Suddenly we have a mayoral race.
Last Sunday, incumbent Maui County Mayor Michael Victorino announced his bid for re-election. A day later, newly retired 2nd Circuit Chief Justice Richard “rick” Bissen threw his hat into the ring.
By name fame, this has the makings of a heavyweight bout. And the battle map may not be fully set. No doubt other political pugilists are considering joining the fight. At least one high-profile candidate from the Maui County Council has emerged in the island’s rumor mill. Will the people who organized an unsuccessful attempt to recall Victorino field a candidate to run against him? Could there be a surprise entry from Maui’s political past?
Whoever gets on the ballot for the August 13 primary, we applaud their efforts to participate in the democratic process. It takes courage, community spirit, and a healthy dose of ego to run for office. Candidates must be willing to answer difficult questions and have their past decisions analyzed and challenged. Running for mayor means raising money and building alliances while hopefully not being unduly committed.
Maui’s past election didn’t see a lot of mudslinging or negative campaigning. The candidates stuck to the issues and focused on building their arguments rather than tearing down their opponents. Considering the first two committed to the race, we’d expect this commendable tradition to continue.
The last Maui County election was held in 2020 at the onset of the pandemic. The socially distanced times gave the incumbents a significant advantage over their challengers. COVID-19 has disrupted traditional techniques for building momentum through rallies, debates, waving signs and knocking on doors.
It’s hoped the pandemic will be mostly behind us by election time, but two years later and with hospitalizations rising in Maui with the coronavirus, it’s unclear what obstacles candidates will face. Ideally, these next few months will be an extended interview for the most important job on the island. Before voters fill out their ballots, they should have a clear understanding of where the candidates stand on Maui County’s top issues, including tourism, housing, climate change, challenges facing Native Hawaiians, homelessness and inland water.
Victorino had four years to put his cards on the table. He will have ample opportunity to tout his achievements and defend the decisions that ruffled the feathers. The unfolding pandemic presented unexpected challenges and speed bumps, as well as opportunities to shine the spotlight on its front and center leadership.
Bissen has spent 34 years in government service, primarily as a judge and prosecutor. We look forward to hearing his vision for Maui and what ultimately led to his candidacy. Other hopefuls who enter will also have to bring cases.
The top two voters in the primary advance to the November 8 general election. The mayoral candidate promises to be an exciting race.
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