Platforms over political punches

Afew 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 promptly took down their campaign signs after losing on Aug. 13. We have been impressed by how thorough they have been. These candidates have shown they truly care about Maui.

To our mind, when a politician leaves their signs up long after a loss, it says they are more concerned with promoting themself and their brand than humbly following island political tradition. Yes, it hurts to lose, but democracy itself depends upon peaceful transitions of power and the acceptance of certified election results.

It was interesting to see Hawaii voters reject the Mainland-style attack ads targeting U.S. congressional candidate Jill Tokuda and lieutenant governor hopeful Sylvia Luke. The doom and gloom super PAC messaging was a stark shift from what we traditionally find in Hawaii. Political campaigns here have long used the concepts of aloha and respect as guiding lights.

Hawaii voters proved they prefer hearing what candidates stand for to being barraged by all the things they are against. Complaining and undercutting are the easy ways out for politicians. Why not tell us the solutions you propose? How will your policies make Hawaii better for its people and environment today? How about seven generations down the line?

We wonder if the drubbing negative campaigning took will keep it out of November’s general election. Judging by the characters and track records of the two candidates squaring off for Maui County mayor, we expect an issues-driven fight between incumbent Mayor Michael Victorino and retired 2nd Circuit Court Judge Richard Bissen. Neither strikes us as a mudslinger.

While incumbents generally enjoy a distinct advantage, that may not be so in this contest. Bissen collected more primary votes than Victorino, 13,407 to 11,747. He also out-fundraised the current mayor early on. A late infusion of campaign cash may have helped Victorino close the gap.

There is no denying money remains a driving force in American politics. Without advertising, staff, polling and promotion, a campaign has little chance. Ask U.S. Congressman Kai Kahele, who gave up his safe seat in the Capitol to run for governor. Kahele pledged not to accept large donations or hold fundraisers. He finished a distant third in the Democratic primary behind current Lt. Gov. Josh Green and Honolulu businesswoman Vicky Cayetano.

Of course, spending big is no guarantee. Cayetano, wife of former Hawaii Gov. Ben Cayetano, reportedly loaned her own campaign at least $2.235 million. She finished far behind Green with only 20.1 percent of the Democratic vote.

To all the candidates who moved on to the general election, this community looks forward to learning more about what you stand for. We want to hear how you can best serve our people and protect our island home.