Incumbents in state Senate tough to beat

Eleven contested seats in the 25-member state Senate will be determined in the Nov. 4 general election, about half of those in Oahu districts that range from urban Kakaako-Waikiki, to rural enclaves such as Makaha and Heeia-Waialua.

Two of the 11 races are without incumbents: In Hawaii island’s District 4 (Kaupulehu-Waimea-North Hilo), where Malama Solomon lost her primary re-election bid to Lorraine Inouye, who now faces Libertarian Alain Schiller; and in Oahu’s District 23 (Heeia-Laie-Waialua), vacated by Clayton Hee who ran unsuccessfully for lieutenant governor.

No huge power shift in the Democratic-controlled body is expected — but a few spirited races have emerged. Here are the Star-Advertiser’s endorsements for Oahu’s six contested Senate races:

» 12th District (Kakaako-McCully-Waikiki): Incumbent Brickwood M. Galuteria faces an aggressive challenge from Republican Chris Lethem, who accuses Galuteria of putting the interests of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs ahead of residents opposed to rapid development in the district.

Galuteria deserves to keep his seat, although we share Lethem’s disapproval of the Senate majority leader’s bid last session to let OHA build residential units on its Kakaako Makai land. That plan failed, and should not be resurrected.

Galuteria, a Kakaako native who has served in the Senate since 2008, strives to keep Native Hawaiian issues at the forefront of public policy, which is commendable, but also must heed broader concerns.

The spirited campaign by Lethem, a software expert with a military background, taps into frustration over the pace and scope of development in this district.

» 17th District (Waipahu-Pearl City): Incumbent Clarence Nishihara, 71, a Democrat, has served in the Senate for 10 years, and his experience and commitment earn him another term over Independent candidate Roger Clemente.

As Agriculture Committee chairman, Nishihara has been a strong advocate for farmers and ranchers, enduring the wrath of anti-GMO activists when he advocated for a bill that would prevent counties from placing restrictions on modern farming practices.

He also has a strong educational background, having worked for the state Department of Education for 30 years. He supports a constitutional amendment that would allow public funding for private preschools.

» 18th District (Mililani-Waikele-Kunia): Democratic incumbent Michelle Kidani, 66, has taken on increasing leadership responsibilities since first elected in 2008; she is now assistant majority leader and vice-chairwoman of both the Education Committee andf the powerful Ways and Means Committee.

Our choice here, Kidani is actively engaged in her community and boosts capital improvement projects in her district, including Kamehameha Highway projects and public school upgrades..

She faces Republican Dennis C.H. Kim and Libertarian Raymond Banda III.

» 21st District (Kalaeloa- Waianae-Makaha): Maile Shimabukuro, 44, is our choice over Republican Tercia Ku.

Shimabukuro, an activist legislator and lawyer, has been a strong voice for her district and for Native Hawaiian concerns. She recently expressed opposition to the emergency disposal of fireworks in Waianae and has promoted alternative housing for the homeless, including the Leeward Housing Coalition’s support of mobile homes. She advocates for child abuse victims. She has sought special protections for taro farming and the realignment of Farrington Highway to ease traffic problems. She also promoted a new law requiring financial disclosures from members of selected state boards and commissions.

» District 23 (Heeia-Laie-Waialua): Former House member Gil Riviere is the best choice to fill this seat, vacated by Clayton Hee.

Democrat Riviere, 54, was first elected to the House in 2010 as a Republican; he switched parties after losing in the 2012 primary to Richard Fale, who is challenging him for this Senate seat. Despite the party swap, Riviere has been consistent in his centrist policies and has steadily advocated for environmental quality.

The Koolauloa and North Shore communities are engaged in development issues, and having someone pressing for limited growth seems necessary, given the constraints of the district’s roads and resources.

» District 24 (Kailua-Kaneohe): The core of Windward Oahu, where preservation of open space competes with other suburban concerns, is found here. Voters would be best served by giving Jill Tokuda a third term.

Serving since 2009 as majority whip and chairing the Education Committee, Tokuda, 38, is well positioned within leadership to represent her district effectively. Tokuda has been in the thick of community discussions for the restoration of Kawainui Marsh and has secured various regional capital improvements. Among her chief policy roles is as champion for expanded access to preschool through a public-private partnership.

She faces Republican Kilomana Michael Danner, a minister with Kamalio Ministries.

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TOMORROW: State House Districts 17-24.