In their last scheduled statewide television appearance, Democrat Mark Takai and Republican Charles Djou broke little new ground on issues Sunday, choosing instead to sharpen their rhetoric on partisanship and who would better serve the people of Hawaii in the next Congress.
Takai again attempted to tie Djou to tea party Republicans who some have blamed for divisive partisan politics that have prevented Congress from getting any work done. Djou has characterized the attacks as nothing more than petty name calling, repeatedly referring to the current climate as "poisonous."
Takai also addressed charges by Republicans that he has changed his position on some issues since he first took office, saying that throughout his career as a state lawmaker his political views have been shaped by his life experiences.
"I think that as a good leader, especially in the Legislature after 20 years, acknowledging and making shifts in judgment is OK," Takai said. "I think it’s important to acknowledge responding to your constituents and over time constituents, as well, change."
He thenshifted the focus, painting Djou as an obstructionist aligned with tea party Republicans whose values and priorities do not match those of traditionally Democratic Hawaii. He said Djou has voted against omnibus budget bills at every level of government throughout his career.
"That is not a centrist. That is actually an obstructionist," Takai said. "It’s easy to just say no, but what that means is: every single item in that budget, you’re saying no to."
Djou, who held the office for seven months after winning a special election in 2010, argued that he has been a centrist throughout his career and voted against tax increases because of the burden they place on Hawaii residents.
"We are crushing our people with an incredibly high cost of living," he said. "I don’t want to make it more difficult for the people."
He stressed the need to hold the line on taxes, but stopped short of saying he would never raise taxes.
"If we absolutely need to — everything’s on the table," Djou said.
He used the opportunity to say he would work with any member of Congress, regardless of party, and repeated his stance that it is critical for voters to elect someone who would be able to represent Hawaii’s interests in the majority caucus should both chambers go to the Republicans in the midterm elections, as some have speculated.
The debate, sponsored by Hawaii News Now and the Honolulu Star-Advertiser, marked their third head-to-head forum in five days. The forums have allowed both to stake out familiar positions on various issues, including Social Security and Medicare, the Jones Act, renewable energy, the Veterans Affairs Administration and the war against Islamic militants in Iraq and Syria.
Both have tried to remain centrist while also supporting some the core principles of their parties.
Djou has stressed the need to lower the cost of doing business in Hawaii by reducing the layers of government regulation and taxes, thus encouraging more small business owners to hire more employees and expand operations.
Takai has voiced support for infrastructure projects at the federal level that drive the overall economy and spur job creation, while also backing renewable energy and sustainable food initiatives to prevent an estimated annual loss of $9 billion from the economy for the importation of foreign oil.
