Many Hawai`i County Council races will be decided in the September 20 primary election. This is voters’ opportunity to elect a county council which will focus on the real issues affecting the island such as traffic, taxes, fighting drug abuse, and reforming County government departments such as DEM, Recreation and Building.

The outgoing council has focused its attention on banning plastic bags, depleted uranium and GMOs and banning tobacco while legalizing dope. We need a council which will show the world that aloha is still alive on the Big Island by welcoming the Superferry with hula dancers this coming April, instead of passing resolutions against it and coddling arrogant protesters.

Instead of developing serious responses to real problems, the Hawai`i County Council has been controlled by tiny cliques of noisy activists who represent nobody but themselves. Fortunately some of the worst council members are either leaving or are facing a strong primary election challenge. On September 20, voters can finish the job and change the Council.

Candidates for Council Sanity

• Andy Baclig CD 4 Hilo

• Guy Enriques CD 6 Puna, Ka`u, Kona

• Casey DeloSantos CD 7 Kona

• Joe Reynolds CD 8 N. Kona

Any candidate breaking 50% on September 20 avoids a runoff and is the winner outright.

Here are important dates voters need to know.

• August 21 Last day to register to vote for Primary Election

• Mail-in absentee ballots may be requested now thru Sept 13.

• Sept 8-18 Walk in absentee voting at locations in Hilo, Hamakua, Waimea, Kailua-Kona and Pahala.

• Sept 20 (Saturday) Primary Election Day

To register or obtain absentee ballot info go to Hawai`i County Election Office Locations at: Hilo Iron Works Building, Kona Ali`i Plaza Building, or Pahoa Market Place or call 327-3633.