Stacy Higa, Angel Pilago, Billy Kenoi and Lorraine Inouye talk story

by David Corrigan

HILO, Hawaii: Large crowd gathers at the University of Hawaii at Hilo to listen to the four leading candidates in this September’s mayoral primary election, district 4 county councilman Stacy Higa, state senator Lorraine Inouye, attorney Billy Kenoi, and County Council Vice Chairman Angel Pilago.

The entire substance of the debate is presented here. Although there has been editing, it is important to know that the candidate’s statements and answers are presented in their entirety. Questions are sometimes presented to the entire field of candidates, and sometimes presented to only one candidate to answer. Answers in the videos range from three minutes to one minute, depending on the format.

Sponsors for this event included the Hawaii Tribune-Herald, Japanese Chamber of Commerce & Industry of Hawaii, Hawaii Island Chamber of Commerce, Kanoelehua Industrial Area Association, Hilo Downtown Improvement Association, and Hawaii Island Board of Realtors.

Questions were asked by Jerry Burris, longtime Honolulu Advertiser political columnist and reporter, and David Bock, Hawaii Tribune-Herald editor. The moderator was the well known Honolulu broadcaster, Linda Coble.

Note: Candidates who were not asked to be a part of the forum: Joseph Barrozo, Sam Masilamoney, Jasper Moore and Randy Riley.