Grassroot Institute Releases Communication with Ige Campaign 

News Release from Grassroot Institute

In response to the Ige campaign release of communication stating specific concerns over the upcoming Grassroot Gubernatorial forum, we are releasing our response made to the Ige campaign.

Although concerns of the Ige campaign were raised only after Mr. Ige's withdrawal and well after plans had been made and agreed to by Ige staff, Grassroot Institute was willing to make any necessary accommodations.

Justin Martin, Communications Director for Grassroot Institute, states, "The Institute had made clear what the terms of the forum were, including the intended audio broadcasting and video recording, and these were agreed to by the Ige campaign.  The last minute withdrawal was a surprise.  It is disappointing that the Ige campaign made a unilateral decision to withdraw without even stating its concerns or giving us the opportunity to accommodate them, which we would have."

The letter from the Grassroot Institute to the Ige campaign can be read in its entirety at: new.grassrootinstitute.org/2014/08/ige-pulls-out-of-2014-gubernatorial-forum/

The forum will be held tomorrow, August 22,  at 12 pm. A live audio stream of the event can be heard at: www.thinktechhawaii.com/live-on-spreakercom.html

KITV: Ige withdraws from Oahu gubernatorial forum

AP: Ige withdraws from gubernatorial debate over video

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Gubernatorial Forum Proceeds without David Ige

News Release from Grassroot Institute August 21, 2014

Although David Ige has communicated today that he plans to withdraw from participating in the Grassroot Institute Gubernatorial Forum on Friday, August 22, the event will continue with the full participation the other major candidates for governor James "Duke" Aiona, Mufi Hannemann and Jeff Davis. The candidate forum,  which will be the first of its kind in this election cycle, will touch on a wide variety of issues of importance to Hawaii, from education to the economy.

Grassroot Institute President Keli'i Akina, Ph.D., states, "We are disappointed for the voting public that David Ige has withdrawn his commitment to participate in this well-planned gubernatorial forum.   We are, however, grateful that candidates Aiona, Hannemann and Davis have each personally reaffirmed their commitments to participate in the forum.   Every effort has been made to ensure fairness and to accommodate any needs indicated by each participant.  We look forward to an engaging event and the opportunity for the public to be informed about the positions of these candidates for Governor of Hawaii."

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FYI to Supporters

From Ige Campaign 3:47PM August 21, 2014

We wanted to share with you our decision to withdraw from an Oahu forum tomorrow, Friday, August 22, featuring all of the gubernatorial candidates. David contacted the other candidates this morning to explain his decision. The organization is holding the forum for its members and guests of members. We apologize to any member of that organization that had planned to attend, and for any inconvenience our withdrawal may create.

As we read the guidelines, we saw that the hosting organization stated that our participation gave them the approval to videotape the event and “distribute as it sees fit.”  David felt that any candidate -- or individual for that matter -- should be concerned with this type of agreement, as we all know how statements can be taken out of context, and especially during campaign season! When we initially agreed to the event, we were not aware we would also be consenting to use of any recording until yesterday.

Since then, leaders from the hosting organization have clarified their intent with all of the gubernatorial candidates. However, David had already accepted another off-island invitation and therefore, will not be able to participate in tomorrow’s forum.

There will be many more public and televised opportunities open to the general public. David looks forward to allowing voters these opportunities to listen to each candidate’s views and responses to questions.

We appreciate your support and understanding.

Lynn Kenton

Campaign Spokesperson

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Grassroot Institute Gubernatorial Forum Will Feature Candidates of All Four Registered Parties

News Release from Grassroot Institute

The Grassroot Institute of Hawaii, in keeping with its mission to promote an informed and active citizenry, will be hosting a Gubernatorial Forum on August 22nd.

Republican candidate Duke Aiona, Libertarian candidate Jeff Davis, Independent Party Candidate Mufi Hannemann, and Democratic Candidate David Ige have all confirmed their attendance at the Forum.

For the first time in this election cycle, candidates from all four registered parties will participate in a discussion of the major issues facing Hawaii. The Forum will be moderated by Grassroot Institute President Keli'i Akina and will include questions submitted by members of the Grassroot Institute.

Date: Friday, August 22, 2014

Time: 12:00 PM

Place: Pacific Club, 1451 Queen Emma Street, Honolulu, HI 96813

Tickets: LINK

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About the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii:

Grassroot Institute of Hawaii is a nonprofit, nonpartisan research institute dedicated to the principles of individual liberty, the free market, and limited, accountable government throughout Hawai`i and the Asia-Pacific region.  Read more about us at http://www.grassrootinstitute.org/

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About Grassroot President:

Keli’i Akina, Ph.D.,  is a recognized scholar, educator, public policy spokesperson, and community leader in Hawaii.  Currently, he is President/CEO of Grassroot Institute of Hawaii, a public policy think tank dedicated to the principles of individual liberty, free markets and limited, accountable government.  An expert in East-West Philosophy and ethics, Dr. Akina has taught at universities in China and the United States and continues as an adjunct instructor at Hawaii Pacific University.  Dr. Akina is currently a candidate for Trustee at Large of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs in the 2014 General Election run-off.