KOHALA BLOG: A Kohala point of view by one of its residents: Margaret Wille. In my opinion...
North Kohala Political Forum Mayoral and Prosecuting Attorney Candidates: Kenoi, Yagong, Kim, etc.
Submitted by margaretwille on Wed, 08/08/2012 - 1:01pmSegments of the August 4th Political Candidate Forum: Candidates for Mayor, and below: Candidates for Prosecuting Attorney
NOTE: IF your server is slow and IT TAKES A WHILE TO LOAD THESE VIDEOS -- LET THEM LOAD AND THEN WATCH THEM IN THEIR ENTIRETY.
BEST TO LISTEN WITH EAR PLUGS IF NOT LOAD ENOUGH. ENJOY..
Thanks again to North Kohala resident Lisa Andrews who organized this event and to Moderator Megan Solis, Editor of Kohala Mountain News!
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Political Candidate Forum: North Kohala August 4, 2012
Submitted by margaretwille on Mon, 08/06/2012 - 1:57pmBelow is video of a portion of the August 4th North Kohala Political Forum which was coordinated by North Kohala resident Lisa Andrews and moderated by Megan Solis, editor of Kohala Mountain News, with assistance from the local boy scout troop.
This segment is of the County Council District 9 candidates, including me, Margaret Wille. Other segments of the forum will be posted upon completion of additional video rendering. Some photos are also posted below. MW
This segment is of the County Council District 9 candidates, including me, Margaret Wille. Other segments of the forum will be posted upon completion of additional video rendering. Some photos are also posted below. MW
US Representative candidates:
State Senator Candidates:
COUNTY COUNCIL CANDIDATES
Me-Margaret Wille
Me-Margaret Wille
Bill Sanborn
Bob Green
(Sonny Shimaoka is also a county council candidate but had left the forum before the above photos were taken)
County Prosecutor candidates:
MAYORAL CANDIDATES:
Note some of the candidates had to leave early and were not present when photos taken
PAINTINGS BY LOCAL ARTIST JIM CHANNON (exploring the North Kohala vision to "Keep Kohala Kohala"):
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Watch here: Video Candidate Forum July 21- DIST.9 COUNTY COUNCIL CANDIDATES.....
Submitted by margaretwille on Tue, 07/24/2012 - 7:28pmVIDEOS ARE AT BOTTOM OF POST For better sound - use earphones or speakers. 
The South Kohala Traffic Safety Committee (SKTSC)held a Candidate forum on July 21, 2012. The following two videos cover most of the District
9 County Council debate. SKTSC's Chair, Mike Price, is the moderator,
and Margaret Horwatt, a member of the South Kohala Community Development
Plan Committee, read the questions. Click below to watch portions of the debate.
THERE WERE TWO "SPONTANEOUS QUESTIONS WHICH THE CANDIDATES HAD NOT SEEN IN ADVANCE:
Question: Have you read the Waimea Circulation Study? Summary of answers:
Sanborn: had read in the past, but not recently;
Shimaoka: no
Green: no (Green referred to having read a different study that he thought was the Waimea Traffic Circulation Report))
Wille: yes: I read it last night and this morning as well as in the past had testified about at County Council meetings; ]
Question: Have you read the South Kohala Community Development Plan?: Summary of Answers:
Sanborn: yes a while ago;
Green: yes
Shimaoko: no - responded that this was a "trick question";
Wille: Yes and helped to write it]
HERE ARE THE WRITTEN QUESTIONS THAT THE CANDIDATES RECEIVED IN ADVANCE:
THERE WERE TWO "SPONTANEOUS QUESTIONS WHICH THE CANDIDATES HAD NOT SEEN IN ADVANCE:
Question: Have you read the Waimea Circulation Study? Summary of answers:
Sanborn: had read in the past, but not recently;
Shimaoka: no
Green: no (Green referred to having read a different study that he thought was the Waimea Traffic Circulation Report))
Wille: yes: I read it last night and this morning as well as in the past had testified about at County Council meetings; ]
Question: Have you read the South Kohala Community Development Plan?: Summary of Answers:
Sanborn: yes a while ago;
Green: yes
Shimaoko: no - responded that this was a "trick question";
Wille: Yes and helped to write it]
HERE ARE THE WRITTEN QUESTIONS THAT THE CANDIDATES RECEIVED IN ADVANCE:
For better sound - use earphones or speakers
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Waimea Candidate Forum 7/12/2012 (State Senator, County Prosecutor, Mayor)
Submitted by margaretwille on Fri, 07/13/2012 - 4:33pm
A few photos for those who were unable to attend. I added a few comments of what I recall the candidate saying in their introductory remarks and/or at their table presentation:
State Senate Candidates: State Senate:Lorraine Inouye, Kelly Greenwell, Malama Solomon (incumbent)
County Prosecutor: Lincoln Ashida
County Prosecutor: Mitch Roth
Mayoral candiates: Billy Kenoi, Harry Kim (Dominic Yagong absent for medical reasons)
Senator Solomon speaking: (That she works hard and is effective - she was the
plaintiff in the case that created our additional Senate District here on the Big Island.)
Lorraine Inouye speaking: (That she has lots of experience.)
(My picture of candidate Kelly Greenwell not so good: He focused on thecurrent lack of County and
State funds -- and he questioned the value of Honolulu rail -- suggesting the funds could be better spent.
Mitch Roth speaking:
That he has been given an award for being the outstanding prosecutor, and that we need to go beyond prosecuting
by looking at the problems and establishing community programs to prevent those problems.
Lincoln Asida speaking (That he is a good trial attorney)
Harry Kim speaking: He spoke of how upset he is by the Kenoi administration's lack of respect for the
Community Development Plans that he worked so hard to establish.
Billy Kenoi speaking:
Following the opening speeches, table to table presentations followed ("speed dating"):
Here is Malama Solomon. She was impressive in that she answered all questions directly and succinctly.
Lorraine Inouye speaking:
Mayor Kenoi speaking: When challenged about his administration's "anti-community development plan action
committee" stance, he said he is open to suggestions. That is progress.
Here are some of my supporters for Council District 9.
State Senate Candidates: State Senate:Lorraine Inouye, Kelly Greenwell, Malama Solomon (incumbent)
County Prosecutor: Lincoln Ashida
County Prosecutor: Mitch Roth
Mayoral candiates: Billy Kenoi, Harry Kim (Dominic Yagong absent for medical reasons)
Senator Solomon speaking: (That she works hard and is effective - she was the
plaintiff in the case that created our additional Senate District here on the Big Island.)
Lorraine Inouye speaking: (That she has lots of experience.)
(My picture of candidate Kelly Greenwell not so good: He focused on thecurrent lack of County and
State funds -- and he questioned the value of Honolulu rail -- suggesting the funds could be better spent.
Mitch Roth speaking:
That he has been given an award for being the outstanding prosecutor, and that we need to go beyond prosecuting
by looking at the problems and establishing community programs to prevent those problems.
Lincoln Asida speaking (That he is a good trial attorney)
Harry Kim speaking: He spoke of how upset he is by the Kenoi administration's lack of respect for the
Community Development Plans that he worked so hard to establish.
Billy Kenoi speaking:
Following the opening speeches, table to table presentations followed ("speed dating"):
Here is Malama Solomon. She was impressive in that she answered all questions directly and succinctly.
Lorraine Inouye speaking:
Mayor Kenoi speaking: When challenged about his administration's "anti-community development plan action
committee" stance, he said he is open to suggestions. That is progress.
Here are some of my supporters for Council District 9.
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Waimea Middle School Meet and Greet Matt Horne - Our New Middle Principal
Submitted by margaretwille on Fri, 07/06/2012 - 4:04pm
Today Principal Matt Horne introduced himself to parents and students.
IF YOU HAVE NOT HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO MEET MATT -- HE IS GREAT AND WE ARE LUCKY TO HAVE HIM.
IF YOU HAVE NOT HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO MEET MATT -- HE IS GREAT AND WE ARE LUCKY TO HAVE HIM.
Some of the middle school faculty were present Erica Owens, Betty Healy, and ______ .
Communications Director Patti Cook
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Mayoral Forum Hilo July 6, 2012 Sangha Hall
Submitted by margaretwille on Fri, 07/06/2012 - 3:57pm
Moderator Sherry Bracken prepping the mayoral candidates: Billy Kenoi, Dominic Yagong, and Harry Kim
The candidates are introduced:
Sherry Bracken questions the candidates:
Mayor Kenoi
Councilman Yagong
[My photo of former mayor Kim too dark]
The candidates are introduced:
Sherry Bracken questions the candidates:
For example Sherry Bracken asked them what they are most proud of:
--Kenoi said he was most proud of his budget (not raising property taxes).
--Yanong said: the public lands made available in Hamakua for ag leases.
-- Harry Kim included in his answer his effort to create more local - home rule with the community development planning process.
Sherry Bracken also asked the candidates what would be their priorities as mayor:
-- Kenoi included jobs and renewal energy; streamlining permitting and working with the hospitality industry (5 of 10 largest employers here on island are in the hospitality business).
-- Harry Kim said he worries about Hawaii with some one third of the people at risk food and housing wise.
He said his highest priority will be jobs, housing, free bus transportation - with a focus on closing the gap between the haves and the have nots.
Yagong focused on public- private partnerships such as to address the Hilo landfill along with a focus on waste reduction technology and recycling.
[The above responses are to the best of my recollection]
--Kenoi said he was most proud of his budget (not raising property taxes).
--Yanong said: the public lands made available in Hamakua for ag leases.
-- Harry Kim included in his answer his effort to create more local - home rule with the community development planning process.
Sherry Bracken also asked the candidates what would be their priorities as mayor:
-- Kenoi included jobs and renewal energy; streamlining permitting and working with the hospitality industry (5 of 10 largest employers here on island are in the hospitality business).
-- Harry Kim said he worries about Hawaii with some one third of the people at risk food and housing wise.
He said his highest priority will be jobs, housing, free bus transportation - with a focus on closing the gap between the haves and the have nots.
Yagong focused on public- private partnerships such as to address the Hilo landfill along with a focus on waste reduction technology and recycling.
[The above responses are to the best of my recollection]
Mayor Kenoi
Councilman Yagong
[My photo of former mayor Kim too dark]
There was a good crowd --many had already left when these photos taken:
The Hawaii Island Realtors Board was kind enough to invite us County Council Candidates (and Prosecutor candidates)
to a meet and greet forum during the hour before the mayoral debate started.
[Note: The Hawaii Island Realtors' Government Affairs Committee included me as one of the council candidates who is friendly to private property rights and home ownership).
to a meet and greet forum during the hour before the mayoral debate started.
[Note: The Hawaii Island Realtors' Government Affairs Committee included me as one of the council candidates who is friendly to private property rights and home ownership).
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Democratic Party's Kona 4th of July Party: MW nails down HB2275 with the Gov. (which will bring in close to 4million to NHCH)
Submitted by margaretwille on Wed, 07/04/2012 - 9:32pm
As the only Democrat running in the District 9 County Council race, I had fun at the Democratic Party's 4th of July Party held at the Old Airport Kona. [Note my opponents in this County Council Race are 1) Bill Sanborn - perennial Republican candidate for one office or another; 2) Sonny Shimaoka, who was the Republican Chair for Duke Aiona's failed bid for Governor, and 3) Bob Green, of the Tea Party.] Though hosted by the Democratic Party, the picnic was open to all - Democrats, Republicans, and Independents.
I also accomplished a lot this week (with much help from State Senators Malama Solomon and Josh Green). In the photos below you will see me talking to Governor Abercrombie about HB2275 (Hospital Program Special Fund). He is reading one of my letter petition - a copy of which is included below. HB2275 will bring in close to 4 million dollars to North Hawaii Community Hospital. (UPdate according to NHCH CEO the net amount will be about 3.3 million). This legislation was slated to be vetoed by the Governor.
Since learning of this possible veto several weeks ago, I organized a "Support HB2275" letter petition and collected signatures from residents around District 9. Last week I met with Senator Malama Solomon to help me rally support for this legislation. On Monday July 2nd she met with the Governor and gave him one of my petition letters and argued in support of this legislation. She also contacted Health Department Deputy Director Bruce Anderson who is off hiking in Africa to secure his support. Late Monday Senator Solomon sounded positive about the legislation getting signed, but we were not 100% sure. So when I went to the Democratic picnic on the 4th I brought along more letter-petitions to collect signatures... but when I arrived, Governor Abercrombie told me not to worry he was taking care of this (so no need to collect more signatures)!
THANK YOU GOVERNOR ABERCROMBIE!!! And Thank you Senator Solomon! And (OF COURSE) thanks to Senator Josh Green who has been the key to supporting this bill through the legislature. And lastly a big Mahalo goes to all the District 9 residents who signed my HB2275 Petition letter.
This was an example of how council members (and council candidates) and their communities can collaborate with our State legislators and get results!
As you are probably know, the position of County Council is non-partisan. However given that the Democratic Party is the majority party in the state legislature, and Governor Abercrombie is a Democrat, it helps to be able to work in collaboration with the Democratic party leadership.
To read more about HB2275 Click HERE to the Hawaii State Legislature website and type in HB2275 to read the bill itself and its legislative history -- including public testimony.
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT HOW THIS LEGISLATION WILL WORK READ HERE
HERE I AM WITH GOVERNOR ABERCROMBIE. He is reading one of my petition-letters
a copy of which letter follows after the couple of pictures with him.
HERE ARE A COUPLE PHOTOS OF THE FOUR DEMOCRATS WHO ARE RUNNING FOR COUNTY COUNCIL POSITIONS:
Dru Kanuba District 7
Brenda Ford District 6
Margaret Wille District 9
Karen Eoff District 8
GOVERNOR ABERCROMBIE GAVE AN EXCEPTIONAL SPEECH ABOUT THE NEED TO WORK
TOGETHER TO DEFEAT REPUBLICAN LINDA LINGLE - AND LISTED WAYS HAWAII
WILL BE HURT IF SHE WERE TO BE ELECTED
I also accomplished a lot this week (with much help from State Senators Malama Solomon and Josh Green). In the photos below you will see me talking to Governor Abercrombie about HB2275 (Hospital Program Special Fund). He is reading one of my letter petition - a copy of which is included below. HB2275 will bring in close to 4 million dollars to North Hawaii Community Hospital. (UPdate according to NHCH CEO the net amount will be about 3.3 million). This legislation was slated to be vetoed by the Governor.
Since learning of this possible veto several weeks ago, I organized a "Support HB2275" letter petition and collected signatures from residents around District 9. Last week I met with Senator Malama Solomon to help me rally support for this legislation. On Monday July 2nd she met with the Governor and gave him one of my petition letters and argued in support of this legislation. She also contacted Health Department Deputy Director Bruce Anderson who is off hiking in Africa to secure his support. Late Monday Senator Solomon sounded positive about the legislation getting signed, but we were not 100% sure. So when I went to the Democratic picnic on the 4th I brought along more letter-petitions to collect signatures... but when I arrived, Governor Abercrombie told me not to worry he was taking care of this (so no need to collect more signatures)!
THANK YOU GOVERNOR ABERCROMBIE!!! And Thank you Senator Solomon! And (OF COURSE) thanks to Senator Josh Green who has been the key to supporting this bill through the legislature. And lastly a big Mahalo goes to all the District 9 residents who signed my HB2275 Petition letter.
This was an example of how council members (and council candidates) and their communities can collaborate with our State legislators and get results!
As you are probably know, the position of County Council is non-partisan. However given that the Democratic Party is the majority party in the state legislature, and Governor Abercrombie is a Democrat, it helps to be able to work in collaboration with the Democratic party leadership.
To read more about HB2275 Click HERE to the Hawaii State Legislature website and type in HB2275 to read the bill itself and its legislative history -- including public testimony.
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT HOW THIS LEGISLATION WILL WORK READ HERE
HERE I AM WITH GOVERNOR ABERCROMBIE. He is reading one of my petition-letters
a copy of which letter follows after the couple of pictures with him.
My first petition letter was sent to the Governor on June 16, 2012 with 30+ signatures. In this photo Governor Abercrombie is reading the following July 4, 2012 letter:
MARGARET WILLE
Attorney at Law
65-1316 Lihipali Road
Kamuela, Hawaii 96743
Tel: 808-854-6931
Honorable Neil Abercrombie
Governor, State of Hawaii
Executive Chambers, State Capitol
Honolulu, Hawaii, 96813
July 4, 2012
Re: Support for Signing HB 2275 HD2 SD2 CD1 “Hospital Program Special Fund”
Dear Governor Abercrombie:
PLEASE SIGN HB 2275 (“HOSPITAL PROGRAM SPECIAL FUND”).
HB2275 will provide access to large amounts of federal funding for hospitals that provide uncompensated services for Medicaid and Medicare patients. The North Hawaii Community Hospital has provided a “lion’s share” of medical services to Medicaid and Medicare patients in Hawaii County and would qualify for 3 to 4 million dollars of these federal partnership funds.
We understand that you are considering vetoing this legislation. To veto this bill would hurt our hospitals that work hard to serve the elderly and those in need.
Please let us know if you will hold a signing ceremony. If you would like one or more of us – patients, supporters, and staff - of the North Hawaii Community Hospital to be present at the time of the signing – we would be happy to have a representative present.
We look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Margaret Wille
[more signatures on the following page]
NOW MORE ABOUT FUN AT THE JULY 4TH GATHERING!
HERE ARE A COUPLE PHOTOS OF THE FOUR DEMOCRATS WHO ARE RUNNING FOR COUNTY COUNCIL POSITIONS:
Dru Kanuba District 7
Brenda Ford District 6
Margaret Wille District 9
Karen Eoff District 8
GOVERNOR ABERCROMBIE GAVE AN EXCEPTIONAL SPEECH ABOUT THE NEED TO WORK
TOGETHER TO DEFEAT REPUBLICAN LINDA LINGLE - AND LISTED WAYS HAWAII
WILL BE HURT IF SHE WERE TO BE ELECTED
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^A melodious thrush and some other residents from Waimea
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