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Wednesday, May 22, 2013         

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Inouye miffed at Cayetano's for calling him 'out of touch'

By B.J. Reyes

POSTED:

STAR-ADVERTISER LIBRARY
Honolulu mayoral candidate and former Gov. Ben Cayetano, right, has drawn U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye into a verbal confrontation over the merits of the city's planned rail project.

The race for Honolulu mayor has drawn U.S. Sen. Daniel Ino­uye into a verbal confrontation with former Gov. Ben Cayetano, who said the senator is "out of touch" on the issue of the city's planned $5.27 billion rail transit project.

Daniel Inouye:
Cayetano says his op-
ponents were fawning
over the senator

Inouye, who is in Las Vegas attending to business with the Demo­cratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, issued a statement Thursday through a spokesman.

"I was deeply offended by the statements and negative tactics attributed to Gov. Caye­tano," Ino­uye said. "The race for Hono­lulu mayor should be about the issues facing our city, and in these serious times there is no need for personal attacks."

Cayetano made his remark Wednesday night in the first debate with other candidates, Mayor Peter Carlisle and former city Managing Director Kirk Caldwell.

Discussing whether Ino­uye could secure $1.55 billion in federal money for the proj­ect, Caye­tano spoke of how he reached out to Ino­uye's office seeking a face-to-face meeting but never received a response.

"Sen. Inouye is up at the 30,000-foot level dealing with national and international affairs," Caye­tano said. "The senator should take time to go down to McDonald's and talk to the retirees who go there to eat breakfast because it's cheap.

"He's out of touch, as far as I'm concerned. I respect Sen. Ino­uye — he's done a lot for our country and for our state — but we shouldn't defer to him."

Cayetano said Thursday he was "perplexed" by Ino­uye's reaction.

"When it comes to the rail issue, basically, he's not informed, and I don't know what's so offensive about that," Caye­tano said. "So we disagree on something."

Cayetano contends the rail system is more likely to cost about $7 billion and that the city will have to raise taxes or shortchange core services to make up the difference. Ino­uye has said the only thing that can stop the proj­ect is "World War III."

Carlisle and Caldwell both defended Ino­uye on Wednesday and put their full faith in his ability to get the funding. Both said they did not give credence to Caye­tano's "hypothetical" scenario of funds running out.

"The reason I brought it up was because the other two candidates, Caldwell and Carlisle, were fawning over him," Caye­tano said. "They were saying all these things about how he's guaranteeing he's going to get this and that, and my comments were in response to what they were saying."

Dante Carpenter, chairman of the Hawaii Demo­cratic Party, said he did not see the debate, but he understands the difference of opinion that Caye­tano has with Ino­uye on rail.

"I know he has a great deal of respect for Sen. Ino­uye," Carpenter said, "but he's entitled to his opinion and I'm sure he'll continue to expound on that which he feels is maybe on a different course."






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MalamaKaAina wrote:
Wake up Dan, spending 10 Billion tax dollars for a Titanic steel wheel rail from no where to no where is an issue facing our city!
on May 4,2012 | 02:01AM
loquaciousone wrote:
Time for grandpa to go to bed.
on May 4,2012 | 04:18AM
mishtah wrote:
Well said, loquacious one!
on May 4,2012 | 05:37AM
Highinthesierras wrote:
Cayetaano for US Senate!
on May 4,2012 | 05:47AM
billso wrote:
Ben Cayetano would not even finish his first time as mayor - if he gets elected.
on May 4,2012 | 08:05AM
OldDiver wrote:
Ben Cayetano is good at dishing it out but loses his cool when it is dish right back at him. Ever know someone like him? Would you vote for that person to be mayor?
on May 4,2012 | 08:26AM
loquaciousone wrote:
yes
on May 4,2012 | 08:35AM
innocentBystander wrote:
What are you talking about OD? Did you read the article carefully? Inouye is the one that lost his cool and over reacted to Cayetano respectfully suggesting that Inouye is more concerned with "bigger" issues. Cayetano will make a good Mayor and offers some of the honesty that local politics sorely needs.
on May 4,2012 | 08:44AM
PCWarrior wrote:
yes
on May 4,2012 | 09:27AM
moku42 wrote:
yes
on May 4,2012 | 10:01AM
beachbum11 wrote:
Like you?
on May 4,2012 | 02:03PM
poidragon wrote:
Mufi got in, didn't he? Just look at the mess he started and left for the next mayor to continue with...and Whose to say Cayetano can't do a better job?
on May 4,2012 | 02:12PM
Changalang wrote:
Without being disrespectful to the Honorable Senator, it is fair to say that a New Day is dawning in Hawaii and Oahu has awoken to it. When Senator Inouye is 20% of our economy via Federal appropriations; that is yesterday. When he can only get $250 million out of his own committee; when it is supposed to be $1.55 billion, that is what Oahu taxpayers have to pick up tomorrow. I remember when he got all the Federal dollars to build the H3. Clearly those days are over. I would hope the Senator would stay on the sidelines as the New Day dawns. He has expressed selective outrage against Ed Case in the past as well. By shunning Ed out of debates for Akaka's seat, Dan's Machine may be slotting him for Sen. Inouye's OWN seat. He is out of touch, because loyal Democrats of Hawaii want hope and change anywhere they can find it; hence Ben's early dominance against the will of the Senator. This makes Dan weaker. It is only a Mayor's race and he is throwing his weight around. Sad to watch. I would hope Sen. Inouye would enter his legacy with a better ending narrative to his career. I sincerely thank him for all he has done for Hawaii, IN THE PAST.
on May 4,2012 | 05:48AM
Keith_Rollman wrote:
Not another "New Day."
on May 4,2012 | 06:13AM
wiliki wrote:
Changalang... is wrong here... Inouye is still a very powerful senator-- and in touch with the Majority of Oahu residents.
on May 4,2012 | 06:48AM
Changalang wrote:
Polls of likely voters say the Rail Mafia is FOS, and no amount of death threats or intimidation will change those facts. Oahu is ready to turn the page on the Machine and all of its rusted out failing parts like you two.
on May 4,2012 | 06:58AM
OldDiver wrote:
Death threats?
on May 4,2012 | 08:30AM
droid wrote:
In answer to OldDiver, I believe the death threat reference is about the gunshot bullet holes in Cycle City's front window the moment they posted a pro-Cayetano banner.
on May 4,2012 | 11:03AM
wiliki wrote:
There are always hot heads. Can't imagine that supporters of Inouye would be an exception. But more likely, Cayetano just has made too many enemies from his years in office. He had no restraint on his political attacks-- justified or not.
on May 4,2012 | 04:18PM
Changalang wrote:
Every candidate fits for a perfect timeframe. The more angry and plain speaking Cayetano is, the higher he goes in the polls. The lunas of the machine are not wielding the same influence to make voters shrink from the controversy. The feel Ben's anger and feel like he is channeling their fiscal pain and frustration. Rail is increasingly perceived as sucking THEIR money out of their lives, whether true or not. It is in easy target to coax voter frustration onto. The bottom line is that Rail was 100% guaranteed until the Cayetano suit; and now, is 100% in jeopardy because of the measured success and momentum of the Cayetano candidacy. Just when you think he has gone to sleep; bam, he barks and makes everybody jump. Ben will be at 60 points be August at this pace and people can watch the debate on Olelo next week and judge for themselves on his oratory skills. Trial attorney all day long, and he pwned the ex-Prosecutor. Weird charisma.
on May 4,2012 | 09:11PM
jkjones wrote:
dan inouye is in vegas taking care of business for harry reid and a foreign corporation, ormat, who he and reid are backing in Nevada and Hawaii for geothermal production. Inouye is out of touch and he has never EXPLAINED HIS ACTIONS TO BAILOUT HIS BANK. Dan Inouye has his eye on promoting a few with ties to his selfish interests, but as far as the general community is concerned, they can eat mochi.
on May 4,2012 | 07:00AM
OldDiver wrote:
US Senators not only represent their State they also represent the country as a whole. Spewing nonsense doesn't help you to make your point.
on May 4,2012 | 08:32AM
jkjones wrote:
the next comment will spew nonsense to make a desperate point from an old man.
on May 4,2012 | 06:38PM
Ronin006 wrote:
HART shill.
on May 4,2012 | 09:58AM
poidragon wrote:
Was a very powerful senator! Hawaii loses out when Inouye ever leaves or die in office, without someone else to take his place; then Hawaii will have to start all over again from the bottom of the ladder in congress and there is no guarantee that we can ever get back the prestige and political leverage we lose with Inouye!
on May 4,2012 | 02:15PM
wiliki wrote:
Mazie Hirono will ably take his place. Hopefully she will organize the Senate women as when she did in the Hawaii legislature. Hmmmm... might be that will include Elizabeth Warren as well? They had an influence way out of proportion in their numbers.
on May 4,2012 | 04:13PM
allie wrote:
true..Dan's Day is done
on May 4,2012 | 07:38AM
beachbum11 wrote:
And a few others here.
on May 4,2012 | 02:06PM
aiea7 wrote:
changie - pure trash; they should put the new dump next to your house - lots of trash coming from you.Dan is still the man, and cayetano, the crook to demean him is uncalled for. it is okay to have differences, but to attack Dan who has dedicated his whole like for the betterment of Hawaii and has done so successfully, is really manini. ben, your accomplishments are not even a fraction of what Dan has done. lately ben has made some costly mistakes, his friend revealed his over $500,000 illegal campaign contributions, which he refused to pay back, his admitted on radio he is a one issue candidate - only to kill rail and do nothing else, he ignored the filipino counsel general on radio, he publicly demeaned senator inouye. what a du-- way to run a campaign.
on May 4,2012 | 07:59AM
OB1NONO_ME wrote:
Cayetano did not attack Dan. He merely stated the fact that Dan is out of touch with the populace of Honolulu which is rapidly turning against Mufi's Choo Choo train.
on May 4,2012 | 08:14AM
allie wrote:
Ben told the truth and was threatened by it. Dan forced Case to bow to him when he dared to suggest the obvioius: Akaka was virtually useless as a senator and had become a bad joke. Ben has the courage to stand up to the old tyrant.
on May 4,2012 | 08:26AM
false wrote:
There was more to it than that!
on May 4,2012 | 09:08AM
OldDiver wrote:
Sadly like you Cayetano doesn't recognize when he insults someone. I'm sure you have friends or relatives that are afflicted by that personality disease. Would you vote for them for Mayor?
on May 4,2012 | 08:35AM
allie wrote:
yes we will vote for ben!
on May 4,2012 | 10:18AM
beachbum11 wrote:
Do you know when you do?
on May 4,2012 | 02:09PM
thevisitor967 wrote:
That sounds like an attack to me or are you as deluded as Cayetano?
on May 4,2012 | 08:26AM
OB1NONO_ME wrote:
Are you serious? How can you or anyone else can classify Ben's words as an attack. Well, you may be able to do just that - because you are out of touch as well. Public life is a constant battle. If a colleague/opponent disparages/questions you in the public forum, and you get your feelings hurt, you are in the wrong business.
on May 4,2012 | 09:31AM
Changalang wrote:
You have a problem with the truth. Truth was a problem with you. Bring it.
on May 4,2012 | 09:12AM
beachbum11 wrote:
And dedicated his and his friends pockets.
on May 4,2012 | 02:08PM
OldDiver wrote:
Changalang.............you are distorting the budgeting process. I remember when you were a wealth of information. We can disagree on our politicians but we can't disagree on the facts.
on May 4,2012 | 08:29AM
Changalang wrote:
The facts stand as sourced and published. If you choose to disregard the facts, that reflects directly on your own choices and the way you choose to which to honor yourself.
on May 4,2012 | 09:14AM
Keith_Rollman wrote:
You should follow your own advice...especially when it comes to being in denial about Ben's illegal campaign contribution history. It's all "sourced and published."
on May 4,2012 | 10:57AM
Changalang wrote:
I am not denying it. As a matter of fact, I posted the validity of the claim properly sourced via the Hawaii Reporter. Someone else posted what the circumstances were regarding why that money did not have to be paid back. I also posted the smart politicians that did pay back, including Mufi while recommending that Ben write a check and put this behind him to foil his detractors. More truth from right here. Look it up in the SA data base.
on May 4,2012 | 11:38AM
Kuniarr wrote:
What is this baloney you keep on repeating, Keith_Rolman? Do you understand what "ESCHEAT" means, Keith_Rollman? Do you understand that it is the donor (the person making a political donation) and not the donee (the political candidate receiving the political donation) who is the one guilty of breaking the law? Otherwise you'd be calling all the politicians including President Obama himself guilty of what you consider the crime of receiving an "illegal contribution".
on May 4,2012 | 01:12PM
Kuniarr wrote:
Newspaper reporters who do not know what the word "escheat" means thinks that a political candidate "pays" the Campaign Spending Commission the total amount of donations illegally contributed. The word is not "pays" but "escheats" which in layman's language could mean "forfeit". The political candidate who returns just part of the total amount of contributions donated illegally does not "owe" the commission on that balance. For there is nothing to "escheat" for contributions that have already been spent.
on May 4,2012 | 01:34PM
Changalang wrote:
Good job clarifying. This will be one of two major attack points from the Machine. The way the attack ads will be focused will have a marked effect. Best if this gets processed by the media collective ASAP so Ben can get inoculated ASAP.
on May 4,2012 | 04:04PM
jkjones wrote:
some are still in denial for losing their wife to the plumber.
on May 4,2012 | 06:39PM
Kuniarr wrote:
It is amazing how these paid bloggers who infest this forum spread their garbage based on ignorance of the subject they all blog about. The word "escheat" has nothing to do with "cheating" nor with a criminal or unethical act. The person guilty of a crime concerning an illegal contribution is not the political candidate but the donor or contributor. It is the donor or contributor of a political contribution that is slapped a fine - not the political candidate. When the Campaign Spending Commission discovers that a political contribution is "illegal", it asks the political candidate to "escheat" whatever contribution has not been spent. The political candidate does not owe the Commission anything for whatever amount of that contribution that has been spent. "Escheat" only applies to existing contribution that has not been spent.
on May 4,2012 | 01:25PM
Keith_Rollman wrote:
Actually, you're dead wrong. The campaigns historically escape money owed (their escheat, if you will) by forfeiting the balance of their account and dissolving their committee. They either 1) move on to a Federal committee (outside state jurisdiction), or, 2) Stay retired and never form another political committee. As far as the Campaign Spending Commission knows only one has failed to pay, dissolved his committee, lay low for ten years, and then came back and formed another state political committee....Ben Cayetano. So, this is a new precedent that should be vigorously pursued by the Campaign Spending Commission, and public watchdog groups like Common Cause. Hawaii's politicians should not be allowed to spend illegal campaign contributions, and avoid repayment by temporarily suspending their political committees to evade payment...then relaunch and say "sorry about that." So, Kuniarr...your candidate is an "escheater" all right. Pay up.
on May 4,2012 | 03:28PM
beachbum11 wrote:
Same for U.
on May 4,2012 | 02:10PM
allie wrote:
Why fgrovel in front of Dan if he no longer has any money? No one cared about him at all until he got hold of tax dollars to dole out to his loyal servants. Now people are dissing old man Dan as he has no money for us.
on May 4,2012 | 11:53AM
allie wrote:
he has been out of touch for many years
on May 4,2012 | 11:47AM
beachbum11 wrote:
Right two times.
on May 4,2012 | 02:13PM
Changalang wrote:
The new Civil Beat poll shows likely voters 55% AGAINST and 36% FOR. The poll was conducted by Civil Beat working with Merriman River Group, a full-service consulting organization specializing in opinion research, election management, and communication. . . Apparently, Senator Inouye is out of touch with the people as he is trying to give a going away present supposedly to Oahu, but really it is for long time lobby friends PB. Ben attacked Kirk in the debate to bolster his own voter turnout from hardcore Democrats for the August Primary. Senator Inouye is inserting himself into the election via selective outrage to try and block Kirk's base from bleeding out to the Cayetano Camp. A shrewd move by Hawaii's Senator. Why does Ben have to run against Peter, Kirk, and now Dan? He must be onto something. After the debate performance, the threat to Rail remains real.
on May 4,2012 | 05:38AM
wiliki wrote:
I trust political intuition of seasoned politicians more than a Civil Beat poll which wasn't even conducted by Civil Beat.
on May 4,2012 | 06:51AM
Changalang wrote:
They were as accurate as SMS in the 2010 cycle, which is/was the gold standard of polling accuracy in Hawaii prior to Civil Beat's existence. Only certain very wealthy politicians from D.C. can afford those guys; which is why the Machine knows the truth and HART is giving away coloring books and advertising on T.V. with spots paid for by Oahu taxpayers; again. Imua Ben.
on May 4,2012 | 07:04AM
Ronin006 wrote:
HART blogger.
on May 4,2012 | 09:58AM
Kuniarr wrote:
This paid blogger continues to spread his garbage based on ignorance. Wiliki, a newspaper entity is not equipped nor qualified to conduct a poll survey. So what is this garbage about "a Civil Beat poll which wasn't even conducted by Civil Beat", huh?
on May 4,2012 | 01:39PM
Keith_Rollman wrote:
Is everybody who won't agree with you a "paid blogger?" You got any proof? If we can just make stuff up....I say you're Tom Berg, and have been knocking em back all afternoon.
on May 4,2012 | 03:34PM
wiliki wrote:
We seniors already had an income. Social Security... why would we need any more?
on May 4,2012 | 04:04PM
jkjones wrote:
the next blogger has a closet crush on tom berg....
on May 4,2012 | 06:33PM
beachbum11 wrote:
Can your word be trusted?
on May 4,2012 | 02:14PM
jkjones wrote:
wiliki, you are irrelevant--no one cares who you trust....put down the pipe doper.
on May 4,2012 | 06:36PM
OldDiver wrote:
As Changalang knows at one time public opinion supported slavery, it opposed equal rights, it opposed child labor laws. The people can easily be swayed by misinformation and lies.
on May 4,2012 | 08:38AM
Changalang wrote:
As you know, public opinion is going to have a voice on August. The public opinion is not being swayed by the Rail lies and their propaganda. Those are the facts backed up by the polls.
on May 4,2012 | 09:18AM
Kuniarr wrote:
Information and lies. OD? Yours I presume.
on May 4,2012 | 01:40PM
jkjones wrote:
no one is stupid enuff to be swayed by an old diver who make a quarter for every bog he enters....
on May 4,2012 | 06:32PM
Manoa_Fisherman wrote:
So a Civil Beat poll now can negate a vote taken by the tax payers of Oahu to support rail? I trust the voters rather than a billionaire's hobby disguised as a "news" organization.
on May 4,2012 | 08:47AM
Changalang wrote:
The people will vote; will you trust the outcome of that? I will, whichever way it goes.
on May 4,2012 | 09:18AM
Keith_Rollman wrote:
If you lose...again....you will want another vote.
on May 4,2012 | 10:58AM
Changalang wrote:
Incorrect. I have always stated the inevitability of Rail and spent much time convincing hardcores of the futility of their opposition; even after the lawsuit was filed. However, when Sen. Hee opted out of the Mayor's race and deferred to Ben, I realized that Anti-Rail got one more chance because the Mayor has veto power over the bonds. Looking at the timeline, the August primary is indeed the last chance for this project to be halted by the ballot. If Ben loses, Anti-Rail cannot say they did not have a chance because of ballot language. Ben is campaigning to kill this, period. No question what a yes vote, or a no vote means. I also know that if this race goes to a General, Ben will lose. So, like you, I am ready for this to be finally over with; one way or another so the people of Honolulu can move forward, or move on. That is the truth; and as you know, I have no fear or problem telling it as I see it.
on May 4,2012 | 11:34AM
Kuniarr wrote:
Paid bloggers in this forum do not understand that anti-rail people are practicing their right to voice their opinion on what to them are what they don't like about rail. It is ludicrous for a paid blogger to think that if rail is built the people who did not like it in the first place do not have the right anymore to voice their opinion against rail?
on May 4,2012 | 01:51PM
Keith_Rollman wrote:
You have every right to say whatever you want. We have every right to tell everyone you're full of it. And, I do it for free!
on May 4,2012 | 03:38PM
jkjones wrote:
the biggest bullchiter on the blog follows...
on May 4,2012 | 06:29PM
aiea7 wrote:
waipahu - you antis have a right to voice your opposition to rail but you birds resort to lies and deception, that crosses the line. and i will challenge each of you birds when i feel you do those things. that is the difference between the pros and the antis. antis are not truthful, just like slater.
on May 4,2012 | 07:04PM
Manoa_Fisherman wrote:
Sure, if you pay for it. The vote was taken. All sides had an opportunity to voice their side of the issue. We should abide by that vote. Otherwise, a lot of folks would repeal many of our constitutional amendments if we had to put them to a vote every 10 years or so. Want to revote the 2004 Presidential Election, I sure want to, but it it too late to now. Heck, why not a recall vote for Lingle or Cayetano as Governor, as they both did poor jobs of it.
on May 4,2012 | 11:04PM
Kuniarr wrote:
This new paid blogger is spreading garbage based on ignorance. Hey Manoa_Fisherman, what is it about a "poll" that you do not understand, huh?
on May 4,2012 | 01:42PM
beachbum11 wrote:
I never voted for rail. Only type of rail was the question on the ballot. And my blank vote counted for yes. Shibai
on May 4,2012 | 02:16PM
nitpikker wrote:
the 55% are the people that don't have to face the rush hour traffic coming in from the west side. they keep pushing for more housing out there so it's only going to get worse. more buses only means more slowing of traffic unless they have lanes that cars cannot enter. by cannot I mean elevated or fenced off lanes.
on May 4,2012 | 09:20AM
Leinanij wrote:
I took the Civil Beat poll and was included in those that oppose rail. However, I don't want to build more houses out west - quite the contrary. I want to keep our ag land for agriculture. No one wants to sit in traffic - so we should be doing something NOW to fix it - not 20 years from now. I personally take the bus so I can say with confidence that the only people who are going to ride the train are the ones riding the bus now. That's not going to take any cars off the road for you nitpikker. How is it possible that traffic is fine in the summer? No UH and no parents running their keiki to private schools. Finally open UH West O'ahu, change the UH hours and bus every keiki to their school. And the City and State need to fulfill their promises to build our Second City which would keep jobs west.
on May 4,2012 | 12:17PM
Changalang wrote:
Doesn't it make since to preserve AG land and build West for undergraduate expansion focus, so Manoa can be more post graduate focused and the admission rate can match the campus capacity? That is an education growth strategy that would make higher education fiscally sustainable and attainable. Time to invest in growth in the Westside rather than transportation. Second City development is a much better way forward.
on May 4,2012 | 03:56PM
Kuniarr wrote:
Another paid blogger entering the rail discussion in the forum. Seems like the city, HART, and the SA are becoming worried that anti-rail bloggers are overwhelming the pro-rail in numbers. Hey, nitpikker. What is this "face the rush hour traffic coming in from the west side" that you are talking about, huh? Rail won't solve that rush hour traffic congestion. Rail is but an "alternative to traffic congestion". Except we do not need rail because we already have an "alternative to traffic congestion" in the Bus express on the Zipper during the morning rush hour for eastbound traffic and soon the Bus Express on the Contra-Flow during the afternoon rush hour for westbound traffic.
on May 4,2012 | 01:59PM
islandsun wrote:
No doubt this is damage control by Inouye. Not buying all the hype.
on May 4,2012 | 09:51AM
frontman wrote:
Truer words were never spoken..............hec he sleeps through most senate secessions, when he is there. Now Ben......Stop Rail Now.
on May 4,2012 | 06:58AM
allie wrote:
Dan is offended that a former governor should dare to question him? Lol. Time for old man Dan to go
on May 4,2012 | 07:45AM
2_centz wrote:
Ben Cayetano, please run for Senator instead. Senator Akaka is retiring and we need a savior. if and should rail go through. We the Honolulu people need even more money and creation of Federal work orders for Hawaii. Then you going see what Inouye has been doning for Hawaii. The Kalihi Kai man need s to STEP UP for the town. Rather than critique, get off the easy chair and on to the Congress and make a difference for Hawaii. Make the big step, brudda. You da man, Ben. you da man.
on May 4,2012 | 09:57AM
2_centz wrote:
These guys, Ben, Peter, and the doc guy giving Linda Lingle a laugh so hard I can hear the jiggling all the way to Kalihi. Somehow, the Dems have lost their composure. Linda laughing so hard she can't leave her condo. It will be some time like a few days for her to stop laughing at this scenario.
on May 4,2012 | 03:14PM
soshaljustic wrote:
Dan is only doing the bidding of the transportation security into the 22nd century-lock up the ground-make evry person fall under the medical auspices of transportation by having paratransit go thru people without medical degrees and that happens with ARRA and the insertion of RAIL!!! Think I am kidding? What do you have to do to get on a plane? DAN has a PLAN and it is scary, but follows Obamas! If Ben stops that plan, it frees the citizenry of the State of Hawaii for another time period. Go Ben Go! While they try to change free speech, do not let them do this!!
on May 4,2012 | 07:20PM
Recce wrote:
If Dan Inouye is out of touch, what does that make Lazy Mazie? An out-of-touch sock puppet? An out-of-touch potted plant? An out-of-touch potted puppet?
on May 4,2012 | 02:37AM
loquaciousone wrote:
The fact that grandpa backs lazy hazy mazie is a perfect example that grandpa needs to go to bed.
on May 4,2012 | 04:19AM
MalamaKaAina wrote:
ANYBODY BUT MAZIE AND MUFI
on May 4,2012 | 04:35AM
bender wrote:
Amen to that.
on May 4,2012 | 05:48AM
aiea7 wrote:
anybody than case the back stabber.
on May 4,2012 | 08:04AM
thevisitor967 wrote:
Excuse me. But if Mufi had been elected instead of that idiot Abercrombie then maybe the State of Hawaii would've been better off. Even the teachers' union regrets endorsing him.
on May 4,2012 | 08:28AM
Keith_Rollman wrote:
Gee, "loquaciousone," it's just not the same when an anonymous bog commenter rips on Senator Inouye.
on May 4,2012 | 06:16AM
Keith_Rollman wrote:
This "blog" is becoming a "bog."
on May 4,2012 | 06:27AM
false wrote:
Only since you entered the scene, Mr. Rollman.
on May 4,2012 | 06:43AM
Keith_Rollman wrote:
Pretty weak...you're no Ben Cayetano.
on May 4,2012 | 09:14AM
wiliki wrote:
Certainly this thread is lacking any substance.... Like the bog.
on May 4,2012 | 06:52AM
loquaciousone wrote:
bog?
on May 4,2012 | 07:56AM
allie wrote:
The blog is a nice place for old freinds to meet. All of us care about Hawaii however much we may disagree on various topics. I thank SA for making it available.
on May 4,2012 | 08:28AM
wiliki wrote:
Yes... This is healthy that people can express their opinions so quickly. In the distant past I have tried to send in a letter, but I guess if the issue is not current finally you get asked to re-write it in 200 words or less so it can be filler in the "letters" column.
on May 4,2012 | 04:01PM
bender wrote:
Haha.
on May 4,2012 | 05:47AM
jkjones wrote:
mazie is a clone. throw water on her--and watch her short-circuit.
on May 4,2012 | 07:02AM
pakeheat wrote:
Or Hay-wire?
on May 4,2012 | 08:14AM
OldDiver wrote:
Recce...........Mazie Hirono is not Dan's favorite child. They are cordial but are anything but best of friends.
on May 4,2012 | 08:39AM
Imagen wrote:
And you know this how?
on May 4,2012 | 10:02AM
Changalang wrote:
It is true. He wanted Colleen to run, but she opted out. Colleen is very capable and will represent Hawaii well because of her skills. She was smart enough to know that jumping into the Senate on a cycle with a 3:1 chance of flipping Democrats into the Minority is not a good way to start being a Senator. She knows that staying in the House, which will have a much weakened Republican Majority in 2012, is the career growth move. Colleen's years as Senate President have trained her well for the value of timing. However, there is no absolute doubt that Sen. Inouye is 100% behind a Mazie victory in the Primary and General.
on May 4,2012 | 08:54PM
peanutgallery wrote:
Cayetano is correct. Inouye is, and has been, out of touch for a long, long time. He does the office a disservice by having overstayed his visit by about 35 years. The days of professional politicians has to end.
on May 4,2012 | 03:03AM
loquaciousone wrote:
true
on May 4,2012 | 04:19AM
Keith_Rollman wrote:
Speaking of "professional politicians," what do you think Ben is?
on May 4,2012 | 06:17AM
false wrote:
Ben Cayetano is a STATESMAN, not a Politician like Dan Inouye is. Ben Cayetano's support comes from the public that he serves, not the special-interest lobbies that support Dan Inouye.

BIG DIFFERENCE, Mr. Rollman.


on May 4,2012 | 06:49AM
allie wrote:
true
on May 4,2012 | 08:28AM
Workingrl wrote:
Has anyone on this blog read the former governor's book??? if they had they would see him as the vindictive politician that he is. He actually gloats about how he went about disrupting the political careers of those that he did not like or had dared to stand against him. READ THE BOOK ABOUT BEN that he wrote himself! I am sure that at the time he wrote it he was not intending to run for office ever again.
on May 4,2012 | 10:17AM
Keith_Rollman wrote:
Your lips grow purple from too much Kool Aid.
on May 4,2012 | 11:33AM
wiliki wrote:
Cayetano has been milking rail as an issue for all its worth and contributing nothing to the resolution of the problem. Cayetano doesn't have any solutiion.
on May 4,2012 | 06:54AM
OB1NONO_ME wrote:
Wrong - the solution is so obvious that folks like you can't see it. THE SOLUTION - fix basic infrastructure like sewers, roads, etc. first, and of course STOP THE CHOO CHOO TRAIN that begins in an open field and ends at the mall.
on May 4,2012 | 07:24AM
Changalang wrote:
Yup, that is what will get local union workers the jobs they need; instead of having imports from the mainland take OUR construction jobs.
on May 4,2012 | 07:45AM
cojef wrote:
Time for "TERM" limits on all political office. You can't let old dogs and insiders making modern day decisions.
on May 4,2012 | 08:01AM
pakeheat wrote:
The last time people were asking how many locals were employed since rail got the okay to start, the S.A. put out the numbers as 508 but when you look at it closely only half of Hawaii residents were employed, just more b.s., smoke, and screen.
on May 4,2012 | 08:17AM
Changalang wrote:
Exactly. local people would control all the infrastructure repairs and rebuilds, because they are already doing it and have the expertise.
on May 4,2012 | 09:35AM
etalavera wrote:
So how does that improve traffic congestion?
on May 4,2012 | 08:41AM
wiliki wrote:
Quite true.... a new waste treatment plant will not improve traffic congestion. We are doing both. There is record amounts of work done on treatment plants last year.
on May 4,2012 | 03:57PM
Ronin006 wrote:
Right out of the HART Propaganda Play Book.
on May 4,2012 | 10:00AM
allie wrote:
Ben is ethical. He is not in thjis race for poltiical aspirations. He is a senior statesman.
on May 4,2012 | 07:39AM
aiea7 wrote:
then why does he not pay back over $500,000 in illegal campaign contributions he received? ethical, honesty, integrity, those words are not in his vocabulary. the only words he knows are, to demean, to theaten, vindictive and malicious.
on May 4,2012 | 08:07AM
thevisitor967 wrote:
Hear! Hear! Right on aiea7.
on May 4,2012 | 08:30AM
pakeheat wrote:
hey thevisitor967, let's hear some opinions from you in regards to rail, instead of being just a cheerleader?
on May 4,2012 | 03:29PM
ammb3 wrote:
Here we go again, you're a part of the Pacific Resource Partners SMEAR Campaign against Cayetano. We get it already, BUTit WON'T work.
on May 4,2012 | 08:55AM
Keith_Rollman wrote:
So, your position is that it is not true and the records of the Campaign Spending Commission have been altered to make your guy look bad? You really going to go with that?
on May 4,2012 | 09:19AM
Kuniarr wrote:
Paid bloggers continue to spread their garbage from ignorance. Hey, aiea7. Do you understand what the word "escheat" means? There is no such thing as "pay back" nor "owe" when it comes to contributions that donors make illegally. A political candidate receiving contributions from donors whose contribution is illegal "escheats" the contribution - not "owe" nor "pay back".
on May 4,2012 | 02:05PM
Keith_Rollman wrote:
The more you explain it the worse Ben sounds.
on May 4,2012 | 03:42PM
kahu808 wrote:
Really? You don't know Ben like how we know Ben.
on May 4,2012 | 10:45AM
aiea7 wrote:
keith - ben is not a professional politician, more like an inept politician, just inept in everything.
on May 4,2012 | 08:04AM
hybrid1 wrote:
Ben: • Pushed through one of the biggest state personal income tax reductions in the nation at the time • Reduced the size and growth of state government to less than the inflation rate • Established the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority • Implemented civil service reform • Built a record number of public schools • Built a record number of homes for Native Hawaiian homesteaders • Developed the Hawai‘i Convention Center to boost tourism • Started the Hawai‘i State Art Museum • Began construction of the new John A. Burns School of Medicine and research center for the University of Hawai‘i • Kept his promise to make public education his highest priority by sparing schools from budget cuts at the expense of other state departments • Ordered the State Attorney General to investigate the Bishop Estate, an $11 billion trust fund set up for the benefit and education of Hawaiian children • When Hawaii’s economy rebounded in 1999, Ben promoted growth in new areas to further diversify the economy • Created the nation’s first state-funded after-school Plus (A )in 1989. SUPPORTING PUBLIC EDUCATION Ben kept his promise to make public education his highest priority by sparing schools from budget cuts at the expense of other state departments. He sought reform through the collective bargaining process, and in 1997 negotiated a contract that increased teacher salaries in exchange for adding seven days to the school calendar. Teacher salaries rose from $25,000 in 1997 to $34,300 in 2002 – a 37 percent increase. The contracts also rewarded teachers for professional development rather than seniority alone, and provided merit pay for university faculty.
on May 4,2012 | 08:29AM
ammb3 wrote:
Thank you. I bet that putshines aiea7's resume of poting inane comments.
on May 4,2012 | 08:58AM
soshaljustic wrote:
Sounds like a winner to me-better than a lying sack that is a professional lying sack!
on May 4,2012 | 07:27PM
OldDiver wrote:
Ben is a STATESMAN?????? Statesmen do not insult people at every turn.
on May 4,2012 | 08:41AM
allie wrote:
true
on May 4,2012 | 07:44AM
ShibaiDakine wrote:
The days of tax, spend and borrow are rapidly coming to a close as the combined debt burden continues to spin out of control under the paradigm of yesteryear and It seems that Sen. Inouye is a wee bit sensative in the late autumn of his political career any time someone disagrees with him.  Perhaps if he were to spend more time back home and less time in Las Vegas on "business" he might get a better sense of the changing political climate and deep concerns regarding the fiscal ill-health of the city/county, state and the nation.  
on May 4,2012 | 03:06AM
ShibaiDakine wrote:
P.S. I am "deeply offended" if the tab for Sen. Inouye's "business" trip to Las Vegas is being picked up by the taxpayers.
on May 4,2012 | 03:22AM
MalamaKaAina wrote:
Dan please resign so we the people can elect ShibaiDakine as our next Senator from Hawaii.
on May 4,2012 | 04:29AM
serious wrote:
My memory is so bad! Didn't a recent President blast the corporations for partying in Las Vegas? But it's okay for the politicians????? CHANGE!!!
on May 4,2012 | 06:44AM
FrankGenadio wrote:
The Hannemann/Caldwell/Carlisle administrations, with the City Council largely abrogating its responsibilities, selected an inferior and more costly rail technology and a poor alignment plan that left out the key ridership areas of UH-Manoa and Waikiki. Former Governor Cayetano intends to kill rail, leaving us with nothing to plan for other than a high occupancy tollway on a 10-11 mile overhead viaduct that will look worse than the steel wheels guideway (even as bad as that is compared to dual-beam monorail or mag-lev guideways). The ballot for mayor needs an entry that will enable me to vote "None of the Above."
on May 4,2012 | 03:11AM
bender wrote:
Get yourself nominated and you can be on the ballot too.
on May 4,2012 | 05:49AM
false wrote:
Oh no, bender. Don't encourage him even if you're doing it facetiously. He might take you seriously.
on May 4,2012 | 06:52AM
wiliki wrote:
We need to lower our expectations that everyone will agree on technology and route. In the end, it's all about special interests and politics. We need publicly funded election campaigns.
on May 4,2012 | 06:57AM
Ronin006 wrote:
Does HART pay you by the hour or by the number of comments to which you reply?
on May 4,2012 | 10:01AM
wiliki wrote:
Funny how such an outrageous comment comes from critics who seem to spout the GOP agenda in the same way? The only difference is the handle?
on May 4,2012 | 03:53PM
Changalang wrote:
The Hawaii GOP can't afford to pay internet bloggers; just ask Eric R. You guys don't really see that by being here in the way that you are, all the fence sitters who read but don't post judge you and Rail by the lowest point the conversation can be dragged to. You guys are seen as the ones spending their money. Don't believe me; just look at the trajectory of the polls. The Rail bullies and those not gifted enough to lie well hurt Rail most. There are not enough coloring books to undo the damage done here because a ball cannot continue to bounce without a wall to recoil off of. Know that if Ben wins; the Pro-Rail usuals helped him most. Hawaii does a lot of watching and thinking first. You are the guys spending their money in tough times; and Oahu is awake now.
on May 4,2012 | 08:09PM
billso wrote:
Amen. Frank. CayetaNO doesn't have a real plan, just a posse of folks wearing the same color t-shirts.
on May 4,2012 | 08:07AM
DPK wrote:
65 is the widely accepted age for retirement. Mr. Inouye is 87. How would each of us function in our jobs at 87? With age comes respect, but there comes a time when we all have to pass the baton to those with more vigor. Representing the people should not become a career!
on May 4,2012 | 03:15AM
lopelani wrote:
And how old is CayetaNO. I am a senior citizen an I am ProRail. I have wanted to see Rail since it was 1st proposed and when it would cost way way less. CayetaNO is out of touch and should stay retired.....
on May 4,2012 | 03:48AM
false wrote:
Ben Cayetano is at least a DECADE younger than out-of-touch Dan Inouye. It's Dan Inouye who should've retired before he headed down this wrong path that is ruining what could've been a stellar legacy.

And you too, lopelani, appear out of touch with reality. Haven't you seen the dramatic shift in support moving away from Rail? In the past 3 years, about 30% of Honolulu went from pro-rail to anti-rail because the truth is being revealed that Rail is nothing but SNAKE OIL, being sold to the public by people motivated by greed.

Wake up, lopelani. Start by reading the vast majority of postings in these forums anytime a Rail article is published, and get in touch with the truth.
on May 4,2012 | 04:18AM
wiliki wrote:
CayetaNO may be younger but I'll bet Inouye's wife is younger than CayetaNO's. Who's the older man here?
on May 4,2012 | 06:59AM
OB1NONO_ME wrote:
I'd like to see a debate between Inouye's wifey and Ben's wifey on the subject of rail, Inouye's wifey wouldn't stand a chance.
on May 4,2012 | 07:28AM
wiliki wrote:
IIRC Inouye's wife is a lawyer.... sharp cookie and rather attractive. He says that with her support he can be in office another 25 years.
on May 4,2012 | 03:51PM
Changalang wrote:
The point where we can agree is that Inouye is far from ready for the drooling academy. His mind is sharp and voice is strong. Believe it or not, I was privy to observe his plain dialogue with a core group of individuals he is comfortable with a few weeks back(I just happened to be there). From my 1st person observations, it is clear he is still alpha and leader in full command and control of his faculties and the group. He is the opposite of many other older statesman that require a staff of handlers. Honestly, the body has aged far more than the spirit inside. He is looking old and shows the discomfort of mobilization. Dan is not going to be around another 25 years. Can you honestly say he has another ten? I honestly hope Democrats hold the Senate for Obama's sake, and so Sen. Inouye can finish his career on top in D.C. befitting of his legacy.
on May 4,2012 | 07:49PM
pakeheat wrote:
false, lopelani can't wake up, this person claims to be a senior citizen, I think this person is senile?
on May 4,2012 | 03:32PM
Changalang wrote:
Maybe Hawaii doesn't need senior citizens spending their grandchildren's credit anymore for their own selfish benefit. Maybe the generation after you wants something more for their children, and your grandchildren. Perhaps the people out of touch is all the old people that not only spent their money, but want to spend all the money of the generations that come after them. What did you paras!tes do that was so great to deserve a lifestyle of entitlement? I know a lot of kupuna that have been retired longer than they have worked. Thanks, those days are over for all the generations that follow YOUR selfishness. Game over, granny. Shame, shame, SHAME !
on May 4,2012 | 05:59AM
aiea7 wrote:
phony - stop posting trash.
on May 4,2012 | 08:10AM
Changalang wrote:
It is time to subpoena your identification. When Hornie finds out that you are the guy that caused his other Board to get "looked at". Well......... Know that you did it to yourself; tough guy.
on May 4,2012 | 09:25AM
Keith_Rollman wrote:
Why don't you "smoke him out" by revealing your true identity? Show us that you're not embarassed to own our own words.
on May 4,2012 | 09:30AM
Changalang wrote:
I'll introduce myself to you some day face to face. Then, we can talk plainly and see how much we have in common, and you will be glad to have made another friend in an era where old ones are leaving your side. Every arena has rules of engagement. This arena is quite different from those you are used to and obviously prefer. Hawaii is changing Mr. Rollman. Hawaii is being integrated into a world where we are no longer an island answering only to ourselves and our secrets. Hawaii is such a bigger and inter-connected place that many from your era have not realized yet; or considered the implications there of. Best to adapt, and be a part of the broader future. Nothing wrong with that, right?
on May 4,2012 | 10:09AM
allie wrote:
changalang has a good point though.
on May 4,2012 | 11:50AM
CouchPotato wrote:
lopelani ... Do some homework and go to youtube and type in Honolulu Rail.
on May 4,2012 | 06:33AM
wiliki wrote:
She doesn't need homework... you need a spanking for disrespect to your Kupuna.
on May 4,2012 | 07:01AM
pakeheat wrote:
What did CoachPotato say that disrespected? You need to wake-up it's too early for you, go back to sleep.
on May 4,2012 | 08:22AM
wiliki wrote:
You agree that she hasn't "done her homework"....? How about living all the years that we Kupuna have done? We must have gotten some smarts along the way....
on May 4,2012 | 03:48PM
pakeheat wrote:
Yes they have gotten some smarts along the way, but as they get older the mind plays a funny game.
on May 4,2012 | 07:13PM
hybrid1 wrote:
Ben is a young and energetic 72.
on May 4,2012 | 08:32AM
allie wrote:
well said
on May 4,2012 | 10:20AM
jkjones wrote:
dan inouye has lost too much credibility--it is shameful. He has served one term too many. sad.
on May 4,2012 | 07:18AM
aiea7 wrote:
dpk - i am willing to bet that Dan at 87 is so much smarter than you and cayetano combined.
on May 4,2012 | 08:09AM
Denominator wrote:
Listening to Dan speak without a script is like watching a chicken minus its head. He just babbles and exudes old person smell.
on May 4,2012 | 08:17AM
aiea7 wrote:
better than a stuttering mumbler who cannot even pronounce the words correctly.
on May 4,2012 | 11:32AM
Oahuan2 wrote:
Gov. Cayetano is right on. It would have been good if he had been as involved from the start and perhaps we would not be considering how to pay for this doo-dad now.
on May 4,2012 | 03:42AM
LittleEarl_01 wrote:
"Ino­uye has said the only thing that can stop the proj­ect is "World War III." Then bring on the war. I have asked repeatedly and received no response to my question of: Several years ago when the EPA issued a mandate that the C&C must upgrade the wastewater treatment plants (which Mayor Mufi spent $800,000 of taxpayers money fighting it), Uncle Dan in an article for the then Honolulu Advertised stated that the $1 billion dollar upgrade would bankrupt the C&C. Now he supports a $5.7 billion dollar rail project. If $1 billion dollar upgrade would bankrupt the C&C, what about this $5.7 billion dollar rail project? Also what some posters are forgetting is if the feds kick in $1.5 billion, that still leaves $4.2 billion to be picked up by taxpayers, in addition to the annual operating expenses.
on May 4,2012 | 03:47AM
wiliki wrote:
Money well spent. The science if not the law is on the Mayor's side.
on May 4,2012 | 07:02AM
AirRescueFF wrote:
The EPA consent decree also adds about $4 BILLION more in city costs over the next 10 years. That cannot be ignored.
on May 5,2012 | 08:21AM
65Tritton wrote:
Hoping a photo of Sen Inoyue in that Las Vegas hottub doesn't turn up in print, ugh!
on May 4,2012 | 03:47AM
MickFerreira wrote:
I think the Islands needs to finally face that the rail system should have been built years ago. There seems to be an entitlement attitude with people and their cars here. Building the freeways wider and wider is not the answer. Let's for once since the Genie has been out of the bottle and we overdeveloped Oahu finally get with the rest of the developed world and get with a world class transportation system. Let's get the initial leg built, then let's get to work on the extensions that will be needed in the future. Face it, waxing nostalgic about the past does not help us iin the present or future. Mr. Cayetano, please go back to your retirement. You are irrelevant and in the way of progress. Let's get some busses off the roads.
on May 4,2012 | 04:15AM
MalamaKaAina wrote:
MickFerreira you are irrelevant so crawl back under your rock and keep polishing your steel wheel.
on May 4,2012 | 04:32AM
wiliki wrote:
Nope... he is right. What the delay for rail shows is that agreement is hard to reach in the islands. The correct decision wins out in the long run-- when we've tried everything else.
on May 4,2012 | 07:04AM
MakaniKai wrote:
MalamaKaAina: LOL!
on May 4,2012 | 08:04AM
pakeheat wrote:
It's so funny, you see a few new pro-phony's like MickFerreira, hodad (from yesterday's rail article) that post only once and their gone the rest of the day, hiding under the sand.
on May 4,2012 | 08:29AM
wiliki wrote:
Most people will not have the time to post more than once..... Nothing phony about that.
on May 4,2012 | 03:46PM
false wrote:
MickFerreira, YOU'RE OUT OF TOUCH WITH REALITY.

BTW, Mr. Ferreira, do you work for HART? HART too is trying to "get some busses off the roads" by cutting routes from TheBus to save a mere $7-million. All that inconvenience to the bus-riding public to save less than half of the $15 million it had to initially pay Kiewitt for a delay fee for just 1 month, plus about $9-million per month for each month's delay.

Cutting those bus routes will leave many bus riders with no other option than to get into their cars, and feel entitled to do so.
on May 4,2012 | 04:39AM
pakeheat wrote:
Ooops my error, didn't see MickFerreira second post, let's see if he posts again.
on May 4,2012 | 08:31AM
onevoice82 wrote:
The rest of the world does not have rail with only 1M people on a small Island! What world are you comparing us too?
on May 4,2012 | 05:47AM
bender wrote:
We are not building a world class transportation system and therein lies the problem. We are building the most expensive per mile train system ever built anywheres in the world if that makes you feel any better.
on May 4,2012 | 05:52AM
Keith_Rollman wrote:
Careful Mick, if you don't share their opinion they WILL attack you. Of course, non of them will identify themselves...especially when they badmouth Senator Inouye.
on May 4,2012 | 06:22AM
loquaciousone wrote:
Grandpa time has not already passed grandpa but he's left him on the other side of the hill.
on May 4,2012 | 04:46AM
Keith_Rollman wrote:
Ben is no spring chicken...you're giving testimony against your own interests.
on May 4,2012 | 06:48AM
loquaciousone wrote:
Ben is young enough to be Inouye's grandson.
on May 4,2012 | 07:32AM
Keith_Rollman wrote:
I think your math is a little off.
on May 4,2012 | 08:48AM
allie wrote:
Ben is younger acting and looking than the two C's
on May 4,2012 | 07:43AM
Keith_Rollman wrote:
I totally disagree, Mayor Carlisle acts about 14.
on May 4,2012 | 08:50PM
false wrote:
Dan Inouye is offended because Ben Cayetano would not bow down to him. Dante Carpenter is correct, that Ben Cayetano is entitled to his difference in opinion on Rail, but Dan Inouye is not used to any Democrat not genuflecting anytime they pass by him.

GET USED TO IT, SENATOR INOUYE. Your' approval rating is dropping as fast as support for Rail is.

Senator, you need to amend your statement to: The only things that can stop Rail is WWIII or Ben Cayetano."
on May 4,2012 | 04:52AM
OB1NONO_ME wrote:
Don't forget the voters of Honolulu county.
on May 4,2012 | 07:31AM
allie wrote:
well said. We love Ben because he is so independent
on May 4,2012 | 07:40AM
Kawipoo wrote:
Dan has ordered a horse head to be put in Cayetano's bed.
on May 4,2012 | 04:55AM
Bruddah_Shane wrote:
Ben has the courage to speak out against Master Yoda. Not a whole of local politicians have that kind spine nowadays lest they fallout of favor of the "New Plantation Owners" that is the Democratic Party machine. The tax-paying Honolulu residents were sold on half-baked solution on heavy rail. Given the construction issues and permanent visual and environmental impacts, a light rail / expanded bus service would've been a the lease instrusive solution
on May 4,2012 | 05:11AM
Keith_Rollman wrote:
Ben insults people. That's what Ben does.
on May 4,2012 | 06:46AM
looking4u wrote:
Good post Rollman He dose insults people, and his attitude is, if you don’t like it tough S*^!#
on May 4,2012 | 07:21AM
pakeheat wrote:
looking4u, please take up english writing again, go back to class.
on May 4,2012 | 08:33AM
OB1NONO_ME wrote:
Ben tells the truth - which may be offensive to snake oil salesman.
on May 4,2012 | 07:32AM
allie wrote:
yup
on May 4,2012 | 07:40AM
allie wrote:
he honors us with his presence
on May 4,2012 | 07:40AM
Keith_Rollman wrote:
...and illegal contributors honor him with their presents.
on May 4,2012 | 08:49AM
Imagen wrote:
@Keith_Rollman: Let he who has no sins, cast the first stone. We all might "not remember exactly" what was said, but many mistruths and contradiction on the part of HART, Mayor(s), Danny Boy, and the ineptness of the Council, makes this whole project no longer viable. We do need viable resolutions to our traffic congestion - yes we all agree. This is one time that a "do-over" buttonwould really come in handy.
on May 4,2012 | 10:44AM
allie wrote:
it is good to insult tyrants
on May 4,2012 | 10:20AM
false wrote:
Sorry Senator Inouye, you don't look like us anymore. You don't talk like us anymore. You don't sound like us anymore. You don't know us anymore. You live over there and you act like over there. Just not locally connected anymore.
on May 4,2012 | 05:21AM
Recce wrote:
Gee, what would Mufi say?!
on May 4,2012 | 06:11AM
Keith_Rollman wrote:
Racists against Inouye. A new low, even for the anti-rail crowd.
on May 4,2012 | 06:24AM
Recce wrote:
But not too low for Mufi who was decidedly pro-rail. Let's "Compare and Decide" shall we, Keith?
on May 4,2012 | 07:07AM
Keith_Rollman wrote:
I "decided" you don't know what your talking about.
on May 4,2012 | 08:51AM
allie wrote:
has nothing to do with race
on May 4,2012 | 07:43AM
loquaciousone wrote:
I'm Japanese.
on May 4,2012 | 07:57AM
loquaciousone wrote:
Ben's Filipino
on May 4,2012 | 08:00AM
allie wrote:
I am a Native American Mandan. More indigenous than any Hawaiian out here hon.
on May 4,2012 | 08:29AM
loquaciousone wrote:
You came from the stone ages?
on May 4,2012 | 08:36AM
allie wrote:
Mandans came to America long before hawaiians invaded the Marquesans and enslaved them in 1000 AD or so. Hawaiians were illegal invaders. We Mandans migrated peacefully.
on May 4,2012 | 10:22AM
aiea7 wrote:
but your thoughts are only like a native and nothing else. please don't lie, you are just native.
on May 4,2012 | 11:35AM
Bruddah_Shane wrote:
Pulling the race card. Sad. So very sad. The last liberal weapon of value doesn't apply here.
on May 4,2012 | 08:26AM
pakeheat wrote:
Playing the race card again KR? You know what happened to Mufi right? "You look like me, I look like you", remember?
on May 4,2012 | 08:35AM
Keith_Rollman wrote:
I didn't write that...or do his direct mail, but then again you people make up practically everything you say...so, nothing new here.
on May 4,2012 | 08:53AM
loquaciousone wrote:
Mazie's Okinawan
on May 4,2012 | 08:37AM
false wrote:
Not true. Unless Fukishima ken has shifted to Okinawa because of the earthquake/tsunami. Get your facts straight.
on May 4,2012 | 03:27PM
Slick1 wrote:
It's about time someone puts Inouye in his place. Who does he think he is? I'm glad Cayetano soeaks up. He's the mayor for me.
on May 4,2012 | 05:21AM
MakaniKai wrote:
Slick1: I agree! I get the mentality that has irresponsibly placed Sen. Inouye on a pedestal. Dis guy has been in D.C. longer than I have been alive. (And I was born in the 60’s). If the Senator truly loved and cared for Hawaii he would have retired already. Along with the pork over the years he has also contributed to the decline in the quality of life especially for this island, i.e way too much dependence on the military and in the pocket of unions and land developers. Aloha.
on May 4,2012 | 10:52AM
Locokane wrote:
I can 't remember when if ever Senator Inouye has had a town hall meeting with local residents or sat down with them to hear their concerns! Yeah, he is at the 30,000 foot level.
on May 4,2012 | 05:35AM
mishtah wrote:
Danny, we need more weapons and military on Hawaii, then we can start some more wars and eat well too. Bacon, bring us bacon, with lots of juicy fat!
on May 4,2012 | 05:54AM
geniusboy wrote:
WAIT! Carlisle quotes Inouye saying "only WWIII will stop rail". If Inouye said this, it is ludicrous. Inouye maybe losing his mind. The Dems do not have a super majority in Senate anymore. They certainly do not control House. So how is that Inouye can make such a statement. Does he have powers we do not know about? Carlisle makes Inouye look stupid! Where was Inouye's statement made? In what context? Did Carlisle have Inouye's permission to quote him? This is more an indictment of Carlisle's poor character and cowardice, rather than Cayetano calling Inouye misinformed. Carlisle is tying to portray himself as tight with Inouye and using Inouye's statement as a veiled endorsement of him. FALSE! Carlise...stand on your record. Defend the Rail on its merits and not on the statements of an aged Senator.
on May 4,2012 | 05:37AM
looking4u wrote:
Geniusboy: Inouey is the #3 Man. Yes he does have powers that you don't know about.
on May 4,2012 | 06:35AM
allie wrote:
Inouye's day has come and gone. He lacks real power now and cannot dole out dolalrs to those who grovel inf ront of him as there is no more money
on May 4,2012 | 07:42AM
mishtah wrote:
Danny (aka Let's Go Vegas), your skills are better suited to watching TV with the volume on high. Please pass him the Pringles and Soda Pop.
on May 4,2012 | 05:48AM
bender wrote:
The burning quesiton in my mind is who does Dan Inouye dislike more, is it Ben Cayetano or Ed Case. And then a follow up question might be who will Dan next banish?
on May 4,2012 | 05:55AM
false wrote:
Shame on Ben! For all Dan has done for Hawaii the last 50 years, shame on you. He carried the economy and if it wasn't for him theDemocratic Party would be non existent in Hawaii!
on May 4,2012 | 05:56AM
Maneki_Neko wrote:
True. But you got to know when to fold 'em. Half a century snarfing at the tax trough is plenty. Say goodnight, Dan. Let the next generation start to build some experience and seniority. The plantations are gone, it's time to rest.
on May 4,2012 | 07:16AM
loquaciousone wrote:
I used to vote for Dan. However, he's like the punch drunk boxer that doesn't know when to hang up the gloves.
on May 4,2012 | 09:00AM
akuman808 wrote:
Senator Inouye, offensive is this every growing public project that has already outpaced the promised $1.5 billion that you guaranteed but we have yet to see come to past. But the projected new cost estimate is $7 billion, so there is a deficit of $5.5 billion which as the pork barrel king, you know all too well of deficits and the inability to cover that debt. So at best 21% is all that the federal government will pay, who pays for the other 79%?? So Governor Cayetano is spot on with reality. And as for the other city requirements like the sewage treatment upgrade that you supported Mufi in his determination it was not needed, well it is and is going to cost millions. Cayetano understands this is immediate and prioritizes this federal requirement not to mention public health safety. Stop lecturing people who disagree with you.
on May 4,2012 | 06:04AM
uth50 wrote:
senator Inouye has done so much for hawaii and also put his life on the line for the freedom of this country. did Ben serve and fought for this country and your freedom? maybe not just loud noises and trying to look important.
on May 4,2012 | 06:09AM
Keith_Rollman wrote:
Ben served in the illegal campaign contribution scandal.
on May 4,2012 | 06:45AM
Changalang wrote:
During the period of which you speak; Dan Inouye is the one who got Ben elected for his second term as Governor. I am sure Ben is grateful for the "help" with that whole situation.
on May 4,2012 | 07:31AM
Keith_Rollman wrote:
When you introduce yourself, I will buy the first two rounds.
on May 4,2012 | 03:48PM
Changalang wrote:
Thanks for the heads up. I'll wear my vest. :)
on May 4,2012 | 07:11PM
Kuniarr wrote:
Repeating garbage talk does not make it smell better.
on May 4,2012 | 02:12PM
ShibaiDakine wrote:
Did (______________) serve and fought for this country and your freedom? maybe not just loud noises and trying to look important?  Congradulations, you just described the body politic (with minor exception) of the congressional deligation, the state legislature, the governor, the mayor and the city council.
on May 4,2012 | 07:27AM
Publicbraddah wrote:
What Cayetano said is true and was not meant to discredit all the good that Inouye has done during his career. Inouye is more in tune on a national and global level and while he may think he knows what goes on in Hawaii, I don't think he's as close to the project as the local politicians. He's been fed information by Mufi, Caldwell, and Peter and is using that to form his opinion. I highly doubt if he's heard much from the anti railers.
on May 4,2012 | 06:18AM
false wrote:
Good, sensible post. Mahalo!
on May 4,2012 | 06:31AM
allie wrote:
Ben is telling us the truth we need to hear and mufi hid from us. Note how quiet and invisible Mufi has become in recent mon ths
on May 4,2012 | 07:41AM
maafifloos wrote:
Typical liberal democrat All he talks about is bringing home the bacon. And this appeals to the liberal voters.
on May 4,2012 | 06:36AM
Keith_Rollman wrote:
I noticed that the most venomous of the anti-Inouye rhetoric comes from bloggers who punch in before 6:00 AM. Could it be there is a nest of Republican operatives on the mainland somewhere using fake "hawaiian" names? This would be a very typical approach by the conservative "think tanks" that are pushing Ben. Is "MalamaKaAina" really up at 2:01 AM or sitting down to morning coffee in St. Louis? Looks like "loquaciousone" is a couple of time zones over...
on May 4,2012 | 06:42AM
Maneki_Neko wrote:
Rollman surely does love his conspiracy and paranoia. Isn't it time for you to have another pantyfight with Ryan, Keith? Sheesh...your slide into irrelevancy as a blogger is really accelerating, eh?
on May 4,2012 | 07:13AM
Keith_Rollman wrote:
Is Ryan back in charge of the anti-rail movement? I hope so.
on May 4,2012 | 09:00AM
Maneki_Neko wrote:
Are you getting compensated for all these anti-Ben, pro-Rail posts or are you just out of meaningful work?

Please tell me you haven't signed on as a paid blogger for anybody. There are already enough "flack-blogsters" of them down at Alii Place pecking on their keyboards without going all 1099 on the project.


on May 4,2012 | 12:22PM
ShibaiDakine wrote:
Actually Kieth, may I call you Kieth, we are all part of a vast right wing conspiracy assisted by aliens from other countries and planets whose intent and purpose is to infiltrate the innermost secretive workings of the left wingnuts controlling the state and munincipal governments. Using such nefarious weapons of destruction such as facts and figures (in addition to secret truth serums and chemicals we put into the watershed and jet fuel) we all operate late at night and coordinate our attacks early in the am thanks to our years of training as hard working taxpayers who had to get up early to pay our fair share of the taxes so the left wingnuts could later redistribute the wealth to all the wadoodies hanging around the government offices looking for their handoutslater in the day. There is much more, but that is all I am authorized to tell you at this time.
on May 4,2012 | 07:49AM
Keith_Rollman wrote:
No, you just use oil money to fight rail.
on May 4,2012 | 08:56AM
SandBar wrote:
Hmmm...are YOU from the mainland. Everyone in Hawaii knows that most of us need to work two jobs to stay afloat in Hawaii. I leave home at 6A and sometimes don't get home until 11:30P. On days I don't need to wake up early, I stay up late to wind down. The price I pay to keep up with the taxes and 'fees' that the government keep forcing upon us.
on May 4,2012 | 08:08AM
Keith_Rollman wrote:
I use my own name, and blog from my own place of business on Queen St., which I own....look it up. Which is more than can be verified for any of you blog trolls.
on May 4,2012 | 08:58AM
Maneki_Neko wrote:
The beauty of the innertubes is it lets the quality of argument and thought trump individuality. Adding your name doesn't contribute squat. And in your case, neither do the posts. Can we now retire that old "I use my name" argument? I mean....seriously, dude....it's 2012.
on May 4,2012 | 12:25PM
MakaniKai wrote:
Right on Maneki_Neko! I love your posts. Aloha
on May 4,2012 | 02:25PM
Keith_Rollman wrote:
I used that argument for a long time. Until I realized the local media didn't care about my constitutional rights. I've learned not to set myself up.
on May 4,2012 | 03:53PM
Maneki_Neko wrote:
OK, well my real name is Johnny Squidwatah and I live in Waialae Iki. Now does that add credibility to my posts? Yeah, posting a name really adds a lot. 'Cause it's not like you could make up name, is it?
on May 4,2012 | 04:25PM
Keith_Rollman wrote:
Look, I personally don't care. I 100% in support of anonymous blogging. I think it's clearly protected free speech. You say you're Mr. Squidwatah...you're Squidwatah. However a lot of people in these blogs shoot off their mouths from the safety of their screen names and say things they would have the balls to say to someone's face. I thing that's weak, and I call em on it.
on May 4,2012 | 05:39PM
Changalang wrote:
That is pure assumption. Perhaps people are not afraid of the same things you are; or maybe the real reason is because we are all named Keith Rolman and don't want to be confused with the original. The screen names give no real cover. Those who have the power to know, do know. Do not act naive. The vehemence at which some Rail supporters try to squelch free speech through veiled threats and intimidation, especially when it is to counteract damaging truth to their hired agenda is the real problem. When a political machine sees voters and constituents as subjects to be manipulated, lied to, or strong armed; then it is time for the Machine to be dismantled from within.
on May 4,2012 | 07:26PM
loquaciousone wrote:
I would use my own name too if I could only remember it. Sometimes I forget my parachute and yell Geronimo before I jump from my bed and land funny.
on May 4,2012 | 03:35PM
aiea7 wrote:
dementia? ok now i can understand your comments; i thought you were crazy, but now i know better. you just cannot help it like waipahu.
on May 4,2012 | 07:09PM
loquaciousone wrote:
We all have time machines.
on May 4,2012 | 03:32PM
wiliki wrote:
Inouye is right. Cayetano doesn't know what he is talking about.
on May 4,2012 | 06:46AM
SandBar wrote:
Or does he. Bullet holes in his campaign sign tells me Cayetano his a nerve somewhere.
on May 4,2012 | 08:13AM
Keith_Rollman wrote:
No, it tells us that an unidentified vandal hit the banner.
on May 4,2012 | 09:36AM
pakeheat wrote:
And yes, wiliki, you don't know what you're posting, it's too early for you.
on May 4,2012 | 08:39AM
wiliki wrote:
It is a little early... but so what?
on May 4,2012 | 03:43PM
dhclinton wrote:
thanks for the service dan but anybody thats been a polititian for 50 or 60 years is not in touch with reality let alone the people they represent
on May 4,2012 | 07:04AM
Maneki_Neko wrote:
Asked to comment on his colleague's response, Senator Akaka said, "When's lunch? I like soup."

Both our senators then pharted dust and left the room.


on May 4,2012 | 07:10AM
CriticalReader wrote:
Everyone is missing the point. There's nothing left to "name".
on May 4,2012 | 07:17AM
livinginhawaii wrote:
If Senator Inouye was not aware two key events then he is out of touch. If he was aware of the two events then we must question why he is not supporting his constituency. The first event was triggered by Cachola who failed to get in writing the route confirmation. Rail passed by the margin of his district which now will not benefit. The second event was spearheaded by the corrupt Nestor Garcia who voted for several key rail funding initiatives yet was on the payroll of a pro-rail group at that time. I dare say these events weigh heavily on the Civil Beat poll showing that the majority is not in favor of rail...
on May 4,2012 | 07:24AM
McCully wrote:
Cayetano is on ground level with the people, Dan, Peter and Kirk are in outer space.
on May 4,2012 | 07:25AM
Hank13 wrote:
The senator owes a lot to Big Business. Over the years they have helped him get elected and re-elected. The business owners will of course gain the most, but the employees should realize the short term gains of employment will eventually be replaced by increased taxes and other financial burdens brought on by the rail. These burdens will be passed on to many generations to come. Bullet holes in Cayetano signs, the construction industry is worried. The voters will finally get another vote deciding the fate of rail. I'm sure the anti-rail people are hoping Cayetano doesn't change his stance once he gets elected. GO BEN!!
on May 4,2012 | 07:26AM
Maneki_Neko wrote:
I can't wait for the next "Imua Rail" tv commercial that has Dan riding the rails, gumming his okazu and telling us it's good for our future.
on May 4,2012 | 07:30AM
loquaciousone wrote:
I think we all did enough piling on today. Let's wait for tomorrow and start all over again.
on May 4,2012 | 03:38PM
Maneki_Neko wrote:
OK. May the Fourth be with you my son.
on May 4,2012 | 04:26PM
allie wrote:
an has gotten sloppy, tyrannical and arrogant. Ben was right to call him out of touch. He is
on May 4,2012 | 07:38AM
aiea7 wrote:
we will see who is out of touch come nov. ben has made a huge tactical error and will suffer the consequences lie case did, which he will never recover from.
on May 4,2012 | 08:22AM
allie wrote:
Dan can fix the election?
on May 4,2012 | 08:30AM
false wrote:
What a crazy allegation!
on May 4,2012 | 09:16AM
Imagen wrote:
Aaahh, but is it???
on May 4,2012 | 10:57AM
Changalang wrote:
Absentee ballots are the gift that keeps on giving.
on May 4,2012 | 09:27AM
Denominator wrote:
Again, Ben speaks the truth.
on May 4,2012 | 08:18AM
thevisitor967 wrote:
Cayetano sounds like the deluded one to me. He should keep his big fat mouth shut.
on May 4,2012 | 08:24AM
OB1NONO_ME wrote:
Or else what?
on May 4,2012 | 09:37AM
allie wrote:
He has the right to speak. Dan fears a man like ben whgo is not afraid.
on May 4,2012 | 10:23AM
3012708737 wrote:
I doubt Dan fears much.
on May 4,2012 | 01:19PM
palolo wrote:
I am pro rail even if I do not live in the path of the rail. IMO, the bus alternative will not work. Some people refuse to ride the bus no matter what. Having said that, I believe everyone is entitled to their opinion. I like Gov. Ben and think he's very logical and smart. The Senator should have met with him to discuss Ben's view on rail. Why not meet? After he represents all of Hawaii. All of you who are dissing the Senator should realize how much he has done for Hawaii. All the money he has brought in for the State and he does it for everyone, every race, all the people. Ask Senator Akaka how much he respects Senator Dan. He maybe old but he's still trying to do what's he thinks is best for us. After all DIDN'T WE VOTE on RAIL? Why are we still trying to stop it, the people have already spoken.
on May 4,2012 | 08:53AM
Changalang wrote:
Perhaps what the people voted for then is not what they are getting now. In August, they will vote on if they want what they are getting, or if they want to stop it. Last chance, Oahu.
on May 4,2012 | 09:29AM
PCWarrior wrote:
Dan Inouye is a great man, but really, he should of retired 10 years ago. If folks want real change in America, the kind that Obama talked about four years ago but we haven't seen much yet, try this: term limits for congressmen and local reps.and senators. Think how different Hawaii would be if every two terms the politician would be pau.Akaka and Inouye should not be allowed to stay in office until they are dead or senile. If limits are good for the president, it's good for everyone else too.
on May 4,2012 | 09:25AM
Changalang wrote:
Disagree. Hawaii is relevent because of Sen. Inouye's mastery of the Senate. He has brought back more than Hawaii's share of Federal dollars. That is the job description of every Senator. He is no doubt the master. However, all things change. The Senate will flip in November, and he will be in the Minority with Harry Reid and the crazy GOP will be out for payback at every turn. There is no more money. What comes around, goes around. Hawaii may indeed be on the receiving end of the wrath of the new Senate Majority. Sen. Inouye has done great things for all of us. The question is, can he still? If so, where is the $1.55 billion? Show us. All that is right here and right now is debt and obligation directly onto the Oahu taxpayer only. Maybe we need a new face to take Hawaii through the next phase of gov't austerity. Time for Hawaii to develop a political strategy that will help us stand alone in a post-Inouye Hawaii. Better to start now and plan forward, in my humble opinion.
on May 4,2012 | 09:48AM
hoopono wrote:
The times they are a changing, Dan. It's time to "to smell the coffee" and realize people are not being swayed by you. You go Ben!!!
on May 4,2012 | 09:39AM
Truther wrote:
Dan, You road your 442nd stint 10 years to far; you should have retired gracefully after you voted yourself the a Medal of Honor.
on May 4,2012 | 09:46AM
Changalang wrote:
With all due respect; he earned every accolade of his service, and should be spoken of honorably. However, Hawaii has a newer generation of combat vets that paid in blood, treasure, and limbs. They need to provide for their families with limited resources and opportunities after service. The cost of Rail outweighs the benefits for the next generation of war heroes and their family's priorities. Senator Inouye has led by example; but times are changing and Hawaii needs new heroes to step up and lead in the future with different rules of the game.
on May 4,2012 | 09:58AM
nalogirl wrote:
Didn't Inouye also steal jewelry from people that were killed during the war?
on May 4,2012 | 10:33AM
MakaniKai wrote:
Truther: BULLSEYE!
on May 4,2012 | 11:02AM
Ronin006 wrote:
Cayetano is absolutely right about Dan Inouye being out of touch with Hawaii, and not just about rail. Senator Inouye recent comments about moving US Marines from Okinawa to Hawaii is another very good example. He said much work remains to be done to prepare for the move including securing more training areas. Senator Inouye apparently does not know the US military in Hawaii has plenty of training areas, but they cannot be used effectively. Makua Valley no longer can be used for live fire training because some sites in the valley are "sacred" to some Native Hawaiian activists; Bellows cannot be used for night training because it disturbs Waimanalo residences watching TV; the entire island of Kahoolawe was turned back to the state because the island was considered "sacred" to some Native Hawaiian activists; and Pohakuloa Training Area on the Big Island can't be used for high altitude helicopter landings and some locos object to some live fire because it prevents them from hunting in some areas. Yet, Senator Inouye supports moving the Marines from Okinawa to Hawaii by naively saying more training areas need to be secured. Like where, Senator Dan?
on May 4,2012 | 09:57AM
aiea7 wrote:
ronin - what a crazy statement. you say that Dan is incorrect about securing more training area in hawaii, and that we have plenty of training areas, then go on to state why these trainings areas have problems and cannot be used. which is it - do we have sufficient training areas or not? if the existing training areas cannot be used for whatever reason, other areas must be sought in order to have the marines stationed here. are we going to send them to the mainland or elsewhere to train? hence, if the marines are to be stationed here, we need to find new training areas locally. do you expect Dan to know exactly where, now? you are crazy to expect that. his statements are perfectly correct and consistent, it is your interpretation that is silly.
on May 4,2012 | 11:50AM
Ronin006 wrote:
aiea7, thanks for you reply. You think my statement is crazy? What's crazy is deciding to move 2,500 marines to Hawaii when they cannot effectively train in existing training areas and then suggest that problem will be solved by securing more training areas. You live on Oahu. Where do you suggest the marines acquire the new training areas it will need? Senator Inouye is out of touch if he does not know the US military is not able to use existing training areas to remain combat ready than say they will have to secure more training areas when he knows there are no such areas available on Oahu. I suppose the US government could use its power of eminent domain to take Molokai for its training needs. That would work.
on May 4,2012 | 03:08PM
butinski wrote:
I disagree with Senator Inouye. Ben Cayetano was respectful but stated the obvious about Dan being out of touch with ordinary local folks. Yes, I wonder when was the last time he visited with McDonald seniors and shared their stories? The late Senator Matsunaga was the real people's person. Inouye could have learned a lot from him but he unfortunately didn't.
on May 4,2012 | 10:12AM
NITRO08 wrote:
BEN IS OUT OF TOUCH DAN DID AND IS DOING MORE FOR HAWAII THAN BEN EVER DID WHICH IS NOTHING. WHAT DID BEN DO IN THE LAST 10 YEARS NOTHING HE'S OUT OF TOUCH THE LOCAL I TALK TO WANT THE RAIL.
on May 4,2012 | 08:38PM
Wazdat wrote:
YES YES YES FINALYY someone says it. Inouye is OUT OF TOUCH WITH NORMAL LIFE. He lives in a glass house and does NOT live here or for that matter spend anytime here. GO ben GO
on May 4,2012 | 10:13AM
Bean808 wrote:
I think we all know that Ben is right. Caldwell and Carlisle are kissing up to the Senator. The Senator is out of touch with Hawaii.
on May 4,2012 | 10:41AM
NITRO08 wrote:
DON'T THINK YOU MIGHT HURT YOUR SELF!
on May 4,2012 | 08:39PM
pralix wrote:
I don't see the insult. It's clear Dan Inouye did great service for the state of Hawaii during his time. But he's a senator. A senior senator. If somehow something happens to Obama, Biden, and Boehner, Inouye would have presidential status. Clearly, he should not be focusing on what is happening with the rail. He's out of touch with the people of the City and County of Honolulu. Does he know how much people are still in favor of rail? Does he know how bad our current infrastructure is?
on May 4,2012 | 10:53AM
Dan_Douglass wrote:
Cayetano made an excellent point. When was the last time Inouye has talked to the retirees who regularly go to McDonald's for breakfast? They are the most consistent voting block. Inouye is on a different level with his federal influence, but has been politically swinging and missing with the pulse of Hawaii's citizens (especially in his own party) over the last several cycles... Clinton for Pres., Hanabusa for Congress (special election), Hanneman for Governor.
on May 4,2012 | 11:05AM
aiea7 wrote:
what has seniors got to do with rail. rail is not for the seniors, it is for the future generations. is obvious, that being 75-85 years old, rail will never be an important part of any senior. and ben disses our senior stating that they go to mcdonalds because it is cheap. maybe so, but our seniors are not cheap, they are precious.
on May 4,2012 | 11:54AM
false wrote:
Seniors are the most important voting block, thats what. You have a lot to learn with comments like that.
on May 4,2012 | 12:37PM
NITRO08 wrote:
AND THEY ALL VOTED FOR DAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
on May 4,2012 | 08:41PM
Dan_Douglass wrote:
The retirees VOTE and are by and large on fixed incomes. The elderly and young on fixed incomes feel the .5% tax increase the most in Honolulu County. Rail will bury future generations under greater debt. Only those who are ON THE TAKE with this rail plan would see short-lived benefit. Aiea7, you are deceptive. Cayetano said McDonald's is cheap, not the retirees.
on May 4,2012 | 12:40PM
aiea7 wrote:
don't cheap people go to cheap places? guess that is why cayetano knows that mcdonalds is cheap, that is his favorite hang-out. by the way, which mcdonalds? bet he never treats any of the precious seniors, because he is too cheap.
on May 4,2012 | 07:16PM
Dan_Douglass wrote:
Maybe they're "cheap people" in your world... keep guessing. If you've lived in Hawaii and have gone inside McDonald's in the morning, you'll see that it's a very common hangout for many retirees in many communities to drink coffee, socialize, and discuss current events with a copy of the paper. It's a pretty important place to get the pulse of the voters.
on May 4,2012 | 07:39PM
Shawn211 wrote:
Way tooo much "bugga-wrong" sauce in the pot.
on May 4,2012 | 11:05AM
inverse wrote:
Anyone who is not at the rail feeding trough knows that the Oahu rail project has turned into a sick B S money grab, all at taxpayers expense. Even internal FTA emails confirmed that gov't officials are outright LYING to the public in order to force the rail project into existence no matter what the negative financial and other consequences it will have on the general population on Oahu and Hawaii. It is very sad to see a true hero like Inouye, who with his fellow AJA's fought prejudice and earned the respect for AJA's and the generations that followed him since WW2. But NOTHING last forever and as the younger generation watch our parents and grandparents age, and with father time they ALL lose their previously sharp minds and integrity to parkinsons, alzheimers, senility, (& whatever else brain wasting/degenerative diseases) etc. That has been abundantly apparent with Akaka and now with Inouye and it is very disheartening to see such a great person become petty, vindictive and OUT OF TOUCH of what is BEST for the people of Hawaii. I wish someone like former General Shinseki take over for our elected leaders, including Inouye, given Shinseki's stellar military background and his brave stand to back his men against political hacks like Donald Rumsfeld, who after Shinseki RIGHTLY contradicted Rumsfleld, Rumsfeld basically had Shinseki fired. Unlike leaders like Colin Powell, who as a good soldier is a follower and NOT a leader, allowed himself and the general public to be MANIPULATED by Rumsfeld and Cheney regarding the bogus 2nd war in Iraq.. I get the impression Shinseki will NOT just bow down to Inouye and blindly, like POTTED PLANTS do exactly what Inouye tells him to do or on how to vote like Ms Lazy, so Shinsek will NOT put run for office until AFTER Inouye retires or passes away. Cayetano is far from perfect but Oahu NEEDS elected leaders to NOT be POTTED PLANTS and start thinking for themselves and at least attempt to do what is best for the residents of Oahu and NOT for special interest who are looking to gain only $$$ and power all at taxpayers expense.
on May 4,2012 | 11:24AM
tim5fl wrote:
Imagine that,Cayetano standing up to the godfather,is nothing sacred anymore?
on May 4,2012 | 11:49AM
joyce1 wrote:
I support Cayetano. He will win big.
on May 4,2012 | 12:03PM
NITRO08 wrote:
AND IF HE DOES YOU WILL LOSE!!!!!!!!!
on May 4,2012 | 08:42PM
LRC wrote:
Shame on Cayetano. What an awful Democrat. Another Republican in disguise...like our current hippie gov.
on May 4,2012 | 12:05PM
HealthyandHappy wrote:
Dan has presided over the fiscal deterioration of America and by extension Hawaii. What a loser, only capable of leading looters to contracts.
on May 4,2012 | 12:14PM
serious wrote:
Uncle Dan deserves a little respect. A Congressional Medal of Honor--can't beat that--and if you read the reason he got it--he certainly deserved it. And, best of all he received it from that other War Hero, Bill Clinton. But, yes, it takes a lot of internal emotion and strength to say--I have done my job, it's time to turn the seat over to someone with the vision of youth!!!
on May 4,2012 | 12:41PM
HealthyandHappy wrote:
So in your book it is okay for Dan to blackmail the voters of hawaii by saying " I might, may , could possibly get 1,550,000,000.00 if you vote for a pro rail candidate.
on May 4,2012 | 01:02PM
MakaniKai wrote:
HappyandHealthy - I thought I was the only one who gets that Sen. Inouye has greatly contributed to; as you say "the fiscal deterioration of America and by extension Hawaii." The PORK feeders at the trough fail to see that the quality of life here in these islands suffers under the dealings in D.C. If he REALLY cared about Hawaii Senator Inouye would have secured a waiver for Hawaii and Alaska under the Jones Act. Bruddah get plently kala......a lot at our expense. Aloha.
on May 4,2012 | 02:34PM
walaau808 wrote:
Ben was a crappy governor, and if elected will also be a crappy mayor. Don't vote for Ben just because of rail...that in and of itself is just plain stupid.
on May 4,2012 | 12:27PM
3012708737 wrote:
Someone's awake here! I agree. What else is he going to do or not? Besides, why are so many so in love with having more cars spewing traffic, pollution, and landfill junkers? Go to another city and ride a nice (I said nice--I'm not talking about some old, antiquated systems) rail where you get places quickly and efficiently and then come back and sit in traffic. I also don't know how anyone can complain about a potential eyesore when there's so much visual pollution already on the highways and skyline.
on May 4,2012 | 01:17PM
pakeheat wrote:
Don't compare apples and oranges, you need to wake up, LOL.
on May 4,2012 | 03:43PM
Maneki_Neko wrote:
If all Ben accomplishes as Mayor is to ax the rail, he will have saved everyone on Oahu $5,500. That's good enough for me.

(Saving untold hundreds of millions in future operating costs, property tax increases, utility surcharges and other costs for Frankentrain is just gravy.)


on May 4,2012 | 04:29PM
pgkemp wrote:
ben all the way............
on May 4,2012 | 12:34PM
localpoi wrote:
Career politicians are out of touch with reality, they live by different standards and rules.
on May 4,2012 | 01:06PM
luvshawaii wrote:
I'm voting for Mr. Cayetano!
on May 4,2012 | 01:19PM
Akhmed_PKC wrote:
Can't go insulting the King now!
on May 4,2012 | 02:01PM
poidragon wrote:
Hey, Dan Inouye: 'You are out of touch with the rest of Hawaii!' You may not like the reality of it, but that is just what is happening; you spend too much time in Washington with Congressional business that you are losing touch with what the State of Hawaii really needs! You can't see the forest from the tree's! Dan Akaka is stepping down, don't you think it is time for you to do the same? The Old Democratic guard has had it's day, now it is time for new blood to be voted in and continue what the 'Old Guard' has begun for our State!
on May 4,2012 | 02:10PM
dufus wrote:
Right on poidragon, couldn't have said it better......! He needs to retire now before Alzheimer's sets in...
on May 4,2012 | 03:40PM
koaangel wrote:
Shame of Dante Carpenter. First, he defended the actions of his party for not allowing Laura Thielen to run as a Democrat for a Senate seat. Now he sides with his old buddy Cayetano who has a quarrel with Inoye. Carpenter is not fit to be chair of the party. He is much too biased to be a leader of the Democratic Party. No wonder the people of the Big Island would not re-elect him after one term. He lost to a perennial loser until then. Carpenter must really be the loser in all of this.
on May 4,2012 | 03:26PM
Changalang wrote:
Carpenter is a wealth of history and knowledge and an asset to the growing pains the Hawaii Democratic Party is currently experiencing. A thorough understanding of how we got here and why, helps make the path in the future easier to decide.
on May 4,2012 | 03:41PM
aiea7 wrote:
nope, carpenter and cayetano are both confused washed up politicians. but they like to to to mcdonalds and partake in the cheap eats.
on May 4,2012 | 07:18PM
Changalang wrote:
I guess we will have to look forward to Keith or yourself becoming the next Chair of the Hawaii Democratic Party then?
on May 4,2012 | 07:57PM
Ulalei wrote:
is he miffed because he doesn't know why Cayetano feels that way, or because he's out of touch?
on May 4,2012 | 04:16PM