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Progressive council picks

By Kristine Kubat

Wednesday, September 17, 2008 2:19 PM HST

Now that we have established Angel Pilago is the best candidate for mayor (see last week's column, "Bust da Moves -- Vote Pilago") we can focus on the composition of the ideal council to assist him in the crucial work that lies ahead.

Those monitoring the performance of the current council have witnessed an unprecedented degree of integrity and accountability on the part of its members. Acting through a solid majority, this body of government closest to the people has actually managed to distinguish public good from not only self-interests but corporate greed, which explains why, this election, the bad guys have their knickers in such a serious twist.

An emphasis on community planning, the preservation of Punalu`u, the passage of a plastic bag ban, the abandonment of incineration in favor of Zero Waste and bold attempts to create a just policy governing the use/abuse of marijuana -- all are impressive accomplishments that signal not only sanity on the part of government but intelligence on the part of the electorate. Yes, the council rocked this past session but voters deserve much of the credit. Good choices in the past set this island firmly on the path towards a sustainable future; better choices now guarantee there will be no turning back.

In calling out the names of those who deserve a return ticket to the council chambers, let's start with the rock-solid District 1 Dominic Yagong. Yagong has consistently sought out public input on the decisions before him and acted as if that input mattered. With his finger fixed on the pulse of his constituency, he activates the people in meaningful ways and his style of governance is a model of democracy in action.

Moving on to District 7, we find the inimitable Pete Hoffmann (not 77 but a sprightly 67). Hoffmann is a man of conservative personal values who is progressive nonetheless, and his 'get 'er done' style provides critical leadership. Value him as much for the way he loses a battle as the way he wins one. Through his dignified demeanor and reasoned approach Hoffmann represents his district exceedingly well.

Advancing Pilago to the mayor's office meant taking a risk in District 8. Not to worry, the voters there have Debbie Hecht. Her successful grassroots effort to conserve Hawai`i Island's natural treasures through the 2% Land Fund put her in touch with the people and in alignment with the current council's agenda. Replacing Pilago with Hecht will ensure continuity and further progress.

Never has Kona been represented so well as with the Hoffmann/Pilago/Ford trio, which makes bringing Ford back for another term a no-brainer. She is that rare example of intelligence and caring in equal measure. She is also a fighter who knows how to get what is best for her constituents.

Moving closer to Puna we hit the hotbed of political reform. There is no phenomenon more responsible for Hawai`i County's shift away from the politics of greed than the District 6 Jacobson/Jacobson tag team. For the past six years, Bob Jacobson has been a steadfast reformer who bore the standard set by his wife Julie. The countless hours they spent countering the bullshit that passed for governance before they took office drove such nonsense to the sidelines where it has withered on the vine. Bob Jacobson's presence is key to continued reform. It is up to voters in his district to protect this hallowed ground.

Now for the lava zone: Recommending that District 5 return Emily Naeole to her council seat is the only endorsement I make with reservations. Naeole truly has the best interests of the people at heart and certainly deserves credit for what she has accomplished for her district, but tensions between her and Jacobson aide Barbara Lively have her stumped leaving her unable to realize a far greater potential than the Jacobsons ever had for breaking through the bullshit. District 5 elected Naeole because she was anything but a politician and her grassroots support remains strong. Although her learning curve has been wide, she has done far more good than harm and voters can still count on her to do the right thing.

That leaves only Stacy Higa's vacant seat (sought after by a handful of wildcards) for serious consideration.

With Higa and Pilago gone, it seems the council is in need of some indigenous wisdom. Entrepreneur, war veteran, farmer and media man Wendell Ka`ehu`a`ea has accomplished much in his lifetime. As a quiet observer behind the camera at local political events, he is intimately familiar with government processes. In the transition towards a sustainable future, the perspective of a man capable of feeding himself from the land is a welcome addition.

Kristine Kubat is editor of Big Island Weekly. Contact her at kkubat@bigislandweekly.com or (808) 930-8668.

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There are 2 comment(s) comments on this story.

kibitzor wrote on Sep 17, 2008 6:17 PM:

" It's probably best you ignore Mr. Pilago's lies about campaign spending. You never were one to let facts get in the way of a good story. "

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Sagefan wrote on Sep 17, 2008 3:38 PM:

" Sadly, wendell has placed himself in the perpetual "unelectable" category by constantly being beat in elections. Looking at his district -- Heng, Baclig, Onishi -- it appears that the Higa presence will be ensured in the district that houses a lot of Hawaiians and Japanese. No change here.

The main race is Jacobson - Enriques. Guy is just another chess piece in the grand scheme to stack the council and mayors office (If Billy wins) with a structure that will welcome money-hungry practices not seen since the days of Yamashiester himself! "

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