Former Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann and former U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie, D-urban O‘ahu, went toe-to-toe in the first gubernatorial debate ever held at Kaua‘i Community College. Hannemann said Hawai‘i needs leadership with executive experience, someone who will “hit the ground running and won’t need on-the-job training.”
Hannemann, Abercrombie Face off at Kauai Debate | Part II
Leo Azambuja, The Garden Island, August 6, 2010
Kauai residents and visitors streamed into the Kilohana Carriage House on Sunday, July 18, 2010, to help democratic candidate Mufi Hannemann celebrate his 56th birthday and support his bid to be Hawaii’s next governor. More than 1,800 friends, grassroots supporters and elected officials turned out for the star-studded event that featured the musical group Kapena who entertained a standing room only crowd. Longtime family friend Phil Tacbian was the master of ceremony.
Mayor Bernard Carvalho, former Kauai Mayor Maryanne Kusaka, former State Representative Ezra Kanoho, former council members Mary Thronas and Ron Kouchi, current council chair Kaipo Asing and State Representative James Tokioka were among the numerous government officials on hand. Various groups also showed up in full force to kokua, including ILWU, SHOPO, UPW, the Firefighter’s Union and more.
Russell Grady, Hannemann’s Kauai campaign director said, “We had a great cross section of business, labor and community leaders who attended. Mufi Hannemann truly brings all people together.”
