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I was a reporter for close to 17 years at the Hawaii Tribune-Herald until October 2005, when I joined the growing ranks of union leaders now formerly employed by the newspaper. (For more about what's happening at the Tribune-Herald, check out the Hawaii Newspaper Guild web site.) Since then I've been the Hilo unit representative for the Guild, a freelance writer, photographer, and blogger.  Puna has been my family's home since 1993.

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Monday
30Jun

A Kenoi Kalapana campaign query

DateMonday, June 30, 2008 at 11:28PM

Someone wanted to know if I went to Billy Kenoi's campaign party Saturday. I did, with my lovely wife Krisy and we enjoyed a beautiful summer evening at Uncle Robert's in Kalapana among blue and white-shirted Kenoi supporters.

Excellent food, great music and a lively crowd are hard to beat. How many people? I'd say much bigger than Angel Pilago's event at Uncle Sam's in Makuu, but not as big as Lorraine Inouye's bash at Auntie Sally's in Hilo.

Kenoi gave his stump speech, nothing new. The County will get a lot of help from the federal government for big projects like comprehensive mass transit and Kenoi believes he holds the key that will keep state schools open after hours for a variety of youth activities and public uses.

Not surprisingly Kenoi was comfortable among his many friends and relatives. After all, Uncle Robert's house, where the road ends at the lava flow in Kalapana, is just a couple of doors down from where Kenoi grew up. The conversations, music and dancing lasted long after the appointed closing time, so, yes, thank you for asking, it was an enjoyable evening.

AuthorHunter Bishop | Comment2 Comments |
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Reader Comments (2)

Want to play a good drinking game? Go to a Billy Kenoi speech and see how many times he says "ohana." Take a drink for each time he says it. Three minutes tops and you'd be hammered.

Personally, I like Billy. I grew up with him down Puna, even though he went Waiakea. Even tough he was a punk and bully to some, he has come a long way. I proud of what he has accomplished. Yet after looking at where he stands on things though, I not voting for him. I'm at a toss up between Loraine and Pilago. Hunter is right, the food at Uncle Robert's was ONO!!
July 1, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterPuna boyz
Yes, I heard his speech at a private gathering over here in Kona. He seems like a good guy, but I found too many inconsistencies in his message. He started by saying people shouldn't have to know someone to get access to government, but then he touted his ties to important people as a reason to vote him. I think he's correct on both counts, but his delivery confuses me. Also he didn't seem to know that much about the way the departments play and fight together. I think he's a talented 'idea' guy, but I'm feeling like I'd rather see a 'nuts & bolts' guy at this moment.
July 1, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterChuck

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