Hawaii Filipino Chronicle - July 18, 2020

JULY 18, 2020  HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE  1

JULY 18, 2020

WHAT’S UP, ATTORNEY?

No One Is Above the Law, But Some People Are Special

PERSONAL REFLECTIONS

PRIMARY ELECTION SUPPLEMENT INSIDE

Cover Story: Know Your Filipino Candidates Running for 2020 Primary Election

ABS-CBN Deserves A Franchise

AS I SEE IT

COVID-19: We Need to Be Part of the Solution, Not the Problem!

2 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLEJULY 18, 2020

EDITORIAL

Next Mayor of Honolulu Must Have Executive Experience to Lead in this Most Critical Time

T

he 2020 mayoral race for the City and County of Honolulu is a crowded field; and as it should be, this will give voters a wide variety of candidates to choose from. There are well over 10 candidates.

Even among the top five leading candidates, there is diversity: two major veterans in Hawaii politics in former Mayor of Honolulu Mufi Hannemann and former Congresswoman Colleen Hanabusa, former media executive Rick Blangiardi, former insurance executive Keith Amemiya, and City Councilwoman Kym Pine.

In all likelihood, the stiff competition will not meet the required 50 percent plus 1 majority in the Primary Election and the top two candidates will move on to go head-to-head in the General Election. At that point, the crystal ball becomes foggier as to who will take the reins of the termed-out Mayor Kirk Caldwell.

A Smart and Tough Money-Manager The race for mayor this year is arguably the most critical in decades given the deepest recession ever the City finds itself in due to COVID-19. The next mayor will need to be a smart money manager able to make tough decisions, even if it means cutting services the City cannot afford. The next mayor must be able to work well with all the City’s collaborators – employees, developers, unions, large-to-small businesses, contractors, etc. – but also be strong enough to say no when the City’s budget demands a “no” answer. What would have been a possible option to raise the City’s coffers to maintain services, a property tax increase, is certainly not viable now given how the majority of Honolulu’s residents are suffering financially.

Executive Experience Is A Must Considering the City’s Unique Emergency Situation The City’s situation is dire. In any other year, perhaps voters could afford to elect a candidate not as experienced, but possesses solid ideas. But this year, it’s critical that voters choose a candidate who can start the job on day one, someone who knows exactly what to do and not waste time engrossed in a learning curve. It would be silly, almost negligent to put an inexperienced surgeon to do the work of a complicated surgery. It’s no different that in this critical time for a city on life support (as so many other cities throughout the nation), voters must put in office the most experienced candidate to handle the job.

The mayor will need to find innovative ways to jumpstart the economy – first in reviving our number one industry tourism; and second in promoting a diversified economy.

This is not to say that the most experienced “politician” should be the right candidate. What’s needed is someone with “executive” experience either in the private sector or government. It isn’t enough that someone served in city-state-federal government for decades. It isn’t enough that someone chaired a city or state committee.

What counts as an “executive” in government are the obvious governor or mayor, but also a former Senate President, House Speaker or Chair of a City Council. It’s what that person has done as a true “executive” or “leader” – a proven leader, not just a role player, that will matter at this time.

The same rule of thumb applies in the business sector. What should count in this particular mayor race is a CEO, President, or General Manager of a major and successful company. The City needs urgent, quick leadership. Any other top management role in business also (like just a long-time, role player politician) (continue on page 3)

FROM THE PUBLISHER

T

his issue we have our second cover story on the 2020 Election. We’re pleased to present our highly anticipated Hawaii Filipino Chronicle (HFC) Election poll. Our Filipino community, incumbent politicians and new candidates running for public office have relied on our HFC poll almost each election over the course of two decades to get perspective on our Filipino electorate, who we are, what we value as issues go, and most importantly who we are supporting for the big political race of the time. This year, it happens to be the race for Honolulu mayor.

As in the past, associate editor Edwin Quinabo will be offering insightful political analysis on our poll results. This 2020 poll he gives a critical look at the top 5 candidates vying for Honolulu mayor and how they measure up against each other – their experience and proposed platforms. Just a few weeks heading into the Primary Election, our poll shows a majority of registered Filipino voters are still undecided on a candidate for Honolulu mayor. Former Mayor Mufi Hannemann has a slight lead over the pack, but both former Congresswoman Colleen Hanabusa and City Councilwoman Kym Pine are in striking distance. This is good news for there is still time for the candidates to make their message known to our voters on why they should support them. We also have results from other races of interest to our community. Of course, the presidential race, and two Honolulu City Council races which districts have a high concentration of Filipino residents – District 9 (Waikele, Kunia, Mililani Town, portions of Ewa) and District 7 (Kalihi, Iwilei, Kalihi Kai, Salt Lake, Aliamanu, Foster Village). In both these Council races, there are highly qualified Filipino candidates vying to replace the termed-out Fil-Am politicians leaving these Council seats -Ron Menor and Joey Manahan. I’d like to extend a big mahalo to Ron and Joey for their public service.

Also in this issue we have a very informative Election supplement. HFC’s editorial assistant Jim Bea Sampaga compiles in the supplement cover story all that you’ll need to know about the Filipino Americans running for public office this 2020 election.

It’s a comprehensive guide for our community to get to know the candidates’ background, qualifications, and stand on the issues.

Staying on politics, read the news on Gov. David Ige’s appointment of Bennette Misalucha to Senate District 16 (Pearl City, Pearlridge, Aiea, Halawa, Pearl Harbor), the seat that was held by Sen. Breene Harimoto who recently passed away. Misalucha is well known in our community and has executive experience in banking, marketing, public policy and community outreach. She will retain the Senate seat until a new senator is elected in November.

Be sure also to read some of our regular columns: HFC Columnist Atty. Emmanuel Tipon writes “No One is Above the Law, But Some People Are Special.” HFC columnist Emil Guillermo writes “Another Death in the Family as COVID Surges; Plus, ‘Hamilton’ and Mt. Rushmore Thoughts.” HFC Columnist Elpidio Estioko writes “COVID-19: We Need to be Part of the Solution, Not the Problem!” And, HFC columnist Seneca Moraleda-Puguan writes “ABS-CBN Deserves a Franchise.” If you recall on July 10, the Philippine Congress denied the franchise of ABS-CBN forcing the station to shut down.

Lastly, please remember these important dates: Primary Election Ballots will be delivered on July 21. You should be receiving your ballot in the mail a few days later. Then, it’s important that you mail back your completed ballot at least four days before the August 8 Primary Election day deadline.

This should be sufficient time for it to reach the Clerk’s office.

Remember that you must sign your ballot for it to be counted.

Empower our community. Vote!

Thank you for supporting the Hawaii Filipino Chronicle over the years. Until next issue, warmest Aloha and Mabuhay!

Publisher & Executive Editor Charlie Y. Sonido, M.D.

Publisher & Managing Editor

Chona A. Montesines-Sonido

Associate Editors

Edwin QuinaboDennis Galolo

Contributing Editor

Belinda Aquino, Ph.D.

Design

Junggoi Peralta

Photography Tim Llena

Administrative Assistant Lilia Capalad Shalimar Pagulayan

Editorial Assistant Jim Bea Sampaga

Columnists

Carlota Hufana Ader Elpidio R. Estioko Emil Guillermo Melissa Martin, Ph.D. J.P. Orias Pacita Saludes Reuben S. Seguritan, Esq. Charlie Sonido, M.D. Emmanuel S. Tipon, Esq.

Contributing Writers

Clement Bautista Edna Bautista, Ed.D. Teresita Bernales, Ed.D. Sheryll Bonilla, Esq. Rose Churma Serafin Colmenares Jr., Ph.D. Linda Dela Cruz Carolyn Weygan-Hildebrand Amelia Jacang, M.D. Caroline Julian Raymond Ll. Liongson, Ph.D. Federico Magdalena, Ph.D. Matthew Mettias Maita Milallos Paul Melvin Palalay, M.D. Renelaine Bontol-Pfister Seneca Moraleda-Puguan Mark Lester Ranchez Jay Valdez, Psy.D. Glenn Wakai Amado Yoro

Philippine Correspondent: Greg Garcia

Neighbor Island Correspondents: Big Island (Hilo and Kona) Grace LarsonDitas Udani Kauai Millicent Wellington Maui Christine Sabado Big Island Distributors Grace LarsonDitas Udani Kauai Distributors Amylou Aguinaldo Nestor Aguinaldo Maui Distributors

Cecille PirosRey Piros Molokai Distributor Maria Watanabe Oahu Distributors Yoshimasa Kaneko Jonathan Pagulayan

Advertising / Marketing Director Chona A. Montesines-Sonido

Account Executives Carlota Hufana Ader JP Orias

JULY 18, 2020  HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE  3

EDITORIAL

Quarantine Pushed Back; Gov Needs To Be Clear About Plans for Reopening Tourism

G

ov. David Ige’s plan to lift the mandatory 14day quarantine required of overseas arrivals to Hawaii for those who can produce a negative coronavirus test has been pushed back another month to September.

The Governor with support of mayors earlier in July expressed confidence that the quarantine would be lifted starting August 1, 2020. But just this week, to the surprise of many, Ige cancelled this plan citing concerns of the spread of the coronavirus on the mainland, specifically in states like California with sizable Hawaii-bound tourists.

While the governor’s reason for the delay – public health and safety – is a legitimate reason for the delay. He needs to be much clearer and explain specifically what safeguards the state is working on, what benchmarks need to be met in order for the quarantine to be lifted. Simply, citing that certain tourist markets do not have the coronavirus under control does not give Hawaii residents, unemployed hotel workers, and small business-

es desperate to reopen tourism the information they deserve.

If the reason for the delay is that COVID-19 is spreading on the mainland, then based on just that alone, the quarantine, then tourism, will not be reopening until a vaccine is available.

Many in the Filipino community are hotel workers. Filipinos are disproportionately affected by tourism’s decline and the quarantine. Many in our community are struggling financially and want to work.

We deserve a much better explanation than what was given. We deserve specific answers.

State officials have taken calculated, slow, cautionary moves before reopening the state with as many safeguards in place. This should be applauded because it has kept low Hawaii’s rate of infections and death.

We know that other states that rushed to “business as usual” are experiencing comparatively disastrous results and now find themselves in a position to scale back areas that were prematurely opened.

So, most of us understand the value of prudence.

But Ige’s lifting of the ban

(Next Mayor...from page 2)

isn’t enough in this particular year, this particular race for mayor.

It also helps tremendously that this next mayor must already have experience in tourism, the industry the city needs to bounce back from quickly. Diversification of the economy, while it sounds like a remedy, will take years to build. The city needs to move quickly on rebuilding what is its best structural economic engine at this current time – and that is tourism.

Based on “executive” leadership either in government or business the best potential candidates for mayor becomes clearer. Standing above the rest are Mufi Hannemann, Colleen Hanabusa, and Rick Blangiardi.

Other hot issues Besides rebuilding the economy and tourism, the other two most pressing concerns for our next mayor will be rail and affordable housing.

With regard to rail -- how to finish it and set-up the operational maintenance of rail will be critical. It’s been a complete disaster, way over budget, too slow, and who knows how much more money will be needed.

It’s debatable if former Mayor Hannemann had set up the rail project adequately for his successor Caldwell to take over. To an extent, that would determine

doesn’t’ have to mean abandoning caution altogether. The new policy announced earlier in the month -- requiring that visitors who can provide proof of a negative test taken within 72 hours of their arrival and that those who cannot still be required to abide by the mandatory 14-day quarantine – was and is a step in the right direction. There are also still other precautionary measures needing to be worked on. The public gets that and supports that.

But state officials waiting for the perfect scenario before reopening can be approved will keep delaying the lifting of the quarantine. Risks in opening up the state will always exist and that perfect scenario will not come until the virus is eradicated.

Hawaii’s scope for testing and contacting tracing, and most importantly, capacity to care for COVID-19 cases can be improved, fine-tuned. But how much more time does the state need for these safeguards to be ready?

It’s a difficult position to be making these hard decisions that will impact public health. Especially knowing that in all likelihood, there

will be more coronavirus cases after the state decides finally to lift the quarantine.

But many in the community are in agreement that something major needs to be done to slap the state’s languid economy back to life. And it begins with lifting the quarantine. Certainly the state’s overreliance on tourism and lack of economic diversity have made moves to reopen more urgent.

We can do our part in stopping the spread of the virus As the state begins to rejoin the nation in easing restrictions to conduct business, it becomes more critical that Hawaii residents and tourists wear a facemask in public, practice social-distancing, wash hands frequently and do all the known measures to keep the virus from spreading.

We can do our part in keeping infections low. Then perhaps state officials could also have more confidence to get back to business as usual.

New Findings on COVID-19 Important updates on the virus itself -- a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that under the right

Hannemann’s culpability of rail’s current situation. But it would be unfair to hold him completely responsible for two reasons: rail was voted by the people (if you’re unhappy with it, you voted for it); and much of rail’s undertaking has been under the leadership of Caldwell.

As former chair of HART’s Board of Directors, Hanabusa could be both credited and blamed for that experience. Credited in that she knows the project very well and will have the necessary knowledge to get it on the right track; but also blamed in that she had a leadership role in the project, but did not make the necessary changes to put it on the right track during her tenure. In fairness to her, however, ultimately that was Mayor Caldwell’s responsibility.

Again, a strong leader and the best money manager will be needed for this project.

On improving affordable housing, this is where innovation is paramount and where Kym Pine has ample experience and Keith Amemiya’s innovative ideas can flourish. Pine also has one up over the pack as the only top contender currently in public office which gives her the inside track on the most current policies enacted and up for consideration.

Voters are fortunate to have a motley of choices for mayor of Honolulu, especially during this time of economic emergency. Don’t let others control Honolulu’s future for you. Please go out to vote in the Primary Election.

conditions, liquid droplets from sneezes, coughs and just exhaling can travel more than 26 feet and linger in the air for minutes.

“There is no virtual wall at this 3- to 6-feet distance” says Lydia Bourouiba, the study’s author, who specializes in fluid dynamics and is an associate professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

The recommended 6-feet distance that most people have been following is proven to be less effective than thought as this latest study shows.

Knowing this, key to helping stop the spread is proper ventilation. Dr. Julian W Tang, one of the authors of the paper, said, “Based on multiple studies done by the authors, we believe that optimized ventilation is the way to move forward, removing the virus from the air before people inhale it. We think that’s one of the main ways it’s transmitted.”

In yet another study, experiments show that the virus can survive on surfaces such as plastic and stainless steel for up to three days. This is where frequent handwashing is vital.

The new findings on COVID-19 reveal in part why the virus has been able to spread so quickly and exponentially. We support the governor’s last minute decision, but we need more transparency and candor. 

4 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLEJULY 18, 2020

COVER STORY

HFC POLL SHOWS FILIPINOS FAVOR HANNEMAN BY SLIGHT MARGIN; MAJORITY STILL UNDECIDED

By Edwin Quinabo

L

ess than three weeks heading into Hawaii’s Aug. 8 Primary Election -- the hotly contested race for Mayor of Honolulu City and County is wide open.

According to the Hawaii Filipino Chronicle (HFC) Election poll of registered Filipino voters, 54 percent of respondents say they are still undecided.

Marquee politicians former Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann (15.5 percent) and former Congresswoman Colleen Hanabusa (10 percent) are leading the top 5 contenders in the HFC poll, followed by City Councilwoman Kym Pine (9 percent), then first time political candidates former insurance executive Keith Amemiya (7 percent) and former broadcast media General Manager Rick Blangiardi (4.5 percent).

The HFC Poll results among registered Filipino voters differed from the results of the only mainstream poll out (to date) on the mayoral race which was conducted by COMPARING FIVE LEADING MAYORAL CANDIDATES No election is the same as priorities change in time. The COVID-19 pandemic and its economic impact is clearly the number one concern for voters in 2020. Money matters have always been a top priority, but to most voters this year there is an added sense of urgency to find solutions to recordbreaking unemployment, a collapsed tourism market (Hawaii’s top industry that makes up between 15- 25 percent of the state’s economy), and economic revitalization.

In a non-recession, fairly stable year, inexperience can be overlooked where “potential,” “change,” and “innovation” look promising. 2020 does not look like one of those forgiving years. The pressing demands for quick economic recovery have given added importance to two areas -- Executive Experience and Leadership in Managing Big Budgets. The candidate who rates

Hawaii News Now and Civil Beat. In that poll, Blangiardi placed on top (a reverse flip from the HFC result) and Pine came in second to last. Hannemann was not included because he had not entered the race at the time of that poll.

The HFC poll has Pine in striking distance from the leader and practically tied for second place. It helps that Pine had represented in the State House, and currently in the City Council -- districts with higher concentration of Filipino voters – districts that were prominently surveyed in our HFC Poll.

The Poll also showed the former mayor, whose name is almost synonymous to rail (a project supported by a majority of Filipinos when it was voted upon) as a favorite, but by a fairly slim margin.

The high undecided/don’t want to say (54 percent) group suggests that the race for mayor will not be decided on Primary Election day and the top two finishers most likely will move on to the General Election. To win outright in the Primary, a candidate must receive a majority 50

percent + 1. A “close” second-place finish on Primary day is as much a victory as first when the top two go head-to-head and the dynamics could change dramatically months later.

While the U.S. Presidential race will be determined in the General Election, the HFC poll also included that race to gauge Filipino voters’ preference in the early season of that contest. The result has Democrat Joe Biden (30.5 percent) over Donald Trump (24.5 percent) with a large undecided/don’t want to say (45 percent) group.

highest on these two would be best for Honolulu at this time, and most likely will win-over a majority of voters.

Executive Experience RATING OF TOP 3: HANNEMANN +++ HANABUSA ++ BLANGIARDI + HANNEMANN: Hands down the former Mayor of Honolulu is the most experienced and only true former government executive among this field of contenders.

Hannemann said himself he felt a calling to run “because the city needs strong executive leadership to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic and rebuild the economy.”

Besides his time as mayor, Hannemann has fine-tuned his executive skills as president and CEO of the Hawaii Lodging & Tourism Association. Having that executive leadership in both government and the private sector as

*200 registered Filipino voters responded to the HFC Election Poll taken from July 3-11, 2020.

Hannemann has could bring a high level of confidence for all stakeholders in city government that business will get done. The added bonus of executive experience in tourism specifically could also save valuable time and expedite recovery because Hannemann

already knows what is needed to resurrect tourism.

With maturity, and after two humbling election losses (against Neil Abercrombie for Governor and Tulsi Gabbard for Congress), Hannemann could actually be an even more effective mayor a second

time – keeping his assertive leadership style but losing the high-handed quirk he was notorious for.

HANABUSA: Hanabusa is another would-be mayor who can lead starting from day one. She doesn’t have the same (continue on page 5)

JULY 18, 2020  HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE  5

COVER STORY (from page 4)

Keith Amemiya

Rick Blangiardi

Colleen Hanabusa

Mufi Hannemann

Kym Pine

executive experience as a former governor or mayor, but has led the highest legislative body in the State as former Senate President, which counts as solid leadership and as someone who has earned the confidence of her peers.

Rebuilding the city’s economy will take close partnering with the state. This is where Colleen has a one-up even over Hannemann, with her having tight relationships with state legislators and knowing what needs to get done in order for legislation to get passed there, legislation that could benefit the City. There are also many state-city issues that overlap like homelessness and affordable housing where Hanabusa already has done the work on the state side and should be more than prepared to push policy in those areas for the City. As a former congresswoman, Hanabusa has yet another advantage of having the know-how, more than anyone else in this group of contenders, to qualify for and get federal dollars for the City.

BLANGIARDI: In today’s business world, the title executive gets thrown around loosely and do not really match up with a worker’s responsibility.

To save on cost, companies often hand out titles in place of a pay raise. It used to be that there was only one vice president. Common today, there is a vice president for as many departments a company has.

In the case of Blangiardi, he is truly an executive as used in the old days, meaning that he’s called the shots as former General Manager of Hawaii News Now, KGMB and KHNL -- in what basically amounted to him having had broad influence in the state’s biggest broadcast media market for as many years he was GM.

What most people don’t know is that Blangiardi is also former president of Telemundo Holdings, Inc. For those on the mainland, everyone knows what a big deal this is. Telemundo is the nation’s second largest Hispanic television network and a billion-dollar company. Blangiardi is said to have been highly instrumental in leading the sale of Telemundo in 2001 to NBC for $2.7 billion, which is now a division of NBC’s umbrella of broadcasting companies.

The added bonus of Blangiardi being the top bigwig in an industry like the media, gives him years of political awareness on the issues far more than an average CEO. But Blangiardi is still a political outsider, for good or bad, and must learn the intricacies of government processes.

PINE/AMEMIYA: In the area of executive leadership Pine and Amemiya’s resumes don’t hold up against the three others. While Pine was House Minority Floor Leader that position was limited in influence to Republicans that have little influence in the State House. At the City Council she’s had committee chair experience, but have not earned the confidence among her colleagues to Chair the entire City Council during her tenure, which was almost a tacit requirement for former City Council members running for mayor to be considered a true contender like former Honolulu City Council Chair Arnold Morgado was when he ran. Amemiya’s track record as a business executive in the insurance industry is impressive but not comparable to the leadership responsibilities of a CEO, President, or GM as Blangiardi had notched under his belt.

Leadership in Managing Big Budgets RATING OF TOP 3: HANNEMANN +++ HANABUSA ++ BLANGIARDI + Leadership in managing big budgets will be a critical area for the next mayor of Honolulu. Like other cities and counties throughout the United States, Honolulu will need to deal with possible budgetary shortfalls.

The next mayor must not only be able to identify areas to streamline or even cut services temporarily, but have the strong leadership to actually follow through on making these cuts. Projects might need to be scaled back, suspended or scrapped. That means disappointing contractors, unions, and even supporters-donors in some cases.

City and counties do not have the debt power as the Federal government and have no choice but to balance the budget. At a time when many Honolulu residents are financially strapped and out of work, raising property taxes (main revenue for the City) is not an option.

Hannemann again comes out on top in leadership in managing big budgets. In a potential repeat of history, remember that Mufi was the mayor during the last national recession. The subprime mortgage fiasco of 2008-09 that mushroomed into a full-scale recession had many companies large and small going out of business. By 2010, when Mufi left office to run for governor, the nation had already begun to climb out of the recession.

Also during the time of the last recession, handling the affairs on the state side, ironically, was Colleen Hanabusa.

When that recession started

she was majority leader. In 2009, right at the turning point of the recession, she was chosen by colleagues to be Senate President.

Both Hannemann and Hanabusa are arguably best skilled to be the City’s top money manager during this current recession because they’ve already proven their abilities as leaders in government at the highest level during the last major recession.

Blangiardi, again places high up in this category because of his impressive business experience as a top executive of multiple major companies. But because his business acumen hasn’t been proven in government budgeting, he comes in third.

Amemiya also in 2009 (the last recession) had to deal with severe budget cuts that threatened many high school athletic programs when he spearheaded the successful Save Our Sports campaign.

His work as Executive Director of the Hawai’i High School Athletics Association came with executive budgetary responsibilities as well. But the scale of money management there is nowhere close to what the top three have done.

Pine has ample experience with government budgets but as a role player at the State House, and at best committee chairperson at the City Council. It would have been far more impressive if, again, she had chaired the City Council.

many unions, could indicate not much change at all) BLANGIARDI + (as the most outsider candidate, the quality of change is not very predictable) In the HFC poll when respondents were asked if they supported change in government or preferred not too many changes, the response among registered Filipino voters were split practically evenly at 51 -49 percent.

While a desire for change in previous elections normally would rate higher, a main goal this time is electing a leader who can bring about stability and someone who can best revitalize the economy in the shortest amount of time.

In this particular election cycle, the lower importance for “change” leaves Pine, Amemiya, and Blangiardi at a disadvantage.

RANKING THE ISSUES The HFC Poll found that registered Filipino voters prioritize Economy/jobs (24.4 percent) and COVID-19/public health (22.1 percent) as the top two issues. Related to the economy, third in priority was the high cost of living in Honolulu (19 percent), followed by high cost of healthcare, education, immigration, race relations/policing reform, and traffic congestion (rounding out the remaining percentages). Some of these issues are federal, state, or county issues, some overlap in jurisdiction.

The Poll, at the least, can be a On Change (lesser impor- signpost for candidates where tance this election year) to work on after taking office, RATING OF TOP 3: if they value the support of HaPINE ++ (safe change as waii’s Filipino community. a career politician, but outside the highest rungs of political MAYORAL CANDIDATES ON THE power) BIG 3 CITY ISSUES – REBUILDAMEMIYA + (moderate ING ECONOMY, RAIL, AND AF(continue on page 6) change, but his backing by

6 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLEJULY 18, 2020

COVER STORY (from page 5)

FORDABLE HOUSING The top 5 mayoral candidates have similar plans on the big 3 issues of rebuilding the economy, rail, and affordable housing. Only a candidate’s summary, top priority, or an innovative plan have been selected to share for these three areas. Candidates have been invited to give a more in depth explanation of their full agenda on these issues in our next HFC issue.

would be tremendously helpful in stabilizing the economy. As a former congresswoman and attorney, she wants to find creative ways to access these funds for the City. She also sees potential in “green jobs,” specifically in the renewable energy sector as another area to expand and build the state’s economy.

HANNEMANN – says he wants to build on the core competence of tourism by developing synergistic industries such as: sports, film and television production, regional cuisine and agriculture, culture and the arts, education, health and fitness, science, and other businesses that attract visitors and investment.

PINE – believes key to Hawaii’s future success is economic diversification and investment in sustainable, clean energy technology and agricultural systems that can provide food, fuel and jobs.

On her website she says tourism will always be a part of Hawaii’s culture, but what’s needed is for the community to be independent and be able to stand on its own.

1. Rebuilding Economy: AMEMIYA -- says first and foremost he wants to make sure that all residents and businesses that qualify for relief via the federal CARES Act and state and county programs have equitable access to funding to support basic needs.

BLANGIARDI – says rebuilding Honolulu’s economy is his single highest priority as mayor. He supports developing jobs in construction, agriculture and energy to complement a strong tourism industry.

In rebuilding the economy, he also believes it is essential to incorporate COVID-19 testing, tracking, and eventually 2. Rail: AMEMIYA – believes it vaccine deployment. is important that the Honolulu HANABUSA – believes strategic use of federal funds Authority for Rapid Transpor-

tation (HART) ensure completion of the Ala Moana Center phase of rail; otherwise, the City may find itself having to repay hundreds of millions of dollars back to the federal government. As mayor, Keith says he will aggressively call for increased transparency and accountability to avoid further waste and to uphold public trust.

BLANGIARDI – says he would not raise property tax for the sake of the rail project. He would like a total reality check on the actual costs to complete the full route and says HART must be fully accountable and stop wasting money.

HANABUSA – is a former chair of the board of directors of HART. She doesn’t list any specific plans for the future of rail, but says during her time as chair, there was transparency.

She also talks about the need for restoring public trust in government or things cannot get done. The rail project has been a source of increased distrust of government for many Hawaii residents. So restoring public trust in rail is understood to be one of her goals.

HANNEMANN – wants to complete the rail system to Ala Moana. He wants to

secure appropriated federal transit funding and seek other sources of money to complete rail. He says one possible area is the federal pandemic economic stimulus support for infrastructure. He also wants to use rail to catalyze transit-oriented development. In other words, spur construction of affordable housing, commercial and industrial enterprises, and business growth along transit route.

PINE – offers an idea that private-public contracts should be structured so that the private corporation can pay itself with future profit. This is assumed to be a way to keep costs down.

She says rail receives funding from the state, city and the federal government and this should be enough [to complete the project].

3. Affordable Housing AMEMIYA – has a Housing for All Plan which seeks to prioritize development for Oahu residents, stop illegal vacation rentals, build homes for communities that need them most, and stimulate the private sector to build homes in the urban core.

BLANGIARDI – says the City needs responsible development, and that our old approach to creating affordable housing is not working. He plans to streamline the planning and permitting process to save time and money for builders, and this would also get construction underway faster.

HANABUSA – wants to identify and eliminate obstacles to affordable housing projects; identify and develop or make available for development, City lands appropriated for housing projects, including lands in TOD zones, economic and employment centers, and lands appropriated for congregate housing near resource service agencies and service providers. Using her congressional background, she also wants to work with HUD to increase federal assistance (including tax credits) for affordable housing/rentals, particularly for low and very low-income families.

HANNEMANN – wants to stimulate the construction and availability of affordable

housing by enforcing the City’s transient vacation rental ordinance; seek incentives for housing development, such as reducing the parking requirements for buildings along the rail route; and expand the City’s Down Payment Loan Program for first-time homebuyers.

PINE – says as chair of the Zoning and Housing Committee at the Honolulu City Council, she found that outdated building codes and permit delays prevented affordable units from being built economically and swiftly. She says one solution she helped to enact is sweeping legislation that changed building and zoning codes.

HONOLULU CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT 9 (Waikele, Village Park, Royal Kunia, Mililani Town, West Loch, Iroquois Point, and portions of Ewa Villages and Ewa Beach) Included in the HFC Election Poll are two Honolulu City Council district races because of their high interest in the Filipino community.

District 9 is City Council Chair Ron Menor’s seat which will be termed-out in 2020.

The three contenders are former State Sen. Will Espero, comedian and businessman Augusto Tulba (Augie T) and Hawaii Army National Guard Maj. Earl Tsuneyoshi.

The HFC poll results among Filipino registered voters in District 9 are: Espero at 56 percent, Tulba at 7 percent, Tsuneyoshi at 2 percent, and an undecided/don’t want to say at 35 percent.

Espero served 19 years in the Hawaii Legislature, 16 years in the Senate and three years in the House. He’s had some city leadership under Mayor Frank Fasi who placed him in charge of Oahu’s Neighborhood Boards for eight years.

Espero is clearly the most qualified in this race; and is the overwhelming favorite among unions. Just a few of the endorsements he’s received include: Sierra Club of Hawaii, Hawaii Firefighters Association, Hawaii State Teachers Association, Hawaii Government Employees Association, International Longshoremen & Warehouse Union Local 142, (continue on page 18)

www.thefilipinochronicle.com

JULY 18, 2020

Know Your Filipino Candidates Running for 2020 Primary Election WHAT’S INSIDE Voting by mail: Here’s What You Need To Know8 Voters To Decide on Youth Commission and Ethics Reforms in General Election 8 Gov. Ige Appoints Bennette Misalucha to State Senate District 169 Filipino Americans Running for Public Office in 202010

T

his year’s election is quite different. The Hawaii State will be voting almost entirely by mail for the first time. With the COVID-19 pandemic, voting by mail is the best way to exercise your rights while maintaining social distancing. In this supplement, we put together a voting guide to help you navigate voting by mail. How we vote isn’t the only thing affected by the pandemic. Candidates running for this year’s Primary Election are also prioritizing ways to help Hawaii recover from the effects of the pandemic such as the rising cost of living and healthcare, unemployment and the need to diversify the State’s economy. We’ve reached out to this year’s Filipino Americans candidates which you will get to know by reading our supplement cover story. When it comes to exercising your right to vote, it’s important to research before casting your vote on the ballot. Hawaii Filipino Chronicle presents this supplement issue to help guide you in your own research.

8 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE SUPPLEMENTJULY 18, 2020

VOTING GUIDE

PRIMARY ELECTION 2020

Voting by Mail: Here’s What You Need to Know

By Jim Bea Sampaga

F

or the first time, the Hawaii state will be voting entirely by mail. The first voting by mail will be on August 8 Primary Election followed by the General Election on November 3rd. Registered voters can still vote in-person at any voter service center in their county.

Exercising your right to vote is more than just choosing a name to put in the ballot.

It’s about making your voice be heard and electing the right candidates for the betterment of your state and the whole country.

Voting can be overwhelming with multiple candidates to choose from. While, the actual voting process can be tedious for some. Don’t worry! We’re here to break down the voting process for you as Hawaii undergoes its first vote-by-mail election.

Preparing to Vote

Research about your district’s candidates for City Council, State House and Senate, and Honolulu Mayoral and prosecutor attorney candidates.

Learn more about the U.S. Presidential and U.S. House Hawaii candidates.

Researching and learning more about the candidates’ backgrounds and priorities will help you decide on electing a public official. To read more about the candidates, you can search them on Google, follow them on social media or read Hawaii Filipino Chronicle’s supplement cover story on Filipino-American candidates running this upcoming Primary Election.

Make sure that you are registered to vote. Head online to olvr.hawaii.gov to verify your voter registration status and provide your Hawaii Driver License or Hawaii

State ID, and Social Security Number. If you recently moved or legally changed your name, you can still update your registration on the website provided above.

Voting by mail

Now that you’ve researched the candidates and verified your voter registration, it’s time to cast your vote on the ballot. But how exactly do you vote by mail?

Approximately 18 days before the election, registered voters will receive a mail ballot packet from their local Clerk’s Office in the address associated with their voter registration. If you didn’t receive your ballot packet, contact your local Clerk’s Office as soon as possible. You can find your county clerk’s address and contact information on elections.hawaii.gov.

The mail ballot packet contains a ballot, ballot secrecy, return ballot envelope and voting instructions.

Once you’ve voted on your ballot, place the ballot in the secrecy sleeve and envelope that came in with your ballot mail. Make sure

to sign your envelope. Envelopes without signature will not be counted. Simply put the mail in your mailbox to be mailed back to the Clerk’s Office. The return envelope has a prepaid postage and is already addressed to your local Clerk’s Office.

Don’t want to return your ballot by mail? You can drop your ballot off in-person at a designated place of deposit: the local Clerk’s Office or Voter Service Center.

Make sure the Clerk’s Office received your ballot by 7 p.m. on August 8 to be counted. Drop off your ballot as soon as possible or mail your ballot packet at least five days before Election Day.

Voting in Person

With Hawaii almost entirely voting by mail, there are no polling stations available.

The Office of Elections highly recommends voting by mail to avoid crowded places and maintain social distancing. However, if you still want to vote in person, you can visit Voter Service Centers to cast your vote and register to vote on the same day.

Voter Service Centers are open 10 business days prior to each

election and their address can be found on elections.hawaii.gov.

Your Election Votes’ Security

Once your mail ballot packet arrives at the Clerk’s Office, County Election officials will verify your ballot by scanning your voter registration barcode and signature. To track your mail ballot, you can login to the Office of Elections’ ballot receipt portal.

Each ballot contains a barcode that is only designated to the registered voter.

This unique barcode prevents a voter from voting twice. If the Clerk’s Office already received and scanned your mail ballot, you will not be able to vote again in-person at a voter service center. If you voted in person, your mail ballot packet will not be accepted.

To verify your ballot, County Election officials scan your signature outside of your return envelope to be matched to the signature on your voter registration file record.

Once your barcode and signature are verified, your ballot is on its way to being counted. If you have questions or concerns, visit elections.hawaii. gov or reach them at elections@ hawaii.gov or (808) 453-8683.

Voters To Decide on Youth Commission and Ethics Reforms in General Election

O

n July 9, Honolulu City Council unanimously passed two proposed charter amendments where Honolulu voters will decide on the upcoming November 3 general election. Introduced by Councilmember Tommy Waters,

of policies, needs, assessments, priorities, programs and budgets concerning the children and youth of the city.

For the resolution relating to the Honolulu Ethics Commission, the 2020 General Election ballot will ask the question: “Shall the Revised City Charter be amended to allow the Honolulu Ethics Commission to control its own budget after it has been enacted?”

The proposal seeks to grant the Ethics Commission a greater control over its budget by prohibiting the withholding of funds once its budget has been appropriated

by City Council. 

the purpose of the two charter amendments, the Youth Commission and Honolulu Ethics Commission reform, is to promote greater participation and trust in government.

Regarding the Youth Commission, the 2020 General Election ballot will ask the question: “Shall the Revised City Charter be amended to establish a Youth Commission under the Managing Director?”

The Youth Commission amendment aims to establish a Youth Commission consisting of fifteen members between the ages of 14 to 24 years old where they will For more information reserve for staggered terms of two years. The Youth Com- garding charter amendments, mission will advise the coun- please visit www.honolulucicil and mayor on the effects tycouncil.com.

JULY 18, 2020  HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE SUPPLEMENT  9

ELECTION NEWS FEATURE

Gov. Ige Appoints Bennette Misalucha to Senate District 16

By Jim Bea Sampaga

G

overnor David Ige has appointed Bennette Misalucha to fill the late Senator Breene Harimoto’s state Senate District 16 seat. Sen. Harimoto died while in office on June 18, 2020.

Misalucha will be overseeing Senate District 16 which includes Pearl City, Momilani, Pearlridge, ‘Aiea, Royal Summit, ‘Aiea Heights, Newtown, Waimalu, Halawa and Pearl Harbour.

“It’s an honor and privilege to be appointed by Gov. Ige. I’m still trying to process it, but I am excited,” said Misalucha. “My great desire is to continue the meaningful work that Sen. Harimoto has started.”

Misalucha said her parents would have been so proud especially her father, a political science major, who passed away in 2005.

“When the call came from the Governor’s office, he was my first thought,” Misalucha shared. “I thought this would have been such an honor for him. He would’ve been so proud.”

Misalucha will represent Senate District 13 until a new senator is elected in November.

“I look forward to serving the people and constituents of Senate District 16 until November 3rd,” she said.

“From that point on, I don’t know what’s going to happen. I’m still trying to decide whether I would put in my name for the election.”

During her swearing-in ceremony, Misalucha admits that she got teary-eyed. “I wish my papa was alive. He was the one who told us to aim high. The sky is the limit, he used to say,” she shared. “[I can’t believe] how a girl from Mapagkalinga street can be seated as a State Senator. God is good and American dreams do come true.”

Misalucha is a community

leader in Hawaii with executive experience in banking, marketing, public policy and community outreach. She has owned a business strategy and communications company since 2008. She was the Executive Director of Hawai’i Crop Improvement Association, Vice President and Regional Director for Government and Community Relations for Actus Lend Lease and also a former Senior Vice President and Senior Manager at Central Pacific Bank. She was also a television reporter and news producer for KHON Channel 2 News and in the Philippines early in her career.

Currently, she is the Chair of the Filipino Complete Count Committee, Director of Chaminade University Board of Regents, Director of Oahu Transit Services, Director of Hawaii Filipino Chamber of Commerce, Director of Filipino Community Center and President of Congress of Visayan Organizations.

She also volunteered as a member at Hawai’i Public Radio’s Community Advisory Board, Director of Friends of East West Center, Director of Oahu Arts Center, Chair of Girl Scout of Hawaii, Director of Hawaii Chamber of Commerce, Co-Chair of Hawai’i Summit Initiative and

PRIMARY ELECTION 2020

Sen. Bennette Misalucha with daughter Danielle Evangelista, son Christian Evangelista and his wife Carolyn Dunlea Evangelista.

Director of Catholic CharBorn in Manila and raised ities: Community & Immi- in Davao and Cebu, Misalugrant Services Board. cha is a daughter of a schoolWith her deep involve- teacher, Avelina Espineli, and ment in the community, she earned numerous distinctions such as “Woman of Distinction” from the Girl Scouts of Hawaii, “Progress Awards in Baking and Finance” from the United Filipino Community Council, “State Mother of the Year” from American Mothers Inc., “Woman of the Year: Advocate for Higher Education” from Filipino Women’s Civic Club and one of top “Ten Women Volunteers in Hawai’i” from Pacific Business News.

She graduated from University of Hawaii and the BIA Graduate School of Retail Banking at University of Wisconsin-Madison. She also attended the University of Washington Pacific Coast Banking School.

an insurance executive, Benjamin Robledo. She has two adult children, Christian and Danielle.

10 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE SUPPLEMENTJULY 18, 2020

COVER STORY

PRIMARY ELECTION 2020

(Editor’s note: Other Fil-Am candidates who were not included in this cover story did not respond as of our press time.)

Filipino Americans Running for Public Office in 2020

By Jim Bea Sampaga

F

ilipinos make up the second-largest ethnic group in Hawaii with a population of 342,095 according to the 2010 Census. It’s no doubt that throughout Hawaii’s history, Filipino American politicians are in the state legislature where they represent not only Filipinos but also the residents of the state of Hawaii.

With COVID-19 greatly affecting Hawaii, the state legislature is making sure our community is safe, employed and ready as we transition into our “new normal.”

However according to recent data from Hawaii’s Department of Health, Filipinos experience the second-worst COVID-19 disparity in Hawaii with most Filipino frontliners risking their lives working in medical, retail, food, hotel and tourism. The pandemic also exposed issues within the Filipino community that resonates with the rest of Hawaii: high unemployment rates, high costs of healthcare and housing, the need to raise the minimum wage and diversify our economy.

With the uncertainty of the future due to the pandemic, we need

HONOLULU AARON JAMES KALEO AGSALDA RUNNING FOR: State House, District 46 (Wahiawa, Whitmore, Launani Valley)

Why I’m running: With three generations of my family rooted in Wahiawa, the safety, health, and future of this town are always in my heart. This is my first campaign for public office and I believe that a working-class perspective is critical in State Legislature. I feel called to represent my community so they can have a voice in the State House that’s from Wahiawa and for Wahiawa.

Background: As a licensed General Contractor and Real Estate Broker who was born and raised in Hawaii, I have a broad perspective on the unique relationships between industries that affect our local economy. I learned the value of hard work from my father Renie, a Civil Engineer and entrepreneur. My mother, sister and grandmother were all educators. Both my grandfathers worked in plantation fields when they immigrated to Hawaii from the Philippines. Grandpa Menor served as a 2nd Lt. in the Hawaii Rifles during WWII and Grandpa Agsalda was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal with the Filipino Veterans of WWII. Platform: As the representative, I’ll fight for safer streets in Wahiawa, quality care for our kupuna, support for veterans, world-class education for our keiki that will prepare them for local jobs for the 21st century.

HENRY J.C. AQUINO RUNNING FOR: State House, District 38 (Waipahu)

Why I’m running: I’m running for re-election to continue the work we started to improve the quality of life for our residents and address important issues affecting us today and in the future. Together, we worked hard to make meaningful changes in the community of Waipahu and fight for its fair share of funding for needed projects and services.

Background: My parents arrived in Hawaii in 1970 from Ilocos Sur, Philippines to start a new life. Their experiences helped shape my appreciation for our community and desire to help others. I graduated from Waipahu High School and earned my degrees from Honolulu Community College, University of Hawaii-West Oahu and Hawaii Pacific University. I’m currently representing District 38, serving as Chair of the House Committee on Transportation, Majority Whip, a member

more Filipino American representation in City Council, State House and Senate. We need to be heard. Voting wisely is one way of empowering our community by electing the right public officials that will make long-term positive changes in our community.

“Filipinos like to say that they are the fastest growing and second largest ethnic minority in the state but it should not stop there,” said Belinda Aquino, PhD, Professor Emeritus at the University of Hawaii at Manoa and Political Scientist.

“Real empowerment can only be achieved if all citizens who are registered to vote will actually vote in every election, which Filipinos often take for granted, or don’t really assert and exercise this right.”

It’s high time that Filipinos assert and exercise this right and translate their numbers into real powers in the larger community. Exercising your right to vote by registering and learning more about the candidates are crucial in the upcoming Primary and General Elections. You have the power to change the course of our nation’s history.

As candidates gear up for the August 8 Primary Elections, Hawaii Filipino Chronicle reached out to Filipino Americans running for public office to share their experiences and platforms in improving Hawaii. of the Housing and Consumer Protection & Commerce committees and Chair of the House Filipino Caucus. I work for the Waipahu Community Association. I devote time to various organizations including the Waipahu Community Foundation, Leeward Oahu Lions Club, Knights of Rizal-Aloha Chapter, AGAPE Ministry and the Hawaii Chinese Kenpo School of Self Defense.

Platform: Our district is confronted with pressing issues: troubled economy due to the COVID-19 pandemic, homelessness, traffic congestion and public safety concerns. To help address these concerns, we were able to fund needed infrastructure projects to help stabilize our economy, develop comprehensive plans to build affordable housing and address homelessness.

ADDISON BULOSAN RUNNING FOR: Kauai County Councilmember

Why I’m running: We are headed towards the most challenging times and I know I can help. My unique set of skills and a combination of knowledge will help us solve some of the economic and health crises. My community involvement allows me to work with a diverse group and able to represent the wholeness of our island community.

Background: I’m born and raised on Kauai, alumni to Wilcox Elementary, Kauai High School, The Art Institute of Seattle and got my Doctors of Chiropractic at Life Chiropractic College West in San Francisco. I’ve spent the last six years in my private practices on Kauai and Maui and serving as the President of the Rice Street Business Association, Vice President of the Lihue Business Association, board member of the Kauai Chamber of Commerce and Hale Opio Kauai, and advisory board member of Hawaii Foodbank-Kauai. My parents and grandparents have been integral leaders within the Filipino community serving as past presidents of numerous Filipino organizations such as the Kauai Filipino Community Council and Kauai Fil-Am Jaycees.

Platform: My highest priority is keeping businesses going and saving as many jobs as possible by focusing on government efficiency, innovation in technology, food sustainability, and town core center development. I’m looking to develop, modify or remove policies that will enhance our community’s ability to thrive by focusing on reducing the cost of living and enabling the workforce to develop different skills or jobs. By focusing on developing our town core centers, we increase the housing ability, reduce the need for traffic, save on infrastructure costs, and protect our environment by reducing transportation and building (continue on page 11) emissions.

JULY 18, 2020  HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE SUPPLEMENT  11

COVER STORY (from page 10)

ROMY CACHOLA RUNNING FOR: State House, District 30 (Kalihi Kai, Sand Island, Hickam, Pearl Harbor, Ford Island, Halawa Valley Estate)

Why I’m running: I like to solve difficult problems, which is why addressing physicians, teachers, and nurses’ shortage is first on my list. I would also intend to look into addressing houselessness as one of my priorities.

Background: I was born in the Philippines and received a Bachelor of Law (Juris Doctor) degree from M.L. Quezon University-Philippines. During my incumbency as Representative, I have dealt with many challenges and concerns that have affected our lives. I fought for them, I worked for their resolutions so that we can live in a district that is sensitive to the needs and aspirations of the residents. With a combination of skills, sensitivity, and experience on the importance of community interests, I have always advocated for fairness and solutions.

Platform: I’ll work to pass House Bill 1462 HD1, which unanimously passed in the House and is now pending in the Senate. It addresses Hawaii’s over $12 billion health unfunded liability and could potentially save over $500 million per year without raising taxes and fees. If this measure passes this session, savings over $500 million a year can fund other state and county liabilities and services such as the Collective Bargaining agreements, public education programs that include teachers’ shortage, affordable housing and homelessness. It will also address the state’s physician shortage, climate change and state and county road repairs and improvement.

GIL S. COLOMA KEITH-AGARAN RUNNING FOR: State Senate, District 5 (Wailuku, Waiheʻe, Kahului)

Why I’m running: I’m committed to public service.

Maui needs strong and experienced voices representing our communities. Steady leadership over the next four years will be crucial as Maui recovers. We need to be opportunistic in shifting more of our economy into areas that build resilience—in healthcare, local food production, education and energy.

Background: I grew up in Paia and Kahului and graduated from Maui High School. After college at Yale and law school at Cal-Berkeley, I returned home because Maui is where I wanted to live, play and raise a family. Gov. Ben Cayetano gave me the opportunity to serve at the Departments of Land and Natural Resources, Labor and Industrial Relations, and Commerce and Consumer Affairs.

Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa appointed me as Director of Public Works and Environmental Management. In 2009, Gov. Linda Lingle appointed me to the State House and my community re-elected me twice. In 2012, Gov. Neil Abercrombie appointed me to the State Senate and my community has re-elected me twice. I continued to practice law in Wailuku when the legislature is not in session and continue to be active in my Central Maui community.

Platform: The pandemic disclosed what we knew: too many working families live paycheck-to-paycheck. More people are likely moving into this bracket. The legislature began this session with a consensus on chipping away at the costs— housing, childcare, wages and taxes—that make life challenging even in good times. Hawaii needs to directly subsidize for sale homes to bring prices down for local working families. We need to seriously look at single payer health care, paid family and medical leave like other industrialized nations.

RADIANT CORDERO RUNNING FOR: Honolulu City Councilmember District 7 (Kalihi, lwilei, Kalihi Kai, Mapunapuna, Salt Lake, Aliamanu, Hickam, Foster Village, Ford Island, and Sand Island.)

Why I’m running: I have experienced firsthand the struggles individuals and families are facing in our communities. I’ll bring a strong voice representing the district to the Honolulu City Council, and advocate for all of our neighbors whose values must be made known in our government’s decision-making processes. I want to use my breadth of life experiences to bring people together to create impactful, deeply rooted change, and ensure that our community has the necessary resources, programs, and services it needs to thrive. It is a critical time for our district, and I ask for your vote of confidence so that I can collaborate, organize, and expand opportunities for all those I hope to represent in 2021.

Background: I’m a second-generation Filipina American who grew up in the Kalihi Kai and Moanalua communities. I currently serve as chief of staff to Honolulu City Councilmember Joey Manahan. I previously served as a legislative aide at the Office of the Vice Speaker of the Hawaii House of Representatives, assistant editor

PRIMARY ELECTION 2020 for the Fil-Am Courier, and held numerous roles in the nonprofit and tourism industries. I serve on the Epilepsy Foundation of Hawaii Board of Directors, secretary of the W. R. Farrington High School, School Community Council, and a member of numerous Kaihi and Salt Lake Neighborhood Security Watch/Citizen Patrol groups.

I also served as a radio host for The Pilipinx Collective and KNDI Radio 1270 AM, and secretary of the Filipino Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii. I volunteer with the KaBATAan: Filipino for Kids Hawaii, Hawaii Bicycling League, and have assisted with various COVID-19 testing and food drives. I earned my Bachelor’s degree in political science and American studies and a Master’s degree in public administration from the University of Hawaii-Manoa.

Platform: My priorities are to ensure greater transparency and community collaboration with our economic recovery planning; create safer communities through public safety initiatives; push community-driven efforts that need to be adopted at all level of government; address climate change and promote resiliency through our public infrastructure in our neighborhoods; invest and prioritize our core city services; increase affordable and accessible housing for working families; and promote economic recovery and sustainability in our city’s planning.

THORA-JEAN CUARESMA RUNNING FOR: State Senate, District 22 (Mililani Mauka, Waipiʻo Acres, Wheeler, Wahiawā, Whitmore Village, Poamoho)

Why I’m running: I desire to give the residents in District 22 a choice and an opportunity to have a voice in their community. The atmosphere in the political community has been clouded and tainted by a lack of communication and transparency by the current leadership. I’ll bring new energy, thoughts and leadership to Senate District 22.

Background: I have lived in Wahiawa for over 30 years and have participated in many community-oriented projects from supporting the local athletic programs to local musicians. I have assisted in projects and programs that assist kupuna in many ways (seeking affordable housing, affordable health care, transportation, seeking food and other basic essential necessities). I have been a vehement supporter of projects that improve our communities so that we can live, work and play in our district.

Platform: My priorities are to seek educational resources for public schools as well as cultivate and foster partnerships in our communities, develop and promote apprenticeship programs with businesses to promote employment that provides a living wage in our communities which in turn may help lessen travel time between homes and places of employment. Lastly, to provide more transparency and less confusion between area legislators and community members. I want to ensure that legislators fund projects that will benefit the community.

TY J.K. CULLEN RUNNING FOR: State House, District 39 (Royal Kunia, Village Park, Waipahu, Makakilo, West Loch)

Why I’m running: I want to preserve this special place that is filled with great people and culture, so our families and future generations can thrive. I want to build upon what we have all worked hard to achieve and increase opportunities for all our residents. With my experience and good working relationships with individuals and businesses across all areas of our state, I know that I can continue to do a lot of good for our community.

Background: I was born in Hawaii and raised in Waipahu, and the Aloha Spirit of our community has blessed me with the honor of serving as a state representative for 10 years. My ethnicities (Hawaiian, Irish, Filipino, and Japanese) have helped mold my respect for all our cultures. I have dual bachelor’s degrees in Political Science and Sociology, and a Master of Public Administration from the University of Hawaii-Manoa. I have over five years of experience as a social worker at a local non-profit, serving families in our family court system. As a State Representative since 2010, I have been a member and vice-chair of various committees over the years. I’m currently the Chair of the Committee on Legislative Management and the Vice-Chair of the Committee on Finance.

Platform: As we deal with this pandemic, I want to ensure the health and safety of our residents while stabilizing and rebuilding our economy. I’ll focus on prioritizing the state budget in these areas: supporting long-range infrastructure projects for education and transportation, re-investing in our safety net for the most vulnerable in our community, supporting advanced education programs from early education through early college, creating employment opportunities and increasing access to affordable homes for local families, and building resiliency for local food production and water security. (continue on page 12)

12 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE SUPPLEMENTJULY 18, 2020

COVER STORY (from page 11)

DONOVAN M. DELA CRUZ RUNNING FOR: State Senate, District 22 (Mililani Mauka, Waipiʻo Acres, Wheeler, Wahiawā, Whitmore Village, Poamoho)

Why I’m running: I’m running for re-election to serve the constituents of Senate District 22, to help solve our state’s challenges, and to work to secure a decent quality of life for the residents of our islands. The COVID-19 pandemic presents our state with an uncertain future. I want to continue working with my colleagues so we can navigate through this crisis together.

Background: I’m a proud graduate of Leilehua High School and Oregon University. I majored in journalism & communications and started my career in public relations. This taught me how to get to the bottom of the issue by asking the five key questions: who, what, where, how, and why. My approach to all challenges, projects, and decisions are based on those questions. My prior experience as a Honolulu City Councilmember gave me hands-on experience with intricate county processes and procedures. This experience is invaluable to me in my role as a State Senator and has allowed me to be very effective in securing funding and improvement projects for my district.

Platform: My main priority is to overcome the COVID-19 pandemic and diversify our economy. We became too dependent on tourism and did not have a plan to develop other local jobs and industries. For years, residents have said that 10,000,000 visitors put too much burden on our infrastructure and resources. Now is the time to diversify the economy to create well-paying local jobs and industries to get our people back on their feet.

WILL ESPERO RUNNING FOR: Honolulu City Councilmember, District 9 (Waikele, Village Park, Royal Kunia, Mililani Town, West Loch, Iroquois Point, and portions of Ewa Villages and Ewa Beach)

Why I’m running: I’m running for City Council because I have the experience, knowledge and know-how to effectively serve at City Hall. I served eight years with the Neighborhood Commission under Mayor Frank Fasi and 19 years in the Hawaii

PRIMARY ELECTION 2020 Legislature which includes three years as a state representative and 16 years as a state senator. I was able to introduce and get passed 99 bills in areas like gun control, coral reef protection, affordable housing, job creation, medical cannabis dispensaries, ethics training for government officials, historical preservation, police and criminal justice reform.

Background: My parents are from Ilocos Sur and La Union. I was raised in a military family since my father served 21 years in the U.S. Navy. I received my Business Management degree from Seattle University in 1982. I served as Hawaii Senate Vice-President, Senate Majority Floor Leader, and chairman of the Public Safety, Intergovernmental, and Military Affairs Committee. I chaired the Housing Committee and the Business and Economic Development Committee. Public service and community service are in my heart and soul having been involved in many community organizations and Boards for over three decades.

Platform: My main priority is to make certain our tax dollars are spent wisely and efficiently with no waste. Reopening our economy, creating new jobs, ending homelessness, finding transportation solutions, and safe neighborhoods are key issues I’ll work on. Finishing the rail without waste and corruption is paramount.

SONNY M. GANADEN RUNNING FOR: State House, District 30 (Kalihi Kai, Sand Island, Hickam, Pearl Harbor, Ford Island, Halawa Valley Estate)

Why I’m running: Hawaii’s economy relies on the people who live and work in District 30. We must ensure residents, many who have worked their entire lives paying state taxes, are given everything the state and federal government can to ensure their health, housing, food, and education. We should do so in a way that is through a direct and open process, unblemished by corruption, fights between the legislature and the Governor, and by secretive meetings between developers, banks, and the legislature. District 30 residents have had the same politicians for decades--in that time, infrastructure has deteriorated, wages have stagnated, and workers have taken multiple jobs to make ends meet, which they can no longer do.

Background: I’m a lawyer, a manager of a youth mentorship program at Kokua (continue on page 14)

JULY 18, 2020  HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE SUPPLEMENT  13

14 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE SUPPLEMENTJULY 18, 2020

COVER STORY

PRIMARY ELECTION 2020

(from page 12)

Kalihi Valley, a non-profit in Kalihi, and a candidate for public office. I’ve been an Instructor in the Ethnic Studies Department at the University of Hawaii-Manoa, a Staff Attorney at the Domestic Violence Action Center, and a journalist. I’m a second-generation Filipino-American from a family of veterans, nurses, teachers, bakers, and business owners. During this time, I have been assisting neighbors to ensure that they remain housed by taking their calls as a pro bono attorney, assisting individuals in applications for unemployment benefits, and providing lunches to the youth.

Platform: My priorities include reopening the local economy in a way that puts public health and safety first, with specific measures for those who work in the hotel and service industry and creating an equitable housing plan because of the pandemic, return illegal vacation rentals to local residents, develop alternative forms of housing for our houseless neighbors, and engage in “shovel-ready” housing that will increase housing in our urban core, particularly Kalihi. We must also expand unemployment and healthcare options.

BECKY GARDNER RUNNING FOR: State House, District 20 (St. Louis Heights, Palolo, Maunalani Heights, Wilhelmina Rise, Kaimuki)

Why I’m running: I want to create a better Hawaii because: “We all do better when we all do better.” I feel a duty to bear my skills, experience, insights, and instincts in doing so. I feel a responsibility to make sure I have a seat at the decision-making table, and offer the institutional knowledge and insights I have developed over the years as a lawyer and civil servant in state government. It is time, especially as we recover from the pandemic, for our leaders to lay a new foundation for a safe, equitable, just, and prosperous future not only for my children, but for all the youth of our community; and I’m answering a call to be one of them.

Background: I’m the child of Filipina and an English-German and grew up in Upstate New York. I earned my Social Work degree from Cornell University and my J.D. with a certificate in Pacific Asian Legal Studies from University of Hawaii’s Richardson School of Law. I practice law in Hawaii and New York, which serves me well in my current role at the State of Hawaii’s Office of Language Access. I worked as a law clerk with the Hawaii State Judiciary at the Intermediate Court of Appeals

and the First Circuit Court of the City and County of Honolulu; and four consecutive legislative sessions as an attorney for the House of Representatives’ Committee on Consumer Protection and Commerce. I’m passionate about serving my community as I enter into my fourth year on the Kaimuki Neighborhood Board, and gear up to grapple with bigger state-level law and policy questions as a legislator.

Platform: My biggest goal is to drastically increase voter turn-out and civic engagement. The adage, “that which is measured improves,” is one that can be aptly applied to governance. Our residents are quick to complain about our politicians, but too many don’t know who their representatives are, and don’t make the effort to learn. If the electorate is engaged and attentive and “measures” the performance of our elected officials, our laws and policies will improve and better reflect our communities’ values.

DIAMOND GARCIA RUNNING FOR: State House, District 43 (Ewa Villages, Kalaeloa, Honokai Hale, Nanakai Gardens, Ko Olina, Kahe Point, Nanakuli, Lualualei, Maili)

Why I’m running: It’s time we start electing leaders who will actually do the right thing and truly represent the people. Hawaii’s cost of living is outrageous and our current politicians keep voting on more tax increases! Is that really what the people want? Thousands of local people are leaving Hawaii because they simply cannot make ends meet. I’ll work to make Hawaii a better place to live for generations to come.

Background: I was born and raised on the leeward side of Oahu, in low-income housing, on food stamps and welfare. I know the struggle that so many of our families go through! With hard work, I was able to receive a good education.

For the last several years, I have traveled the world preaching the gospel of Christ, inspiring, and empowering people.

Platform: The main thing I’ll focus on is the cost of living. I stand against raising your taxes. I support life from the womb to the grave. We should teach our children the principle of “hard work” and not the mindset of “free handouts.” It’s time for a much-needed change! For those of you who live on the west-side, #VoteDiamondGARCIA—Maraming Salamat! (continue on page 15)

JULY 18, 2020  HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE SUPPLEMENT  15

COVER STORY

PRIMARY ELECTION 2020

(from page 14)

ELROY C. JUAN RUNNING FOR: Hawaii City Councilmember, District 1 (Portion of South Hilo, North Hilo, Hāmākua, and Portion of Waimea)

Why I’m running: Hawaii needs to be more sustainable in today’s world and to produce its own food. We need to recycle a lot of things that will create jobs.

Background: Born and raised in Hamakua, I worked in the plantations in Paauhau and Honokaa until it shut down.

Platform: My platform is to keep and help agriculture, support the farming industry and have grants go directly to farmers and not to research and development.

The Hamakua coast can grow enough food to supply the island and export it. I’ll help the other islands’ farm industry and help the indigenous people because they have rights too.

TRISH LA CHICA RUNNING FOR: State House, District 36 (Mililani Mauka, Mililani)

Why I’m running: We have a system that doesn’t really take care of families. We are not prioritizing our people and resources. Many families in Hawaii cannot afford a future here. We have a responsibility to leave Hawaii a better place for our children and grandchildren.

If elected, I would be the first immigrant, the first Filipina, and the youngest Democrat to be elected in our district’s history.

Background: As a journalist in the Philippines, I fought to expose the harsh economic inequality and political corruption in the nation. After migrating to the US, I continued to advocate for better access for vulnerable communities, speaking on television and in national conferences, including the White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders Summit. In 2015, I received a national award as an Emerging Leader and one of 100 Most Influential Filipina Women in the World. I worked under Gov. David Ige as a policy analyst, looking at solutions to lower the cost of care, increase and improve health care delivery, and address health disparities. Currently, I’m the policy and advocacy director for the Hawai‘i Public Health Institute.

Platform: I want to fight for working families and to address cost of living expenses that take the most out of our paycheck. We deserve universal healthcare, childcare and paid family and sick leave. We need to prioritize local homeownership and to take care of our kupuna. We need strong public schools, clean energy, and sustainable local food production.

AUSTIN MAGLINTI RUNNING FOR: State House, District 39 (Royal Kunia, Village Park, Waipahu, Makakilo, West Loch)

Why I’m running: Our big government continues to go unchecked and unopposed. Our people deserve transparency and our current elected officials don’t offer that. As elected officials and candidates we need to remind ourselves that we answer to the people. Issues around our state continue to carry on without real solutions.

Background: If elected, I’ll be the youngest member of the Hawaii State House of Representatives. I currently serve as the Officials Chair for the Hawaii Federation for USA Wrestling and serve as the director for Kupaa Youth Ministry. I served as a District Chair for the Hawaii State Republican Party.

Platform: My priorities are to address our economy, education and environment. As all of these issues cover many aspects of our lives that need our immediate attention. For years, we have watched as many of our ‘ohana leave for a better life on the mainland because the cost of living is one of the highest in the nation.

RYAN MANDADO RUNNING FOR: Honolulu City Councilmember, District 7 (Kalihi, lwilei, Kalihi Kai, Mapunapuna, Salt Lake, Aliamanu, Hickam, Foster Village, Ford Island, and Sand Island)

Why I’m running: I’m running for office because we need equity-minded leaders who will advocate for people furthest from opportunity. All children deserve to grow up, live, and thrive in safe communities that will support their well-being.

It is time we elect people who truly understand the issues negatively impacting working families.

Background: I was born and raised to a low-income immigrant family and went through the Kalihi public education system where I learned resiliency, strong work ethics and being a servant leader. I was a Presidential Scholar and Honors graduate at the University of Hawaii-Manoa majoring in Chinese Language and American Studies with a Master’s degree in Education from Johns Hopkins University. Currently a doctoral student in Education also at UH-Manoa, I’m also the Chief Academic Officer of DreamHouse ‘Ewa Beach Public Charter School. As a former Special Education teacher, I worked with families to ensure their children with disabilities have access to excellent educational opportunities in school and for their future. I hope to bring an educator lens to the City Council to advocate for those furthest from opportunity and truly create equitable policies to benefit our most vulnerable populations.

Platform: I’m focused on building safer communities and ensuring that people have safer livelihoods. We should not criminalize poverty; instead, we must develop policies to support the following: high-quality afterschool programs available for all students, high-quality workplace readiness programs that will provide stable income and working situations for people, and strengthen support for community health programs to ensure the mental and physical well-being of our children and adults are taken care of.

LANAKILA MANGAUIL RUNNING FOR: Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Hawaii Resident Trustee

Why I’m running: Holding the health and well-being of family, community and environment in top priority has always been a principle I grew up with that was further enhanced in the deeply cultural education I was blessed to be reared in. We must strive for a Pono—a virtuous path forward—holding these essential focuses as the light to guide us on how we recover from these challenging times. Though OHA’s primary objective is to focus on the well-being of the Native Hawaiian population, the resulting effects of healthy kanaka maoli is a healthy Hawai’i for all. I’ll work to make the Office Of Hawaiian Affairs serve the people of Hawai’i by fulfilling its duties with a new flame of enthusiasm, innovation, transparency, and dedication to Pono.

Background: My grandfather Bonifacio Mangauil came from the Philippines in the 1920s—first landing in Haina, Hāmākua and later met and married my Hawaiian grandmother, Elsie Kulia Benjamin in Kailua-Kona. I’m a graduate of Kanu O Ka ‘Āina Public Charter school. I served as a Hawaiian Studies Resource teacher for the DOE ‘Ike Hawai’i program for nearly 13 years and activities specialist and cultural advisor to the Hāmākua Youth Center. In 2016, I galvanized the Hāmākua community to create the Hawaiian Cultural Center Of Hāmākua. At an early age, I was challenged and trained to always ho’olono, listen deeply to all perspectives, compare and contrast, research and analyze, weigh the pros and cons, question and contemplate, and find that most Pono path forward.

Platform: O kākou no keia ‘āina, no keia ‘āina no kākou—We are this land, this land is all of us. Every person who calls Hawai’i home bears the responsibility to care for this home. I want to bring harmony to OHA and ensure a firm recommitment of the office to the health, safety, and justice for its constituents, and these islands. I’ll prioritize the health of ‘Āina and people before corporate and state interests; quickly move to ensure transparency of the agency with the community; work towards removing barriers and increasing access to resources; and push for OHA to lead efforts in growing sustainable jobs in green energy, localized food security, alternative, safe affordable housing, and true models of environmental stewardship.

KYM PINE RUNNING FOR: Honolulu Mayor

Why I’m running: I’m proud to be the only Filipino candidate running for Mayor and will be honored to be the first Filipino Mayor of Honolulu. My grandparents left the Philippines to work on plantations so they could make a better life for their family. I want to ensure that my daughter’s generation has a Honolulu that is affordable, efficient, safe, ethical and resilient with an economy that no longer depends primarily on the outside world to employ us and feed our families. As the only candidate who is serving in the City Council, I know the current problems and solutions to city issues and I have been on the job making the tough decisions to keep us safe and provide solutions to the COVID-19 crisis.

Background: I first want to thank the many Filipinos elders who have stressed to me the importance of what my candidacy means for all Filipinos. After attending (continue on page 16)

16 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE SUPPLEMENTJULY 18, 2020

COVER STORY

PRIMARY ELECTION 2020

(from page 15)

the University of California-Berkeley, I was elected to represent District 43 in 2004 and served for four terms. In 2012, I was elected to the Honolulu City Council. My district received over $1 billion in new facilities and services to improve the quality of life for Leeward residents. As Zoning and Housing Chair and Vice-Chair of the City Council, I passed numerous innovative ideas that will provide thousands of new affordable housing units and homeless solutions. As Chair of the Business, Economic Development and Tourism Committee, we led efforts to develop new economies and new jobs and provided financial relief to unemployed workers and businesses during COVID-19.

Platform: I’ll use the power of my office to finalize the diversification of our economy; ensure residents never suffer the overwhelming job losses they are experiencing now; address homelessness; streamline access to healthcare and mental health; enhance transparency and open government; direct funding to promote agricultural production, attract technology, increase clean energy; decrease our dependence on the mainland; remove barriers to construction of affordable housing; put people back to work; and use federal relief funds to help individuals and small businesses.

TESS ABALOS QUILINGKING RUNNING FOR: State House, District 30 (Kalihi Kai, Sand Island, Hickam, Pearl Harbor, Ford Island, Halawa Valley Estate)

Why I’m running: We need a balance in our Hawaii State House Government. Currently, there are 46 Democrats and five Republicans. I’m passionate about helping people. It’s not about me but it’s about others! We need business owners that can help shift this falling economy.

Background: Born in Sta. Maria, Ilocos Sur, I grew up in Kalihi where I walked to Kalakaua Elementary and Farrington High School everyday. I traveled to 50 states for work but only stayed in major cities for at least a month every year since 1996. I learned about different cultures and businesses hands-on. I belong to a few ministries at New Hope Oahu such as Filipino Ministry and Military Ministry. I also serve with Aloha Outreach Feed Hawaii’s Homeless. I’m a small business owner. I studied Accountancy at Hawaii Business School and earned several management certifications online.

Platform: My main priorities are to: keep the neighborhood watch to work with HPD; remove excise tax from basic necessities and reduce excessive licensing and other fees that impede employment; support the removal of state taxes on all retirement income and Hawaii estate tax; reform and measurably reduce all current taxes and spending; empower parents with more choices regarding their children’s education and support career readiness courses and internships.

JOY SAN BUENAVENTURA RUNNING FOR: State Senate, District 2 (Puna, Kaʻū)

Why I’m running: I have been a State Representative for Puna for the past six years. I represented the district successfully through two major lava crises and at least one hurricane by successfully lobbying and receiving $60 million from the State to the County that is now able to rebuild roads that were inundated by lava. Over $50 million has also gone towards highway 130 improvements that have increased traffic flow and decreased traffic accidents so people who commute from home to work are able to go home safely.

Background: I was born in Manila but my mother was born in Waikapu, Maui, the daughter of a Sakada migrant. Before I was a state representative, I was an attorney for over 30 years where I successfully argued cases in front of the Hawaii Supreme Court. I have been a Hawaii State Representative for six years where I’m now Majority Whip, Chair of Human Services & Homelessness and Vice-Chair of Judiciary.

Platform: My main priority is to diversify our economy by allowing Hawaii to produce Hemp and thus, create the popular CBD or hemp oil; take advantage of Hawaii’s location halfway between Asia and the US; allow sports betting and by creating call centers or incentive shipping/warehousing of goods so that they can ship rapidly to/from Asia. My next priority is tackling chronic homelessness by creating public behavioral health hospitals.

FELIPE SAN NICOLAS RUNNING FOR: U.S. Congressional Representative District 2 Why I’m running: After years of observing one party monopoly of Hawaii politics, I have noticed some of the incumbents have been abusing their constitutional

power, shown a disregard of the voters who do not agree with their agenda, and these same leaders have a disdain of their solemn oath to defend and support the U.S. and Hawaii State Constitution. Hawaii residents deserve to know their economic, educational, financial, medical, cultural, safety, employment present and future hopes, goals and dreams are supported and sustained by their political leaders.

Background: Elected on the Kaneohe Neighborhood Board, served six years as Treasurer, Safety committee co-chair, at Large and District 4 Representative.

Federal/Military service and employment for 42+ years, developing, managing and overseeing multiple multi-million dollar Federal/DOD contracted projects, as a certified Federal Project Manager. I have an understanding of the three tiers of government, International licensing agreements, UN established countries boundaries, Federal Acquisitions Regulation (FAR), use of federal funding and years of multiple interactions with several Federal and Department of Defense agencies and industry leaders, in Hawaii, nationally as well as DOD overseas. I also provided technical and Telecommunications Manager support to multiple federal agencies such as the DOD, US Customs and the Coast Guard.

Platform: My main priorities would be to work in Congress to support restoration and diversification of Hawaii’s economy, encourage all stakeholders work viable solutions to restore the Hawaii Tourism and small business industry, push the completion of a viable vaccine for COVID-19, provide economic support to the jobless and support legislation and provide leadership that will engage the current legal, cultural and social issues we are experiencing nationally.

SHIRLEY SIMBRE-MEDEIROS RUNNING FOR: Kauai County Councilmember

Why I’m running: I want to help with the drug problem that’s affecting our youth, bring the homeless back to reality and help with Kauai’s cost of living. I want to make sure to put things in solid stone and not breach plans that have been completed.

Background: I moved to Kauai in 1973 from Kunia, Oahu. I was married three times. The first two were 14 years each and my present husband of 23 years is Wayne Medeiros who works at Kukui Grove Center for over 37 years. I have five children, 18 grandchildren and 6 and a half great-grandchildren. I adopted 5 of the grandchildren and foster children for the state. I’ve been active with the kupuna for 15 years. I work parttime for Yamaguchi Bus. In 2016, I was awarded the Outstanding Older American Honoree for Kauai. I lost one grandson at 18 years old from drug overdose.

Platform: Our island needs to be self-sustainable. I’ve seen fast growth in the past five years in tourism. COVID-19 came and the majority of Kauai lost their jobs because they worked in the tourism industry. We need to keep vehicles on the highway limited, especially when tourists come back. We need to utilize tour buses to cut down traffic on the highway and in towns.

AUGUSTO TULBA RUNNING FOR: Honolulu City Councilmember District 9 (Waikele, Village Park, Royal Kunia, Mililani Town, West Loch, Iroquois Point, and portions of Ewa Villages and Ewa Beach)

Why I’m running: My family and I have been involved in community service for years. I have always had a heart for service. I’m fortunate that for the past 28 years, the people of Hawaii supported my family and I in the entertainment industry. An elected public office would provide me the opportunity to serve them.

Background: In 1916, my great grandparents who were Sakadas arrived in Hawaii from the Philippines for a better future for their family. Being recognized as one of Hawaii’s Top 100 Influential Filipinos with an exhibit at the Bishop Museum is an answer in part to the dream of my Sakada family members. I have been a small business owner for 28 years as an entertainer and public speaker. I served in the administrations of Mayor Billy Kenoi of Hawaii Island and Lt. Gov. Shan Tsutsui as executive assistants working with the Hawaii youth. I have lived on the west side of Oahu for over 20 years.

Platform: I have knocked on 10,000 doors since beginning my campaign and residents and voters shared with me their concerns for our community. I’ll prioritize public safety, especially as it relates to our kupuna and crimes of opportunity and plan to increase the police beats in three police districts that make up District 9. I’ll also focus on traffic congestion within the district and the cost of living on Oahu.

JULY 18, 2020  HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE SUPPLEMENT  17

18 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLEJULY 18, 2020

COVER STORY (from page 6)

Carpenters Local 745, Operating Engineers Local 3.

Maj. Tsuneyoshi is an Army combat veteran who has been deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan. He graduated from West Point and is currently overseeing and coordinating the daily operations of the Hawaii National Guard Joint Task Force across the state.

Augie T is a legendary entertainer in Hawaii, a radio personality, and a businessman largely promoting his self-brand as a comic. He says since his campaign started in 2019, he’s talked with thousands of residents in District 9 and found public safety as the number one issue, specifically violent crimes against seniors and “crimes of opportunity.”

One of his goals is to work on increasing police beats in each of the three District 9 HPD Districts.

HONOLULU CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT 7 (Kalihi, lwilei, Kalihi Kai, Mapunapuna, Salt Lake, Aliamanu, Hickam,

Foster Village, Ford Island, and Sand Island) Four candidates are vying to replace City Councilman Joey Manahan whose seat is termed-out in 2020. The overwhelming favorite among registered Filipino voters in District 7 is Radiant Cordero at 34.48 percent, followed

by Ryan Mandado and Jacob Aki tied at 3.45 percent. 58.62 percent of respondents are undecided/don’t want to say.

Cordero is Councilman Manahan’s chief of staff which could offer some continuity should she get elected. Manahan has served as Chair of the Council’s powerful Budget committee which, Cordero, as his Chief of Staff, would have picked up invaluable knowledge in big budget management. Radiant went to Mid-Pacific Institute, attended the University of Hawaii at Manoa where she received a Master’s degree in Public Administration. Besides her work at the Honolulu City Council, she was a legislative

aide at the State House.

The other two who received votes: 1) Aki is currently Chief of Staff to Sen. J. Kalani English, went to Kamehameha Schools, graduated from the University of Hawaii at Manoa with a Bachelor’s degree in Hawaiian Studies and later received an M.A. in Political Management from George Washington University. 2) Mandado is Chief Academic Officer of DreamHouse Ewa Beach Public Charter School and former special education teacher. He graduated from the University of Hawaii at Manoa with a Bachelor’s degree majoring in Mandarin Chinese and American Studies. He went on to receive a MS in Education from Johns Hopkins University. He is currently a doctoral student in Education at UH-Manoa.

While both have strong academic backgrounds, neither have experience working at the Council and starting a political career at this level (representing large, multiple districts) might be too ambitious.

PROFILE OF FILIPINO VOTERS 2020 The most significant change among this year’s Filipino electorate is a spike in self-described Republicans at 17 percent. In previous election years, the second highest political identification among Filipinos were Independent (this year 16 percent). Democrat Party self-identification comes out on top this year (28 percent) as in previous years.

39 percent of respondents did not want to say what their party affiliation is.

Of all the results of the HFC poll, this one perhaps raises eyebrows of doubt. If in fact

a genuine shift has occurred in the Filipino electorate, there should be other evidence to support it such as a rise in FilAm Republican candidates, or Fil-Am Democrat incumbents suddenly switching parties. In the last midterm, there also should have been evidence of increased support for Republicans. None of these occurred.

As in previous HFC polls, immigrants make up the largest group of Filipino voters in Hawaii at 73 percent, compared to 27 percent, Hawaii born. The pattern in age follows previous HFC polls with the largest group 56 and older (56 percent), followed by 36 to 55 (27 percent) and 18 to 35 (17 percent).

Based on mainstream polls, millennials tend to be liberals, progressives and want change in government.

The fact that only 17 percent responded to the 2020 HFC poll, and that millennials make up the largest voting-block in the nation -- should millennials actually turn out to vote in Hawaii’s primary there could be unexpected results. On favoring change for the mayoral race, as an example, Pine, Amemiya and Blangiardi could do better than expected.

On the only part-Filipino candidate for mayor Pine, the newer City Council Pine (to be distinguished from State House Pine) is becoming increasingly known as an advocate for working families and fighter for affordable housing. Her eight years at the City Council (larger, multi-neighborhood districting) has improved her visibility beyond the thinly sliced districting of a typical House member. Her time at the City Council (nonpartisan seat) also distanced her

from her Republican past in the House. But Pine to many is still known as a Republican even though she says to have resigned from the Republican Party in 2018. Her support of the 2nd amendment on her website is out of place (not a high interest City issue) but is clearly bait directed at her past Republican base. Mixed messaging, unclear political allegiance is perhaps why no major unions (traditionally Democrat supporters) have endorsed her for this race, even though this is technically a non-partisan race.

But there has been an upside to her stock as a politician starting from her time at the Honolulu City Council, where she actually has been empowered to affect significant change as a committee chair, compared to just being a member on a committee in the House where Democrats called the shots.

As the only part-Filipino in the mayoral race, it can be argued that Pine should be doing better among registered Filipino voters. Or it could be that the Filipino electorate has matured to a level where ethnicity is entirely irrelevant. Stepping back to view the big picture, win or lose in 2020. Pine has already accomplished two things: getting her name out to many Oahu residents outside her district who’ve never heard of her; and proving that she can raise big money for big races. She has been among the top fundraisers in this race leading into the Primary.

Empower Yourself, Vote Remember to vote in the Primary Election. Primary Election ballots will be delivered on July 21. Completed ballots must be received by August 8, Primary Election day. It’s encouraged that completed ballots be mailed at least four days prior to August 8.

EDITOR’S NOTE: The 2020 HFC Election Poll was taken from July 3 through July 12. Respondents were contacted all randomly by phone land lines, cell phone, in-person interview at public locations, and the Internet. A larger percentage of calls were made to districts with higher concentration of Filipinos like Waipahu, Kalihi, and Ewa. All 200 respondents are registered Filipino voters. Margin of error is 7 percent.)

JULY 18, 2020  HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE  19

WHAT’S UP, ATTORNEY?

No One Is Above the Law, But Some People Are Special

By Atty. Emmanuel S. Tipon

“J

udges are like umpires. Umpires don’t make the rules; they apply them. . . . . it’s my job to call balls and strikes, and not to pitch or bat.” – John G. Roberts’s (now Chief Justice) Opening Statement at his confirmation hearing before the Senate.

In Trump v. Vance, No. 19635, decided July 9, 2020, involving an action by President Trump in his personal capacity against Vance, the New York county district attorney and Mazars, his personal accounting firm, to enjoin the enforcement of a grand jury subpoena duces tecum for financial records relating to the President and his business, the Supreme Court, speaking through Chief Justice Roberts, said that “the public has a right to every man’s evidence,” and “every

man” includes the President of the United States, and held that the President does not possess state immunity from a state criminal subpoena, but that the case should be remanded to the District Court where the President may raise constitutional and legal objections to the subpoena as appropriate. Justices Thomas and Alito dissented.

Speaker Nancy Pelosi was jubilant saying that even the President’s two appointees are saying that “no one is above the law.” Nancy, who is a nice person at heart and for whom we campaigned in her first successful run for congress in San Francisco, was referring to Justices Kavanaugh and Gorsuch who must have outraged the conservatives for having voted with the Chief Justice and the four liberal justices.

Kavanaugh said in his concurring opinion: “In our system of government, as this Court has often said, no one is above the law. That principle applies, of course, to a President.”

The President did not claim that he was above the

law. There was no justification for using a shibboleth whose origin is lost “in the mists of antiquity” to justify the issuance of a state (not federal) subpoena against the President.

Is it really true that no one is above the law? “’No one is above the law’ – except members of Congress” according to an article by Pem Schaeffer in the Maine Wire July 12, 2020.

The writer points out that under Article I, Section 6 of the Constitution “for any Speech or Debate in either House, (senators and representatives) shall not be questioned in any other Place.” In Doe v. McMillan, the Supreme Court held that the provision protects them even for reading stolen classified materials into a subcommittee’s public record.

The Speech and Debate Clause of the U.S. Constitution (Article I, Section 6)

PHILIPPINE NEWS

Philippine Airlines Announces July, August Flight Schedules for Hawaii

By Jim Bea Sampaga

P

hilippine Airlines updated their flight schedules between Manila and Honolulu for July and August

2020.

Flight schedules are only once a week.

Honolulu to Manila flights are Mondays on July 13, 20 and 27, and Thursdays on August 6, 13, 20 and 27.

For Manila to Honolulu, flights are on Mondays July 13, 20 and 27 and Thursdays August 6, 13, 20 and 27.

The Philippines is under enhanced community quarantine and those traveling to the Philippines must strictly adhere to the country’s travel restrictions.

Only Philippine passport holders or dual citizens are allowed to enter the country.

Upon arrival at a Ninoy Aquino International Airport, passengers are required to take COVID-19 swab tests from the Bureau of Quarantine. Passenger will then

transfer to a Department of Health-approved quarantine accommodation as they wait for their swab test results for about two to five days.

Individuals who test negative will be given a BOQ Certificate stating their negative swab test results. . They can leave the quarantine accommodation and proceed to their place of residence to complete their 14-day quarantine requirement.

For individuals who test positive, they will be transferred to a hospital to be treated for COVID-19.

The cost of quarantine accommodations for land-based Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) will be shouldered by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration. Sea-based OFWs will be shouldered by the Maritime Industry Authority.

Non-OFWs who are returning to the Philippines will have to shoulder their own expenses.

For more information on COVID-19 travel updates, visit philippineairlines. com/Covid-19. 

reads “… for any Speech or Debate in either House, (senators and representatives) shall not be questioned in any other Place.” In the 1973 ruling Doe v. McMillan, “… the (Supreme) Court has held that the clause protects such acts as voting, the conduct of committee hearings, the issuance and distribution of committee reports, the subpoenaing of information required in the course of congressional investigations, and even the reading of stolen classified materials into a subcommittee’s public record,” Senior U.S. District Judge James L. Buckley wrote in The Heritage Guide to the Constitution.

In other words, members of Congress cannot be held to account for any lies they tell as part of their official work, including that “no one is above the law.” https://www.themainewire.com/2020/07/no-one-isabove-the-law-except-members-of-congress/

ATTY. TIPON has a Master of Laws degree from Yale Law School and a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of the Philippines. His current practice focuses on immigration law and appellate criminal defense. He writes law books for the world’s largest law book publishing company and writes legal articles for newspapers.

Listen to The Tipon Report which he cohosts with son Noel, the senior partner of the Bilecki & Tipon Law Firm.It is the most witty, interesting, and useful radio program in Hawaii. KNDI 1270 AM band every Thursday at 8 a.m. Atty.

Tipon served as a U.S. Immigration Officer. He co-authored the best seller “Immigration Law Service, 1 st ed.,” an 8-volume practice guide for immigration officers and lawyers. Atty. Tipon has personally experienced the entire immigration process. He first came to the United States on a student/ exchange visitor visa to study at Yale. He returned to the Philippines to resume practicing law. He came again to the United States on a non-immigrant work visa to write law books, adjusted his status to that of a lawful permanent resident, and became a naturalized citizen. Atty. Tipon was born in Laoag City, Philippines. Tel. (808) 800-7856. Cell Phone (808) 2252645. E-Mail: filamlaw@yahoo.com.

Websites:https://www.tiponlaw.com, https://www.hawaiianimmigrationattorney.com, https:// www.bileckilawgroup. com. This article is a general overview of the subject matter discussed and is not intended as legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is established between the writer and readers relying upon the contents of this article.)

20 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLEJULY 18, 2020

PERSONAL REFLECTIONS

ABS-CBN Deserves A Franchise

By Seneca Moraleda-Puguan made me appreciate the people working in television stations knowing that their work am a solid Kapuso will all be worth it when they I must admit. I bring joy, the latest news and grew up watching updates to the people watching GMA-7 shows. the shows they produce day in It was the only and day out. channel we could I am grateful that my favorwatch in the house where I ite network still stands strong used to live in Baguio City. I today. But my heart bleeds for remembered watching every their rival network, the televiepisode of ‘I-Witness’ even sion station many of the peoif the airing was already very ple I know dearly love—ABSlate and my whole family was CBN Channel 2, Kapamilya. asleep. I really enjoyed watch- My husband grew up watching ing documentaries that I was ABS-CBN because they don’t inspired to take Broadcast have GMA’s signal at home Communication in University in Nueva Vizcaya. My mothof the Philippines Diliman and er-in-law is a Kapamilya. My become like Kara David, one aunt-in-law is a Kapamilya. of GMA-7’s finest broadcast My sister in Pangasinan is a journalists. Working in GMA- Kapamilya. My roommate in 7 was also a dream of mine. college is a Kapamilya. Many It was fulfilled when I landed of my batchmates in college a job in the network as a re- are Kapamilya and working in searcher right after graduation. ABS-CBN who they are pasIt was there where I realized sionate about their work. how difficult it was to gather On July 10, the Philippine information every single day Congress denied the franchise just to tell the Filipino peo- of ABS-CBN forcing the staple what is happening around tion to shut down. It was heartthem. As much as I enjoyed breaking to see thousands of being a researcher, there were employees lose their jobs in the many moments I cried and middle of a pandemic, a time endured sleepless nights. It where countless Filipinos are

I

already struggling to survive.

It was saddening to read the posts of many of my friends working in the network. My thoughts go out to the millions of Filipinos who will not be able to watch their favorite programs anymore. My heart shattered upon hearing that my mother-in-law cried because she couldn’t watch and hear the latest broadcast from her favorite news show, TV Patrol.

My heart broke for the many Kapamilya around the world, especially those with no access to Internet and only relying on free TV for entertainment and information.

My husband and I will remember July 10, 2020 as the day we both cried together

while we were praying before retiring for the day. Our hearts were very heavy, not just because many family and friends have their hearts shattered, but because devastating news keep bombarding us at all sides. The pandemic has already ravaged souls and dampened the spirits of the Filipino people, the decision to shut down the country’s biggest network added to the pain and frustration that everyone is feeling. No more Vice Ganda to make everyone laugh to forget the worries of each day. No more ASAP on Sundays to serenade souls that are downcast. No more Probinsyano to make people feel assured that they could live in a world where justice still prevails.

I will not try to understand and discuss why Congress made such a decision. All I know is that their reasons may be valid, but their intentions are

unclear, the motives are rather malicious, and the timing is imperfect. I’m still hopeful ABS-CBN will be given another chance to fight for their franchise. I believe it’s not just their fight. It’s a fight of every Kapamilya. It’s a fight of the Filipino people for their right to information and freedom of expression.

As I wait for the day the network will sign on once again; when I will get to see my friends get to enjoy doing their craft in entertaining and delivering news to the Filipino people; and see my mother-in-law hear the news from her favorite news anchors, I will continue to pray for our nation and its leaders.

I will pray for righteousness to reign, for selfish ambitions to be silenced and for the welfare of the Filipino people to be prioritized. I will continue to hope because hope does not disappoint.

I am a Kapuso. I will always be. But a Kapuso loves his and her Kapamilya. As Chloe Arun of the Letterer, a rising artist in the Philippines beautifully said, “Lumalaban ng dasal. Para sa Bayan.”

Lalaban tayo, Kapamilya! Opinions, advice, or statements contained in this article are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Hawaii Filipino Chronicle editorial board and staff.

JULY 18, 2020  HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE  21

CANDID PERSPECTIVES

By Emil Guillermo

Another Death in the Family as COVID surges; Plus, “Hamilton” and Mt. Rushmore Thoughts Did you really like “Hamilton” all that much? As much as “Frozen 2”? (What if Olaf were Filipino like Robert Lopez?)

L

ost another relative. Not to Covid. But it doesn’t matter.

We’re all impacted. As far as I’m concerned, I’m not going to a funeral to be a “super spreader.”

This is my second relative lost in a month. Filipinos aren’t meant for livestreamed wakes and funerals. Unless it’s a two-way Zoom, and neither of my events were.

The life I mourn today is my cousin’s, Ted Guillermo.

He was 60. His heart gave out.

I always thought Ted was the cutest Guillermo because he looked more like his sisters Cathy and Shirley. Frankly, he looked more like The Beatles’ Paul, rather than his actual older brother Paul, who wasn’t as cute and was someone whom I could beat in basketball.

We didn’t really grow up together because of society’s weird promotional formatting. Paul was closer in age to me. Ted was always Teddy.

Five years younger. And 6th graders didn’t play with Kindergartners.

So, for me Teddy was always frozen in time. I never got to know him.

Not Ted the Marine— who still looked like a baby in combat gear.

Not Ted the Sutter Health construction manager. Not Ted the husband to his beloved wife Trudy, and the father to his girls, Megan and Marisa, and Carmen.

We missed each other in life. My early memories of Teddy will have to last. Growing up in San Francisco’s Filipino community, our fathers were both from Laoag who were colonized American Filipinos. Our family, our history bonds us.

If you’re one of those people who don’t believe this Covid stuff is for real, then think again. After more than

My departed cousin, Ted.

four months, the country is setting case records each day.

And most of it by state’s that opened too early.

Georgia opened in late April—new cases have risen by 245 percent. And then there’s California, with a case rate spike of 275 percent since May 25.

We’re not through with this anytime soon. Not unless we practice discipline and delayed gratification. Tough stuff? Not if you want to live.

So, mask up. Physical distance. Wash hands.

The 130,000-plus lives lost in four months—about a fourth of what the U.S. lost to WWII in three and a half years—should be a motivator.

Think of them. I’ll think of my relatives; my Ate Esther, last week, my Cousin Teddy, this week. Covid didn’t kill them.

But it kept me from saying a proper goodbye.

‘Hamilton’ and Trump at Mt. Rushmore on the same day As they say, I’m not throwing away my shot. I took it. I saw it. Finally. It being “Hamilton,” the hottest ticket of the last five years. (I know, where have I been? Waiting in line, excluded. Again.)

I’m glad this past Freedom Weekend, Disney finally gave poor, underprivileged folks like me a break. A scholarship of sorts. I got to see the heralded “Hamilton,” in a historical (circa 2016) filmed version, for just the price of an app.

I didn’t have to mortgage anything.

Since 2015, I was on the fringe unable to score a ticket on Broadway, Off-Broadway, on the road, anywhere to save my life.

“Hamilton”? It was easier to get into Harvard. Best I could do to see “Hamilton” was pull out an orange-ish ten-dollar bill and dream of about a few hundred of them to cover the price of admission.

Now that I saw it, what’s the big deal?

Here’s my take: So now black and brown folk get to play white supremacists? Is that progress? Great for Actors’ Equity, I suppose. But what about humanity? We get to play the bad white guys now? Does that improve history or does it only help legitimize the white institutional foundation our country was built on by giving it a nice bronzing, like a statue?

(Shouldn’t we take it down?

But it’s so beloved this Hamilton-ing of history).

I mean, what I saw is better than blackface, brownface or yellowface. It’s not sprayed on. We’re now the embodiment of the masters! Hallelujah?

So, if you’re gushing like crazy about the hip-hop musical after seeing it on a loop on the video app since July 3 or after seeing it live in the past five years, I hope my questions jar you just a bit.

Reed’s lament Turns out my writer friend Ishmael Reed was right. Long a critic of “Hamilton,” Reed, in his 80s, is no mere crank.

He’s the OG novelist-playwright-poet on a mission, whom I first met as a graduate student at Washington University in St. Louis.

When a famous white writer told me to take the Filipinos out of my stories, visiting professor Reed told me to put them back in. It was my story after all.

To this day, Reed’s Before Columbus Foundation has been dedicated to highlighting the multicultural perspective.

He’s also the only MacArthur Genius I know.

At first, I thought he’d love the idea of casting America’s genocidal history in a new light. But not in this “Hamilton.”

After years of denouncing the musical, Reed unleashed his own play, “The Haunting of Lin-Manuel Miranda,” in June 2019, at New York’s Nuyorican Café, the room where it happened.

I’m sorry I missed it. I

was busy prepping my own American Filipino historical reckoning, “All Pucked Up,” in Washington, DC. In his NYC production, Reed essentially put the history back in “Hamilton” and took the whipped cream out.

No more corny lyrics. No more rinsing of the facts. Jefferson and Washington were steeped in slavery, dontcha know? Hamilton married into the Schuyler family, notorious slaveholders in upstate New York.

It was said to be a scolding, earnest satire that washed out the fun of a Mirandized “Hamilton.” That’s always been Reed’s style, to confront with truth.

Meanwhile, his target “Hamilton” mesmerizes you with hip-hop and convinces a dazzled public to throw away its shot.

Trump at Mount Rushmore Perhaps I was predisposed to not liking “Hamilton.” I had just finished watching Trump at Mount Rushmore, where I was a little disappointed at how small Trump’s head appeared next to a real monument.

But I was more disappointed that he used the scene in South Dakota to give his (continue on page 23)

22 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLEJULY 18, 2020

AS I SEE IT

COVID-19: We Need to Be Part of the Solution, Not the Problem!

By Elpidio R. Estioko

I

f we want to end the pandemic, we need to be part of the solution, not the problem! While this is easier said than done, it can be done. It’s just a matter of discipline, I think!

This is pursuant to the message of Centers for Disease Control (CDC) director Dr. Robert Reidfield which was corroborated by Dr. Anthony Fauci, saying “Everyone should take personal responsibility!”

Reidfield said: “It is our collective responsibility to protect the vulnerable from COVID-19–continue to social distance, wear face coverings, practice hand hygiene and get tested. As Dr. Fauci said, “the only way we will end this is by ending it together.”

While both Presidential advisers on COVID-19 emphasized the importance of

all these guidelines, however, our very own President Donald Trump and Cice President Mike Pence are both not abiding with wearing the mask guideline.

President Trump doesn’t wear mask because allegedly “he doesn’t like how it looks.”

Vice President Pence, head of the White House Coronavirus Task Force, a task force that “coordinates and oversees the Administration’s efforts to monitor, prevent, contain, and mitigate the spread” of COVID-19, doesn’t wear mask too.

As I See It, when the President, the vice president and practically everyone around them doesn’t wear masks, they are sending a message: “Masks aren’t necessary or optional despite science and virtually every doctor, medical professional and infectious disease expert has said that mask wearing is the single best defense against a second surge of the virus as the county begins to reopen.”

Lest we forget that this

isn’t about convenience or not liking it! This is about public health. We wear a mask to protect other people, especially those who are older or have pre-existing medical conditions--since we know COVID-19 is far more dangerous to them.

Winning the fight against the COVID-19 requires that we all understand we’re in this together and responsible for every action we do. I guess, what Trump and Pence are doing is a confusing situation that somehow splits the American people. Actually, our nation’s leaders, are sending mixed messages!

This is not fantasy but a real situation because in a study released by the National

Academy of Sciences earlier this month, the authors concluded: “Our analysis reveals that the difference with and without mandated face covering represents the determinant in shaping the trends of the pandemic. This protective measure significantly reduces the number of infections. Other mitigation measures, such as social distancing implemented in the United States, are insufficient by themselves in protecting the public.”

The CDC highly recommends mask-wearing outside regardless of whether they have fever or COVID-19 symptoms. Because according to CDC, there’s “evidence that people with COVID-19 can spread the disease, even when they don’t have any symptoms.”

COVID-19 is not going anywhere! It’s surging and posing more dangers as it did in the first wave. It’s not true that it’s fading away.

We need full responsibility in getting infected with COVID-19 in all levels of society because if we get infected, we are part of the problem and not the solution. “A risk for you isn’t just isolated to you. Because if you get infected, you are part–innocently or inadvertently–of propagating the dynamic process of the pandemic,” Fauci said.

Dr. Fauci warned Americans, particularly those in younger generations, that they have a “societal responsibility” to avoid getting infected with COVID-19.

In a Friday briefing in the White House Coronavirus task force, Dr. Fauci said: “You have an individual responsibility to yourself, but you have a social responsibility because if we want to end this outbreak--really end it--and hopefully when a vaccine comes and puts the nail in the coffin, we’ve got to realize we are part of the process.”

The CDC adopts a multipronged approach to fight the COVID-19 pandemic which calls for case investigation

and contact tracing. The CDC webpage highlights basic principles of case investigation and contact tracing to stop COVID-19 transmission and detailed guidance for health departments and all concerned.

If we follow these guidelines, for sure we are part of the solution and not the problem.

Case investigation and contact tracing calls for immediate action, so immediately, a large community-based workforce must be trained to responsively work collaboratively across public and private agencies to stop the transmission of COVID-19.

The approach is for people who were confirmed positive must be able to identify everyone with whom they have had close contact with. This is important so public health staff can begin contact tracing. They need to immediately warn those exposed individuals (contacts) of their potential exposure.

The CDC guidelines require contacts to stay home.

They need to maintain social distancing (at least 6 feet apart) and if they become ill, they need to quarantine themselves for 14 days after their last exposure. They should monitor themselves by checking their temperature twice daily and watching for cough or shortness of breath. Contacts who develop symptoms should promptly isolate themselves and notify public health staff and they should be promptly evaluated for infection and for the need for medical care.

All information gathered must be managed, analyzed and linked with timely testing, clinical services, and agile data management systems making the overall process more efficient.

Defeating the virus needs social responsibility where a concerted effort is needed making us a part of the solution, not the problem! ELPIDIO R. ESTIOKO was a veteran journalist in the Philippines and an award-winning journalist here in the US. For feedbacks, comments… please email the author at estiokoelpidio@gmail.com).

JULY 18, 2020  HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE  23

COMMUNITY CALENDAR LEA SALONGA LIVE | Friday-Saturday, October 23-24, 2020; 8-10PM | Blaisdell Concert Hall, Honolulu l Filipina singer and actress Lea Salonga to serenade the Hawaii crowd in a two-night spectacular concert. Tickets $35 and up. Visit blaisdellcenter.com for more information.

MABUHI PACIFIC EXPO & SUMMIT | November 27-29, 2020 | Hawaii Convention Center l Panelists-presenters on various topics are being accepted for the Expo. For more details, visit mabuhiexpo.com.

PHILIPPINE NEWS

‘Deeply Hurt’ ABS-CBN to Continue Public Service

By Richmond Mercurio Saturday, July 11, 2019 ANILA, Philippines — Media giant ABS-CBN Corp. vowed to find ways to continue its mission of “being in the service of the Filipino,” after the House committee on legislative franchises yesterday denied the network’s bid to renew its franchise.

ABS-CBN president and CEO Carlo Katigbak said the company is “deeply hurt” by the decision denying the network’s franchise application as it believes that the broadcast giant has been “rendering service that is meaningful and valuable to the Filipino public.”?

“We remain committed to public service, and we hope to find other ways to achieve our mission. Together with our employees and our audiences all over the world, we share in your sadness over this setback. We look forward to the day when we can again reunite under our broadcast,” Katigbak said.

M

The ABS-CBN official nonetheless expressed his gratitude to the committee for allowing them a chance to air their side on all the issues raised against the company, as well as to all the congressmen who supported the network’s bid for franchise renewal.

“We also thank everyone who expressed their support and offered their prayers for us. We could not have gotten to this point without you,” he said.

In a televised ambush interview, Ernie Lopez, Bantay Bata executive director and younger brother of ABS-CBN chairman emeritus Gabby Lopez, said he believes that

the vote against the network’s franchise is “highly political.”

“In my personal eyes, I cannot represent my family, I cannot represent ABS-CBN, it looks highly political. Highly, highly political.

But that being said, I respect their decisions and I respect what they have done. I will accept it. It’s painful, no doubt about it. But the law is the law,” he said, stressing that his views do not represent the company or his family.

In an interview with Teleradyo, ABS-CBN head of integrated news and current affairs Ging Reyes said they respect the decision of the committee if it thinks that ABS-CBN does not deserve a franchise.

Reyes said ABS-CBN would still continue to deliver and gather news to aid in enlightenment of issues that affect the public amid current limitations.

“However, we know that we will have limited budget, reach and revenue and because of that, what we can do will be reduced.

(CANDID PERSPECTIVES: Another Death....from page 21)

declaration of war against people of color.

It was an odd speech, marked by Trump’s own ignorance of history.

Didn’t he understand that by going to the Black Hills site, also known as the sacred He Sapa, Trump was reminding us all that we can’t begin our racial reckoning with just slavery, that we must begin with Native Americans?

According to Indian Country Today, the nation’s leading news source on Native American issues, the Black Hills is such sacred ground that Trump’s appearance itself was a desecration.

Didn’t he know that the sculptor Gutzon Borglum had ties to the KKK when the project began? Or that even Lincoln had once backed the hanging of 38 Dakota men in Minnesota?

Didn’t Trump know that the Black Hills are part of the Fort Laramie Treaty of 1868, which is still in dispute? The U.S. has offered millions for seizure of the lands, but the Lakota want the land back. And the presidents removed.

“Visitors look upon the faces of those presidents [on the monument] and extol the virtues that they believe make America the country it is today,” said Chairman Harold Frazier of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe on Twitter. “Lakota see the faces of the men who lied, cheated and murdered innocent people whose only crime was living on the land they wanted to steal.”

It’s not enough to say that the presidents of Rushmore, those in stone and those who just flew in, are merely flawed and then let things stand.

You can’t force forgetfulness. I thought “Hamilton” could be an escape from all that. But it wasn’t.

Admittedly, as I watched the app, I found myself tapping my toes and humming along. On the surface, “Hamilton” is nothing but charming fun. Revolutionary in costume only. A shallow grave to bury the truth.

The real villain, I suppose, is King George III, who is still

a loon, given to frothing at the mouth and ditty singing. But casting white colonial slaveholders as heroic people of color is a little like cheering Clarence Thomas for being on the Supreme Court.

When you realize what you’re seeing, you’re left with that funny aftertaste. I don’t want to rob you of your guilty “Hamilton” pleasure. I’ve got friends and family members who know the words by heart.

Just look at it as you would a grand confection. Or a modest one, say a vanilla soft-serve cone double dipped in black and brown sauce that hardens in a deceptive shell and immediately crumbles on first bite.

“Hamilton’s” a double-dippity, hip-hoppity delight that will leave you hungry for something else.

Truth. EMIL​ GUILLERMO​ is a veteran journalist and commentator. He was a member of the Honolulu Advertiser editorial board. Listen to him on Apple Podcasts. Twitter @emilamok.

Have your organization’s events listed in our community calendar. It’s recommended to submit press releases a month in advance of your organization’s event. Send information to filipinochronicle@gmail.com.

We have to adjust to this new normal. It will not be that easy to produce programs,” she said.

Asked about the impact of the House committee on legislative franchises’ decision to press freedom, Reyes said “every closure of a private broadcasting company has an impact on press freedom.”

“We cannot deny that press freedom is not only for us, but is also for everyone. We want our audience to have a choice in what they will watch, in what they will read,” she said.

Lopez, in a separate interview with Teleradyo, said he does not think that ABS-CBN can do its job properly “when our job is to call out wrongdoings and shortcomings of the very people who hold our existence in their hands.”

“It doesn’t seem to make sense to me because there’s an inherent conflict there. I don’t think we can do our job well if we are constantly afraid that our existence is going to be annihilated whenever we call somebody’s attention on something they’ve done wrong,” Lopez said. (www.philstar.com)

CLASSIFIED ADS CAREGIVER NEEDED FOR IMMEDIATE JOB

I am offering 25$ per Hour for 4-5 hours daily for a Dementia Father.

Applicants should email their Resume and Reference (talk2amanda75@gmail.com)

PART TIME CASHIER, FULL TIME CASHIER, FULL TIME COOK WAIMANALO L&L – Now Hiring ASAP Medical Provided for Full Time Employees Please Contact Fanny at 808-386-6898

HELP WANTED FOR CLEANING COMPANY

Legendary Cleaners pay depends on years of experience. Must be reliable, prompt and not afraid of hard work. Experience a plus. Willing to train. Contact John Kim 808 392-5597

BECOME A FRANCHISEE fast pace cleaning

company legendary cleaners with over 16 years in business. Franchise fee 15706.80.

10 year contract. Contact John Kim 808 392-5597

JULY 18, 2020