'evolved?'

[Chunkster]

I would be interested in knowing if Hoffman is in favor of wasting the county's time by enacting over-reaching GMO legislation and then wasting our money defending it first in district court and then on appeal. I know he wasn't in office when it passed, but Kenoi signed it, and I'd like to know any prospective mayor's position.

[pahoated]

Kenoi signed it because he needed concessions and compromises on other things and he knew fighting the obvious organizer-driven public emotional sentiment would be a waste of time. Hoffman did oppose the initial GMO ban resolution. It is still very early, but he would probably do a lot less damage to the island than some of the other rumored candidates. He is very much north shore though, so he probably views Puna as the wild west. He and Ford agreed on too many things but they both tended to sending money and development to the west side.

It would be more impressive if just one candidate stepped up and said they would cleanse the county code of all resolutions, ordinances, and amendments that were unenforceable or outside of the county jurisdiction, as determined by higher authority legal decisions. I can see this happening in the Year 3067.

"Aloha also means goodbye. Aloha!"