Editorial: “Experience Makes the Difference”
Star-Advertiser, 7/23/14
Incumbent Maile Shimabukuro faces Michael Kahikina in the Democratic primary for 21st District (Kalaeloa, Waianae, Makua). Kahikina has a long record of public service, including 12 years in the state House. However, Shimabukuro has represented the district well since being elected to the Senate in 2010 after serving in the House from 2003.
An activist legislator, she co-sponsored a measure that would expand the time allowed for victims to bring civil claims for child sexual abuse. She also took the lead in promoting a new law enhancing transparency by requiring financial disclosure statements from members of selected state boards and commissions.
Shimabukuro, 43, has pushed for legislation that would improve conditions in her economically deprived district, seeking special protections for taro farming, the widening of Farrington Highway in Nanakuli, expanding job training opportunities for her constituents and seeking alternatives to provide shelter for the homeless.
Among her GOP challengers, Tercia Ku offers the best choice for Republican primary voters. With a background as an educator and researcher, she has a solid record of community involvement and a centrist, pro-education platform. The other contenders are Johnnie-Mae Perry and Randy Roman Jr.