During the two decades after the Hawaii Democratic Party won political control of Hawaii in 1954, it passed visionary legislation on health care, environmental protection, minority rights, collective bargaining, progressive taxation and land use.

Over the last three decades, however, the party has slowly lost its vision.

Part of the reason is that many of its goals have been achieved, and it has not been able to set new goals that evoke passion and wide interest.

In addition, the Hawaii Republican Party has declined in influence to such a degree that many who would otherwise be Republicans have joined the Democratic Party. But their participation has diluted the party’s ideals.

For example, the Democratic Party was once a strong voice for working people, but it is now heavily influenced by corporate interests.

Ironically, the best thing for the Hawaii Democratic Party would be the revitalization of the Hawaii Republican Party.

John Kawamoto

Kaimuki

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