WCA to host gubernatorial candidate forum

WAIMEA — To introduce voters to candidates for governor of Hawaii, Waimea Community Association (WCA) and several community groups have collaborated to co-host a candidate forum from 5 to 8 p.m. June 14 in Waimea School Cafeteria.

All 17 of the candidates who have pulled papers have been invited to speak at the event, but only those who have filed by the June 5 deadline will be featured. At present, there are seven Democratic Party candidates, five Republican candidates, four nonpartisan candidates and one Green Party candidate.

The forum will be facilitated by newswoman Sherry Bracken, who will begin the program with candidates introducing themselves and sharing their reasons for seeking the highest public office in the state, and their top two priorities for the North Hawaii district and island.

Then, candidates will participate in a speed dating format to meet with small groups of voters to discuss issues and answer questions in groups that rotate, allowing all candidates to spend time with all voters.

“Waimea has hosted candidate forums since the 1970s and we sincerely appreciate that candidates are willing to make time to come meet with North Hawaii voters and get to know more about us,” Patti Cook said, WCA president.

With Hawaii’s Primary Election Day on Aug. 11, the published deadline to register to vote is July 12 but the Hawaii State Legislature has authorized voter registration on Election Day. However, early registration is required to receive a mailed absentee ballot.

Voter registration forms will be available at the forum and are available online at https://olvr.hawaii.gov. A Hawaii driver’s license or state ID and social security number are required when registering. Voters can also submit by mail a paper Voter Registration &Permanent Absentee Application. To download the form go to https://elections.hawaii.gov/wp-content/uploads/Voter-Registration-and-Permanent-Absentee-Application_Form-Fillable.pdf.

Early walk-in voting will begin July 30 at Waimea Community Center on Kawaihae Road. The County Clerk will send mailed absentee ballots to voters around July 23.

WCA is planning a second candidate forum for July 12. It will feature candidates for Hawaii State Senate District 4; State House District 7; and County Council District 1 and County Council District 9.

For questions about the WCA forums, call Patti Cook at 937-2833, email cookshi@aol.com or go to www.WaimeaTown.org.