WCA TO HOST GENERAL ELECTION CANDIDATE FORUM THURS., OCTOBER 17, 2024 FROM 5:30-7:30PM
Almost coinciding with Hawai’i Island residents receiving General Election VOTE BY MAIL ballots, Waimea Community Association {WCA) will host a General Election “speed dating” candidate forum spotlighting three key races – Hawai’i County Mayor, State House District 8 and County Council District 9.
All Waimea and Hawai’i Island voters are invited to participate from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Thurs., Oct. 17, 2024 in Kahilu Town Hall across from Kahilu Theatre. There is no charge and light refreshments will be provided.
Six candidates – Mitch Roth and Kimo Alameda for Mayor, David Tarnas and Monique Perreira for State House of Representatives District 8, and James Hustace and Cindy Evans for County Council District 9 (North/South Kohala) have confirmed participation in what will be a series of fast-pace question and answer sessions as they rotate around the room, spending about 20 minutes meeting face-to-face with each of the six groupings of attendees.
Volunteer facilitators at each of the six groupings will help ensure that all attendees have a brief opportunity to share their chief concern or quickly pose a question.
“Our community prefers this ‘speed dating’ format because it’s very up close and personal – a chance to get to know each candidate better and speak about personal priorities,” said WCA President Nancy Carr Smith.
Each attendee will receive a printed agenda with a one-page flier for each candidate. Attendees may wear candidate t-shirts but no campaign signs or banners will be permitted in the room.
WCA has hosted candidate forums during election years for more than 40 years.
Hawai’i voters will receive VOTE BY MAIL ballots about Fri., Oct. 18...and best that they be filled out, signed and returned soonest by mail (ideally before Halloween), or taken to a secure ballot drop box at the Waimea or Kapa'au Police Stations or at the Waikoloa Village community center next to the golf course BEFORE 7PM, Tues., Nov. 5 - best if sooner!
For other questions including not receiving a ballot, Voter Service Center locations and hours of operation, or needing special assistance, go to http://www.elections.hawaiicounty.gov or call (808) 961-8277 during business hours.
