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| Russell Ruderman, Anthony Marzi and Gil Kahele are the three finalists for Russell Kokubun's state Senate seat. |
Another finalist is Anthony Marzi, a two-time candidate for state House who grew up in lower Puna and has worked in the high-tech industry. The third finalist, who received the most votes from the precincts, is Russell Ruderman, founder of the four Island Naturals food stores. He was a leader in the Rainforest Action Committee and native Hawaiian rights battle to preserve the Wao Kele O Puna Rainforest.
Officers from district precincts gathered at the Puna Hongwanji Mission hall in Kea`au and held round robin interviews with candidates who were questioned for ten minutes at each table around the room. At the end each candidate gave a three-minute talk. Dr. Richard Creagan from Ka`u was one of the contenders. He talked about his background in both medicine and agriculture and his ability to analyze and solve problems.
Finalist GIL KAHELE talked about organizing the community of Miloli`i for Native Hawaiians to build housing for the fishing village. Kahele lobbied the legislature to pass Act 62, which secured the land for the Hawaiians there. He said he wants to make sure that everyday people are represented in the legislature.
Finalist ANTHONY MARZI talked about the need for jobs that are compatible with the lifestyle in Hawai`i. “You shouldn’t have to choose between career advancing and living in a place where you want to live,” he said.
Finalist RUSSELL RUDERMAN talked about his environmental activism and said he has walked the talk - tangibly - when it comes to business practices that are environmentally friendly. He said he has created 150 local jobs and can relate with diverse people, from bankers to workers to environmental and cultural activists. He said he also supports civil unions.
Abercrombie is expected to choose the next senator in the next few days, since the Legislature starts its session a week from Wednesday, on January 19.
RICHARD HA, a farmer and businessman who was considered a candidate for Kokubun’s seat, turned in an application for the job after the deadline. An attempt to accept late applications was made at the gathering of the Democratic Party yesterday, but the vote failed. Party leaders said re-opening the application period would have delayed the selection process and required giving notice for additional candidates to apply and for scheduling a new time for the selection process.
Ha is now in a hui called Kuokoa, Inc., which wants to raise money to purchase Hawaiian Electric Industries, which owns the power companies on O`ahu, Maui and this island. Hawaiian Electric Industries also owns American Savings Bank. Kuokoa involves former state energy administrator Ted Peck and venture capitalist Roald Marth.
LIVING ENDEMIC BIRDS is the title of a Volcano Art Center show that opened over the weekend with artist Marian Berger. The display is open daily through March 6 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and features original watercolor paintings of all 37 species of birds found only in Hawai`i. Her style is similar to the art of the famed John James Audubon.
KA`U HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS can apply for generous scholarships that hook them up with leading universities on the mainland. The Brown Environmental Leadership Lab in Hawai`i will be held April 15 to 22, and the deadline to apply is January 31. For more on the scholarships, call the Kohala Center at 887-6411 or see kohalacenter.org.
Finalist GIL KAHELE talked about organizing the community of Miloli`i for Native Hawaiians to build housing for the fishing village. Kahele lobbied the legislature to pass Act 62, which secured the land for the Hawaiians there. He said he wants to make sure that everyday people are represented in the legislature.
Finalist ANTHONY MARZI talked about the need for jobs that are compatible with the lifestyle in Hawai`i. “You shouldn’t have to choose between career advancing and living in a place where you want to live,” he said.
Finalist RUSSELL RUDERMAN talked about his environmental activism and said he has walked the talk - tangibly - when it comes to business practices that are environmentally friendly. He said he has created 150 local jobs and can relate with diverse people, from bankers to workers to environmental and cultural activists. He said he also supports civil unions.
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| Ka`u precinct officers spent ten minutes interviewing each candidate for the state Senate. |
RICHARD HA, a farmer and businessman who was considered a candidate for Kokubun’s seat, turned in an application for the job after the deadline. An attempt to accept late applications was made at the gathering of the Democratic Party yesterday, but the vote failed. Party leaders said re-opening the application period would have delayed the selection process and required giving notice for additional candidates to apply and for scheduling a new time for the selection process.
Ha is now in a hui called Kuokoa, Inc., which wants to raise money to purchase Hawaiian Electric Industries, which owns the power companies on O`ahu, Maui and this island. Hawaiian Electric Industries also owns American Savings Bank. Kuokoa involves former state energy administrator Ted Peck and venture capitalist Roald Marth.
LIVING ENDEMIC BIRDS is the title of a Volcano Art Center show that opened over the weekend with artist Marian Berger. The display is open daily through March 6 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and features original watercolor paintings of all 37 species of birds found only in Hawai`i. Her style is similar to the art of the famed John James Audubon.
KA`U HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS can apply for generous scholarships that hook them up with leading universities on the mainland. The Brown Environmental Leadership Lab in Hawai`i will be held April 15 to 22, and the deadline to apply is January 31. For more on the scholarships, call the Kohala Center at 887-6411 or see kohalacenter.org.