Kaʻū News Briefs, Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2022

The full eclipse of the moon as seen from Kaʻū on Monday night, with its show of red on election eve.
Photo by Richard Taylor 

JOSHUA BOOTH GREEN BECAME GOVEOR ELECT OF HAWAI'I on Tuesday and is set to take the oath on Dec. 5. The physician began his medical career in Hawai'i by coming to Kaʻū to work in a clinic and hospital here, living at Punalu'u Black Sand Beach. He later became a member of the state House of Representatives and Senate before landing his current job as Lieutenant Governor.

     To open his acceptance speech, Green referred to the Democratic Party and the election results for Hawai'i's congressional delegation. "We're dominating!" he said, congratulating incumbent Ed Case and first-time congresswoman Jill Tokuda who won their House of Representatives seats, and Sen. Brian Schatz who was reelected.

Lt. Gov. Josh Green was elected Tuesday to become Hawai'i's
next governor. Photo from Green for Hawai'i

    In his mahalo talk, Green first thanked his wife Jaime Ushiroda Green. "Without you, there is no way I would be standing here tonight. Let's make this for Jaime. I love you for Jaime," he said, noting that she gives him "moral clarity." Green thanked many people gathered in the room for the celebration, from campaign workers to his security team and "Dr. Scottie" Miscovich, with whom Green worked in leading Hawai'i's Covid response.
    Green addressed Lt. Gov. elect Sylvia Luke as "A great friend, more than just a Lt. Gov. who will be my partner as we go forward." He also thanked Gov. David and First Lady Dawn Ige, who promised to help Green with the transition.
    Green thanked Republican gubernatorial competitor Duke Aiona and his running mate Seaolua Jr. Tupai for running a civil campaign, noting that the election in Hawai'i was "not like some other places," where there was less civility.
    "Tonight is about renewal," said Green. He said it's about change and a new era. Green promised to "do things that make a difference in your life," with "an optimistic vision." The governor-elect said, "We will take on the problems that seemed too difficult to solve." The first issue he mentioned is affordable housing and he gave examples of working people unable to afford to buy a house. He vowed to work on homelessness and mentioned a single working mother. He pointed to a father who can't afford to send kids to college and people who grew up in Hawai'i and have to leave to afford a home and a job that supports their families.

    Green promised to work with the new lieutenant governor "to deliver on that promise and that hope" for some 28,000 native Hawaiians and their families who are on the on waiting list for Department of Hawaiian Home Lands housing.

     Green addressed the public saying "Tonight is all about you," and promised, "I will serve as your governor with everything I have." He addressed those who voted for his opponents, saying he "will work to heal wounds," and "lead as one 'ohana."

Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke elect campaigning Tuesday.
Photo from Sylvia Luke for Hawai'i

      In his concession speech, gubernatorial candidate Duke Aiona thanked the Lord and Jesus Christ. He said the campaign, one of three bids for governor, "was the best campaign I have ever been involved in. The results are one thing but its the relationships we have formed... the work we have done together...There are no losers. We're all winners in this....Hold your head up high."

LT. GOV. ELECT SYLVIA LUKE said it is very important for the Hawai'i governor and cabinet and the congressional delegation to be aligned and work together, in light of Republicans picking up seats in the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives.

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ELECTION RESULTS AFFECTING KAʻŪ on Tuesday night include the reelection of U.S. Senator Brian Schatz, who will continue to serve with Sen. Mazie Hirono whose term continues. The results also include the election of Jill Takuda, of Kaneohe, to replace outgoing Congressman Kai Kahele to cover Kaʻū and all of rural Hawai'i in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Jill Tokuda campaigning Tuesday. The Kaneohe resident
will represent Kaʻū and all of rural Hawai'i in Congress.
Photo from Jill Tokuda

    In the election for the Hawai'i Legislature, State Sen. Dru Kanuha, who will will serve all of Kaʻū and into Volcano and and Kona, was reelected in the Primary Election. Incumbent House of Representative member Jeanne Kapela who will serve all of Kaʻū into Volcano and Kona, was reelected in the General Election on Tuesday.

ONLY ONE COUNTY COUNCIL SEAT WAS DETERMINED for Hawai'i Island by Tuesday's Election. The others were decided in the nonpartisan Primary Election in August.  Jennifer Kagiwada will represent downtown Hilo, after defeating Matthias Kusch in District 2 on Tuesday. Kaʻū's next County Council member was determined in the Primary Election. She is rancher Michelle Galimba.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see www.facebook.com/kaucalendar. See latest print edition at wwwkaucalendar.com. See upcoming events at https://kaunewsbriefs.blogspot.com/2022/04/upcoming-events-for-kau-and-volcano.html

In the mail and on stands from Volcano through Kaʻū.