WHERE'S MAZIE? - HIRONO REFUSES TO DEBATE ISSUES BEFORE MAUI CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

News Release from www.Lingle2012.com  

HONOLULU - Congresswoman Mazie Hirono has refused to appear at the first scheduled General Election U.S. Senate debate before the Maui Chamber of Commerce in Wailuku. The invitation was extended to all of the major Primary candidates weeks in advance of Primary Election day, and was accepted promptly by Governor Linda Lingle.

Even after a month's advance notice by the Chamber and an extension of the organization's deadline, the debate was never accepted by the Congresswoman. Ed Case had accepted the debate invitation weeks ago.

"We expected Hirono to be interested in the opportunity to speak on the issues in her own Congressional District, and to discuss her ideas for turning around Hawaii's struggling economy. We were wrong," said Campaign Manager Bob Lee.

"Maui and the neighbor islands are an important part of Hawaii. Hirono's unwillingness to debate on the neighbor islands is a repeat of her primary election strategy. She did not do even one debate on Kauai or the Big Island. Governor Lingle has accepted debates on Maui, Kauai and the Big Island.

"Even though Mazie is a no-show for the people of Maui, Governor Lingle is looking forward to returning to her Maui roots where she served as two-term Mayor of Maui County and Councilwoman representing Molokai and Maui. She will share her plan for Hawaii's future with the people of the Valley Isle," Bob Lee added.

With Hirono's absence, the Maui Chamber of Commerce will instead host a forum with Governor Lingle. Residents are encouraged to attend and ask questions. The forum will be one of many opportunities for the people of Maui to hear from Governor Lingle.

Governor Lingle announced the day after the Primary Election that she has accepted 18 debates and forums, which were offered to all of the candidates during the Primary Election season.

The Maui Chamber of Commerce event will be held on Wednesday, August 15, from 4:45 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Iao Theater in Wailuku.

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