With my ballot on the way to me, I figured now was a good time to share my thoughts on the candidates running for the myriad elected offices this year.

Governor: Josh Green

This one, probably more than any other, is going to rankle many of my progressive friends and allies.

Though I haven’t spent a lot of time interacting with Josh Green, having been in elective office longer than Kai, I’ve had more opportunities to engage with him on issues. Add to that he was the primary “progressive” opponent to Kim Coco Iwamoto, when I managed her campaign for Lt. Governor in 2018. Despite the campaign, he and I were able to maintain civil relations and I was able to congratulate him without drama when he won the primary.

For me, Josh has the experience and knowledge to be Governor and I believe he’ll do a good job. Not only do I agree with him on a number of issues, but I believe he’s someone I (and progressives) will be able to work closely with when he moves to the Governor’s Office.

Unlike many of my progressive allies, I don’t believe contributions are necessarily cloaked “bribes”. So I don’t view his campaign war chest with the same disgust and disdain as they do. Since this is the singular issue on which Kai has apparently chosen to run, this messaging does little to sway me. But I’ll circle back to that in a bit.

Green proved himself a leader during the worst of the COVID crisis and the economic calamity that ensued. To many, his daily social media live streams were a source of both information and hope. I’ve also listened to both candidates speak about the most pressing issues facing Hawaii today. And while Kai is good on a lot of issues I care about, I haven’t seen from him the same level of details and policy specifics I’ve seen from Josh. As a bit of a policy wonk myself, this distinction matters to me.

Now, let me say a few things about the only other candidate (as far as I’m concerned) worth considering: Kai Kahele. I haven’t had an opportunity to work directly with Kai and have had virtually no personal interaction with him since he replaced his father in the Hawaii Senate. Given this, I have no personal relationship with Kai to influence my decision-making. That’s not a value statement, just a fact.

Kai’s Gubernatorial bid has, from my point of view, been poorly planned and executed from the start. To this day, I don’t understand why he faffed around, waiting until the first week of May to actually announce his campaign. Add to that his failed attempt to use public financing and it suggests a campaign mired in indecision and at least some disfunction.

He also appears to have some traits of a “ladder climber,” which gives me pause. It forces me to question his progressive bona fides. He served one term in the Hawaii Senate. Then he ran for (and won) Hawaii’s 2nd Congressional seat vacated by Tulsi Gabbard. Another notorious “ladder climber”. Since being elected to that office, he spent virtually no time in D.C. I know that doesn’t bother Kai’s staunchest supporters, but it does me. Many of his Congressional colleagues were able to be in D.C. representing their constituents despite COVID.

Kai said his decision to remain in Hawaii during the bulk of his term was a result of a need to take care of elderly family members and was concerned about contracting COVID and spreading it to loved ones. It’s not a bad reason, except that he can be seen in numerous photos at events in Hawaii. Unmasked. Maybe COVID wasn’t the reason after all.

Finally, I find it very hard to believe his epiphany about money in politics. I’ve been able to find no evidence of this political shift prior to his gubernatorial bid. He wasn’t vocal about this issue during his time in Congress, best as I can tell. And for his Congressional bid in 2020, he raised over $1 million largely from the very kinds of contributors for which he now expresses disdain.

This shift is unsurprising to me. We’ve seen time and again candidates cloak themselves in progressive ideals and talking points, only to see those ideals abandoned once he’s in office. It’s almost a constant in local politics. Even President Obama proved to be a colossal disappointment for many progressives. I’m swayed little by fluffy statements like these. Show me something. As I expect Kai will lose his primary bid and shift his ambition to lower office elsewhere, I’ll be watching keenly to see if he maintains this “money is bad” mantra in future campaigns.

Lt. Governor: Sylvia Luke

My decision-making boils down to this; the devil you know is better than the devil you don’t.

This might be the single hardest choice I’ll have to make while sitting down to complete my ballot. For many progressive advocates, Sylvia has been a primary opponent of many pieces of legislation we’ve fought for over the years. As the Chair of the House Committee on Finance, she has been an obstacle to countless legislation progressive have championed.

Still, this year she pushed hard for a number of things that we’ve been fighting for: an increase in the minimum wage, a refundable EITC, more money for public school teachers, and more.

I’ve also had the opportunity over the years to talk and interact with her. She’s someone I believe I could have a conversation with. I can’t necessarily say that about the other candidates.

She’s by no means perfect and, if elected, I will watch her closely over the next four years.

As for the others, Ikaika Anderson, Sherry Menor-McNamara, and Keith Amemiya my thinking varies.

As the head of the Hawaii Chamber of Commerce, Sherry has been a staunch opponent of countless economic and tax justice reforms. Ever the pusher for “small business” she’s spewed lies about the minimum wage, sick leave, paid family leave, and other issues. She’s a liar and an enemy of working people in Hawaii. If her name was the only one on the ballot, I still wouldn’t vote for her.

Ikaika Anderson has, I believe, a mixed track record. Though I think his recent messaging about affordable housing is spot on, I don’t believe he proved to be that champion while on the Honolulu Council. And, as I recall, he’s been wildly unpopular to many he’s represented while on the Council. With him, it’s more instinct than anything else. Something about him has always bugged me and I just can’t give him my vote.

If I had a second choice in this race, it’d be Keith Amemiya. But he’s a pretty distant 2nd. He ran a quixotic and unsuccessful bid for Honolulu Mayor in 2020 and then rather than run for lower office, he set his sights on the Capitol’s 5th floor. And aside from his failed Mayoral campaign, Keith has no political experience. I know this matters little to many folks (and to some it’s seen as a plus), but to me, experience has to count for something. Add to this his apparent ties to some former Honolulu officials who are now under investigation by the Feds, it’s all just enough to give me pause.

Congress

Brian Schatz will sail easily to reelection for one of Hawaii’s two senate seats. And deservingly so. Brian isn’t great on everything, but I do support him and hope to see him in the Senate for a long, long time.

For Hawaii’s 1st Congressional District, there’s no contest. Sergio Alcubilla has run an impressive challenge to the ever-terrible Ed Case. Racking up an impressive list of endorsements and support from labor, environmental, and progressive organizations and advocates, his campaign has exceeded my expectations. While I don’t expect he’ll beat the well-established Case, Sergio is an easy vote for any progressive who doesn’t like voting for the “lesser of” candidates.

For Hawaii’s 2nd Congressional District (for which I cannot vote), I recommend Jill Tokuda. Though I was often disappointed with her while she was in the Hawaii State Legislature, I believe her better angels will prevail once she goes to D.C. Led, in part, by the more progressive voices of our Congressional Delegation. I believe she has the requisite experience and is an obvious choice over her closest opponent, Patrick Branco.

Branco is the worst kind of ladder-climber. After serving just one pathetic and disappointing term in the Hawaii State House, he thinks he has what it takes to play in the big leagues. There’s nothing about him that’s progressive and he wears his entitlement proudly. Add to this the support he’s getting from the cryptocurrency lobby and its a recipe for badness. Simply put, if you care at all about the environment, criminal or economic justice, Branco is not your guy.

Hawaii Senate

*Note that I will not speak to every race here, only those that I believe are important, or in which there is a candidate that really needs progressive support.

District 1: Laura Acasio – Laura is an unabashed progressive. The real deal. Though I wish she was running a smarter campaign against Lorraine Inouye and Will Okabe, the choice here is obvious. As progressives, if there’s an issue you care about, odds are Laura is on the right side of it.

District 7: Walter Ritte – A giant among progressives, environmentalists, and Native Hawaiians, Walter is a hero. He’s been on the frontlines of some of the most important battles in Hawaii’s history. I’ve never had the privilege of meeting Walter in person, but his record on issues is nearly flawless. Though I wish he were running for the House and that his campaign chops were a little stronger, Walter deserves not only our thanks for a lifetime of good works, but he deserves our vote.

District 11: Ian Ross – I’ve known Ian for several years now. He’s a pragmatic progressive who knows the capitol very well. Ian genuinely cares about people and the issues affecting his community. He’s worked tirelessly during this campaign against Carol Fukunaga, who appears to be relying on her name recognition to push her across the finish line. This tactic smacks of entitlement and elitism and proves it’s time for her to retire. Ian’s commitment to policy is unmatched in this race. He has a keen and open mind and will undoubtedly work collaboratively in the legislature without giving up his progressive principles.

Hawaii House of Representatives

*Note that I will not speak to every race here, only those that I believe are important, or in which there is a candidate that really needs progressive support.

District 3: Shannon Matson – She cares deeply for people. There are few people running for office who have done more for their community than Shannon. In addition to raising two children and running her own business, she’s constantly collecting and distributing food to those who need it. She has a big heart and is good on any number of progressive issues. I wish her campaign was a bit stronger, but we would be very lucky to have her in the House. Her opponent, Richard Onishi, is an example of everything that’s wrong with the legislature and it’s long past time he left.

District 5: Jeanne Kapela – Though she has no primary challenger, Jeanne is for me a shining example of what progressive candidates and elected officials should embody. Smart, politically savvy, passionate, and deeply caring, Jeanne proves you can take principled stands and still govern effectively.

District 11: Terez Amato – Terez is a true-believer progressive. I first met her during the 2016 Bernie Sanders campaign and she’s impressed me ever since. After two hard-fought campaigns against the (finally) retired Roz Baker, Terez is trying her hand at the House. I have no doubt she will be a champion on nearly every progressive issue I care about and an important ally for the very few progressives already in the House.

District 14: Elle Cochran – I’ve never had the opportunity to interact with Elle, but I’ve heard nothing but good things. She’s been a progressive warrior on Maui for years. When I talk to my closest allies about who we want to see in the House next year, her name is always on that list. With a strong work ethic and high name recognition, I’m hoping she prevails this year.

District 25: Kim Coco Iwamoto – Though Kim and I often disagree about political strategy, there are few people I know who are more dedicated and hard-working than Kim Coco. She is an unabashed and fierce champion of the voiceless in our community. She cares deeply about people and has a sharp and inquisitive mind. She would no doubt make an excellent representative for her district.

District 27: Gary Gill – Gary has lived and breathed Hawaii politics since his youth and stands today as a strong progressive who has a wealth of experience and knowledge of some of the most pressing issues facing the state today. He deserves our support and I hope to see him in the House next year.

District 34: Roy Takumi – Though Roy has been a member of the House for decades, I’ve had little opportunity to interact with him. He’s a quiet champion of issues, often working-hard behind the scenes. He strikes me as one uninterested in the spotlight. He simply wants to do the work of improving things in Hawaii. From a strong supporter of organized labor to public education, and economic justice, Roy deserves to continue his service in the House.

District 39: Corey Rosenlee – I have only recently had the good fortune of getting to know Corey. Before that, however, I’ve watched him from afar, very impressed. He and others reenergized the Hawaii State Teachers Association. Corey is a strong public advocate for organized labor, workers’ rights, economic and criminal justice reform, and an unabashed environmental champion. Corey, alongside other progressive champions, would be foundational in building a strong, smart, and effective progressive block in the House.

District 42: Makana Paris – I’ve only interacted with Makana a handful of times, but I’ve been impressed every time. He has a caring soul and believes deeply in collaboration while maintaining his commitment to Hawaii’s working families and our special environment. I’m very much hoping he’s able to beat out Sharon Har, who has been a consistent opponent on almost every issue I’ve worked in nearly two decades.

District 46: Amy Perruso – Amy is one of the hardest working and deeply caring people I know. Her tireless commitment to her community and some of the most important challenges facing Hawaii constantly impresses me. Representing one of the more conservative districts in the State, Amy has proven she can straddle the divide. She’s been able to hold on to her principles while representing her district well. I hope she’s able to stay in the legislature for a good long time.

District 50: Natalia Hussey-Burdick – I’ve known Natalia for years. Though I don’t always agree with her on strategy, she is undoubtedly a strong progressive. She has experience at the legislature and is working hard on her campaign. She is the obvious choice for anyone who cares about the environment, working families. She has a strong sense of fairness and a commitment to uplifting the most vulnerable of Hawaii’s people.

Miscellaneous

I typically don’t engage in OHA races. As a white guy from Kansas, even though I’ve been here for 20 years, I remain sensitive to the fact that Hawaii was stolen from its people. Ever the outsider, I do my best to support Native Hawaiians without over-stepping. Left to my own devices, I probably wouldn’t vote in OHA races. However, I’ve repeatedly been asked by Native Hawaiian friends and allies to do so. As such, I don’t have recommendations for this post. For my part, I will inquire with those friends and people I respect to identify those OHA candidates that I should vote for.

There are a number of good progressive candidates running for various County Council races across the islands. Many either don’t have a primary challenge or are in no real threat of losing reelection. So, I won’t go into detail on them here. However, there are two candidates on Oahu facing stiff primary competition.

Honolulu District 2: Matt Weyer – I first met Matt during Kim Coco’s bid for LG in 2018, in which he was my right hand. He is smart, compassionate, thoughtful, and dedicated. He is a progressive who can work collaboratively and pragmatically without abandoning his principles. Add to this his experience working for the City in different capacities and you quickly see that supporting Matt is a no-brainer.

Honolulu District 6: Ikaika Hussey – I admire this guy so much. He’s a consummate optimist and always working on something or other to improve the lives of people in Hawaii. Ikaika is a strong ally of organized labor and the environment. He is creative and collaborative and he would make an excellent member of the Council. He’s been campaigning hard for over a year and absolutely deserves your support. I promise you won’t regret supporting him.