With campaign season about to get into full swing, I’m getting the phone calls, visits, and hearing whispers about who intends to or is thinking about running for public office.
The other day outside Island Naturals in Pahoa, I ran into one of my favorite people to talk about politics with and we briefly shared notes. My friend wanted to know how well I have been following the redistricting process and where the maps put Councilman Fred Blas. As far as I can tell, and I regret that I have not had the time and resources to follow redistricting at any depth, all the proposed maps put Hawaiian Beaches, where Blas lives, into District 4 with Hawaiian Paradise Park. Just about all the proposed maps lump Pahoa and Hawaiian Acres into the same district as Kalapana and Opihikao.
There is so much to talk about; I really can’t wait to analyze it all here. But, for now, let’s focus on Puna. With Blas moving from representation of Council District 5 to District 4, District 5 becomes a blank slate, with no incumbent representative. I stressed to my friend outside Island Naturals that, for this campaign season ahead, I want to focus my energy on supporting good candidates for Puna and for my very own Council District 5. “Zendo Kern!” I told my friend. He smiled and agreed; he has known Zendo since Zendo was a young boy, and knows Zen’s appeal: he’s business-minded and environmentally conscious.
When Zen told my husband and I his intentions to run for County Council and asked me to help him with his political campaign, I immediately responded, “yes!” Never mind that I have zero free time to assist him, or anyone for that matter, in a political campaign. Never mind that I know nothing about how to run a political campaign. Never mind that journalists traditionally don’t dabble in politics like that. I feel compelled to help and to see to it that a high-caliber person such as Zen gets elected to the Hawaii County Council to represent District 5. I tell you this now, not just to give you the scoop about Zen, but to provide you with full disclosure: I will not be able to objectively cover the Council District 5 race.
You will see Zen’s ad appear to the right of this page. You will see a sign for him on our property. You will see a bumper sticker in support of Zen on my car. You might even see my family and me on the side of the road waving in support of Zen. I will be quite obviously in favor of him winning the election to represent Council District 5. I hope you don’t resent me for it. I’m actually feeling quite excited about stepping off the fence and picking a side.
As you know, I have stepped off the fence before, going to work for legislative assistant to Puna Councilwoman Emily Naeole in 2007 and 2008. But my focus was on public relations for Naeole and helping her create public policy. I engaged in sign-waving once or twice, but I made a point of not mixing my work in the councilwoman’s office with her campaign for re-election.
This decision to assist Zen is quite different. And it’s very exciting. I wish him all the best and I sincerely am excited for Puna!
November 11th, 2011 at 10:11 am
What a surprise! I have spoken with Zendo quite often of late, as he has been a regular at the redistricting committee meetings and a staunch advocate for Puna and for fairness and cooperation – and he never breathed a word about a possible candidacy! You didn’t mention, Tiff, that Zendo chairs the E. Hawaii Planning Commission, and has such has a strong background in land use issues, policies and procedures – a strong suit of skills to bring to a council seat.
I will wait to see who else throws their hat into the ring, but I’m happy to see that District 5 will have at least one pono and viable candidate.
November 11th, 2011 at 12:33 pm
Well said Rene. Zen attended a Red Road meeting a few months ago and I was impressed at his knowledge of issues and I felt an overall sense of him being a good guy. We need someone from Puna and for Puna…let’s just hope we get the extra Council seat…the people of
Puna deserve it
November 11th, 2011 at 6:09 pm
I have been attending almost every Redistricting Commision meeting. On two occasions Zendo spoke at these meetings. He spoke for the second time this week at the meeting. I was so impressed with his presentation and manner. Afterward, I congradulated him on his presentation. He is young, born and raised in Puna and seemingly has a calm manner about himself.
November 11th, 2011 at 9:21 pm
I’ve only met Zendo recently, during the redistricting process, and I must say that I have been very impressed with him.
I know nothing of his politics, but his demeanor and attitude are laudable. And, anyone who can put up with the misery of serving on the Planning Commission has the even temper necessary for the Council.
November 11th, 2011 at 10:12 pm
Joining the bandwagon, I had a chance to discuss planning issues with Zendo at county a couple years ago and like the other posts report, he is very considerate, knowledgeable and politic. He will likely bring lucidity to any discussion. Glad he’s willing to step forward!
November 12th, 2011 at 11:04 am
And by the way, Mark, the Redistricting Commission’s Draft Final Plan DOES give Puna 2 full undiluted Council seats.
November 12th, 2011 at 11:13 am
For what the opinion of a Waimea resident is worth: Puna will be well served and never regret electing Zendo for its District 5 representative. What, for me, elevated him from a good candidate to a great candidate — was that he clearly had a far-sighted view of what is good for Puna and the County as a whole–and not just a short-sighted view how to win some one or another isolated issue.
I would suggest to you, Tiff, that an easy and effective way to support Zendo will be to post his testimony before the Redistricting Commission over the past several meetings (those minutes will soon be posted at the County Redistricting site) and perhaps as well quote one or more of the complimentary statements of several commissioners at the November 10, 2011.
I encourage your support for Zendo — as a person who will serve your community of interests with exceptional ability and dedication. M. Wille
November 12th, 2011 at 12:02 pm
I believe the good opinion of residents from other districts matters, as the decisions of each council member have a great impact on other districts.
November 12th, 2011 at 12:12 pm
Mahalo Rene, that is excellent news.
November 12th, 2011 at 12:23 pm
Mike, that sounds like a true endorsement. Two jobs I would never accept is being on planning commission or your about to be concluded apportionment panel.
November 13th, 2011 at 12:31 am
Hugh–
I haven’t been on the planning commission (and I’m not sure I’d want to be), but I thoroughly enjoyed the redistricting commission. We had a great bunch of people, all of whom were committed to doing the best job they could for all of the county.
It was a good experience.
aloha,
mike
November 15th, 2011 at 2:18 pm
Let us have a decent ambitious and akamai politician in office-Zen!used to take zen fishing in the waawaa areatalk about a quick study and am looking forward to the youngest mayor ever for hawaii county…
November 17th, 2011 at 12:24 pm
Zen will make a great candidate! As his old neighbor, I wish him much success in this upcoming election. GO ZEN!!