Carvalho Holds Press Conference on Super PACs And Getting Out the Vote

News Release from BernardCarvalho.com

(August 7, 2018, Honolulu, Hawaiʻi) – Kauaʻi County Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. held a press conference this afternoon at the State Capitol to address the influx of millions of dollars in super PAC money pumped into the race for lieutenant governor.

“I called this press conference today because I believe in the power of aloha first and foremost and I believe in the power of each individual vote,” Carvalho said. “Over the last weeks, there’s been a large number of people—statewide—who have pulled me aside, called me, reached out to people in our campaign in reaction to all the recent news regarding super PACs.”

With just four days until the primary, Carvalho stressed the importance of voter participation in this year’s election.

“The people of Hawaiʻi want a leader they can trust," Carvalho said. "And honestly, it’s not too much to ask of us politicians to be trustworthy," 

Carvalho also pledged to make the lieutenant governor’s office the people’s office through transparency and accountability.

“My office will publish a quarterly ‘progress report’ online that identifies each project—whether ongoing or complete,” Carvalho said. “This progress report will detail the specific initiative, agencies involved and current status of projects related to homelessness, affordable housing, emergency preparedness, education, workforce development and whatever else the governor would want me to take on.”

When asked specifically about supporting super PACs, Carvalho said: “I have never accepted super PAC money. It’s not illegal to accept super PAC money, but I think it’s important for people to ask questions. Where is this money coming from? Why is so much money going to one candidate over another? The people of Hawaiʻi need to ask questions and do their homework because their vote counts.”

To learn more about the campaign, visit BernardCarvalho.com.

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Bernard Carvalho Speech

Good afternoon everyone and Aloha! Thank you for taking the time to be here.    I called this press conference today because I believe in the power of aloha first and foremost and I believe in the power of each individual vote.   Over the last weeks, there’s been a large number of people – S T A T E W I D E – who have pulled me aside, called me, reached out to people in our campaign – in reaction to all the recent news regarding super PACs. (It’s been very distracting!)  

Recent Headlines like: Super PACs spending to influence the vote. And Editorial Headlines like: Voters should be wary of PAC ads.   The common question to me? To us? (Because of all this news)—Does our vote count? First of all, I want Hawaiʻi to know that YES, YOUR VOTE DOES COUNT. Very much so.

I was born and raised in Hawaiʻi, I understand the values that we all hold dear. The people of Hawaiʻi want a leader they can TRUST. And honestly, it’s NOT too much to ask of US politicians, to be trustworthy.   Hawaiʻi is one of the most active states in our nation, if not the world. When it comes to participation in the community – all of us – and I mean ALL. OF. US. – participate. Whether it be with our kids’ schools, community groups, cultural or sports activities, the environment, seniors, keiki, the 'āina...whatever it is - there is NO reason why we shouldn’t have the HIGHEST VOTER TURNOUT in the nation!   With the election just days away, I want the people of Hawaiʻi to know once again and once and for all that their votes count - but only if they get out and actually vote!

We must demand transparency and accountability from our elected officials. As Lieutenant Governor, I pledge to make my office the people’s office. I’ve always had an open door policy as Mayor and I plan to continue that model so we can do more. MUCH more. 

My office will publish a quarterly “Progress Report” online that identifies each project— whether ongoing or complete. This Progress Report will detail the specific initiative, agencies involved, and current status of projects related to Homelessness, Affordable Housing, Emergency Preparedness, Education, Workforce Development and whatever else the Governor would want me to take on. 

As Mayor of Kauaʻi and Niʻihau for the past 10 years, my administration has utilized public progress reports since my first term. Our current Holo Holo 2020 vision consists of projects tied to five areas of focus: Supporting our Economy; Becoming More Sustainable; Planning Wisely for our Future; Caring for our Community; Delivering Excellent Customer Service. My administration made it a priority to track the progress of these projects to ensure we are held accountable to the people we serve.   Government should never be a hindrance to getting things done. Government should be helpful so that we ALL can get what we need done.    We’re all in this together, Hawaiʻi, and there’s never been a more important time as now to make your voice heard and make your vote count!

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