Who will voters send to Washington D.C. to fill congresswoman Colleen Hanabusa’s seat?
Democratic candidates in the first congressional district race took part in a forum in Waikiki Thursday afternoon moderated by KHON2’s Gina Mangieri.
They answered questions on a range of federal issues affecting the islands.
Here’s how they answered the question on keeping visa travel thriving for hawaii when faced with trade wars and immigration crackdowns.
“When I was in congress the tourism was one of my top priorities,” said Ed Case, US House District 1 candidate. “I think it has to be the top priority for people in Hawaii. You have to focus across the board on all of the elements that drive tourism.”
“When I was arguing the travel ban lawsuit all the way up to the supreme court, one of the arguments that we made was how important it was to have diversity and inclusiveness for our university system,” said Doug Chin, US House District 1 candidate.
“One of the things I always heard was that the businesses, even on the border states, desperately wanted immigration policy because it helps them bringing new people into this country,” said Beth Fukumoto US House District 1 candidate.
“I support not just protecting DACA but passing a clean dream act,” said Kaniela Ing, US House District 1 candidate “Also abolishing the American gestapo also known as ICE who’s committing horrendous human rights abuses across the nation.”>
“We also need to look at how we welcome these visitors when they come into our country,” said Donna Kim, US House District 1 candidate. “When we look at customs, and we look at the security that they have to stand in line for hours.”
“One of the dangerous pathways that the current administration is focused on is engaging in these trade wars which to me is very detrimental,” said Ernie Martin, US House District 1 candidate.
The debate was sponsored by the Hawaii Lodging and Tourism Association, Waikiki Improvement Association, Retail Merchants of Hawaii, and the Waikiki Neighborhood Board.
