Duke Aiona advocates the Power of Aloha program. It provides hundreds of students with lessons about character and making smart choices. 

“It’s easier to build strong children than it is to fix broken adults.” 

In town halls and on public squares, in every corner of this country, people have gathered and spoken out – in small groups and larger crowds, through phone calls and in letters, through websites and new technologies. Though these petitions come from different walks, their message is uniform: Washington has not been listening. Politicians in Washington have imposed an agenda that doesn’t reflect the priorities of the people. What’s worse, the most important decisions are made behind closed doors, where a flurry of backroom deals has supplanted the will of the people. It’s time to do away with the old politics: that much is clear. It’s not enough, however, to swap out one set of leaders for another. Structure dictates behavior, so we have drafted this blueprint on a process of listening to the American people and fielding their concerns and ideas for turning things around.

Neil Abercrombie may believe “it’s not my job” to participate in gubernatorial debates, but it apparently is David Shapiro’s job to spin it. 

Washington, DC — Congressman Charles K. Djou (HI-01) appeared on CNBC’s “Worldwide Exchange” this morning to discuss the departure of Larry Summers from the White House, the failed economic policies of this Administration and the current majority in Congress and what needs to be done to achieve economic growth. Clip and excerpts below....

Instead of listening to his generals, Obama drew up his own strategy calling for only 30,000 troops, denying Mrs. Young's son the "safety in numbers" she so desperately wanted. After the Pentagon kept trying to reopen the President's decision, Obama reportedly lost his poise, saying, "Why do we keep having these meetings?" and "I'm done doing this!"

"It was reported recently that our opponent said it's not his "job" to debate Duke Aiona. This campaign must be about issues in order for the people of Hawai‘i to make an informed decision on their choice for Governor.

"Our working families and small businesses are facing big challenges, and our opponent has yet to show how he'll accomplish all the promises he's making.

"The people of Hawai‘i need real solutions, not just talk.

The Star-Advertiser’s editors endorsed the call for debates, writing:

We like that Aiona has already challenged Abercrombie to six debates, which will serve to enlighten. He's taken the offensive to call for specifics on balancing the budget, growing the economy and jobs, and revamping education. For his part, Aiona vows a "clear path" on how the GOP will lead the state. We can hardly wait -- frustrations linger over Furlough Fridays and legislative stalemates -- and will be listening intently.

Neil Abercrombie’s answer?  “It’s not my job”

When you are losing—you want distractions.

When you are winning—you do not want distractions.

We are winning at present. -- we should remain the “focus like a laser on spending” movement.

Reid bypassed usual Senate procedure and included "the DREAM Act" in the defense bill. The DREAM Act creates a "path to citizenship" for illegal immigrants who entered the U.S. before the age of 16, have lived here for 5 years, and either serve in the military or attend college. But the bill also prohibits the government from deporting anyone who has even filed an application for the program. This essentially gives amnesty to anyone who applies regardless of whether they actually qualify for the act's protections. Worse, the program would also allow applicants to sponsor their immediate family members for a green card.

In an astounding display of amnesia and misplaced sympathy, Hawaii rallied around the defendants. After entering their plea deal, the farmers, Michael and Alec Sou of Aloun Farms, orchestrated an outpouring of letters begging the judge for leniency at sentencing. Business leaders, community activists, politicians — even two former governors, Benjamin Cayetano and John Waihee, and top executives at First Hawaiian Bank — joined a parade attesting to the brothers’ goodness.

The men were paragons of diversified agriculture and wise land use, the letter writers said. They had special vegetable knowledge that nobody else had, and were holding the line against genetically modified crops. If they went to prison, evil developers would pave their farmland. Think of the “trickle down impact,” one woman implored the judge. Besides, their produce was delicious.

HONOLULU - The Duke Aiona for Governor campaign hand-delivered a letter signed by Lt. Governor Duke Aiona, formally challenging his opponent in the general election for Governor to a series of six in-depth debates in the weeks leading up to Election Day....

"By debating each important issue for an extended period of time, our residents will get to see how each of us will govern, so they can make an informed decision in the general election," added Lt. Governor Aiona. "All you have to do is say ‘yes.’"

Murkowski is the only Republican US Senator currently backing the Akaka Bill.  Her support has been seen as necessary to gather the votes to overcome any filibuster by Republican senators.  With Murkowski effectively declared persona non grata by the Republican caucus, her ability to do political deals for votes on any cloture resolution is effectively nullified. 

Contrary to what you hear from the White House, the Obama tax hikes do not just hit the wealthy. Economic life at all levels is so tightly interwoven that tax increases for one segment of the population will ultimately affect everyone. Nearly everyone will pay something, either in lower income, higher interest rates or more expensive products...

Today, as we embark on the next phase of our campaign, we are launching a new television commercial entitled "Making A Difference."

It highlights my work in the short time I've been privileged to serve you as your congressman.

Republicans showed unprecedented unity with the unveiling of a 2011 legislative action plan outlining specific proposals to improve Hawaii’s economy, education and government.

The plan, spearheaded by the Republican Caucus, was unveiled today by incumbents and key State House Senate Republican candidates.  

The Lt. Governor is proposing the following debate schedule.

• Friday, Sept. 24 -- Jobs and the Economy
• Week of Sept. 27 -- Education
• Week of Oct. 4 -- State budget and Spending
• Week of Oct. 11 -- Native Hawaiian Issues
• Week of Oct. 18 -- Health and Human Services
• Week of Oct. 25 -- Energy

"I am humbled that the voters of Hawaii's First Congressional District have placed their trust in me. Once again, the voters have spoken: the status quo in Hawaii and in Congress is unacceptable and they want change. Over the next 45 days, I look forward to taking our message of fiscal responsibility and government accountability to all parts of this Congressional district and earning the people's trust to represent them in the U.S. House."

HD33 –D Gay marriage activist Blake Oshiro wins 52.4% to 44.3% against county councilman Gary Okino. 

Transsexual BoE incumbent Mr Kim Coco Iwamoto is sandwiched between an HGEA boss and an HSTA boss for top three positions on BoE.  Voters will have a chance to abolish this mess Nov 2.

Republican Don Couch is leading for S Maui seat on Maui Council

Fred Blas is leading for Hawaii County Council Dist 4 Puna

Faye "Islam Day" Hanohano will face off against Marlene Hapai for HD4 Puna

“We are very excited with Lynn Finnegan’s victory tonight. A Duke Aiona and Lynn Finnegan ticket brings an exciting balance of experience and new ideas for the people of Hawaii.  This kind of young, vibrant leadership is exactly what Hawaii needs.

“I also want to congratulate Adrienne King and her campaign for a fantastic campaign and even more for having the courage to run a solid campaign as a Republican in Hawaii.  King inspired so many others by her leadership and grace."