Hawaii’s presence on Capitol Hill is becoming more visible, as members of our congressional delegation raise their profiles through outspoken public positions on hot-button political issues.
In recent weeks, the spotlight turned to Democratic U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono, whose strong criticism of President Donald Trump and Republican policies were front-and-center during the confirmation hearings for Supreme Court nominee and now Justice Brett Kavanaugh.
Hirono, a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, drew both fervent praise and sharp criticism when she said that men need to “just shut up and step up. Do the right thing, for a change,” when it comes to listening to victims of sexual assault. Her blunt choice of words — clipped from a longer quote — fueled a firestorm of partisan tongue-lashing that unfortunately added more heat than light in an already charged political environment.
During her first term in the Senate, Hirono, a Japanese immigrant, has been particularly vocal against the president’s immigration policies. If re-elected, she intends to also focus on access to quality, affordable health care; tax reform that helps the middle class and working people; and preservation of union rights pertaining to wages and working conditions — all positions that reflect the interests of Hawaii residents.
The incumbent gets our nod over the newcomer for her accomplishments as a member of the Hawaii delegation and decades of experience in elected office, starting with the State House in the early 1980s.
In the Nov. 6 general election, Hirono faces Republican Ron Curtis, a first-time candidate for elected office. Prominent among the retired systems engineer’s top legislative priorities: reducing the high cost of living in Hawaii by repealing the Jones Act (Maritime Act of 1920).
Vying for the open 1st Congressional District seat are centrist Democrat Ed Case, who would be returning to Congress after nearly 12 years, and Republican Cam Cavasso, a financial advisor and former state lawmaker who embraces socially conservative views. Case, who could bring balance to the delegation’s liberal lineup, is our choice.
In a written statement addressing political challenges, Case said office-holders must endeavor to “fix our broken government in D.C. through less yelling and fighting and more talking and working on the many critical issues facing our nation.” Zeroing in on challenges for the urban district, Case said he would prioritize assuring ongoing federal funding for our military, transportation, education, housing and social safety net programs.
Among the highlights of his tenure in the U.S. House, 2002-07, Case points to his efforts to establish the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument and save the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard from closure.
Case has said his candidacy was touched off by taking part in “Issue One,” a nonprofit political reform group, and its “ReFormers Caucus,” a group of nearly 200 former members of Congress, governors and cabinet members advocating for campaign finance reform. While worthy, the nonpartisan effort faces an uphill battle in these polarized times.
In the 2nd Congressional District, U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard is squaring off with Republican candidate Brian Evans, a Maui resident who has no elective experience. His legislative priorities would focus on stepping up safety in hospitals by lowering medical errors; and addressing high cost-of-living issues.
Our nod goes to Gabbard, who ranks health-care access and related issues among pressing concerns for the rural district. She served in the state House and on the Honolulu City Council before winning her current seat in the U.S House.
The popular politician has been in the spotlight several times in recent years, perhaps most notably when she resigned as vice chairwoman of the Democratic National Committee to endorse Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders during the 2016 Democratic primary.
