Experience and effectiveness provide the edge

Of Oahu’s 35 state House seats, 12 incumbents have no opponents so will be elected outright in the Aug. 13 primary election, and nine races have candidates with no political-party rivals in the primary.

The dozen, uncontested Oahu incumbents returning for another two years are: Mark Hashem, Scott Nishimoto, Sylvia Luke, Scott Saiki, Takashi Ohno, Linda Ichiyama, Henry Aquino, Ty Cullen, Sharon Har, Lauren Cheape Matsumoto, Jarrett Keohokalole and Chris Lee.

Today through Thursday, we present our endorsements in state House races with contested primaries, starting with four of urban Oahu’s most populated areas. Several heated races are giving voters some intriguing options — and some tough choices — including a rare open seat in District 29 (Kalihi-Chinatown), and a winner-take-all contest between two appealing candidates.

>> District 22 (Waikiki-Ala Moana-Kakaako): The controversial incumbent, Tom Brower, is being challenged by two Democratic rivals: Dennis B. Miller and Nicola Perez-Garreaud, both political newcomers. Miller, a yoga instructor and day-spa owner, is inspired by Bernie Sanders’ campaign, while recent college graduate Perez-Garreaud says his job as a Waikiki restaurant server gives him insight into Hawaii’s tourism industry.

Miller wants an $18 per hour minimum wage for those 18 or older; $16 per hour for those aged 16-18, plus a payroll tax to fund a state single-payer health care system; on homelessness, he supports the Housing First model.

Perez-Garreaud sees climate change and environmentalism as the campaign’s most vital issues.

Brower has gained notoriety for his encounters with homelessness, a huge issue in this district: in 2013, he took a sledgehammer to abandoned shopping carts used by the homeless; in 2015, as he photographed the growing encampment at Kakaako, he was assaulted. Brower’s frustration against the visible homelessness problem was tainted by questionable judgment — but his zeal to improve the district deserves another chance at another term.

The winner will face Republican Kathryn Henski in the general.

>> District 23 (Manoa-Punahou-Moiliili): With no general-election rival, the Democratic victor here takes the district. Incumbent Isaac Choy faces a formidable challenge from Dale Kobayashi, a neophyte politician boosted by name recognition — his mother is area City Councilwoman Ann Kobayashi. The candidate himself, though, has an impressive resume, having attained top-level success as an international financier. He’s returned home to give back, and has immersed himself in the neighborhood board, most notably opposing an expanded Paradise Park.

Choy, a CPA who has represented this district since 2009, is a staunch critic of the University of Hawaii’s money handling and policies; he’s not so much against Paradise Park redevelopment as he is for a thorough public vetting process.

Voters here have two good options in these Manoa-raised sons. But the edge goes to Choy, who has worked diligently for many years on constituent concerns — and though some quibble about his heavy-handedness toward UH, he does apply needed pressure on the university to clean up its fiscal house.

>> District 24 (Moiliili-Makiki- Tantalus): Democratic incumbent Della Au Belatti faces Cody Carlos Rodriguez, but with her steady work on behalf of women and family issues, Belatti deserves re-election.

Rodriguez is an earnest challenger — a political science and sociology instructor who was inspired by the Sanders presidential campaign to run. Alternative green energy, improved vector control and bettering public schools are his top issues.

As for Belatti: As a lawyer, House Health chairwoman and a co-convener of the Women’s Legislative Caucus, she has been involved in successful legislation such as creating the state’s medical marijuana dispensary program, and strengthening women’s access to contraceptive care and services. The 10-year incumbent continues to be well-versed on policies rooted in equity and improvement such as a state earned income tax credit, equal pay and paid family leave.

The winner will meet Republican Larry Fenton and Libertarian Michelle Tippens in the general.

>> District 28 (Kamehameha Heights-Kalihi Valley): Democratic incumbent John Mizuno faces Ikaika Hussey, a longtime advocate for Native Hawaiian causes. Hussey brings energy and activism to the table, plus a progressive platform such as increasing density in older Honolulu districts like Moiliili via, possibly, an agency to organize owners block by block. Both Democrats seem attuned to the district’s needs — but Mizuno has shown engagement over the past decade on a range of constituent issues, from homelessness efforts such as Housing First and the “return-to-home” program, to neighborhood safety concerns at public housing projects. As long as Mizuno continues to deliver for voters, they should do likewise.

Republican Carole Kaapu awaits in the general election.