Video by David Corrigan, Voice of Matt Binder

HILO, Hawaii – There’s a primary race for Hawaii’s 2nd State House seat.

Long time Representative Clift Tsuji is facing Edwin Miranda. The two Democrats both have backgrounds in agriculture.

“If I had only one big wish as chairman of the Economic Development Committee,” Rep. Tsuji told a crowd at a recent Hilo forum, which was also attended by Miranda. “I want to revive as the economic driver in the state of Hawaii, agriculture!”

Miranda – who was a former cooperative extension agent on the island of Molokai – hopes to set himself apart with his position on GMOs. Tsuji is known for his support of biotech at the Capitol. “Being an agricultural person,” Miranda said, “I wanna put labeling on top all our foods regarding GMO. I think it’s about time, I think the people want it.”

Miranda also plans to advocate for Native Hawaiians where he can.

And yet Tsuji has a devoted following in his district. The past few elections, he has been unopposed in the primary. Whoever wins the primary will win the seat outright, since there are no other parties running candidates in this district.