Video above shows a portion of the July 2, 2014 U.S. Senate candidate forum held at Sangha Hall in Hilo, Hawaii. Congresswoman Colleen Hanabusa is challenging incumbent Senator Brian Schatz for the position.

Video by Tim Bryan, Forum Moderated by Sherry Bracken

HILO, Hawaii – The two candidates for U.S. Senate were asked for their thoughts on the Hawaii Island economy, and to direct the focus of their answers to industry or development aside from tourism and military.

… we provide the best environment, 10 eco-systems of the 12 in the world, all in the state. Most, if not all, on this island. What better way to enhance our economic growth then to do what is natural, to do what we have that no one else has, which is to have that economic growth based on research and development; based on the uniqueness up what we have and I think that will bring people from all over the world here.

And don’t forget the pivot to Asia Pacific – which the president believes in – will also bring all of these interests and funding to Hawaii.”Rep. Colleen Hanabusa – July 2, 2014

I’m gonna continue to focus on clean energy because we have great opportunities there. We don’t just have great opportunities in terms of attracting investment and starting new businesses, but again, to try to provide some rate relief for Big Island residents, who are paying too much. It’s not just that you’re paying too much, it’s that you’re paying more than anyone else in the country and that’s not acceptable to us that’s not acceptable to anyone. So I’m gonna continue to focus on clean energy.

The other star on the Big Island, really, is University of Hawaii at Hilo. I have spent a fair amount of time up at the campus and just the growth over the last two or three years is extraordinary. It is now not just the gem in the UH system but it’s a gem internationally and the reputation is growing.”Sen. Brian Schatz – July 2, 2014

SPECIAL VIDEO SECTION: Schatz vs. Hanabusa (July 2, 2014)

1. Introduction
2. Social Security
3. Economy
4. Kona Airport Customs
5. Fish & Wildlife Designations
6. Lending Restrictions
7. Native Hawaiian Education
8. Jones Act
9. Healthcare and Medicare
10. Pohakuloa Training Area, Saddle Road
11. Hawaii’s High Energy Rates
12. GMO
13. Closing

The event was sponsored by the Hawai‘i Island Chamber of Commerce, Japanese Chamber of Commerce & Industry of Hawaii, Hawaii Island REALTORS®, Hawaii Island Contractors’ Association, Kanoelehua Industrial Area Association and the Hawaii Island Portuguese Chamber of Commerce. It was open to the community free of charge.