KS to co-sponsor and host July 2 'Super Debateʻ to be aired live on HI News Now

Jun. 20, 2018

Contributed by Ed Kalama

The eyes of Hawai‘i will focus on the KS Kapālama campus on July 2 when a four-hour live broadcast Democratic primary “Super Debate” will be held at the Kaʻiwakīloumoku Hawaiian Culture Center.

Hawai‘i News Now will air the event, co-sponsored by Kamehameha Schools and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m.

The Super Debate will include candidates from three separate races: governor, lieutenant governor and U.S. Congress.

First up will be the lieutenant governor debate which will feature candidates Kim Coco Iwamoto, Bernard Carvalho, Will Espero, Josh Green, and Jill Tokuda. That will be followed by candidates for the 1st Congressional District seat including Ed Case, Doug Chin, Beth Fukumoto, Kaniela Ing, Donna Kim, and Ernie Martin.

Last on the agenda will be a one-on-one showdown between gubernatorial candidates incumbent David Ige and Colleen Hanabusa.

Kamehameha Schools is participating in the event in alignment with its Vision 2040 and Strategic Plan 2020, which calls for the organization to cultivate civically engaged, future Native Hawaiian leaders. The debate will also assist in community-building and help address issues important to Native Hawaiians.

A key feature of the evening will be candidates responding to questions from students. Students from KS Kapālama, KS Maui and from Kaneaokana – a network of over 50 Hawai‘i schools and organizations including KS – will have the opportunity to pose questions to candidates at each of the three debates.

Attendance at the debate is by invitation only and will include representatives from Hawai‘i News Now, Kamehameha Schools, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs and KS community collaborators.

KS’ role in the Super Debate is as an unbiased educational and community organization that supports civic engagement for the next generation of Native Hawaiian leaders. The sponsorship does not violate KS procedures relating to political campaign activities and lobbying.

The Super Debate will include candidates for governor, lieutenant governor and U.S. Congress. It is slated for July 2 from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. at the Kaʻiwakīloumoku Hawaiian Culture Center at KS Kapālama.