Sunday, August 14, 2016

Musings: Anti-GMO candidates stumble in Hawaii

Anti-GMO candidates took a tumble in many Hawaii races, while others face a tough fight in the general.

On Kauai, Councilman Gary Hooser lagged at ninth place in a race that will elect seven members to that panel. He ended the primary with just 5,035 votes — a significant drop from his 2014 general election showing of 8,257 votes.
2016 Primary results
Despite spending more money than any other Kauai Council candidate, Hooser won less than half the votes collected by top vote-getter Derek Kawakami, who returns triumphantly to the Council after serving in the state House.

Hooser, who spent much of his war chest on the primary, faces a grueling bid to retain his seat. He's trailing sixth-place newcomer Arthur Brun by 1,035 votes and seventh place candidate Mason Chock by nearly 600 votes. JoAnn Yukimura took eighth, raising doubts as to her future on the Council, as well.

Hooser scored well in the Hanalei and Kilauea precincts. But he began to lose ground in his home region of Kapaa and totally tanked on the westside, where the seed fields are located.

Democrat Nadine Nakamura is poised to assume Kawakami's 14th District House seat after trouncing challenger Fern Rosenstiel. Despite support from the Center for Food Safety PAC, Rosenstiel took just 32.6 percent of the vote.

Rosenstiel was one of four candidates directly associated with Hooser's HAPA — and all of them failed. Rosenstiel attended HAPA's Kuleana Academy, a candidate training program, as did Tiare Lawrence, who narrowly lost her run for a Maui House seat. 

Meanwhile HAPA Board members Ikaika Hussey and Kim Coco Iwamoto were soundly defeated in their respective bids for Oahu state House and Senate seats.

Oahu Rep. Ken Ito easily beat contender Patrick Shea, who was endorsed by the anti-GMO crowd. But Sen. Russell Ruderman, a staunch anti-GMO candidate, defeated Greggor Illagan, the Big Island Councilman seeking his seat.

On Maui, anti-GMO candidates Richard Abbett and Alex Haller failed to unseat Rep. Joe Souki and Rep. Lynn Decoite, respectively. But Rep. Kaniela Ing easily fended off challenger Deidre Tegarden, even though Ing lied about the events that led to his recent arrest on various vehicle-related charges.

In the Maui Council races, where the top two vote-getters go on to the general, Dain Kane will square off against Alika Atay, Don Couch will face Kelly King, Mike White will go against Trinette Furtado and Yuki Sugimura will take on Napua Nakasone. Atay, King, Furtado and Nakasone, all of whom came in second, were endorsed by the anti-GMO crowd.

On the Big Island, Councilwoman Margaret Wille, who introduced the anti-GMO legislation there, is fighting to keep her seat. Challenger Tim Richards edged ahead of her by 78 votes. Jen Ruggles and Danny Paleka are in another tight race. Ruggles ended the night 302 votes ahead of Paleka, the incumbent. 

I wonder if voters know Jen lied about her role as a carpetbagging paid political operative in Kauai's Bill 2491 fight. Or maybe, as with Ing, a lying isn't a deal-breaker for some folks.

42 comments:

Mark said...

As of this hour, TGI has the facts wrong. It's not just "earlier numbers" since, according to them, Kualii didn't even run. And people get their "news" from TGI? Thank you, Joan, for your work; we really need you.

Anonymous said...

Let's see if these results hold for the general election. Interesting as it also shows Mel is not as popular as before. Wonder if it had anything to do Shaylene Iseri's letter to Kipu Kai as shown on the April 21, 2016 - Crazy Women segment of this blog? Will Shaylene come forward with her claims and and release "overwhelming evidence that exists to prove the wrongful actions of this councilmemeber." or have they patched things up? Looks like Lisa Arin is out, so no job for Shaylene in the Prosecutors office.

Also what kind of desperate campaigning will Gary do now? :)))

The saga continues and looking forward to the general election :)

Anonymous said...

Congrats to Nadine, glad the real candidate won!!!

Anonymous said...

Any Councilmember's stock will drop when they become Council Chair. Part of the reason for Mel's drop.

Anonymous said...

Just hoping that Federal Ninth Court of Appeals renders its verdicts on anti-GMO/pesticides measures before the general election. It will have a huge impact on the election throughout the state. Locally, we may finally rid our county of the three proponents on our council.

Dinkydao

Anonymous said...

@ 8:02 - especially if you're a council chair with extra baggage, gets emotional and rants, often loses the council meetings decorum, etc.

Anonymous said...

When you are not the chair, and you take on the "lone wolf" persona (e.g. Kaipo, Mel before becoming Chair, Ross now), you have a certain appeal to the voters and they always seem to end up on top. Becoming Chair is the kiss of death to that magic of drawing votes as the lone wolf. Hasn't worked for Gary though. I guess there's a big difference between being a lone wolf and a jackass.

Manuahi said...

Joan said, "Or maybe, as with Ing, a lying isn't a deal-breaker for some folks."

Again you hit the nail on the head, Joan!

Anonymous said...

A Sad Day in Fisteeville. All the the little Fistees are wringing their fistees.
Da Hoos, if he loses in November is poised to get a high paying job as a "community organizer" anyway, so no real loss for him. He can get paid on the table instead of under the table by the ant-Ag folks.
Hopefully this election shows that Kauai prefers candidates that work for all of the issues and all of the people.
I think that part of the Hooser loss of voters is that many of his ardent supporters have seen the "stink eye" they get when they process their building and planning permits. The County as a whole seems to treat the Haoles with more disdain than before. Perception is everything and the increasing Local View is that the New-Comers are arrogantly trying to force their cute little notions of Kauai turning into the neato little tree-lined, bike-pathed, effete mannered cute Boutique/Coffee Shoppes like they have in Beverly Glen, Carmel and San Francisco's Powell Street.
Time for our increasingly Haole population and the old-time Haoles to realize that Da Hoos is not good for business.
JoAnn and Mason do not deserve to be re-elected for many reasons, but primarily they fell in with the New-Age, Anti-Local, Anti-Ag, Anti-Housing and Anti-Everything rich, pot-smoking, chai-drinking, elite high nosed know-it-alls from the NS.
Leave local politics to the locals. Pay your taxes, live in your Ag estates and shut up.
We have a great slate of the top 6. Let's work hard to keep them in.
If you get a chance to speak to Arthur Brun one on one...you willbe impressed. He speaks clearly, loves the island and is a man of his word. He will stand by the people of the island.

Anonymous said...

Looks like business as usual! Kauai down the tubes with open handed yes men

Anonymous said...

@8:51am

I also lay the lion's share of the blame for the current level of division and rancor in our community at Hooser's feet for his unforgivable conduct during and since the 2491 debacle.

That being said, let us refrain from pouring salt into the wound that the some, financed by outside interest groups, cut through the fabric of our community. That will only make it all the more difficult to heal.

Let us not forget that while the strategy of dividing and pitting the community against itself to push an agenda seems to be foundering, it has nonetheless succeeded in dividing us. As good as it may feel to triumph, keep in mind that our success in wresting the focus of debate away from outside interest group agendas only leaves us at back at the starting line as far as addressing the real problems we face--drugs, affordable housing, waste management, infrastructure maintenance, economic opportunity and prosperity for the most vulnerable despite the crushing burden of our cost of living to name a few.

While I understand the sentiment, we cannot rightly ask a part of our community to "leave local politics" and "shut up". In returning to addressing our real issues, let us not now adopt the divisive, bullying tactics used to push 2491. Let us instead learn from that experience to strengthen our community against future divisive campaigns of that sort and find healthier ways to address our differences. There is no other way to succeed, and we owe it to both those who came before us and the future generations who will follow us.

He wa'a he moku, he moku he wa'a. We cannot cut parts of the island off without sinking all of us.

Anonymous said...

12:17 PM, great observations. "Money talks, bullshit walks". The last four years have been orchestrated by outside interests who have spent money and bullshit to further their agenda, not the welfare of the residents of our island. The primary results indicate that both money and bullshit walk. Hopefully, another candidate can join the strong six and unseat the remaining three 2491 proponents in the general. Only then, we'll have home rule again.

Anonymous said...

I really don't think Arin would have hired Shay if she wins. I'm still hoping Arin pulls it out in the end. One of my many issues against Kollar is the same against Hooser - commitment. No dispute Kollar applied for Judge. Why vote for someone who can't commit to the job he's running for. Same when Hooser tried to be Lt. Gov. & I know it's a losing battle but I hope Kagawa doesn't make it in the end, as well as Yukimura

Anonymous said...

I am OK with the results and 6 of my 7 made it. But 8:51's statement "Leave local politics to the locals. Pay your taxes, live in your Ag estates and shut up" is not helpful. Saying these things forgets Aloha and fuels racial and cultural divides. While Donald Trump seems to have legitimized speaking with racial hatred and exclusion, and I have heard one of our council members do this also, I prefer the old ways of Aloha and judging people as individuals, by their character, achievements and contribution to society over your provincial and ignorant racism. Racist speech spreads racism exponentially, eventually turning back on you.

Anonymous said...

Kollar did and not get in when he applied for District Court Judge opening. I thank my lucky stars for this! And yes why would anyone want to support a candidate who cannot commit himself? It also amazes me that people only see what happens in the courtroom based on the reports from the Garden Island when the OPA wins. What about all the other just as important cases that do not get the media attention.

Anonymous said...

I doubt Arin has given any thought to hiring Shay. It would be stupid to hire the former department head, It would only cause divisions among the employees loyal to her and the current head, and ill-feeling among the employees happy to see Shay leave. Look what happened to the Honolulu office when Kaneshiro came back after being shamed-out? Loads of talent walked. Applicants withdrew, lifers applied for transfers to the State.
I still don't see any discernment in this office for commonsense and there is still obscene over-charging for innocuous conduct. Like a hunter dropping a unseen round in the car charged with a felony. No wonder the life residents hate these people. They simply are not one of us.
I would give Arin a try. We miss Gerald, Ryan and Soong.

Anonymous said...

12:17 and. 2:04
T'ain'tt racism, t'is reality. Most of the locals are Hapas, anyway.
It is attitude and respect and honor.

Anonymous said...

Speaking of commitment, Hooser got blasted for leaving the Council for the State Legislature, then leaving the State Legislature for Congressional/Lt. Governor seats, then back to Council. This is the mark of an opportunist. What is the difference with Derek Kawakami? Leaving the council for a State seat, then leaving the State for a Council seat only because he will be seeking the Mayor's seat in 2018. Opportunist as well? Lack of commitment? Politics can be very interesting.

Anonymous said...

Hooser left in the middle of his term. Derek is still helping Kauai whether he is on the Leg, Council or Mayor. Hooser abandoned Kauai to go for the whole state.

Anonymous said...

Derek left in the middle of his term as well. There is no difference.

Anonymous said...

If you think the current admin overcharges cases, you would be three times as offended by Arin's extremely aggressive charging tactics.

Anonymous said...

The governor asked Derek to take the House seat.

Manuahi said...

I think one of Hooser's election problems is that many of his supporters can't vote in Kauai elections.

Anonymous said...

Derek Derek Derek only if the people knew... But certain people know and only time will tell. Look at what's happened around you and this is the same people that you've sworn allegiance with.

John Kauai said...

8:51:
perhaps you can explain to me how the use of the term "fistee" is helpful for healing community relations. It cannot be excused as perhaps haole can.

5:35:
Knew what? Your comment is equivalent to "your mother wears army boots". Totally meaningless other than to insulate something untoward or, at a more extreme, even criminal. Back it up or don't bother us.

Anonymous said...

Our top six got in as well. I think we should look at Juno Apalla as our 7 th candidate. She speeks well and is very intelligent. With a little mentoring she could be a valuable asset to the Kauai County Council.

Anonymous said...

@3:22 pm

You got that right!

Joan Conrow said...

Fistee is a totally legit description, akin to skinhead, or Klansman, for example. It was borne of Hooser's call for "a million little fists," and thus is a word defining his most ardent followers and the tactics they embrace. It's calling a spade a spade.

Anonymous said...

7:28

We're on the Apalla bandwagon with you. She's new, smart and fresh, not tainted with anti resident agendas Unlike the unholy 3. Hooser may be out and hopefully take Yukimura down too. Apalla instead of double talking Mason would be perfect. Lets pull together and make Apalla happen. Come on voters rally around this young woman and get her elected.

Anonymous said...

Derek waited until his term at the legislature was up and didn't leave "in the middle of his term". Derek works for the family business when not working at his elected office. I think the people of Kauai are tired of professional politicians serving on the county council, people who have no real jobs and who are out of touch with those who have to work for a living.

Anonymous said...

Joan, I have no idea what Apalla is running on. Perhaps you could interview her on GMO, traffic solutions, county spending (the number of useless employees is outrageous)and of course new housing in Kapaa especially.

Anonymous said...

I am generally happy with the slate of candidates for Council. I, too, would love to see Juno Apalla break through. But, with less than 600 votes separating Mason, JoAnn, and Gary, the general election could be a real dog fight for that 7th seat. Derek showed his political clout and should be Council Chair on his way to becoming Mayor in two years. Perhaps a Kawakami led Council might actually get something done for Kauai's citizen's, like paving some roads and sprucing up some of the county parks and restrooms. It's time to get serious about the budget. If not cutting positions, then perhaps it's time to start cutting programs and handouts to nonprofits. Can't keep playing Santa Claus with taxpayer's money when there is so much deferred maintenance on this island. It's all about priorities. I mean Jimmany Christmas, do the Police really need paid overtime for KPAL activities? That should be community volunteer work, especially with their $60K/year entry level salaries. Where's the love?

John Kauai said...

Thank you Joan for providing the origin of "fistee" for this blog.

Wikipedia has a very different connotation of a sexual nature which is not very flattering to those using the term. Thus my comment.

Anonymous said...

Check the blank votes. 29% of voters don't like anyone running by an overwhelming majority.

Anonymous said...

@ 7:34 AM - The Kawakamis old out to Times Supermarkets some time ago after Joanne got her anti-Big Box bill through to protect them (and her cousin Peter's food brokerage) from an expanded Walmart grocery. It probably got the Kawakamis a higher price. The bill only served to support inflated food prices on Kauai which hurts the poor folks she doesn't hang with. Another example of the Japanese dumping on the Hawaiians. She said it was to protect Mom & Pop markets. It guess it was Mom & Pop Kawakami's markets.

Anonymous said...

Kawakami's right hand man Chiba was busted for being a bookie so I wonder how much money they all got from that as well.

Anonymous said...

Matt Bernabe may be last on the list but I think we all should take another look at this man. I've been watching his testify at many county council meetings and have seen him at planning and water department meetings. He is passionate and full of fresh ideas. His mission for our county is all about accountability and efficiency- which our county definitely LACKS. Do we really want more of the same old crap we've been handed all these years? Come on, Kauai, it's time for a CHANGE- watch some archived county council meetings and look for Matt Bernabe- he definitely makes watching these meetings more interesting. His passion and drive is energizing! We deserve better leadership and I believe we have that in MATT BERNABE.

Anonymous said...

Um, yeah. That's not gonna happen. Sorry.

Anonymous said...

we voted for apalla, bernabe, doctor and brun. they can't be as bad as some or the big talking/do nothing incumbents. we know what we'll get if the incumbents get in. NOTHING.

Anonymous said...

we voted for apalla, bernabe, doctor and brun. they can't be as bad as some or the big talking/do nothing incumbents. we know what we'll get if the incumbents get in. NOTHING.

Anonymous said...


9:17- "um,yea"

Tell us why it isn't going to happen ?

Bernabe, if for no other reason than that people do not like him, he shows at meetings and has an ability to ask Mickens like questions and opinions.

Furthermore, if you tell me this one legged landscaper is in cahoots for anyone but this island and his family--- i would call you out! Way out.

Lots of things will happen before November elections at all levels.

As of August 22--- I would not count anyone out!! I love a good bet, but sure seems plenty round here are willing to gamble large on this local county election? I love a good bet(when I know the odds are in my favor) but commenters here are betting dogs and wives over this. And ten grand.

The problem with betting the ten grand dude----- you will loose,,, and he will want his ten grand. Now, if you want a straight bet on Trump/Clinton??? Let's talk after the debates! These two are so unlike able that anything could happen!

Anonymous said...

1:03 you idiot, your friend was betting spam musubi's from Pono market that Hooser would rise in the Primary? Where's the musubi's? Only the $10k bet is imaginary? You guys are all so full of shit, locals are sick and tired of you clowns!