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Honolulu League Polls Candidates August-October 1956
articles
Voter League Queries City Candidates - Advertiser - Aug. 24, 1956
The Women Ask Questions - Advertiser - Aug. 27, 1956
Women Voters To Poll Mayor Board Candidates - Advertiser - Aug. 28, 1956
Women Voters To Poll Mayor Board Candidates - Star-Bulletin - Aug. 29, 1956
The 19th Amendment Was Wise - Star-Bulletin - Sept. 7, 1956
Women Voters Meet Tomorrow - Advertiser - Sept. 11, 1956
Lawyer Stresses Need to Cast Vote - Star-Bulletin - Sept. 13, 1956
League Info on Rally
Women's Leaguers Question Candidates - Star-Bulletin - Sept. 28, 1956
4 Mayor Candidates Reply To League Survey - Advertiser - Oct. 2, 1956
Supervisor Candidates Give Views on Major Island Issues - Advertiser - Oct. 2, 1956
Who Will Manage Our City? - Advertiser editorial - Oct. 3, 1956
Candidates Answer Questions on Election Issues - Star-Bulletin - Oct. 3, 1956
Letter inviting candidates to Oct. 17 Rally - League info, Oct. 7, 1956
Questions and Biographies for the October 17 Rally - League info.
League to Sponsor Candidate Rally - Advertiser - Oct. 14, 1956
Candidates State Views on Municipal Problems - Advertiser - Oct. 18, 1956
A Public Service to Oahu's Voters - Star-Bulletin editorial - Oct. 19, 1956
Questions for Candidates - Advertiser - Oct. 19, 1956
Blaisdell Urges 'Strong' Mayor - Star-Bulletin - Oct. 19, 1956
News Coverage of LWV Says Thanks - Star-Bulletin letters- Oct. 31, 1956
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Honolulu Advertiser, August 24, 1956
Voter League Queries City Candidates
The League of Women Voters of Honolulu plans to send a questionnaire to all mayoralty and supervisor candidates again this year seeking biographical and other information. The questionnaires will go out after, Sept. 6, the deadline for filing for office.
Each candidate is asked to outline his educational and occupational background, public offices held and civic activities.
OTHER QUESTIONS asked by the non-partisan group which plans to make the replies public:
- How can provision be made for adequate: (a) Water supply. (b) Fire protection. (c) Police protection in rural areas and new subdivisions?
- How can the city-county government insure the enforcement of a fair and consistent policy in the granting of variances from the zoning and building laws?
- Do you favor fireworks control, and if so, what kind of controls do you favor?
- What do you think will be the major issues facing the city and county government in the next two years?
Candidates are asked to answer each question "in not more than 50 words."
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Honolulu Advertiser, August 28, 1956
Women Voters To Poll Mayor Board Candidates
The Honolulu League of Women Voters plans to send questionnaires to all candidates for Mayor and the Board of Supervisors seeking biographical and platform information.
The candidate will be asked to outline his educational and occupational background, public offices held and civic activities.
Other questions will include views on water supply, fire protection, police protection, zoning variances and building laws, fireworks control and other issues.
The non-partisan group plans to make the results public.
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Honolulu Advertiser, August 27, 1956
The Women Ask Questions
Candidates for the mayoralty and for the Board of Supervisors have an opportunity to get a lot of information about themselves before the public by answering the questionnaire the League of Women Voters will send them early next month. The league wants to accumulate biographical data on the candidates. It also wants to learn their stands
on a number of issues, as reported in Friday's Advertiser. Results of the questionnaires will be printed in The Advertiser a week or so before election time.
Some of the questions can be answered quite easily; others, unfortunately cannot be. It is easy enough, for instance, to state a position on fireworks control. It is fairly simple to list the vital issues before the community. But some questions are such that boards and commissions have filled volumes and storerooms through the generations with verbose reports in the form of "answers."
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Imagine the plight of a candidate faced with the request to answer in less than 50 words the following: "How can the City-County government insure the enforcement of a fair and consistent policy in the granting of variances from the zoning and building laws?"
The manner in which a candidate tries to answer such a question in a brief paragraph might be an indication of his intelligence, but nobody really could expect him to make a start on the job.
The League of Women Voters, incidentally, is a splendid example of democracy in action. It is non-partisan, and has the broad aim of "promoting political responsibility through informed and active participation of citizens in government."
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It is difficult at times to get mass community support behind a movement such as the League of Women Voters. Too many persons are anxious to see good government but not anxious to do anything about it. Others fail to realize the small part they may play is a potent force.
The League offers an answer to both. To the ones with a lack of interest, it sets forth a program all can join. No member need feel there is nothing to do. And for those not aware of their potential contribution to good government, the League paints a clear picture of the formation of government and its dependence on individual participation, active participation.
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Honolulu Star-Bulletin, August 29, 1956
Women Voters To Poll Mayor, Board Candidates
The Honolulu League of Women Voters plans to send questionnaires to all candidates for Mayor and the Board of Supervisors seeking biographical and platform information.
The candidate will be asked to outline his educational and occupational background, public offices held and civic activities.
Other questions will include views on water supply, fire protection, police protection, zoning variances and building laws, fireworks control and other issues.
The non-partisan group plans to make the results public.
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Honolulu Star-Bulletin, Sept. 7, 1956
The 19th Amendment Was Wise
Only 36 years ago American women were given the right to vote. The 19th Amendment to the Constitution was ratified in 1920, when 36 states approved that amendment.
This year women voters will be a major factor in the outcome of the presidential election the 10th in which they have taken part as voters.
Much of the support received by President Eisenhower in 1952 came from active, hard
working women's groups.
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Each passing year, each new election, reaffirms the wisdom of the supporters of the 19th Amendment: For women have become vigilant, informed, dedicated citizens. They know the power of their vote.
An organization that has done much to increase the effectiveness of women's citizenship is the League of Women Voters.
This is a non-partisan association. Its mission is primarily educational. It encourages full participation by women in their duties as voting citizens.
One of the most useful functions of the League of Women Voters, nationally and inhundreds of local chapters, is to conduct basic political research for the information of its membership.
A recent publication of the national organization, Facts and Attitudes on World Trade, is the result of a monumental undertaking. Research teams worked in 41 states, in 249 Congressional districts. They made 17 state surveys, 171 local surveys, conducted 11,229 interviews. Altogether, 530 local leagues took part.
The compilation is a helpful, thoughtful analysis of an important and challenging issue. Needless to say, its value is not restricted to women voters.
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Similarly, the Honolulu League of Women Voters, in its two-volume survey of the Honolulu City government, accomplished what no one had bothered to do previously. As a direct result of that study, Honolulu is on its way to a new city charter.
Hawaii and the nation owe much to the diligence, the intelligence and the patient efforts of our women voters and their fine organization, the League of Women Voters.
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Honolulu Advertiser, Sept. 11, 1956
Women Voters Meet Tomorrow
The League of Women Voters of Honolulu will meet tomorrow at 7:30 p.m. at the YWCA for an informative meeting for new voters and new league members. The public is invited. There will be a short movie entitled, "A Ticket to Freedom." George Hong, Honolulu attorney, will discuss ballots.
League members, Miss Margaret Holden and Mrs. Tyson, will answer questions about !voting, voting districts, absentee ballots and other questions guests might have.
There will be a social hour following the meeting and refreshments will be served.
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Honolulu Star-Bulletin, Sept. 13, 1956
Lawyer Stresses Need to Cast Vote
George Hong, Honolulu attorney, stressed the importance of voting at a meeting of the Honolulu League of Women Voters Wednesday at thι Y.W.C.A. on Richards Street.
A movie, A Ticket to Freedom, was also shown to impress new voters with the importance of exercising their right to vote.
Mr. Hong pointed out that Honolulu's voting record is a bit higher than the national average of 51 per cent.
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League Info on Rally
SEE! HEAR!! COMPARE!!!
CITY-COUNTY CANDIDATES FROM BOTH PARTIES
At
NON-PARTISAN RALLY
Aliiolani School Auditorium
6th and Waialae Avenue - Kaimuki
Wednesday, October 17, at 7:30 P. M.
Admission Free
Sponsored By
LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF HONOLULU
TOPICS FOR DISCUSSION BY CANDIDATES NON-PARTISAN RALLY
- What changes in City Government do you think advisable to incorporate in the new Charter?
- Specific recommendation for economies in City Government.
- Methods of raising additional revenues for the City-County other
than through actions by the Territorial Legislature.
- What do you see as major problems in zoning and city planning?
- What methods do you suggest to control in and around our public
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Honolulu Star-Bulletin, Sept. 28, 1956
Women's Leaguers Question Candidates
Mrs. C. F. Schutte, left, chairman of Voters Service of the League of Women Voters, and Mrs. Louis Braude vice-chairman present a list of questions to candidates for reelection on the Board of Supervisors, Dr. Samuel K. Apoliona, second from left, Republican, and Noble Kauhane, Democrat. Mr. Kauhane is chairman of the Public Works Committee and Dr. Apoliona is a member of that committee.
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Members of the Voters Service Committee of the League of Women Voters of Honolulu started September 7 to interview candidates running for Mayor and Supervisors in the City-County of Honolulu, in the Primary election.
A list of four questions were asked each candidate.
- How can provision be made for adequate
- Water supply
- Fire protection
- Police protection in rural areas and new subdivisions?
- How can the City and County government insure the enforcement of a fair and consistent policy in the granting of variances, from the zoning and building laws?
- Do you favor fireworks control, and if so, what kind of control do you favor?
- What do you think will be the major issues facing the City and County government in the next two years?
The answers to these questions are now coming in and the results will be compiled and published before the Primary election.
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League Information
Questions and Biographies for the Rally
LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF HONOLULU
NON-PARTISAN RALLY
OCTOBER 17 1956
ALIIOLANI SCHOOL AUDITORIUM
TOPICS
- What changes in city government do you think advisable to incorporate in the now charter?
- Specific recommendations for economies in city government.
- Methods of raising additional revenues for the city and
county other than through actions by the Territorial
Legislature.
- What do you see as major problems in zoning and city planning?
- What methods do you suggest to control vandalism in and around our public schools and parks?
- Financing of adequate care for medically indigent of city and county of Honolulu.
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The following information taken from League questionnaires was supplied by the Candidates,
BLAISDELL, NEAL S. (R)
Age: 53. Education: Attended Kamehameha School, Graduate St. Louis College, Attended University of Hawaii, Graduate Bucknell University,
Occupational experience: Personnel Director for Hawaiian Pineapple Co, 16 years, Director of Dept of Public Welfare 1½ years.
Public Offices held: Elected Senator in 1947, elected member of the House of Representatives in 1945, elected Mayor in 1954 to 1956.
Civic Activities: Member Board of Directors Child and Family Service, Community Youth Committee - St. Louis and U. of Hawaii Alumni Associations, Sigma Chi Fraternity.
VANNATTA, WILLIAM C. (D)
Age: 49. Education: Paauilo School, Punahou, U. of Hawaii
Occupational experience: Civil engineer, construction sup't, Chief Engineer Dep't Public Works.
Public Offices held: Employee Terr. Dep't Public Works, Chief Engineer City-County of Honolulu.
Civic Activities: P.T,A., Community Association, V.P. Aiea Lions Club, President Haw'n Civic Club.
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The following information taken from League questionnaires was supplied by the Candidates for Board of Supervisors.
ALULI, NANE A. (R)
Age: 49. Education: L.L.B.
Occupational experience: Practising attorney at law.
Public Offices held: None
Civic Activities: None given.
APOLIONA, DR. SAM K. (R)
Age: 49. Education: St. Louis College, University of Southern California,.
Occupational experience: Doctor of dental surgery.
Public Offices held: Delegate to the Constitutional Convention 1950, Board of Supervisors since 1951 (3 terms).
Civic Activities: Director St. Louis heights Community Assn, Kaimuki Community Council, Moiliili Community Ass'n, McCully Community Ass'n, District Captain for both Community Chest and Red Cross campaigns, President of 34th precinct, 4th district Republican party, member of about 14 clubs.
CHIKASUYE, CLESSON Y. (D)
Age: 37. Education: B.A. degree Univ. of Hawaii, LL.B. degree Univ. of Colorado.
Occupational experience: Attorney at law.
Public Offices held: Past member of Terr. Labor and Industrial Relations Appeal Board.
Civic Activities: Past pres. Honolulu Japanese Chamber of Commerce, member and past pres. Board of Managers of Kaimuki Y.M.C.A., member Japanese Chamber of Commerce, past member Board of Directors Y.M.C.A., member Board of Directors Volunteer Service Bureau, member Iolani School P.T.G., member Hawaii Economics Study Club, Bar Ass'n of Hawaii.
DOI, MASATO (D)
Age: 35. Education: Mid-Pacific Institute, Univ. of Hawaii, Columbia College B.A., Columbia Law School LL.B.
Occupational experience: Attorney in private practice 6 years.
Public Offices held: House of Representatives, 1954-1956.
Civic Activities: MPI Alumni Ass'n president ('54-'55), 442 Veterans Club president ('53), director Japanese Junior Chamber of Commerce, Waioli Lions Club, Pacific and Asian Affairs Council, U.H. Alumni Ass'n, Bar Ass'n of Hawaii.
FUJISHIGE, MITSUO (D)
Age: 42. Education: Waipahu Ele., Mid-Pacific Institute, U. of H.
Occupational experience: 14 years teacher, DPI.
Public Offices held: Supervisor, C. and C. Honolulu.
Civic Activities: Boosters Club Waipahu, Oahu Youth Council.
HOSOI, HERMAN S. (R)
Age: 49. Education: McKinley High, Cincinnati College of Embalming, part time. University of Hawaii.
Occupational experience: Owner-manager of Hosoi Funeral Home, 27 years experience in business and finance, officer and an Board of Directors of several business corporations.
Public Offices held: Chairman Terr. Embalming Board, 1932 to 1948.
Civic Activities: Member Legislative committee, Honolulu Jr. Chamber of Commerce, Board of Trustees of Harris Memorial Methodist Church, contributing member of a majority of the civic, welfare, and benevolent organizations of Honolulu.
KAGEYAMA , RICHARD M. (D)
Age: 40. Education: Hilo High School.
Occupational experience: Insurance and real estate.
Public Offices held: Supervisor (C & C) 6 years.
Civic Activities: ---
KAUHANE, NOBLE K. (D)
Age: 56. Education: Kamehameha, McKinley, Punahou, St. Mary's College, (Punahou graduate).
Occupational experience: Engineer Haw'n Tel. Co.
Public Offices held: Supervisor 12 years, Member Haw'n Hones Commission, Trustee Leahi Home, Member Engineering Ass'n.
Civic Activities: Coach St. Louis College 11 years, member Board of Managers Y.M.C.A., member Kamehameha Alumni Ass'n.
KENNEDY, EUGENE F. (R)
Age: 43. Education: Graduate of St. Louis College.
Occupational experience: Executive-Police Dep't, insurance
salesman, personnel manager private business concern, real
estate broker and land developer.
Public Offices held: None.
Civic Activities: Active member Kaimuki Lions Club, Chairman of Board of C.Y.O., President S.L.C. Alumni, member of S.O.S. Parent Teachers Guild.
LEMKE, HERMAN G.P. (D)
Age: 39. Education: St. Louis College, Santa Clara University Ph.B.
Occupational experience: Public accountant 13 years, Internal Revenue 4 years.
Public Offices held: Incumbent Board of Supervisors, Chairman Terr. Civil Service Commission.
Civic Activities: Past pres. St. Louis College Alumni Ass'n, past pres. Hawaiian Ass'n of Public Accountants, past pres. Hawaiian Civic Club, past director Honolulu Jr. Chamber of Commerce.
MARCOTTE , ROGER C. (R)
Age: 35. Education: Massachusetts and Rhode Island Schools, Graduate FBI Nat'l Academy.
Occupational experience: Insurance counsellor, Million Dollar Round Table, Co-owner and chief investigator confidential detective agency and investigation bureau, Hon. Police Dep't 10 years vice-squad sergeant.
Public Offices held: None,
Civic Activities: U.S. Marine Corps World War II, Korean War.
PELTIER, JAMES W. (R)
Age: 38. Education: All local schools. Graduate McKinley '360
Occupational experience: Disabled fire captain, (Federal). Owner of several small businesses, former life insurance salesman, presently real estate salesman.
Public Offices held: None
Civic Activities: Veteran Korean Jar, Elks Club member, Young Men's Institute, PTA member Aina Haina and Niu Valley Schools,
TAKABUKI, MATSUO (D)
Age: 33. Education: University of Chicago Law School.
Occupational experience: Attorney,
Public Offices held: Supervisor 1953-54 and 1955-56, Chairman Finance Committee,
Civic Activities: President 442nd Veteran's Club 1952, Chairman Cancer Drive 1953, Bar Association, Univ. of Hawaii Alumni Club.
YEE, WADSWORTH (R)
Age: 34. Education: U, of H., Northwestern Law School BSL and LLB.
Occupational experience: Attorney private practice 2 years, Deputy Attorney General 3 years, total 5 years experience.
Public Offices held: None.
Civic Activities: Speakers platform for Hon. Community Chest, member University YMCA, Lincoln School Cub Pack, American Legion, Lincoln School PTA, officer U.H. Alumni, Director HGEA, Deacon and Trustee First Chinese Church of Christ, Jr. Chamber of Commerce.
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Honolulu Advertiser - October 2, 1956
Views Aired On Top Municipal Problems
4 Mayor Candidates Reply To League Survey
Four candidates for mayor of Honolulu gave their answers last week to a questionnaire covering a number of important municipal problems.
The questionnaire was submitted by the League of Women Voters of Honolulu, and the statements of the candidates were made in interviews with League members.
The Honolulu League is affiliated with the League of Women Voters of the United States, a nonpartisan organization that encourages the citizen participation in government.
THE LEAGUE never supports or opposes any candidate, and supports issues only after careful study and agreement of the majority of its membership.
The League helps distribute information about candidates and provides opportunities for the candidates to put their views before the public.
Each voter can then be better prepared to decide for himself, which candidate he wishes to vote for. This is a service provided by Leagues throughout the United States.
THE QUESTIONS were selected on the basis of observations made at board of supervisors meetings during a two-year period by members of the League's voters service committee. Questions were submitted to all candidates.
As a further public service, the League is planning a rally for mayor and supervisor candidates of both parties at which they will be able to speak in behalf of their candidacies.
The meeting will be held at Aliiolani school on Wednesday Oct. 17, at 7:30 p.m. and the public is invited.
THE QUESTIONNAIRE submitted to candidates was as follows :
- How can provision be made for adequate:
- Water supply,
- Fire protection,
- Police protection
in rural areas and new subdivisions?
- How can city-county government insure the enforcement of a fair and consistent policy in the granting of variances from the zoning and building laws?
- Do you favor fireworks control, and if so, what kind of controls do you favor?
- What do you think will be the major issues facing the city-county government in the next two years?
(Answers from candidates for the board of supervisors will be published Monday. Ed.)
HERE ARE the replies of the four mayoralty candidates who replied to the questionnaire. (Charles Kauhane did not reply):
Mayor Neal S. Blaisdell
- Water supply in urban areas is adequate. In suburban areas the problem is complicated by the rapid growth of new residential areas. Consolidation of the suburban water system and the Board of Water Supply would help to meet the problem since the board is in a good position to carry out long-range planning and financing.
- Adequate fire protection for both city and rural areas of Oahu is a problem which can only be solved by adequate financing. This is a matter which will be taken to the 1957 legislature. With adequate fund the city-county can expand its city fire protection facilities and provide full-time professional fire fighters and equipment for country areas.
- Expansion of the police department also depends on adequate financing and is a matter for the 1957 legislature to consider. When the legislature makes it possible for the city-county to raise sufficient revenues, funds can be made available for increased police and other services.
- This question apparently is based on a belief that the present policy is neither fair nor consistent. This is open to argument. Members of the board of supervisors and planning commission feel that they are being both fair and consistent. Suggestions for improvement would be welcome, however.
- My position on fireworks control is well known. In protest against what I deemed ineffective controls, I vetoed the "watered down" fireworks control bill passed by the board of supervisors. I favor passage of a fireworks bill following closely requirements of the "Model Code" with exemptions for ceremonial and religious use only.
- Consolidation of the Board of Water Supply and the suburban water system.
Close coordination with federal and territorial agencies to control air pollution.
Raising sufficient revenue to provide the governmental services that the people of Honolulu are entitled to.
Whether rent control should be extended when it expires on June 30, 1957.
William Pacheco
- The way the water situation is, especially in rural areas, it is time that we look at a long range program whereas a pipeline would be laid completely around the island, and the project should get under way immediately.
- The mayor and board of supervisors should look into the recommendations of the fire department and other interested people to take care of areas in immediate need of protection.
- As long as our community is continuously growing, and people are moving into new subdivisions, we must expect to increase the manpower of the Honolulu Police Department so that there will be no question of proper police protection.
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- This is a question that takes quite a lot of study and at this time I feel that I am not prepared to answer it although I am definitely interested in a fair and consistent policy.
- Yes, I favor fireworks control. I would like to see a safe and sane type of fireworks, using only the harmless type. I am against anything that would maim or injure people. I believe that, for certain church rituals, a permit be given by the chief of police for ceremonies of various types.
- I would say housing and employment. As to housing, I would have to give it considerable study in order to reach a proper answer.
As to employment, I believe that our tourist trade has not been tapped to half the mark. We could encourage the chain hotel owners of the world to build here in Hawaii, to which they could continuously send thousands of people.
This, with the continued good work of our Hawaii Visitors Bureau, would, in the end, increase employment in hotels and also increase business for the merchants who sell our local products to the tourists.
Leon Sterling Jr.
- I would locate all available water sources, and purchase all private water systems to eliminate waste and to provide complete control of all available water supplies.
- Modernize all present fire equipment. Stress good fire prevention practices. Provide continuing public education on fire prevention.
- Immediately increase the number of police officers for more effective police protection. Reactivate rural substations. Increase motorcycle equipment and cut down "escort" duty for visiting people and parades.
- To be consistent and fair in granting variances, the qualifying means of granting such a variance has to be consistent and fair. To insure such a policy, a code of factual evidence based on land usage, future development and the merits of each individual require. meat should be instituted.
- I believe that fireworks legislation should be made by the legislature for uniformity. It is the wish of the people to have more govern. mental control of their lives, or should we try to educate the parents to remedy this situation? Such a situation could also develop in swimming accidents, etc.
- Finances. The real property tax ceiling of $8,000,000 !which was established in 1949 must be raised to allow the city to meet the growing demands of governmental services for its very rapid growth. Expenditures, however, must be made only consistent with a strong legislative program.
W. C. Vannatta
- This question actually should be separated into two questions water supply from the standpoint of preservation of the source, and water supply from the standpoint of distribution to various areas.
The suburban water system and the Board of Water Supply have completed and have under construction or planned projects which in the very near future when all improvements are completed will for all practical purposes provide an adequate water supply for both the rural areas and the city.
As to the source, the U. S. Geological Survey with moneys contributed by the suburban water system, IRAC and the federal government are in the process of making a survey of the Pearl Harbor springs area.
- The supplying of adequate equipment and adequate personnel to man additional fire stations are de. pendent upon an increase in general fund revenues.
- An increase in the general fund revenues is necessary to provide equipment and adequate police protection for not only the city but the rural areas too.
- First, the zoning and building laws must be practical. Some flexibility must be allowed to consider inequities and hardships of individual cases.
- I am in favor of exercising a certain amount of control over fireworks. There is no doubt that certain types of fireworks should be banned. A bill similar to the one recently passed by the Board of Supervisors but vetoed by the present Mayor appears to be the answer under the present situation where there are no controls at all.
- Creation of a home relocation bureau to assist families displaced. by new construction projects.
Adequate financing to provide necessary services to the people.
Proper master planning to meet a tremendous growth in the next few years so that this city can take its place as one of the well planned cities of the world.
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Honolulu Advertiser - October 2, 1956
Bottom half of this article page is missing. Horizontal lines indicate breaks
 ABSENTEE BALLOTS City-County Clerk Leon K. Sterling, Sr., receives the first absentee ballots ever mailed in a Honolulu election. They are primary election votes cast by servicemen overseas. Before this year, absentee voters had to come to city hall to vote if they were going to be away from home on election day. Absentee voters must vote by Friday. (photo: Y. Ishii) |
Supervisor Candidates Give Views on Major Island Issues
Statements Answer Quiz By Voters
The following statements are answers to a questionnaire submitted to candidates for the board of supervisors, in interviews by the League of Women Voters of Honolulu;
No answers were received! from Lincoln Achiu, Sammy Amato or Tony Gera.
Statements from candidates for mayor appeared Sunday.
QUESTIONS WERE:
How can provision be made for adequate: (a) water supply, (b) fire protection, (c) police protection in rural areas and new subdivisions?
How can city and county government insure the enforcement of a fair and consistent policy in the granting of variances from the zoning and building laws?
Do you favor fireworks control, and if so, what kind of controls do you favor?
What do you think will be the major issues facing the city and county government in the next two years?
The answers:
Nane A. Aluli
REPUBLICAN
1. (a)(b)(c) Saving (unnecessary spending) money to divert to these purposes.
2. Make zoning and building laws very specific, thereby limiting discretion and generalization by authorities.
3. Reasonable control.
4. Finance. Administration.
William K. Amona
DEMOCRAT
1a. The City must balance the needs of the people for water with their ability to pay for it. Whether or not the people in affected areas on Oahu can pay for the cost of a water system is something to be determined; but regardless of the finding, the people must have water.
1b. In new subdivisions fire hydrants should be the responsibility of the subdividers; in established areas the problem is
Dr. Sam K. Apoliona, Jr.
REPUBLICAN
1a. To make available to the system enough finances for the expansion of the system; to give proper recognition to the 'system as a department and to sup-port the system conscientiously and sincerely in their effort in improvements instead of criticizing and condemning the system when they are accused of their shortcomings.
1b. Enough finances for new fire stations and equipment and personnel and to replace equipment which has served its usefulness.
1c. If we have the finances, substations and additional man-power in the motor patrol division. (Radio Patrol Cars.)
2. No variances should be granted unless careful and exhaustive study has been made relative to the request. There should be no "hard and fast rule" when considering the granting of variances,
3. Yes, definitely, yes. With the exception of bona fide religious or ceremonial occasions, all persons desiring to explode, discharge or fire pyrotechnics must have a permit. I introduced such a bill but the motion to pass the bill on first reading failed because of a "lack" of a second motion.
4. Additional finances to meet the demands of the people and the needs of the community.
Manuel Rita Cabral
DEMOCRAT
1a. To leave the Board of Water Supply self-supported.
1b. Through taxation on fire insurance policies to supply adequate' equipment.
1c. I believe in the rural areas the police and fire department should merge together for better protection.
2. To merge the city planning and the building department as one. To enforce rules and regulations as one party or department.
3. I favor to control the Territory importers through the legislature; to limit the strength of fireworks.
4. More schools; better play-grounds for schools; better room lights; better sidewalks and street lights; playgrounds in rural Oahu and more recreational facilities.
that any one type of control would be an improvement over the present situation. The exact choice of type of control, how-ever, should be carefully studied. In order that the one selected 'shall be in the test interest of the majority of the people and not any one group or segment of the public.
4. The major issue will be money. The government will have to find ways and means of raising additional revenues or failing in that, there will obviously be either a status quo situation or curtailment of government services. Efforts should also be expended to permit maxi-mum use of the presently avail-able revenue. Another major is-sue will be the question of greater home rule,
Masato Doi
DEMOCRAT
1a. Water supply is adequate except in certain areas. Long range planning, and especially water research, is necessary to keep ahead of growing demand. Consolidation of the two water systems appears logical for maximum efficiency at minimum cost.
1b. Inadequacy of fire and police protection is primarily in terms, not of personnel or organizational inefficiencies but of lack of moneys to provide physical facilities and to staff the departments adequately. Making sufficient moneys available is a legislative problem (real property tax ceiling) and I am sure that this coming session, as did the last, will again pass legislation to make sufficient moneys available to the city.
1c. Same as 1b.
2. To make a rigid set of de-tailed rules to define permissible variances would be unwise because of the difficulty of fore-seeing changing conditions and equitable considerations which may arise in an individual case. Basically, the solution lies in the men who are put in office. A mechanical aid would be a writ-ten policy resolution of the board outlining the general consideration governing the granting of variances.
3. - Yes. Those designed to curb physical hazards to .a minimum but which will not infringe on the individual's freedom in observance of religious, ceremonial and cultural traditions. Failure of passage of the meas
2 By strict adherence to the code and ordinances in. current existence regardless of pressures. By and large the planning commission has done a good job with few exceptions. Refer to their report of 1955.
3 A modified fireworks control is in order limiting the sale and use of same as with cigarettes and tobacco.
4 Adherence to the Master Plan finances homerule tourism schools parks and playgrounds An intelligent, worthwhile legislature A governor interested in the welfare of the people of Hawaii Apathy of the electorate.
Walter M. Heen
DEMOCRAT
la, lb, 1c, The most obvious answer to the three problems presented here, of course, is to obtain more revenue for the City. Aside from that then every effort should be made to strike a proper balance of expenditures amongst the various departments of the county in order that savings could be realized for use in these three areas. Subdividers should be required to comply strictly with regulations as to pipe size and fire hydrant placement.
2. When a property owner, or lessee, can make a fair showing lof hardship, civic need and community interest, and obtains con-sent of the requisite number of surrounding property owners, then the variance should be granted.
3. I favor fireworks control to the fullest extent possible, with-out infringing on the rights of individuals or groups to use them as a concomitant part of religious rites or ceremonies, or customs and beliefs.
4. The revised city charter increased revenue for the city government. Adequate and sensible provision for industrial and business expansion. Home rule.
Herman S. Hosoi
REPUBLICAN
1a. Integration into one water organization and by proper financing,
1b. Additional new plants and new equipment, and additional manpower and proper and adequate financing.
1c. Same as 1b.
2. By revising ordinances for fair and consistent [... ]ing and
adequate funds from the legislature will make it possible.
1c. Again it is a question of finances. The legislature, through raising the property tax ceiling or pegging a rate for same, can make this possible.
2. The election of a mayor and members of the board of supervisors whose primary interest are to serve the majority of the people, rather than just a selected few, should be sufficient to solve this problem.
3. I am in favor of model fireworks bill with provisions for religious and racial traditional use.
4. Adequate finances for proper operation. 2. Providing of much needed water facilities in rural areas. 3. Repeal of the present Garbage Collection fee.
using the ceiling method of setting real property rates.
1c. Same as b.
2. The present system we now have is as fair a system that can be devised with the planning commission working jointly with the board of supervisors, and one agency checking the other.
3. Yes, I favor fireworks control. I submitted the so-called "model bill" but it died for a lack of a second. It would bar all fireworks except for religious and Chinese socials. I subsequently voted for the "watered down" bill because it was a step forward and better than no control.
4. 1 - Financing The County of Honolulu must be released of its financial strait-jacket, the
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Honolulu Advertiser editorial, Oct. 3, 1956
Who Will Manage Our City?
The City and County of Honolulu is a service corporation in which the people of Oahu have invested $200,000,000. We spend more than $25,000,000 a year to keep it going, so that it can give us necessary service we could not afford to provide for ourselves as individuals. Choice of the manager and directors who will handle those assets and spend those mil-lions, so that we get full value for our money during the next two years, is one of the most serious problems the citizens of this Island face as they approach the primary election next Saturday, and the general election in November.
The League of Women voters has given the community notable service by calling upon the candidates for statements of their position on major, civic problems. The results obtained indicated that this would have been even better service if the call had been issued earlier. This could have been done before the nominations were closed, when it would have been possible to recruit more candidates who had taken the trouble to acquaint themselves with the processes of municipal government and the qualifications for successful administration of the offices to be filled.
* * * *
There are some well-qualified candidates on the list of nominees, men with experience in government, and others whose answers to the League's questionnaire show they have studied municipal affairs and can adapt themselves to their wise management. There are others whose answers imply that they have not yet familiarized themselves with the duties and responsibilities they ask permission to assume, or are just plain confused by them.
It will be time well spent if the voters study the questionnaire replies carefully before they vote on Saturday. It should be easy to see which of the candidates are the men who can best be entrusted with the management of our $200,000,000 investment and the spending of the $25,000,000 we will pay for its operation during each of the next two years.
* * * *
Granted that some of the questions are so worded that specific answers to them would be impossible without a detailed discussion too lengthy for the purposes of the questionnaire, most of them could have been disposed of without any "yes and no" weaseling.
The position taken on those issues or lack of any firm position on them is a fair gauge by which to pick out candidates who are most likely to give good service in public office.
Choice of the men who will operate the City and County is a matter that concerns every citizen. Even though it may be difficult to fill a ticket with candidates who satisfy fully our individual standards of fitness, a choice must be made. It is our duty 'to make certain that this is the best possible choice in the circumstances. We cannot fulfill that obligation by staying away from the polls.
Qualified voters, who willfully fail to cast ballots, betray their community.
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Honolulu Star-Bulletin, Oct. 3, 1956
Candidates Answer Questions on Election Issues
Voters League Queries Board, Mayor Hopefuls
The statements which follow are answers to a questionnaire submitted to candidates for the office of mayor or supervisor, in interviews by the League of Women Voters of Honolulu.
The Honolulu league is affiliated with the League of Women Voters of the United States, a nonpartisan organization which encourages the citizen participation in government.
SUPPORTS ISSUES
The League never supports or opposes any candidate, and supports issues only after careful study and, agreement of the majority of its membership.
The League helps distribute information about candidates and provides opportunities for the candidates to put their views before the public.
Each voter can then be better prepared to decide for himself, which candidate he wishes to vote for. This is a' service rendered by Leagues' throughout the United States.
OBSERVATIONS
The League appreciates the co-operation given by the candidates in this Voters Service project. The questions were selected on the basis of observations made of the Board , of Supervisors meetings over a two year period by members of the League's Voters Service Committee.
Questions were submitted to all candidates.
As a further service, the League of Women Voters is planning a rally for all mayor and supervisor candidates of both parties at which they will be able to speak in behalf of their candidacy.
This candidates meeting will be held at Aliiolani School Wednesday October 17, 1956 at 7:30 p.m.
Here Are the Questions
Here are the questions submitted to the candidates for Mayor and the Board of Supervisors by the Honolulu League of Women Voters:
- How can provision be made for adequate:
- Water supply?
- Fire protection?
- Police protection in rural areas and new subdivisions?
- How can City and County Government in-sure the enforcement of a fair and consistent policy in the granting of variances from the zoning building laws?
- Do you favor fireworks control, and if so, what kind of controls do you favor?
- What do you think will be the major issues facing the City and County Government in the next two years?
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League Information
Letter inviting Candidates to Non-Partisan Meeting (Rally), October 7, 1956
October 7, 1956
Mr. Paul H. C. Chung
219 Kapalu Street
Honolulu, Hawaii
Dear Mr. Chung:
 The League of Women Voters of Honolulu invites you to participate in a nonpartisan rally of candidates for City-County elective offices which we are holding for the fourth year.
The rally will be held at Aliiolani School Auditorium, 3220 Waialae Avenue, Wednesday night, October 17, at 7:30 p.m. Each candidate will be allotted three minutes to speak. Since the position for which you are running is non-policy making, we would like you to state your experience and qualifications and discuss the duties of the office for which you seek election.
This City-County Candidates' rally, which is a project of the Voters Service Committee of the League, has been cleared with the campaign managers of both political parties and the date has been set aside on their calendars.
We believe that this will be an opportunity for you to acquaint the voters with the functions of the office of Clerk,
and will give the voters an opportunity to hear and see candidates from both parties on the same platform. Will you please let us know whether or not you will attend by calling one of the following: Mrs. J. R. Smith, President, 97193; Mrs. C. F. Schutte, Chairman of the Voters Service Committee, 997911; or Mrs. Louis Braude, Vice Chairman of the Committee, 748279.
When you arrive at the rally, will you please check in with Mrs. Norman Meller, who will be seated at a table near the platform, to get your speaking order assignment. This is important because candidates will speak in the order of their arrival at the rally. Dr. Robert M. Kamins, Director of the Legislative Reference Bureau, will be moderator. Sport or aloha shirts will be quite in order.
The League of Women Voters of Honolulu will appreciate very much having you attend this rally. Your part in making the rally a success will help us achieve our goal of good government through better informed 'citizens.
Cordially yours,
Genevieve Schutte
(Mrs. C. F. Schutte)
Chairman, Voters Service Committee
Similar letter to:
Mr. Clarence T. Tabe
1626 Ua Drive Honolulu, Hawaii
Mr. Michael M. Miyake
722-B Birch Street Honolulu, Hawaii
Mr. Lau Au Chew
466 N. King Street Honolulu, Hawaii
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Honolulu Advertiser Oct. 14, 1956
PLAN WEDNESDAY RALLY Members of the League of Women Voters planning a public rally to hear mayor and supervisor candidates Wednesday night are, from left, Mrs. J. R. Smith, president; Mrs. Louis Braude, vice chairman, voters' service; Mrs. C. F. Schutte, chairman, voters' service, and Mrs. Sue W. Thomas and Mrs. A. H. Cornelison, members, voters' service committee. (photo: Y. Ishii)
League To Sponsor Candidate Rally
By BLANCHE L. DENTON
"To promote political responsibility through informed and active participation of citizens in government."
That is the aim of Hawaii's League of Women Voters.
An outgrowth of the Nation-al American Woman Suffrage association, the local league is active in a voters' service designed to help individuals be politically active the year around.
* * *
AT ELECTION TIME it issues factual information about candidates, conducts candidates' meetings, and works to get out the vote.
The League is nonpartisan. It takes action in support of or on opposition to selected governmental issues, and through its voters' service offers a unique contribution to the community a service which provides factual, nonpartisan information about voting, candidates and election issues, and: builds an understanding of the essentials of representative government.
HEADED BY Mrs. J. R. Smith as president, the League offers every citizen an opportunity to become a real working partner in government.
Within the League are several committees. One, the voters' service group, headed by Mrs. C. F. Schutte, takes on an extra busy schedule at election time. One of its recent projects, a candidates' questionnaire, was published in the newspapers prior to the primary.
Next project is a nonpartisan rally on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. in the Aliiolani school auditorium, 6th and Waialae Aves.
* * *
IT WILL BE THE fourth such rally sponsored by the League, and candidates for mayor and supervisors will be invited to speak on city-county issues.
Many hours of work go into each League undertaking.
Shouldering the responsibility of the many projects are housewives, teachers, librarians, a doctor, a lawyer, school principals and public health workers, all with one aim: "Give the voter a hand!"
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Honolulu Advertiser Oct. 18, 1956
Candidates State Views on Municipal Problems
About 150 members of the Oahu League of Women Voters last night heard candidates for city office from both parties discuss municipal problems and what to do about them.
The candidates had six choices ranging from economy in government to charter revision, but vandalism seemed to be the most popular subject.
It was hot in Aliiolani school auditorium where the candidates sweltered under spotlights, but the office-seekers were manful. Only one, GOP Auditor Nominee Mike Miyake, admitted openly that the heat was bothering him.
* * *
DEMOCRATIC supervisor Noble Kauhane's daughter, Elaine, opened the vandalism discussion. She said her father believes the problem requires corrective action at home, housing on school grounds for custodians, an 8 p.m. curfew for 16-year-olds and more reserve police officers.
Republican board candidate James Peltier said welfare recipients could be put to work at no extra cost to keep loitering children out of school yards. Also, more lighting for parks and heavy fines for known vandals would help, he said.
ANOTHER GOP board hopeful, Nani Aluli, said vandalism "can be stopped at home." But also, he said, police should pick up curfew violators.
Democratic board candidate Clesson Chikasuye came out for more recreation directors and school custodians, more lights and a bigger police force to stop vandalism.
GOP board nominee Herman Hosoi said all the other candidates' proposals are fine but they cost money. His solution: "properly educate children at home."
* * *
SECOND MOST popular subject was charter revision, with GOP Mayor Neal Blaisdell calling for a strong mayor type of government. He said the mayor' should be able to appoint department heads without the need of confirmation by the board.
The mayor said the board should be increased from seven to nine members with direct representation for rural areas and urban areas. He also recommended a special department of finance.
Democratic board nominee Masato Doi agreed Honolulu's mayor should have more power. Also, 'he said, the city itself should have more power than the legislature now grants. More home rule, he said, is needed. Republican Supervisor Sam Apoliona didn't see eye to eye with the mayor. He said the board should not give up they power to confirm department heads. Otherwise, he said, "the mayor might appoint his pets."
* * *
SUPERVISOR Herman Lemke, Democrat, stood for an even more powerful board of supervisors, although he would give the mayor complete power over appointments. He said the police commission, liquor commission' and water board should be brought completely under board control. And he too recommended more home rule.
Only one candidate braved the! topic of how to find more revenue for the city. Republican board candidate Roger C. Marcotte recommended the city pack and sell iron and paper collected at the city incinerator. The junk business would bring in a lot of money, he said. Also he suggested the city operate multi-deck parking.
* * *
DEMOCRATIC Mayor Nominee William Vannatta came up with some ideas on how to savemoney in the city. The answer to the problem is centralization, he said. All city hall bookkeeping should be done by electronics. All departmental printing should be done in one place. All bills should be payable over one counter instead of at different! offices.
Two candidates tackled zoning. Wadsworth Yee, GOP hopeful for the board, said the planing commission must work out a better highway scheme to handle increasing traffic. Democratci Supervisor Mitsuo Fujishige said the major problem is to provide ample room for new industry.
* * *
THE OTHER TOPIC discussed was how to find more money for medical care for the poor. Re-1 publican board nominee Eugene Kennedy said for one thing Maluhia home should be converted to a general hospital so it would qualify for federal matching funds.
Democratic Supervisor Matsuo Takabuki said the problem boils down to this: either the Territory has to give the county more money for hospitals or the city has to boost general fund revenues (which means more taxes).
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Honolulu Star-Bulletin editorial, Oct. 19, 1956
A Public Service to Oahu's Voters
As another in a long series of public services, the League of Women Voters of Honolulu invited City-County candidates to speak to six suggested topics at a non-partisan rally Wednesday evening at Aliiolani School.
The turnout of voters was disappointingly small, but those who attend had an excellent opportunity to form opinions about the candidates for the City government.
The candidates worked under a strictly enforced time handicap, which prevented them from going specifically into some of the points which they obviously would have liked to develop. But to allow more time to each candidate would have extended the meeting far beyond practical limits.
The high level of the speeches Wednesday night suggested that candidates might profitably carry on along the same lines and speak to a variety of specific issues in consecutive talks during the approaching general election rally campaign.
It would do much to illuminate the issues for the voters, and help to insure an informed electorate on November 6.
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Honolulu Advertiser editorial, Oct. 19, 1956
Questions for Candidates
Labor unions of Hawaii are questioning political candidates. They have every right to do so. Every individual and every organization has a similar right. Some groups, such as the League of Women Voters, use a non-partisan approach. They seek information. The WCTU in the past has contented itself with one or two penetrating questions as to how the aspirant office holder feels about the Demon Rum.
Some of the questionnaires are long and involved. They could not possibly be answered adequately in the space and time provided. Nothing is as complicated as the whole truth. Some degree of guidance to the thinking of political candidates nevertheless can be had from a study of their responses. The purposes of the questioners in some cases is even more obvious.
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Honolulu Star-Bulletin, Oct. 19, 1956
Blaisdell Urges 'Strong' Mayor
24 Candidates Give City Charter Views
Mayor Blaisdell advocated a "strong mayor" City-County government last night as he joined 23 other county candidates at a non-partisan rally sponsored by the League of Women Voters.
Blaisdell also told 200 persons at the Aliiolani School gathering that the Board of Supervisors "could do a better job if it weren't bogged down by purely administrative matters."
Changes in county government under the forthcoming City Charter was a favorite topic of the speakers who also discussed vandalism in parks and schools, development of Sand Island and a batch of other issues.
Although allotted only three minutes, the candidates managed to avoid any mention of political parties or personalities at the meeting which was a warm-up to the general election campaign which I starts Sunday.
CENTRALIZATION
William C. Vannatta, the Democratic candidate for Mayor, said centralized bookkeeping using punchboard methods, and a centralized bill collection office "could save money at City Hall."
He did not commit himself on the strong-mayor controversy except to say that a "city manager can be easily removed from office in most cases."
Two supervisor candidates, Herman Hosoi, a Republican, and Masato Doi, a Democrat, had questioned whether a city manager would be under control of the voters.
A city manager would eventually control the city," Hosoi maintained, "and would bring in his own people and get rid of local city workers."
Both Blaisdell and Supervisor Samuel K. Apoliona Jr. called for a larger Board of Supervisors, Apoliona asking for 11 members and Blaisdell advocating "not more than nine."
SAND ISLAND PLANS
Sand Island was envisaged as "a beautiful park and beach area, with a boulevard" by Vannatta.
James Peltier, Republican candidate for supervisor, favored "a botanical gardens and marine display" at the location.
And Roger E. Marcotte, also a Republican candidate for supervisor, said the city should consider building "a Coney Island with a roller coaster and bath houses and charging 25 cents per car."
All three said an oil refinery and other industrial sites should be located elsewhere, Vannata proposing an industrial tract at Ewa.
Better lighting, use of addtional volunteer policemen, and hiring would reduce vandalism "mostly caused by minors" at public parks and schools, Nane Aluli, Republican, and Cleson Chikasuye, Democratic candidate for Supervisor, said.
POWER TO TAX
Candidates kept running to the county's financial "plight" and incumbent Supervisors Matsuo Takabuki and Herman G. P. Lemke said "the power to tax must be returned to the City."
"Any business which had to pay for increased services without being able to charge more would soon find itself in the same plight the City is in," Lemke declared.
Conversion of Maluhia Hospital into a general hospital would enable the Territory to use Federal funds to help care for the medically indigent, according to Eugene F. Kennedy, Republican candidate for supervisor.
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Honolulu Star-Bulletin letters, Oct. 31, 1956
News Coverage of League of Women Voters Says Thanks
Editor the Star-Bulletin: The League of Women Voters thanks you for the publicity given to the 1956 League-sponsored rally October 17 at Aliiolani School. It was due to the publicity you gave us that many people were able to hear candidates of both parties at one rally.
We thank you also for the splendid coverage given to the candidates questionnaire. It was a fine public service.
LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF HONOLULU,
By GENEVIEVE F. SCHUTTE (Mrs. C. F. Schutte),
Chairman Voters Service Committee
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